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Moving Tips: Checklists for Packing and Moving Out

Marc McCollough

By Marc McCollough
Updated July 7, 2022

With a little planning, moving day can be stress-free. The following tips offer simple solutions and suggestions to the typical obstacles that families face while moving.

Skill

Beginner

Time

Few Hours

A woman in a kitchen with gray cabinets packing dishes into open brown moving boxes.

Preparation for Moving

Take time in the days (or weeks) before moving day to make sure you’re ready. The effort will save you frustration when moving day arrives.

  • Get rid of unnecessary clutter. Hold a garage sale or donate to a charity.
  • Dispose of as much trash as possible.
  • Consider whether it makes more sense to move yourself or to hire movers. Consider the expense and your available time. You may be able to hire a mover for larger items (like furniture and appliances) and do the rest yourself.
  • Moving typically takes longer than anticipated. Build extra time into your schedule.
  • When packing boxes, don’t overload them. A common mistake is using oversized boxes to pack a lot of items. The heavier the box, the harder it is to move and the greater the chance the bottom of the box will fail. Boxes shouldn’t weigh more than 50 pounds, and if you can’t lift a box easily, it’s too heavy.
  • Don’t try to move objects that are too heavy for you to carry. Get a helper and lift with your knees, not your back.
  • Pack carefully. Use newspaper, packing paper, packing foam or bubble cushioning to separate and protect fragile items, and wrap each item separately. Use extra packing material to fill in empty spaces in the box to minimize movement. Pack plates and china vertically rather than stacking the items on top of each other. You can find packing kits designed specifically for fragile items like glasses and dishes.
  • Clearly label the boxes with a permanent marker. This will help you identify where they need to go once you arrive at your new home. Be sure to label which boxes contain fragile items.
  • Designate one room to stage all the boxes before the move.

Moving Boxes and Packing Supplies

A bedroom with light blue walls and an empty closet with brown moving boxes on the floor.

If you’re packing yourself, create a supplies list.

  • Make moving as easy as possible with moving box kits. Moving box kits are available for the living room, garage, kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and closet. It’ll come with all the necessities for packing up that particular room including: boxes, tape, foam pouches, bubble wrap and more.
  • Specialty moving boxes can make bulky or fragile items like clothing, artwork, televisions or dishes easier to pack and transport.
  • Small boxes are good for books, photos, toys and some kitchenware.
  • Medium boxes work well for cookware and some appliances as well as personal belongings like shoes and toys.
  • Large boxes and extra-large boxes are ideal for lightweight, large items like lamp shades and pillows, as well as sweaters, coats, blankets, comforters and linens, while wardrobe boxes let you pack groups of clothes on hangers.
  • There are heavy-duty boxes in various sizes, wardrobe boxes for packing clothes on hangers and specialty boxes for televisions.
  • Protective packing material is a must. Look for packing paper, packing foam, bubble cushioning, supplies for dishes and glassware as well as packing tape and tape dispensers.
  • A hand truck makes moving your boxes easier.
  • Moving blankets protect your furniture so consider them if you’re moving these items yourself.

 

Homes and moves are unique. The estimates below show a starting point of boxes for different size homes with a moderate number of belongings.

Moving Boxes and Packing Supplies

These estimates only include bedrooms, bathrooms and closets. Add your other rooms and spaces to your estimate and use your own situation to expand and tailor the list to your needs. Think about:

  • Your overall lifestyle: whether you have few belongings, a moderate number of belongings or lots of belongings
  • The size of your closets
  • Your kitchen, including dishes, drinkware and silverware
  • Areas like garages, storage buildings, basements and attics
  • Spaces like family rooms or dining rooms that have shelves, pictures, art, etc.
  • Electronics such as computers and peripherals, sound systems, TVs and game systems
  • The types of items you need to pack, such as books, toys, clothing, fragile items, heavy items, and whether they need special handling or materials

First-Night Kit Essentials

Packing a few essentials will save you from having to scramble through closed boxes to find necessities or make shopping trips for items that haven’t arrived with the movers.

  • Alarm clock
  • Change of clothes
  • Pain relief medication and prescription medications
  • Toiletries (soap, shampoo, razors, etc.)
  • Contact lens solutions and cases and/or eyeglasses
  • Toilet paper
  • Cleaning supplies and paper towels
  • Bedding and linens
  • Tape and dispenser
  • Scissors
  • Box cutter or knife
  • Screwdriver and hammer
  • Work gloves
  • Coffee or tea supplies
  • Snacks
  • Plates, cups and eating utensils
  • Trash bags
  • Extension cords and batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Flashlights
  • Light bulbs
  • Pet supplies
  • Toys and games for the kids

Create a Clear Path

On the day of the move, you want to be able to get in and out of your house quickly.

  • Move potted plants and planters from the front porch, walkways and driveways.
  • Adjust your screen door or storm door to stay open.
  • Remove all rugs and door mats.
  • Remove all low-hanging items.
  • Arrange for someone to take care of the kids and pets while everything is being loaded.
  • Park the truck as close as possible to the house.

Be Prepared for the Movers

If you’ve hired movers, be prepared to answer questions and help with any obstacles they may encounter. Good communication with your moving team can help ease your mind and eliminate many moving-day mishaps.

  • Keep water, soda and snacks on hand for movers. Designate a bathroom for their use.
  • Be present to answer any questions the movers have.
  • Carefully read any paperwork. Ask questions as needed and obtain a copy.
  • Accompany the driver while your inventory is prepared. Ask questions and obtain a copy before the driver leaves.
  • Let your movers know about items that require special handling.
  • Be aware of the movers’ timelines.
  • Exchange contact information with the driver.
  • Perform a last sweep of the house: Look through all closets and shelves and check walls. Also, check the garage, attic, crawl space, storage unit and under the stairs.
  • Check for damaged or missing items. Note them before the movers leave.
  • Create a floor plan of your new home or label rooms so items arrive in the right place.
  • Be prepared with the correct method of payment.
  • Keep money on hand to tip the driver and moving crew.
  • Review all paperwork with your driver before signing.
Good to Know

Once you’re all moved in, use our New Home Checklist to get everything organized.