What to Pack for a Big Move (and What to Leave Behind) 🚚✨
What to Pack for a Big Move (and What to Leave Behind) 🚚✨
Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming when it comes to deciding what to pack and what to leave behind. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, knowing what to take with you and what to leave behind is key to making your move smoother. Here’s your ultimate guide to packing for a big move! 🏡🔑
1. Start with the Essentials 📦
Before you start throwing things into boxes, think about the essentials. These are the items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new place.
- Clothes: Pack enough clothes for a few days, including comfy outfits, toiletries, and any weather-specific items (like a jacket or rain gear) 👚🧥
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other bathroom essentials should go in your essentials bag🧴🛁
- Chargers & Tech Gear: Don’t forget your phone, laptop, chargers, and any other tech devices you’ll need 📱💻
2. What to Pack First: Kitchen Items 🍳
The kitchen can be one of the trickiest places to pack because we tend to accumulate a lot of gadgets, utensils, and cookware. Start by packing the basics:
- Pots & Pans: Choose just a few versatile items for cooking in your new place 🍳
- Plates & Utensils: Only pack the essentials, think a few bits for yourself, extras when they are in the dishwasher and then if guests come down - 4/6x of each should be plenty! 🍽️
- Small Appliances: Pack your toaster, microwave, or coffee maker if they’re essential, but leave behind anything that’s bulky or outdated. ☕🍞
3. Don’t Overpack 💼
While it’s tempting to take everything, less is more when it comes to moving. Here’s a list of things you can leave behind to save space and reduce stress:
- Outdated Tech: Old TVs, Ipods, or anything that you haven’t used in over a year 📺
- Excess Furniture: Don’t take furniture that you’re planning to replace soon. Leave behind old chairs, tables, or other bulky pieces 🛋️
- Unused Clothes: Donate or sell clothes you haven’t worn in months. It’ll make your move a lot easier, and you can start fresh! 👗👖
4. Organise by Room 🏠
It’s easier to pack when you organise by room. Start with your bedroom and work your way through the house, room by room. Label your boxes to make unpacking a breeze.
- Bedroom: Pack bedding, pillows, and clothes. Don’t forget your mattress protector and any seasonal bedding you might need 🛏️
- Living Room: Pack decorative items, books, and tech, but be sure to keep the TV remote and the essentials accessible 📚📺
- Bathroom: Keep out only the essentials like towels, toothbrush, toiletries, and any personal items you might need immediately 🛀
5. What to Leave Behind: Items That Can Wait ⏳
Some items don’t need to be packed right away. These include:
- Seasonal Items: If you're moving in the summer, leave your winter gear behind and vice versa 🧣🧤
- Duplicate Items: Do you really need three sets of mixing bowls? Leave behind any duplicates you don’t use regularly 🥣
- Decorations: If your new place is already fully furnished, leave behind the extra knick-knacks and decorative items you don’t need, as Marie Kondo says - only pack the things and 'bring you joy' 🎨🖼️
6. Pack Fragile Items Carefully 📦
For fragile items like glassware, mirrors, and electronics, be sure to pack them carefully. Use bubble wrap and padding to protect your valuables and make sure they arrive safely at your new home 🏠💎
7. Donate & Sell 💸
Before you start packing, take the time to donate or sell any items you no longer need. Not only does this lighten your load, but it can also help someone else in need! Here’s what to consider donating or selling:
- Clothes you no longer wear 👚
- Old furniture 🛋️
- Kitchen gadgets you don’t use 🍳
Facebook Marketplace is great OR use platforms like OLIO https://olioapp.com/en/
8. Prepare Your Moving Day Bag 🎒
A moving day bag is essential to make your first day in your new home easy. This bag should contain:
- A change of clothes 👚
- Essential toiletries 🧴
- Snacks and drinks for the day 🍫🥤
- Important documents (lease agreement, ID, etc.) 📝
- Any items that you can’t live without for the first few days 💻📱
9. Pack Smart with Space-Saving Solutions 🧳
If you're short on space, consider using vacuum-seal bags or *packing cubes**for clothes and bedding to maximise space! -
Packing cubes like these, on Amazon are fantastic in saving space https://shorturl.at/POLdF
**10. Any Food!
You may have a fridge/freezer full of food that you don't want to waste! If you have time, see if you can meal prep a few meals in advanced, to use up some of that food. This will also be so handy, so you have a few meals ready to go and is something you don't need to stress about when you arrive. Remember freezer bag/ cool boxes and ice packs to keep things chill when you're moving.
The Bottom Line: Moving Made Easy! 🚚✨
Packing for a big move doesn’t have to be stressful! With a clear plan and these 10 packing tips, you’ll be on your way to your new home in no time. Don’t forget to declutter, donate what you don’t need, and keep your essentials close by. Good luck, and enjoy your fresh start in your new place! 🌟🏡