The OPTIMAL LIVING Blog

Moving can be one of life’s biggest stressors! Here are some surefire tips to make the process less daunting.

1) Start small: Tackle a small area or room first to avoid getting overwhelmed. The trick is to stay in one area and focus until finished.  Start in the laundry room. Go through the cabinets and throw out or donate unused items. Pack the items you don’t use daily.  Leave only what you really need. 

2) Pack non-negotiables first: Those items that you don’t need to use, but you will absolutely take them with you. Photo albums, Mementos, framed photos. 

PRO TIP - Don’t go down memory lane – DO NOT stop to look at photo albums.  2 hours later you will have packed absolutely nothing!  You can stroll down memory lane when you unpack.  Right now, you’re on a deadline.

Packing these items first will help you make real progress, and you won’t miss these items during the move.

3) Pack the non-essentials in the kitchen: Now that you are moving, you won’t be having friends over.  Pack all your entertaining items:  platters, wine glasses, china.  Anything that you don’t use daily you can pack.

4) Think seasonal for clothes packing: Pack the clothes that you don’t wear – If you move in winter, pack all your summer clothes.  

5) Pack hobby items:  If you have a craft room, pack your supplies.  You won’t have time for crafting until after you move. 

6) Pack your linen closet: You won’t need extra blankets, pillows or sheets during your move.  

7) Go through your bathroom vanities:  You know there is stuff in there that you have forgotten about! Pull out all the items and decide what to pack and what to throw away. Check expiration dates on medicine.

8) Pack up the office or files: Pack your legal documents and tax records, receipts and warranty information, including any paperwork that you know you need to keep on file but you won’t miss during the move. Pack books that you know you want to keep and donate books that you are ready to part with.

9) Pack all decorative items: Take all the art off the walls and bubble wrap it for the move.  Pack items on flat surfaces; coffee table, dressers, dining tables, etc.

10) Pack everyday items:  Once your non-essentials are all packed, it’s time to pack the items you use every day. When you pack these boxes, I suggest using a different color of tape. You can buy duct tape in bright colors. Choose one color for all the essential boxes that you pack. This way when you get to the new house you know which boxes contain the items that you need first. This will make unpacking much simpler, and you’ll be able to easily find what you need.

Packing doesn't have to be overwhelming if you plan well. Start with a solid plan and execute in stages for a streamlined and seamless (mostly!) transition!