How To Pack A Messy House To Move

Moving is stressful enough, so it can be intimidating if you face the challenge of packing up a cluttered house. It can be hard to figure out where to start, leading you not to start at all. But if you know how to pack a messy house to move, you’ll find that it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Focus on one room at a time when you’re packing a messy house instead of trying to pack similar items together. Before you begin the packing process, take some time to toss or donate what you no longer want or need. Start early, so you have ample time and ensure you have the right supplies.

Of course, enlisting help is also beneficial, especially from trusted friends and family that will keep you focused. If you’re preparing for a move, take a breath, stay calm, and devise a plan of action to pack up your house.

Starting early is the best way to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed by packing for a move. Many people think a month sounds like a lot of time, but one month flies by quickly.

You should book your movers two months out at least. Then plan to give yourself at least 7 weeks to do everything necessary for your impending move without undue stress.

If you work frequently or already have a packed schedule, add a couple of weeks to this timeline to give yourself some extra breathing room. Therefore, you might want to start 9 weeks before moving day.

Additionally, if you have any vacations planned during this time frame, add that to your overall packing schedule. For example, if you’re going out of town for one week, your new timeline would be 10 weeks or roughly 2.5 months.

Get a variety of sturdy boxes of various sizes, wrapping materials, bubble wrap, newspaper, etc. Heavy duty trash bags are also an excellent way to gather things like towels and linens, but make sure to label them clearly, so they don’t get mistaken for trash.

You’ll also need packing tape, markers to label boxes and containers, and supplies for moving day. If you have professional movers, they should have any dolly and furniture straps necessary. Otherwise, you’ll need these items as well.

If you don’t have enough space to store boxes and other packed items, you may also need to rent a storage container for your driveway. A quick Google search can help you find options in your area.

Begin packing in areas you don’t often access and going through less-frequently used items. For example, you might start with your attic, seasonal items, a guest room, etc. Other things to begin with are memory items, like photo albums, yearbooks, trophies, etc.

Basically, all the stuff you don’t need access to daily needs to get packed first. Conversely, they’ll be the last things you unpack in your new place. Then, you can work your way toward the more frequently used items and rooms.

When you start packing your more everyday items, pull out essentials so your household can still function through moving day. For example, keep out medications, toiletries you use daily, and tableware for each family member (unless you plan to use disposable ones).

Other things to put in your essentials box are necessary paperwork, pet supplies, your kids’ favorite toys, and enough clothing for everyone through moving day. You also should keep out your cleaning and basic kitchen supplies to continue to cook meals and give the home a final clean before you move.

These items should be the last things you pack up and the first you unpack in your new home. So label these boxes “Open Me First.” Anything you need to bring with you on moving day should go in its own container and be noted accordingly.

For example, include medications, your toothbrush, papers for the movers and your new home, a cell phone charger, a suitcase with some toiletry and clothing items, etc. Think of it as packing for a three-day weekend. This will make moving day and the first few nights in your new home much more manageable.

Part of the moving process needs to be arranging for help in advance. Don’t wait till the last minute to get professional movers or ask friends and family for help.

You should book professional movers at least two months before your moving date. Ideally, get your movers on the books three months out so you can get the company that’s your first choice. Give friends a heads up about the big day and let them know you could use some help.

About one month out, nail down definite friends and family that will be able to help out that day. Send reminders about a week before the move. Make sure to have drinks and snacks for everyone volunteering to help you.

If you are too overwhelmed with clutter or your home looks like it should be on Hoarders, don’t underestimate the power of specialized help. You can find professional organizers, house cleaners, and packers through recommendations or a site like Angi.

Packing up a messy house to move is undoubtedly an enormous task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The important thing is to start the process early, make a list to help you stay on track, and arrange for help. A couple of months before the move, make sure you schedule professional movers, start gathering necessary supplies, and declutter so you don’t pack items unnecessarily.

Work room by room, and start with less frequently used rooms, so your household continues to function well. Leave all your essentials and items you’ll need first until the very end. Bring things you would need for a three-day weekend and anything for move-in day in your personal vehicle for easy access.

Once you’re all packed, you can give the home a final clean and a proper farewell.