Days 1-4
If you have moved in the past, you’re probably already aware of just how much work relocation a whole house is. And, in case you’ve never changed addresses before, you’ve probably heard from your friends and family about how stressful, long and expensive this process can be. Hopefully, you’ve started this whole ordeal on time, so a few months before the date when you want to move, and you don’t actually need to make packing a seven day action. But, in case you are starting a bit late, we have a solution for you right here. This post is going to be about the quickest packing possible, in simple steps, easy to follow and implement. So, let us start with the preparation:
Before beginning your packing, gather the necessary supplies
To start your seven day packing process, you will need to gather everything you will require to actually pack your belongings form the move. Go through your rooms and assess your things before getting all the supplies for the packing. You will need:
- Boxes – big and small, easy to assemble, but sturdy. If you are looking to save money, see if anyone you know has moved recently and take their boxes off of their hands. Also, you can check if you’ve kept any of the original item packaging in your home, or even rent green boxes from a moving company
- Bubblewrap/Newswrap/Wrapping paper – see just how much of this you will need for the packing if you’re trying to save money. Sometimes, clothing can serve as a wrapping, too.
- Sharpies/Markers – you will need these to mark all of your boxes, so that you can easily unload them into proper rooms and unpack gradually
- Tape – we would suggest getting a wide one with a toothed edge for your packing, so that you won’t have to use scissors every time you finish a box
- Garbage bags – large are the best, see through even better for a quick, pro packing process
To pack like a pro in seven days, your first step would be the kitchen and the dining room
If you’ve ever packed for a move before you know why this is the first item on our list. The kitchen
Your kitchen is the first step to a seven day packing process – like a pro!
and the dining room is the evil dragon sorceress of a relocation. It will take you at least a day to sort through and pack these two rooms, if not more. On the first attempt, you will most likely need even more time. So, let us start with the tips:
- Start packing from the things which you need occasionally – such as seasonal items, or other appliances or dishes for special occasions
- Remember to stack your plates on the side, rather than one on top of the other, so that they won’t break. If you are for saving on padding, use your clothes here. You can wrap the plates in old or unused shirts, which will keep them from breaking, same as bubblewrap padding
- Pack your Tupperware and Rubbermaid items within the first two of the seven days, but leave this box open, just in case
- Your spare dishware should come next – pack all of those extra sets of dishes within the first few days of your seven day packing plan. Be sure to leave a few of your favorite wine glasses, for that farewell party which you surely have planned out
- Pack the cutlery – set aside the amount you will need on an everyday basis and pack the rest. Be sure to label the box well and keep it in your kitchen for the duration of the seven day packing, accessible, just in case
- Slow down on your grocery shopping and start using up all of the frozen food which you have in your freezer
- Be sure to pack everything securely, so that it won’t break during the move
The next items which should be packed during the seven day packing process are books and electronics
Pack your books and electronics next during the seven day packing plan to move like a pro
Contrary to the popular belief of first-time packers, heavy boxes should be smaller boxes. So, while you’re packing up these items, we would suggest that you make sure that each box is light enough to be carried by one person and well-labeled on two sides, like all of the boxes which you are preparing for the move during these seven days.
- See is you have the original packaging for your electronics – it will save you money and time during the seven days of packing
- Pack the seldom used books first, and feel free to leave these boxes on the shelves where the books used to be until the day of your relocation
In the middle of your seven day packing period, you should go through your closet and pack it, as well
This is the time you’ve been waiting for – the great purge. Sift through your wardrobe and decide which clothing will be going with you and which will not. Remember the golden rule: If you haven’t worn it in a year, you probably don’t need it. A
Purge, purge, and purge some more – there are definitely things in your closet which you won’t be taking with you during your move
good way to get rid of excess clothing, no matter how difficult it is to let go, is either selling it or donating. We recommend that you do this as soon as possible during the seven day packing period, so that you can give potential byers some time to make their decisions and get the clothing shipped. Here are some other tips which will help you pack like a pro in seven days:
- If you have a nightstand or an armoire which isn’t too large and can be lifted with all the clothing, keep it as it is – just tape the drawers and doors shut. This will be a good time-saver and substitute for boxes during your seven day packing process
- Use your clothing and sheets as wrapping for fragile items
- Socks are a great way to fill in the space in different boxes
- Be sure to leave enough clothing and sheets for the next few days, up until your move
Stay tuned for our next part of the short guide to quick packing: Days 4-7!