How Far in Advance Should I Start Packing for My Move?
Are you facing the prospect of an upcoming move? Relocating can be overwhelming; we get it. There’s the stress of mortgage applications, having to find a moving company, and then the big part — actually boxing up all your precious belongings. Is anyone else feeling tired just thinking about it?
Before the “big move,” you need to know exactly how and when to start packing. There’s no point packing the essentials first (constantly repacking a kettle after every hot drink will quickly get old). However, at the same time, you don’t want to leave everything until the final hour. Here’s an eight-week breakdown with simple steps to take along the way.
6-8 Weeks Out: Sort, Declutter, and Strategize
Two months is way too early for physically putting things in boxes. However, it is the perfect time to strategize and actually buy the boxes, planning how many you’ll need and plotting the weeks ahead.
Plus, how about a clearout so that you aren’t packing up items you don’t actually want? Everyone loves a clean environment — a big reason why decluttering gives your brain an instant therapeutic boost.
At this point, you should also find a moving company in Calgary if you haven’t already (Calgary-based homeowners, our offer still stands).
4-6 Weeks Out: Begin Packing Non-Essentials
It’s time to start packing! At least for non-essential items. Not all the most popular home and kitchen products are ones you use every day. Sure, something might be nice to look at, or you might use it once every blue moon. However, with just over a month to go, be brutal with the definition of “non-essential.
Here are a few things that could make the list:
Out-of-season clothes.
Christmas decorations.
Garden tools.
General decor/ornaments.
Books.
3-4 Weeks Out: Tackle Packing Room by Room
With a month or less to go, it’s time to pick up the pace. The best way to approach packing is to tackle things room-by-room. Start with your least used spaces (think spare bedrooms or pantries) and gradually progress to more regularly used spaces.
Don’t be afraid to leave regularly used items in every room — packing up essentials comes later.
2 Weeks Out: Focus on Frequently Used Items
At two weeks out, you’re safe to begin tentatively packing your frequently used items. Most of your cutlery, plates, and even furniture get the green flag for moving boxes.
Be prepared to disassemble flat-pack goods and consider storing larger items in a container or hired van until the big day. You’ll appreciate having the extra boxes out of your hair.
1 Week Out: Wrap Up and Double-Check
Time is running out. There is just a week left; therefore, time is critical. Everything is under control, so there's no need to worry if you've diligently followed these measures.
Double-check that all the essentials are packed and peer into all the nooks and crannies. Are all the boxes labeled by room? Are you sure you have your essential documents, like passports, and have transferred all your utilities and post?
1-2 Days Out: Finish Up Last-Minute Packing
The end is in sight. It’s the perfect chance to give everything one last sweep and pack away your daily use items (we’re looking at you, kettle). By now, your chosen moving and storage service company will be in contact. The movers will begin transporting big items like refrigerators and washing machines. And it’s finally time to wave ‘goodbye for now’ to your bed!
With everything complete, sit smug and get excited for your moving day. With a trusty moving and storage service, the rest will be smooth sailing.
In short, moving doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. Properly tackling the process on a week-by-week basis eliminates any feelings of overwhelm.
Slow and steady wins the race. Start decluttering and strategizing two months out, gradually packing away items in non-essential to essential order as moving day draws closer. Invest in temporary storage solutions if necessary — like shipping containers, lock-ups, and secure vans — and always choose a reliable movers company. With a bit of luck, your move will be a total dream.
