How to Pack All Rooms in Your Home

Packing doesn’t have to be the worst thing in the world. It can go smoothly and easily if approached correctly. If you are systematical, organized, and start early, you will pack your entire home without stress.

Pre-Packing Tips

• Make an inventory: When you make a list of things you pack, it will help you twofold. First, you will get clearer on where to start (as you should always start with the items you don’t need at the moment). Secondly, you will see what you could purge so you can
• Pack like with like: When you pack similar items, it will make more sense while unpacking.
• Label your boxes: If you have a big home, whether you’re relocating to another part of Chicago or moving long distance – you will have a lot of boxes. Labeling them will save time and nerves while sorting them when you move in.

Dining Room and Kitchen

The eating and cooking area contains a lot of fragile items, as well as electrical appliances. Dishes need to be protected, so use bubble wrap or other cushioning material (towels will do, as well). Stack dishes vertically in boxes with padding between them to reduce the risk of breakage.

• Pack Dry Goods: Pantry food, small items, and appliances should be packed as soon as possible. Check expiration dates and discard or donate any items you won’t use.
• Frozen Foods: Most moving teams won’t relocate frozen food, but you can transport it yourself in insulated bags with ice packs, especially for local moves (e.g., moving to Winnetka).
• Dining Table Protection: Wrap the table surface in a protective cloth or blanket to prevent scratches. If possible, disassemble the table and chairs to make them easier to move.

Living Room and Bedroom

Large furniture pieces like couches, beds, and dressers should go into the moving truck first. This creates a solid base for stacking lighter items on top.

• Electronics: Secure electronic appliances and cables with care. If you have the original boxes, use them for the best protection. Otherwise, add extra padding and label the boxes as fragile.
• Valuables: Wrap artwork, mirrors, and other delicate items in bubble wrap or moving blankets. Use corner protectors for frames and other sharp edges.
• Clothing and Linens: These are some of the easiest items to pack. Use boxes, laundry baskets, or suitcases to store them. Vacuum-sealed bags can also save space for bulky items like comforters and winter coats.

Bathroom and Laundry Room

• Secure Liquids: Check the seals on all cleaning products, shampoos, and skincare items. Tape lids closed to prevent spills and place bottles in plastic bags for added security.
• Appliances: When unplugging the washing machine and dryer, tape the cords securely to the appliances. Drain the washing machine and wipe the drum to prevent water damage during transit.

Office

• Back Up Your Data: Before packing computers or hard drives, back up all important files onto an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Cable Management: Take pictures of how cables are connected to your devices or label them with tape to make reassembly easier.
• Documents: Sort through paperwork and pack important files in labeled folders. Use a fireproof box or secure bag for sensitive documents like passports, financial records, or legal papers.

Garage

This area needs the most cleaning and purging as it contains many outdoor (and miscellaneous) items.

• Purge Unnecessary Items: Dispose of items you no longer need, such as broken tools, unused sports equipment, or old paint cans.
• Pack Heavy Tools Safely: Wrap heavy tools in padding material and pack them in small, sturdy boxes to prevent the boxes from becoming too heavy to lift.
• Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Movers typically won’t transport flammable or toxic items, such as gas, oil, or aerosol cans. Safely dispose of these items at a local waste facility.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Move

• Sanitize Your Belongings: Clean and sanitize items as you pack, especially during a pandemic or flu season. This helps ensure your new home starts fresh and germ-free.
• Prepare an Essentials Box: Include necessities like clothes, bed sheets, toiletries, and basic utensils for the first night in your new home. This will save you from rummaging through boxes after a long moving day.
• Notify Movers About Bulky Items: If you have oversized or unusual items like a treadmill, piano, or ping-pong table, inform your movers ahead of time. This ensures they come prepared with the necessary tools and equipment.

Conclusion

Packing doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. By following these systematic tips and tackling each room with organization and care, you can make the process manageable and even efficient. From decluttering and labeling to securing fragile items and preparing essentials, every step you take adds to a smoother relocation. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, starting early and staying organized will help you settle into your new home with ease. Best of luck with your move!