There’s no need to be ashamed; we are all messy in one way or another – some more than the other. Some of us just enjoy living in our own mess. But, what happens when we need to relocate our cluttered home? That’s when a headache comes. What you’re asking yourself is where to start? What to pack first? Is it possible to somehow just pack that disorganized mess and hope for the best?

We hate to break it to you but remaining disorganized while relocating is not going to work. Whether you’re moving to Evanston, Chicago, or anywhere at this point, it doesn’t matter – you’re still going to have to clean up before relocating and packing. What are the best ways to prepare your messy home for packing and relocate with ease? We have the answers to that question so you can relocate with ease.

Clean Before Packing

Before getting into all this packing and organizing adventure, it’s crucial to organize your belongings. If you look at your home and all you see are a bunch of random documents and papers spread over the tables, multiple shoes on the floor, clothes everywhere – we suggest starting from something. What needs to go? You might be messy, but not crazy to pay extra money to your movers for moving your junk you don’t even need. Get rid of all the clothes you don’t wear, all the old kitchen supplies, as well as technical appliances that are broken and don’t work anymore. The purge is a key to successful packing.

Start by focusing on one room at a time. This approach makes the process less overwhelming and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you clear each space. Divide items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Hosting a garage sale or selling items online can help offset moving costs, while donating to local charities provides a meaningful way to give back. By decluttering before packing, you reduce the volume of items to move, saving time and money.

Make Bag Of Essentials

When you’re relocating, even if you’re messy, you will need the basics once you enter your new home, still unpacked, you won’t know where all your clothes, or even toilet paper and toothbrush, are. That’s why it’s smart and practical to make an essentials’ bag, with all the things you’ll need the moment you come to the new house. You’ll need some pajamas, to take a shower, and go to the bathroom. Also, you might need a light snack if you get really hungry from all the rush. Keep all those things in mind.

Your essentials bag should include items like:

  • Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and towels.
  • Clothing: Pajamas, a change of clothes, and comfortable shoes.
  • Medication: Any daily prescriptions or first-aid items.
  • Food and Drinks: Non-perishable snacks, bottled water, and a coffee maker if needed.
  • Important Documents: IDs, passports, moving contracts, and lease or home purchase agreements.

Having an essentials bag ensures you’re not scrambling to find necessities amidst a pile of boxes.

Need Extra Help? Try an App

Maybe you’re just not the type of person to be super organized and might feel a bit overwhelmed by all the work you need to do. The relocation specialists will help you, but there are some things you’ll need to do by yourself. So, rely on the handy technology! There are some moving apps you can try out. Most of these apps can help you organize by suggesting some things you might not remember but can help you organize and pack. There are many apps, like Move Advisor, First Home Checklist, etc.

Moving apps can assist with creating a timeline, managing your packing inventory, and even helping you find reliable movers. Some apps allow you to digitally label boxes and assign them to specific rooms, making unpacking in your new home much easier. If you’re someone who thrives on reminders and structured plans, these apps can make the entire moving process far less stressful.

Enlist Help from Friends or Family

If tackling a messy home feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Friends and family can assist with sorting, packing, and organizing your belongings. Assign specific tasks to each person to streamline the process, such as one person decluttering the living room while another packs kitchenware. With multiple hands on deck, the workload becomes more manageable, and you’ll have the added bonus of shared memories during the move.

Evanston Welcomes You

In Evanston, Chicago, we don’t care if you’re messy or not. Our suburbs are a delight to move in, and we are 100% sure you’ll enjoy your new life chapter in one of our neighborhoods. The Windy City suburbs are well-known for being peaceful, clean, and welcoming. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy yourself here!

Evanston offers a vibrant community with plenty of family-friendly activities, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. The blend of urban conveniences and suburban charm makes it an ideal place to start fresh. Take the time to explore your new neighborhood, meet your neighbors, and settle into the community. Whether you’re strolling through downtown Evanston, enjoying the lakefront, or discovering local eateries, you’ll quickly feel at home.

Conclusion

Relocating from a messy home might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can become an opportunity for a fresh start. By decluttering before packing, preparing an essentials bag, and using tools like moving apps, you can bring order to the chaos. Enlisting help from friends, family, or professional movers further simplifies the process.

As you settle into your new home in Evanston or any other neighborhood, embrace the chance to create a more organized and comfortable living space. Remember, moving isn’t just about the destination—it’s about making the journey manageable and even enjoyable. Best of luck with your relocation!