Moving! How to Even Start Packing Up

I always start by packing the things we hardly ever use first. Take a hard look at everything, now is the time to decide if you really want to keep it or not. After six moves in seven years we have gotten rid of a lot of junk. The last time we moved 1000 miles from home. Let me tell you, I was brutal with what we threw out/donated. I would def. get a fine tip marker and put detailed notes on boxes you are are packing. Like Kitchen-untensils, pots, and pans. That way if you have to get back at them then you are not tearing through a bunch of boxes. Good luck H. it all goes smoothly!

We did one room a weekend (for 4 weeks). Usually we got more done than that, but breaking it up into sections made it seem less overwhelming.

I know what you mean about the moving. I moved recently myself. I would tell you that you need to go to your local groceries stores and liquour stores to get some boxes. Yes,make sure to pack up as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute or it will be chaos. I would start packing stuff that you do not need right now. Get rid of stuff that you do not need. Go and make donations to goodwill and get receipts for tax purposes.

Check Craigs list for free moving boxes.
Get rid of as much as you can, but at some point there's no time left for sorting, so then just pack it all up, LABEL THE BOXES (contents and room where it should go to in the new house).
Since it's only 35 min, you might be able to rent a truck that you can fill/empty repeat until all belongings are transferred.
If friends/family are helping moving, feed them pizza, but no beer till after everything's been moved.
You are going to need someone to watch the kids.
Either have them baby sat off site, or set up a room/area for them to be in while the moving chaos is happening so they are not underfoot.
Take out food will be fine till you can locate the pots/pans.
You'll get through this.
Hang in there!

coming from a military brat who moved every 3 years...

I would personally hire a moving company - it's not as expensive as you would think...they supply all the tape and boxes...get three quotes - you might be surprised...

You will need:
Tape - packing tape - not masking tape - probably about 20 rolls...(I don't know how many bedrooms you have nor what you have to pack).
boxes - dish packs, hanging (most likely) and boxes...
black permanent marker - at least a pack of 10.
Scissors - at least 3

Boxes:
If you are going to pack yourself - then the Storage Place - or other company that has storage units has boxes...and believe me - those can get expensive....that's why I suggest a moving company.

Packing out:
one...clean out your attic - if you haven't touched it - get rid of it...donate or yard sale it...if it's Christmas decorations - fine...but overall - if it's in your attic you haven't thought about.

bedrooms:
Sort your clothes - have a suit case handy...put the clothes you will need for 3 to 5 days in that..

1. donate or sell any clothes that you have not worn for 6+ months.
2. if it is just a cross town move - you don't have a lot to worry about...again I would do is ensure that each person has a suitcase of clothes for 3 to 5 days as well as their medications (if any) in that case...those cases go into a car the day of the move.

Living room/Dining room
1. Use a dish pack box to pack your dining room china, etc. use newspaper and plastic bags to wrap things...if you have boxes for collectibles - get the boxes out of the attic and get the collectibles packed up.

Kitchen:
Make a box for immediate use - this is for the pots and pans you need IMMEDIATELY as well as a few spices, spatulas, ladel, spoons, etc. I would put my silverware tray in this box as well...this box needs to be put in the car with the suitcases so it does not get confused in the truck...

You can do a "right of way" pack - that means start at the right side of the room and pack that way....seriously though - i HIGHLY recommend getting quotes from movers...you might just be surprised...

When you are packing - don't get sentimental over stuff - if you haven't used it - toss it...start the new house fresh and clutter free!!!

bathroom(s):
ensure you leave out the toilet brush and cleaner - especially if you are not hiring a cleaning company to come in and clean after you have packed out.

if you are hiring a company - then you can either pack the toilet brush or throw it out....

We moved 3 times in 4 years... with kids... when I was preggers this last time... and I'm a organizational nazi. If you haven't used it in the last year, get rid of it. Start getting boxes NOW. Take everything off the walls and shelves and pack that stuff first. As you go, and get closer to moving time, pack the things you don't need in the next week/month (like seasonal clothes, extra shoes, those special plates you only take out at Christmas, extra linens, etc) Pack a few boxes every day, and you won't be freaking out and overwhelmed the few days before the big move. Take all the magnets and stuff off the fridge. Keep out only the things you'd bring on a long weekend vacation. Keep out the laundry basket, it's a great way to throw all the last minute stuff into one place (like toothbrushes, diapers, underwear, etc), and keep that basket close to you during the move so it's one of the first things you unpack. If you have the option of moving things into the new place ahead of time, go for it! Make sure you load the moving truck the day before the move, so all you have to do is wake up, feed everyone, and drive. Get people to help you, if you're not using a moving service. Pay them in beer (AT THE END OF THE DAY!) Once most of the stuff is in the new place, you stay there with the kids and start unloading that laundry basket and your necessities... unload in the opposite order in which you packed. Make you guy move the rest with his buddies while you start unpacking. For me, it always makes me feel better to get ONE room (usually the living room) relatively 'put together' before the end of the first moving day... just so you have some normal living space. I also put my pictures back up on the walls pretty quickly, just to make it feel like home.

Good luck and best wishes!

Here is a website full of tips that I used last time we moved. It saved my sanity (of course I only had one under 4). Good luck mama!!

http://www.flylady.net/pages/Flying_MovingTips.asp

Hi H. - You and my daughter have the same name :) I work for a moving & Storage Company (not in your area though). I trick I will pass onto you is use the towels & linens to wrap your china. Towels have to go too right? Also when packing your china ALWAYS stand the plates upright - DO NOT lay them down flat. Pack the cartons snug - you don't want movement inside. Pack up out of season items first. I recommend buying good quality packing cartons for your dishes, they are manufactured thicker and stronger to bear the weight. Lowes & Home Depot sell packing materials as do some UPS offices. I have also done the grocery store thing, sure it's free but don't pack much weight into them. The heavier the item the smaller the carton. If you are doing the "U-haul" thing restricted items are not an issue. Just don't pack any liquids in sealed cartons. Use grocery store bags or ziploc bags to wrap shampoo, conditioner, soap etc. Start early and go room by room.
Good Luck
M. F

Groceries stores are happy to provide you with boxes for free, you can choose the new ones. Do not take the larger ones, you will need to move them from one place to another.
I have moved several times with 2 kids.....The older ones can help you pack their toys, and that is a good help, some of them can go just in plastic bins and other, the small toys, cars and legos can go in regular boxes. Leave just a FEW for them to play while you are packing.
Get at the store, Wal-Mart or Target, bubbles and brown paper to wrap delicate things. If you save newspaper that will be great so you can save some money on that. START IN ONE ROOM AND FINISH THAT ROOM.
Pack clothing and shoes and leave just what you need for several days.
Two weeks before you move, pack the things of your kitchen, and leave disposable cups and plates, spoons, forks and knives. Paper towels, rags, and some frozen things to eat quickly (we eat fast food or subways when we move though!)trash bags.
Keep in mind that laundry room and garage somehow, take more time to pack or load, start already to get rid of those old things, not used items, or broken stuff you have (garage sale, Goodwill and trash truck are your immediate options).Give yourself specific time to pack things of one room, forget about cleaning until you are D. with everything. Also leave some toiletries items for you both and your kids (basic!) and put everything else from the bathroom in plastic bins or baskets. Keep until the last minute toilet paper, a couple of hand towels and soap handy....wipes too!
Whatever you do is going to be stressful....sorry but I don't think that any moving is enjoyable at all. Just be patient and start packing right away.

I agree to pack up the photo frames and stuff like that that you don't NEED for the next month or two. As you are packing a little today, a little more tomorrow, etc, make a pile of things to sell, things to give away, things for Craigslist.....

If there are things you're storing for others (old baby toys, old baby clothes) tell them "We're moving. Do you want this stuff now? Or shall I give it away? I can't handle moving it to the new place." If they really want it, they'll come get it (I would!).

If you have things that are for YOU to keep for later, I would suggest those vacuum bags (sold at Walmart in the coat hanger/big plastic bin aisle). I have my maternity clothes in a few of those. I have my son's old infant clothes in one of the 'cube' bags which hold a TON of stuff.

Our local grocery store always gives us "banana boxes" when we ask for some. The boxes that bananas come in are great b/c they have handles on them. They're NOT so great b/c they don't have a very secure bottom. But they are firm and strong. I put large pots/pans at the bottom of them to make them more secure. They're great for holding kitchen things, books, or otherwise large items. So go ask your grocery store if they have any banana boxes you could have. If you got 3 boxes each trip the store, that'd be great (and free). Local U-hauls sell boxes, but I have never in my life bought boxes. Waste of money IMO. I just recenly moved. My husband got boxes from work (that would have otherwise been trashed). When moving day came, I got my grocery bags and laundry baskets and packed them, took them to the new house and unpacked them, took them back to the old house and packed them again. Moving groceries and things that are easy to unpack quickly (books you can toss on a bookshelf real quick) are good to put in those re-useable bags/baskets. Ya know you always have suitcases too. Utilize them. Go ahead right now and put your winter things in there.

Good luck. Enjoy your new home!
Oh and I second Rachel's "Pay them with beer." If you have a cooler with beer and sodas on ice, your friends will be super-happy to help, or at least feel loved/thanked/appreciated.

I heard a suggestion to number the boxes and keep a list (box #1, Christmas decorations, etc.). Then when you unpack, start with your highest number.

Check craiglist for boxes. You might be able to benefit from someone else's move!

Can you get a neighbor teen to watch the kids while you pack?

Check the internet for some moving sites that have checklists you like.

Good luck!

That's how I felt when we moved, but I only had 1 at the time. I started seriously sorting clothes and then started boxing stuff not in season. It sounds like you're on the right track with trying to get rid of stuff.
If you have a liquor store near you, that's a great place for boxes! They're very sturdy and you can't pack them too heavy b/c of the size.
Good luck!

You can buy boxes at home improvement stores or mail centers.

Try your local grocers and shopping centers. They might be able to give you empty boxes for free.

Don't pack huge boxes - if you stuff themto the top they might get really heavy.

Invest in a dolly/hand truck.

Label each box before you start packing a new one.

I would rent a Uhaul or something to get the job done. For the clothes, we pick out what we need for the time we are moving and pack them in a suit case...everything else gets packed. For the kitchen, we take out ONLY what we need. Five of everything - everything else gets packed. Purge what you don't need or use anymore, and just donate or trash them. Selling stuff will get to be a hassle while you are moving. Just try to plan and relax. Moving is stressful regardless. I did it every two years growing up and we just passed 3 years in this house - the longest time I have EVER lived in one house. My husband and I have moved 5 minutes away several times...but just take it all in stride. Plan to eat bad for you take out while you're moving too!

Get free boxes from the grocery stores. Get free boxes from liquor stores. Boxes are built to protect their contents. Liquor boxes must be strong enough to protect the bottles. Don't use toilet paper boxes. If toilet paper gets squished its a "so what" so those boxes aren't built strong.

Banana boxes work great for light stuff like clothes. Liquor boxes work well for heavy things. Use packing tape. Get colored name tags from Walmart. Write on the name tages the room and the general things in the box. When people move things off the truck, you can tell them, "Yellow tags go to the kitchen. Blue tags go to the master bedroom. Etc." Then put a yellow name tag in a prominent place in the kitchen. Place a blue name tag on the door jam of the master bedroom.

Find a friend to watch your little ones. They can get hurt while men are loading furniture and appliances. Men just aren't as watchful of little kids when they are wrestling couches, beds, and washers/dryers.

Get an ice chest of your mover's favorite drinks and bottled water. Go to Sam's and buy rotisserie chicken and set it out around lunch time. Have napkins and paper towels around so they don't take sticky hands to your furniture. Or go to McD's or other fastfood burger joint and buy hamburgers off their 99 cent menu. Around lunch time place them on a table and tell your workers the burgers are there when they want it. Don't call a lunch break. You'll loose too many man hours. Be sure and tell every one thank you as they are leaving.

Good luck to you and yours.

You've gotten a lot of great suggestions about how to start packing. I just wanted to add that when we moved a year ago (I only had 1 child, 1 yr old) the best thing we did was to prioritize his stuff. His room got packed last (although I sorted clothes and packed up what we didn't need ahead of time) and unpacked first. That way the transition was relatively smooth for him and I could put the baby gate up in his room, know he was safe and playing with his toys, and I could unpack things down the hall without him climbing into boxes or whatever. Since you have 3 children, you might want to prioritize the play room as well. We also had my MIL spend a lot of time playing with him while we were moving to keep him out of the way (she wasn't really able to lift boxes).