Moving is a demanding process, and planning your packing strategy is crucial to ensure a smooth transition. When it comes to loading up your moving truck, the order in which items are packed can make a significant difference in your overall moving experience. "Last-On, First-Off planning can help make things just a little easier on that first day. By packing the items, clearly marking the boxes and then loading them last, you at least have a fair chance of those boxes being quickly available."
The ability to unpack a pot for boiling water for spaghetti, or soup, will make that first night or two a little easier and cheaper, especially with children. Sheets and pillows on the beds or even on air mattresses also helps make that first night a little more comfortable in a strange new home, with new noises.
Introduction
Often, the tendency is to start packing items that seem easy or are in clear sight. However, it's more strategic to consider which items to pack last on your moving truck. The items packed last will naturally be the first to be unloaded at your new place. Ensuring these items are your most needed can make your first days in the new home much more comfortable.
Essential Items to Pack Last
Here are some of the last items you should consider packing and why they should be at the top of your list:
Essential Kitchen Items:
You'll want to have easy access to basic kitchen items, like a pot, pan, utensils, and a few dishes. Moving is tiring, and being able to cook or prepare a simple meal when you arrive at your new home will be a blessing.
Toiletries:
These are crucial for your comfort and hygiene. You'll need items like toilet paper, a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towels, and other essentials during your first few days.
Bedding:
After a long day of moving, getting a good night's sleep is crucial. Pack your pillows, sheets, and blankets last to ensure you have them ready for a comfortable first night.
Change of Clothes:
Prepare a set of clothes for each family member for the first couple of days at your new home. Remember to consider the weather and pack accordingly.
Medications and First Aid Supplies:
Having easy access to necessary medications and first aid items can prevent any minor injuries from becoming a bigger issue.
Important Documents:
Keep your critical documents close by for easy access. These might include IDs, passports, moving paperwork, lease or home purchase documents, etc.
Electronics and Chargers:
Our electronic devices are part of our daily lives. Pack your essential devices like your phone, laptop, and chargers last.
Small Fan(s):
A new home comes with new noises, so that first night or two, a small fan can help drown out some of the small squeaks and creaks a home makes.
A Plunger(s):
Think of a home like a muscle, and new occupants are exercising that muscle differently. So having a plunger handy may make things a little less stressful, those first few days.
Valuables and Sentimental Items:
These should be packed last to keep them safe and under your direct supervision during the move.
Cleaning Supplies:
Having basic cleaning supplies readily available can help you do a quick clean of your new space before you start unpacking.
Conclusion
You can also use our interactive checklist to help organize yourself when packing and preparing for those final boxes that you load!
