Last Updated on March 11, 2025 by Kari-Ann Ryan
A messy home can be overwhelming to pack. But when moving day fast approaches, it’s essential to start the packing process. Here’s how to remain undaunted in the face of extensive clutter, pack the entire home, and be ready when the movers arrive.
It’s easy to procrastinate a weighty task like packing a chaotic home, especially when piles of belongings teeter in every nook and cranny and the mountains of possessions seem to grow larger by the minute. Delaying the packing task, however, creates panic closer to moving day.
Firstly, resist frustration. Recognize the importance of organization—it serves as the foundation of a seamless move. Regain control over this seemingly insurmountable situation by prioritizing organization. Remember that by organizing before the move, unpacking at the new place is a breeze.
Start packing with the right mindset: organization is a useful tool. Break down the packing process into manageable chunks. Focus on one area of the home at a time, cheer in triumph once complete, and then move on to the next room until the house is packed.
Tip 1: Assess the Clutter
A cluttered house is a chaotic mess. But some areas require different levels of attention. Pinpoint the least cluttered rooms first and tackle them at the get-go. Starting with the least intimidating areas provides a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue with the rest of the home.
Tip 2: Sort Belongings
As the packing process progresses, sort items into four categories: keep, sell, donate, and discard. Keep in mind that tossing belongings that are no longer needed decreases the amount of goods to move. Plus, decluttering now makes it easier to start afresh in the new home.
Keep items that continue to serve a purpose, which are described as belongings that have been used within the last year. Donate possessions that are still in good condition. Items that are no longer usable and cannot be donated should be discarded in the trash receptacle.
Tip 3: Multi-task
A major time-saver is to pack and clean at the same time. By tidying up while packing, the home is prepared for the next occupants. Clear garbage before initiating the organization of items. Combining cleaning with packing creates a feeling of progress.
Tip 4: Focus on One Room
Maintain order by packing up one room at a time. Following this tip prevents confusion when it’s time to unpack later. For instance, fill one box with the bedroom linens and avoid randomly tossing a kitchen eggbeater into it. In short, keep all items from one room together.
Tip 5: Label the Boxes
Label the boxes clearly once they’re packed to help the movers place them in the correct rooms. For instance, when packing kitchen items, it’s important to mark them properly to prevent them from ending up in the upstairs bedroom. Make sure to include both the contents and the designated room on each box.
Tip 6: Use the Right Supplies
Protect fragile possessions and other goods by using the right moving supplies. New moving boxes protect the items inside better than used cardboard boxes. The former are sturdier and more reliable, while the latter may be compromised. New boxes are also easier to handle and stack.
Further safeguard home goods by utilizing the right packing materials. Bubble wrap and packing paper are essential for protecting fragile and oddly shaped items. Using the right moving supplies increases the likelihood that the possessions will remain safe and not be misplaced.
Tip 7: Pack an Essentials Bag
Prepare a separate bag or box for essentials, like important documents, medicines, toiletries and a change of clothing. The essentials bag is handy upon arriving at the new home. It prevents having to dig through boxes to find items needed on the first day at the new place.
Tip 8: Call a Hoarding Cleaning Specialist
If your home is severely cluttered, consider hiring a professional hoarding cleaning specialist. They can help you organize and declutter more quickly, allowing you to focus on packing the remaining items.
Tip 9: Start Packing Early
The earlier the packing starts, the less hectic the process will be. Waiting until the last minute to pack a messy home inevitably leads to frustration, anxiety, and panic. Avoid the stress and ensure the process is manageable by packing while there’s plenty of time before the move date.
Tip 10: Stay Calm
Surrounded by clutter while planning the logistics of a move is overwhelming. Rather than cave in, stay calm. Packing up a messy home is a temporary situation. Bring in friends and family to help pack or a professional cleaner to tidy up. Take frequent breaks during the process.
Hiring a residential mover to handle the packing can be an immense relief. Some movers offer both packing and unpacking services, which save the homeowner time and frustration when preparing for a relocation. One such reputable residential moving service is Mid-West Moving & Storage.
Our licensed moving crews arrive at your home, equipped with sturdy moving boxes and supplies. With decades of industry experience, we know which supplies best protect your goods during transport. We carefully pack a wide range of goods, from fragile antiques to oddly shaped items.
Included in our packing services are the labeling and organization of boxes. We provide an inventory of all boxes as an added convenience. All of our moving crews are background-checked, bonded, and insured, so you can rest assured your belongings are handled securely.
In addition to our efficient packing services, we offer time-saving unpacking services at the destination. Once the boxes are unpacked, our moving crews pick up the used boxes to give you one less worry. If partial packing is all that’s necessary, we provide that option, too.
Secure storage facilities are available to our customers. Keep your valuables in our climate-controlled warehouse until you are ready to move, whether to a family home, condo, dorm, apartment, or retirement community. We successfully move individuals and families to any type of residence.
Count on the top-notch moving services from Mid-West Moving & Storage. As an award-winning residential mover with a host of satisfied customers, we’ve earned the trust of Chicagoans. When you’re ready to move anywhere in the US, call our Skokie Illinois office for a quote.
