Now that the house is on the market and you got rid of the unwanted junk, it should be easy to start packing.  Anticipating a quick sale will protect you from having to pack quickly and inefficiently.

Step One: Find a Work Area

The first thing to do is pick a room or an area that isn’t used a lot.  Start in the guest bedroom or in the play room. Grab some boxes, tape, and markers, put on some music and get started.   

Step Two: Pack What You Can

If all your rooms are regularly used, take a box and walk around the house looking for items that can be packed up and will not be needed until after you have moved into your new home. Suggestions are photo albums, knick knacks, your good china and glassware, and last season’s clothing. Other areas to look at before the move are the basement, the attic, and the garage. Remember, the more you pack up now, the less work you will have when the moving date approaches. 

Look for items that can be packed up now. Although dishes and silverware will be needed over the next few weeks, will you need your crock pot, that wok, or the bread maker?  If not, pack them up now.  Pack up most of the bathroom towels and sheet sets, leaving one or two towels per family member and one sheet set per bed.  You may have to do the wash more often, but it will eliminate a lot of packing later on.

Step Three: Stay Organized

As you pack, make a list of all the items in each box and clearly label its intended destination. For example, on the box with your tablecloths, extra silverware, and candlesticks, clearly write: “dining room.” It will make moving day so much smoother. If the box is filled with objects for several different rooms, write “misc” and list two or three of the larger items on the outside of the box as a reminder.

Step Four: Keep Boxes in One Place

Boxes will accumulate quickly, so find a large space in a fairly unused area to start stacking them. Don’t worry if you have to choose the living room or the dining room, since neighbors and friends will know you are moving.

Remember, the more you accomplish today, the less packing and stress you will have as your moving day approaches.

*_{Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on packing. See “7 Plan-Ahead Packing Tips” here.}