How do I know what to pack first when I move? I find packing to be one of the most difficult and time-consuming parts of the relocation process. For many people, packing means throwing everything you see into a box, and later realizing that important items you need are packed into a box that you do not want to access. In the current fast pace of Southwest Florida, where families often move between cities like Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral, a disorganized approach to packing can turn what should be a simple day on the calendar into a day filled with stress. Packing and planning what to pack weeks in advance makes for a smooth and professional move.
Moving Mavericks believes that the most successful relocations occur when the process has been planned prior, rather than relying on the stressful and time consuming last minute decisions. With a thoughtfully created relocation packing list, you can keep your normal routine and home prepped for the move.
It has been our pleasure to help Southwest Florida homeowners move stress free. If you would like to get a quote for packing services or full moving services, please call the Moving Mavericks at 239 722 0000.
1. Phase One: What to Pack First (4–6 Weeks Before Moving)
Consider begining your packing process a month in advance by analyzing your space for items you will be able to live without in the short term. This way you are able to lighten your workload for the days leading up to your move by decluttering your space.
Seasonal clothing, accessories, and items: You will not likely use your winter clothing, and accessories, and any seasonal specialty clothing and extra blankets. These are items that you can easily store and pack before your move.
Formal kitchenware and tableware sets: Do not use any of your seasonal and holiday serveware, foil pans, and your large pots and pans. It is important that you pack these items really well, as they can be pretty fragile.
Literature, media, and documents collections: This is a packing process that is pretty extensive that in my opinion should be started as soon as you can.
Art, decorations, and framed photos: Items such as collectibles, framed art, and decorative shelves are nice to have, but are not necessary for everyday use. Collectibles can, for example, be packed well in advance as you will have to fill wall holes to prepare for a showing of your home.
Beginning with non-essential items is an effective strategy for building momentum while staying in your routine. For instance, at Moving Mavericks, we suggest that you pre-order boxes from pro-grade suppliers for these items. You can contact us at (239) 722-0000 for packing supplies recommendations.
2. Phase Two: Mid-Range Packing (2–3 Weeks Before Moving)
As the day approaches, packing needs to include things that are seldom used, but on occasion, things you may need. At this stage, your relocation packing list needs more refinement, but is now deliberate.
Guest rooms and Secondary spaces: If no guests are expected, box up everything in the guest bedroom, bedding, curtains, and décor transfer. Stuff in home gyms, hobby rooms, or storage closets is to be packed in boxes as well.
Garages, Sheds and Outdoors: Holding things like beach gear, gardening tools, sport materials, and seasonal things, the Southwest Florida garage can be packed early to allow cleaning and the identification of things you will move that the movers can’t like fuel containers or chemcials.
Standard Kitchen Items: If you use blenders, air fryers, slow cookers and use each day, don’t pack those. Leave only daily use items and pack the rest.
Excessive Toiletries and Linens: Households usually keep more towels, sheets, and toiletries than are necessary for 2 weeks. Pair down and pack the rest.
During this phase, how boxes are labeled becomes important. Once the boxes are packed, write the room each box should go to, along with the items inside. Moving Mavericks suggest the use of different colored stickers, as this helps our staff quickly identify which box goes to which room. For additional tips, don’t hesitate to reach us at (239) 722-0000.
3. Phase Three: What to Pack Last (2 to 3 Days Before Moving)
The last items to pack are the items needed on a daily basis. These items should not be packed until the very last minute, as they are used on a daily basis.
Electronics and Home Office Equipment: If you work remote, you will keep your computer, router, and necessary documents out until the last possible moment. Accessories like printers, extra monitors, and cables should be packed in advance.
Basic Kitchen Essentials: You should have packed all of your items except for a very small set of cooking tools. This should include one pot and one pan, along with set of utensils and a couple of plates.
Cleaning Supplies: You will have to clean your old home, and do a quick cleaning at your new home. Because of this, a small cleaning kit should be accessible until the truck is fully loaded.
4. Essentials Box: What Never Goes on the Truck
No relocation packing list can ever be complete without the “Essentials Box.” When you move, this box should always be in your car and never on the truck.
Items to include:
- Important documentation like your ID, passports, contracts related to your move, etc.
- Prescriptions and medications
- Electronics, along with phone chargers and power banks
- Basic tools like screwdrivers, box cutters, and flashlights.
- Heirlooms, valuables, and pieces of jewelry
These are things that you should keep with you, as must be safety guarded things. Having your essentials makes the move less stressful.
Questions That are Frequently Asked (FAQs)
Q1: What should I do with refrigerated food?
For weeks leading up to your move, begin emptying your pantry and fridge. On moving day, pack the remaining food into a cooler if you are moving short distances.
Q2: Can I leave clothes in the dresser drawers?
Usually, the items in the dresser do not pose a problem, though, do make sure to empty the big or delicate items from the furniture to keep it from getting damaged during the move.
Q3: What if I run out of boxes?
It’s always a good idea to have some extra boxes. Just call us at (239) 722-0000 before the moving day, and our team at Moving Mavericks will deliver some more supplies.
Q4: Can movers help with last-minute packing?
Yes, if needed, our professional packing team can assist with last-minute packing.
Moving Tips
For the most efficient move, consider these packing strategies: instead of folding clothing, roll it to save space and avoid wrinkles. Use smaller, sturdy boxes for books and heavier items, and larger boxes for lighter items like linens and pillows. Make sure to pack items by room and use markers or colored stickers to label the boxes, so nothing gets misplaced. To avoid confusion when unloading, add “Check Labeling Accuracy” to your relocation packing list.
Specialty and Seasonal Items
Remember to pack and move patio furniture, pool accessories, and holiday decorations. Packing these items early can help you avoid clutter and get rid of some stress in the last days before moving. Include specialty items like art and musical instruments in your relocation packing list so you can make sure they have protective wrapping. They need extra attention so they arrive at your new home in the condition you expect them to.
Moving journals
Moving journals are helpful tools. Using an entire box to pack one item, or marking a box as “fragile”, or leaving specific instructions for your movers might be examples of things to write. Making “Update Moving Journal” a box on your packing check list keeps everyone on the same page as a priority.
Assign packing roles for kids
Packing will go smoother if kids are involved. They can do their own things, like packing their toys, while you give them tasks of their own, like too, and they will be, like, they will, like, help you, and organize their things.
Moving is always more stressful, and feels like a lot more, when you have to do with no organization or control, and like you are packing a million things.
From your old home, you have a million things to another home. Leaving only the things you use daily will make the a million things look like a few, and will make the move so much smoother. Your packing checklist is a great way to plan
With The Moving Mavericks, you don’t have to worry, whether you’re moving into a luxury home in Naples or a family residence in Fort Myers, they will take care of your boxes, and will do it remarkably.
📞 If you live in southwest Florida, Contact us for an estimate that you can rely on and to get your moving advice from an professional, call (239) 722-0000.