Creating A Custom Moving Supplies Checklist

If you’re planning on packing your own things, the biggest gift you can give yourself is organization. Packing even a small household can be a big job. Every family is different, so there’s no one size fits all approach to moving organization that works for everyone. Instead, try creating a custom moving checklist based on your household needs. Here’s one approach families have used successfully:

Step One: List all the rooms in your home.

You’re going to need to move all of the stuff out of all of the rooms, so it helps to have a list of all the rooms that need to be packed. Make sure to include porches, attics, basements and storage spaces as appropriate.

Step Two: List the furniture

Working room by room, list the furniture you have in each room. Include seating, tables, beds, shelving units, and any other pieces of furniture you have. Make a note of which pieces will need to be disassembled to move. Make a special note for Ikea furniture, which may require the use of an Ikea-certified professional for disassembly and reassembly.

Step Three: List the electronics

Working room by room, list the electronics in the room. Include televisions, computers, digital photo frames, printers, and any other delicate electronic items which need to be packed and transported with care. In the kitchen, make a list of small appliances such as toasters, juicers, coffee makers and blenders which may need similar care in packing.

Step Four: List the breakable items

Working room by room, list the fragile items that will require special care when packing. Lamps, pictures, mirrors, glassware, and dishes are all examples of things that go on this list.

Step Five: List the non breakable items

Working room by room, list the soft and durable items that won’t need special care when packing. Books, clothing, bedding, and other similar items are all examples of things that can go on this list.

Step Six: Determine packing materials needed for a room

With your lists, it’s easy to see how much stuff each room contains. You’ll be able to determine what type of packing supplies you’ll need to move. (If you’re having problems with this step, give us a call. We’d be happy to help!) Once the moving boxes, packing supplies, labels and tape have been obtained in the right quantity, it’s time to start packing!