How To Pack Up Your House Before Your Removalist Arrives (Plus What You Actually Need To Do It Right)

January 13, 2018

There is something about packing up a home that feels… emotional.

It is not just boxes.
It is memories.
It is chapters closing and new ones beginning.

And while moving can feel overwhelming, the truth is, when you have a system (and the right supplies), everything becomes so much easier.

Packing your home becomes so much easier when everything is organized and labeled from the start.

This is exactly how to pack your home without the chaos — plus the essentials that will save you time, stress, and even money.

🏡 Start Early (Earlier Than You Think)

The biggest mistake people make?

Waiting too long.

Start packing at least 2–3 weeks in advance, beginning with items you do not use daily:

  • Seasonal clothes
  • Books
  • Decor
  • Keepsakes

This gives you breathing room—and trust me, you will need it.

🧹 Declutter Before You Pack

Do not pack what you do not love. Moving is the perfect reset.

Create three piles:

  • Keep
  • Donate
  • Toss

Less stuff = fewer boxes = less money spent moving 👀

🛍️ My Favorite Moving & Packing Essentials (That Make Life So Much Easier)

Best Overall Moving Kit (Everything In One): UBMOVE 30-Box Moving Kit With Supplies

⭐ Best For Apartments & Smaller Moves: UBMOVE Basic Moving Boxes Kit #1

⭐ Best Premium All-In-One Kit: U-Haul Apartment Moving Kit (Full Setup) 

⭐ Must-Have: Heavy-Duty Packing Tape: Scotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape With Dispenser

⭐ For Fragile Items (Glasses & Dishes): U-Haul Dish Saver Packing Kit

📊 Quick Comparison (What You Actually Need)

Feature30-Box Kit $79.90
•Lowe’s + others
Basic Kit $58.65
•Target + others
U-Haul Kit $149.99
•Walmart –
U-Haul International
Scotch Tape $15.99
•BJ’s Wholesale Club + others
Dish Kit $14.95
•U-Haul + others
Best ForFull homeSmall moveDone-for-you moveSealing boxesFragile items
Price$$$$$$$$
Includes Boxes✔️✔️✔️
Includes Supplies✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Ease LevelVery easyEasyEasiestEssentialEssential

📦 Pack Room By Room

Stay organized by packing one room at a time.

Label every box clearly:

  • Room name
  • Contents
  • “Fragile” if needed

Future you will be so grateful.

🧺 Keep An Essentials Box

This is your first-night survival kit:

  • Toiletries
  • Chargers
  • Pajamas
  • Important documents
  • Snacks (very important 😅)

Do NOT pack this with everything else.

🪄 Final Packing Tips That Make A Huge Difference

  • Wrap fragile items in clothes or towels (saves money)
  • Keep heavier items in smaller boxes
  • Take photos of electronics before unplugging
  • Label cables (this is a lifesaver later)

✨ Final Thoughts

Packing up your home is never just about moving things.

It is about honoring what you are leaving behind… while making space for what is ahead.

And when you have the right tools, the right plan, and a little patience — it becomes so much more manageable.

Even… beautiful.

Andi Perullo de Ledesma

Andi Perullo de Ledesma

I am Andi Perullo de Ledesma, a travel writer, professional photographer, and former Chinese Medicine Doctor based in Charlotte, NC. Wife to Lucas, mother to Joaquín, and dog mother to Panda. I share stories of love and loss, and the meaning in between. Through travel and everyday moments, I believe there is always something beautiful waiting to be discovered.

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