Starting relocation without a strategy is like navigating a ship through a thick fog blindfolded. The tasks are piling up and you’re not sure what you’ve already finished. The sheer amount of things to do is overwhelming. Your secret weapon? Take the time to make a packing list that will ensure a smooth sail from the old home to the new one. We’ll help you create this packing checklist and make sure that nothing but stress is left behind.
When relocating across the world, start by creating a packing list to organize and simplify this process. This plan details necessary supplies, tools, and strategies for tackling each room, along with tips for decluttering and avoiding common mistakes. Use modern technology to enhance efficiency and hire a professional company to manage the move’s logistics and heavy lifting.
What Exactly Is a Packing List
Did you know that an average American puts off up to 14 tasks while 21% puts off 20 or more things to do?
Well, it’s simple math. The more you are putting off organizing the daily tasks, the more likely they’ll turn into a pile of uncontrollable mess.
Moving internationally is like a high-stakes balancing act.
This process demands good organization, and that’s why a well-crafted to-do list is vital. It acts as a comprehensive inventory of everything you intend to transport to the new home. This packing guide will ensure that everything is accounted for and ready to go.
Why Making a Packing List Is Important
Relocation chaos often stems from complete disorganization. However, with a structured moving abroad checklist, the process can be a breeze. Such a relocation plan will always keep you on track. 50% of surveyed women even said they like to put down finished tasks and check them off.
This helps with keeping track of what is done. Moreover, a good plan will segment this overwhelming task into manageable, actionable steps. Instead of staring down a mountain of boxes without a clue where to start, this planner will transform this journey into an anxiety-free process.
Start the List With the Necessary Packing Supplies
Starting the packing process without the right supplies is like attempting to lift weights without the right technique. Trust us, the results are bound to be unsatisfactory. This is why it’s vital to begin the packing list with the essential materials. So, to make sure that a moving day goes as smoothly as possible, stock up on different packing materials. The arsenal should include:
- Durable cardboard boxes in various sizes,
- Bubble wrap and foam peanuts,
- Clean and padded paper,
- Plastic stretch wrap,
- High-quality tape,
- Specialty crates,
- Furniture pads and blankets,
- Permanent markers and handling labels.
Don’t Forget to Add the Essential Tools as Well
Beyond the essential supplies, ensuring you have the right tools for the job is critical. They will help you address the more demanding tasks and objects. A reliable dolly can save your back from injury, while screwdrivers are indispensable for disassembling furniture. This ensures they can fit through door frames and hallways.
Additionally, consider equipping yourself with high-duty straps and furniture sliders. These tools can facilitate the safe transport of bulky items across floors without damage and secure everything in the relocation vehicle. And while it might seem minor, a sharp pair of scissors and box cutters are essential for cutting, adjusting, and opening supplies efficiently.
Tackle One Room at a Time to Simplify the Packing Process
With the basics in place and some decluttering done, it’s time to tackle the actual packing. This process is best managed one room at a time. Approaching the task this way ensures each item gets the attention it deserves. It will allow you to celebrate small victories as you go. Here’s a brief guide to packing for a move by addressing everything efficiently.
Start With Less Used Items
When beginning this process, it’s wise to start with the less frequently used spaces in your home. These areas typically include attics, basements, garages, patios, spare rooms, and storage spaces.
Tackling these spaces first allows you to gradually ease into the boxing-up process without disrupting daily life. These areas typically contain seasonal decorations, old clothing, memorabilia, extra furniture, and sports equipment. They also safeguard tools, old electronics, gardening supplies, bicycles, barbecue equipment, guest bedding, and occasional-use appliances. Declutter further by removing items that served the cause.
Tackle the Closets
When it comes to packing for a move, addressing the closets is a key step. So, make sure to box up all clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories. Sort through and include items like hats, scarves, belts, and jewelry. Don’t forget smaller essentials such as socks, underwear, and special occasion outfits that might be stored in separate bins or drawers.
Round Up the Living Room
The living room often houses a variety of items, including large furniture pieces like sofas, coffee tables, and bookshelves. Make sure to pack delicate electronics like televisions, gaming consoles, and audio equipment, along with their respective remotes and chargers. Additionally, gather and pack personal decor items such as photo frames, artwork, mirrors, a book collection, CDs, vinyl, and magazines.
Ready the Bedrooms
Bedrooms are your haven. Start by packing night tables, lamps, bed frames, mattresses, and bedding. Ensure you include pillows, blankets, and comforters. Also, gather any personal items such as alarm clocks, jewelry boxes, and small electronics like phone chargers and tablets that are often kept on nightstands.
Sort Through the Kitchen
The kitchen requires careful attention to detail. Pack all large and small appliances, ensuring you include toasters, blenders, microwaves, and coffee makers. Gather all tableware, including plates, bowls, glasses, and silverware, as well as pots, pans, and baking sheets. Don’t forget to pack utensils, cutting boards, kitchen gadgets, and smaller items like spices and pantry staples.
Handle the Bathrooms Last
For the bathrooms, collect all toiletries, medications, and personal care items. This includes shampoos, conditioners, soaps, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Ensure to pack any cosmetics, first aid supplies, towels, and washcloths.
Check for smaller essentials like hair dryers, electric shavers, and other personal grooming devices as well. Make sure they are included and accounted for.
Put Modern Technologies to Use
In an era where digital solutions are available for almost everything, several apps can streamline the moving process. Sortly, MoveAdvisor, Unpakt, Google Keep, and TaskRabbit are excellent tools for inventory management, packing, and task delegation. This way, the list will always be easily accessible and updatable.
However, while these tools can enhance organization and tracking, having a physical copy of the checklist ensures you’re prepared for any situation. A printed checklist provides a tangible way to track progress and serves as a reliable backup if technology fails.
Common Packing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Navigating a relocation for the first time (and every other time) can be pretty taxing, and simple missteps can complicate the process significantly. Here’s how to sidestep the most common mistakes, ensuring a smoother transition to the new city:
- Avoid procrastination – To make the most out of the packing list, it’s crucial to begin the boxing-up process well in advance. Early start allows for thorough sorting and secure storing of your belongings. It even reduces last-minute hassle.
- Not labeling each package – Effective labeling is a must. This simple step prevents the confusion that often accompanies unpacking or stacking crates in the wrong room. It will help you find what you need quickly and save valuable time.
- Not minding the weight – Be mindful of how you distribute items in boxes. Avoid placing heavy items on top of lighter, more fragile ones to protect them from damage. This can also be addressed while making the list, by grouping together items that will go in a same box.
- Forgetting to prepare an essentials box – Pack a box of essentials that includes items you’ll need at once when you reach the destination. These should be on top of the boxing-up list. Prepare things such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic tools. This approach prevents the need to rummage through multiple boxes on your first night.
- Don’t leave spare keys behind – Ensure that spare keys to the new home are on you before departing. Having them on hand prevents potential delays and unnecessary stress upon arrival.
Not Decluttering While Making a List is a Big Mistake
Reducing the number of items you need to move shortens the packing list, reduces relocation cost, and simplifies the entire process. Before you find yourself overwhelmed by a sea of things to be packed, taking time to declutter can be a game-changer. This step ensures that you’re carrying only items worth keeping to a new home. While writing down the inventory, sort items into categories such as keep, donate, sell, or discard. Be decisive, retaining only those items that truly spark joy.
If something hasn’t been used in the past year, it’s probably not essential. Additionally, don’t hesitate to enlist friends or family for moral support. Their insight can make this process more manageable and effective. They will help you lighten the relocation load even further. You can also take this chance to give back to the community by donating items you no longer need.
Lighten the Load by Hiring a Reliable International Moving Company
If the thought of gathering supplies and managing the logistics of a big move is overwhelming, hire reliable movers for the job. Schmidt International Relocations company offers professional packing services that include high-quality supplies and expert techniques. With our team at the helm, you can relax and even enjoy the excitement of starting anew.
Enjoy the Advantage Professional Services Offer
Choosing a reliable company offers numerous relocation benefits. These advantages can transform this journey into a seamless experience. Schmidt International Relocations company provides tailored moving services to meet your specific needs. Our team has the knowledge and expertise to ensure that everything is delivered in perfect condition.
With the Right Crew by Your Side, Every Journey Goes With Ease
Moving overseas is so much more than deciding where to live. We’ve already given you expert insights on how to create a packing list and navigate the essentials of the boxing-up process. Armed with these strategies, you’re prepared to transform a potentially overwhelming transition into a manageable and even enjoyable journey.
However, if you are not sure how to do this alone, Schmidt International Relocations stands ready to assist you. Our expert team will ensure that everything is transported safely and efficiently to the new home. So, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Let our crew make this exciting adventure a success.
