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How to Pack Your Entire Home to Move

A beginner's guide to help you start packing up your stuff

Cardboard boxes for moving with a step ladder, chair and guitar

The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Being organized and preparing to move requires time and patience when packing all your belongings. To help you get started, read on for tips on packing up your home so you can get it down without being overwhelmed by the process. 

  • 01 of 11

    How and Where to Start Packing up Your Home

    Glasses on notepad with open calendar organizer, phone calculator and sticky notes

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

    Moving is stressful and so overwhelming, and part of the stress has to do with packing up the entire house. At first, it may seem impossible. But with helpful tips and suggestions, packing is a breeze. Just make sure you're organized and know what you need to do before you even pack the first box.

  • 02 of 11

    Make a Packing Supply List

    Packing supplies with scissors, notepad, bubble wrap, kraft paper, string and tape on table

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

    When you move or relocate, to ensure your household goods arrive at your new destination without a scratch, start with a good packing list so you purchase the right packing and moving supplies.

  • 03 of 11

    All About Moving Boxes

    Cardboard box with moving box label closeup

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

    Moving boxes are generally the same weight and quality as ordinary shipping boxes, unless you purchase some made from thicker cardboard that allows for heavier packing. So, the question most people have is, should I purchase moving boxes or find some slightly-used from grocery stores or friends who've just recently moved?

  • 04 of 11

    Can I Pack With Used Boxes?

    Cardboard boxes taped on sides and stacked on each other

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

    With most of us pinching our pennies right now, finding ways to save on moving costs not only helps keep money in our wallets​ but can also help the planet by reusing packing materials and reducing waste. Used boxes are definitely an option, you just need to know where to find them (and get them for free!) and what to do and not do.

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  • 05 of 11

    What Not to Pack and Move

    Glass and clay vases in front of moving box and bubble wrap

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

     

    Before you pack, find out what you shouldn't pack or at least what you should be careful when packing.There are some things that need special handling, items that moving companies will not move if they are not properly prepared.

  • 06 of 11

    How to Get Rid of Stuff You Don't Need to Move

    Moving boxes labeled for sale and donations with items inside

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

    The upside of moving is that it forces you to make a clean sweep of the house, getting rid of items that you no longer use or need. The first place to start is to determine what to sell, either online or by hosting a garage sale, and what to give away.

  • 07 of 11

    What's an Essentials Box & How to Pack One

    Small household and toiletry items laid to be packed in essentials box

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

    Before moving or relocating, everyone should prepare an essentials box, a box full of items you'll need for your last few nights before you move and the first few nights in your new home.

  • 08 of 11

    Quick and Easy Packing Tips

    Packing up and moving house
    Ableimages / David Harrigan / Getty Images

    If you only have time for one packing guide, this is the one to read as it provides tips that you may not have thought of before. So use it to make your packing quick and easy. 

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  • 09 of 11

    Packing Tips From the Professionals

    Movers carrying boxes in new house
    Chris Ryan / Getty Images

    When you're packing for a move, you might want to ask yourself if you should pack it yourself or hire professionals to do it for you. In many of our moves we've never used professionals to pack our things; for me, it's always about saving money.

  • 10 of 11

    10 Things You May Forget to Pack or Do

    Passport documents and headphones in empty drawer

     The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

    Over the years and the many moves, we always think we have moving down to a very fine science; however, usually in the midst of the moving chaos, we forget something and swear that we'll add it to a growing list of "forgotten items" for the next time we move. To save you the trouble of forehead slapping that usually ensues after you're fifty miles from your old home, check out my list.

  • 11 of 11

    How to Pack and Move the House Room by Room

    Bubble wrap under dining plates and glass cups next to labeled cardboard box marked kitchen

    The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

    This is the ultimate guide to packing and moving your home. With step by step instructions, along with packing tips, you won't need anything else except for packing supplies and time. We provide the motivation.