Room-by-room packing guide for your next move

Packing prep and supplies 

As you begin to map out your move, set aside a box to keep a box cutter, labels, markers, padding materials, scissors and tape handy. Choose a bright or patterned box you can easily spot — and make a rule that moving supplies always go back in it. Starting with rooms and items you won't need right away, label boxes clearly and identify the contents of the box. Color code each room, marking all boxes destined for a specific room. For example, label one box "Books" in black marker with its ultimate destination, like "Family Room" written in purple marker. 

Pack a moving-day essentials bag

Pack a bag with a few days’ worth of clothing, toiletries and other essentials to use before you settle in. This will make it much easier to end an exhausting moving day with a nice shower in your new place and avoid rummaging through boxes while getting ready in the morning.

5 general packing tips to stay organized and pack faster

1. Clean out your home

A move is a perfect time to clean out your closets and get rid of anything you no longer need. As you’re packing your possessions, gather all dusty items and decide whether you still need them or not.

2. Make a packing schedule

One of the hardest things about starting to pack is thinking about how big of a task it is. However, you can eliminate a lot of the hassle by planning to pack a little bit every day, so you’re not overwhelmed at the last minute.

3. Keep track of moving expenses

Keep all your receipts and other records of your moving expenses. Depending on what state you live in, you might be able to deduct these expenses from your taxes.

4. Reuse what you already have

Packing items in extra suitcases and storage bins can help you save money on packing supplies. Wipe down dressers, chests and cabinets and use them, if possible, to transport lightweight items such as socks and T-shirts.

5. Avoid packing heavy items in large boxes

When buying boxes, you’ll probably want to buy mostly small and medium boxes. These are much less cumbersome to carry and more manageable with heavier items inside. Pack the densest, heaviest items like books in small boxes, modestly heavy items in medium and stick to pillows and mostly lighter items for large boxes. Unsure what size boxes you need? Check out this guide.

Outdoor equipment

Before moving the grill, dispose of any charcoal. Keep your grill upright when moving it. Wipe down patio furniture and place chair padding in a separate box or clear garbage bags.

Home office

Books

Pack books of the same size flat or have their spines touch the bottom of the box. Remember, books are heavy, so avoid using large boxes that will be too heavy to lift. Also, be careful not to overpack your books in cardboard boxes, as they can easily cause the box to break.

Electronics and cables

When packing electronics, keep a pack of colored stickers to mark the port and cable so you know exactly how everything is hooked back up. Take photos of the electronics settings to help you remember how to reassemble them later and to provide proof of their condition before the move.

Important documents

Documents like contracts, insurance information, school records and medical history can be placed in a fireproof portable file or in a well-sealed box to keep with you.

Transferring devices when moving

Before packing smart thermostats, energy monitors or other connected devices, check whether they need to be powered down, removed or unregistered. Some devices require specific steps to reconnect after a move. 

Appliances

Small items such as coffee makers, food processors and other small appliances should be emptied. Wrap their cords in a storage bag and place them inside the appliance. Use towels as padding before packing them in boxes. Label appliance boxes with "Fragile" so they don't get thrown around during the move. If you're moving a washer and dryer, take advantage of the extra packing space! Place comforters, pillows, towels or extra bed linens inside your washer and dryer and seal the doors closed with masking tape.

Dining room

Roll rugs and secure them with twist ties. Secure all doors and drawers in cabinets to ensure that they don't open during the move. Use painter’s tape to avoid any damage to the furniture. Fold draperies and curtains lengthwise, place them over a padded hanger and then hang in a wardrobe. Curtains can be transported in suitcases — make sure you line them with clean paper or wrapping material.

Living and family room

Pack lamp bases before removing and wrapping bulbs. Protect lamp shades with tissue, a pillowcase or a light towel. Carry irreplaceable photos, videos and negatives with you. For mirrors or large frames, apply an “X” of masking tape on the glass to reduce shattering.

Pro tips for packing fragile items

• Line the bottoms of boxes with kitchen towels, linens or rolled‑up tissue to serve as bumpers for breakable items
• Use clothing, towels and blankets to protect breakables and save on packing supplies
• Wrap breakables and glassware like plates, bowls and vases in tissue paper, clean socks, old newspapers or kitchen towels before packing
• Use coffee filters as plate separators to put between plates if you don't want to individually wrap them
• Place large blankets over dining tables and wood furniture and secure them with rubber bands to help prevent scratches
  

Bedrooms and nurseries

Bathroom

Try to pack your bathroom last, just in case! Place cotton balls or rounds under makeup compact lids to prevent cracking and tape lids that may pop open. To prevent leaks, place plastic wrap between bottle tops and lids and seal liquids in resealable bags.

From organized unpacking to quick electricity setup

Just like managing your home’s daily energy usage, a successful move comes down to proper planning and clear organization. Bringing all your hard work together — from packing one room at a time to color-coding your boxes — can make moving day a natural next step.