[2023] How to Pack a Messy House to Move: The Ultimate Guide

A small house in yellow springs USA

Quick Answer:
Packing up a messy house for a move can be overwhelming, but with the right approach and organization, it can be done efficiently. Start by decluttering and sorting your belongings, then create a packing plan and gather the necessary supplies. Pack room by room, labeling boxes and keeping an inventory to stay organized. Don’t forget to take breaks and ask for help when needed. With these tips, you’ll be able to tackle the challenge of packing a messy house and make your move a smooth one.

Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts
Decluttering Process
Creating a Packing Plan
Gathering Packing Supplies
Packing Room by Room
Packing Fragile Items
Dealing with Odds and Ends
Moving with Kids
Why Packing to Move is So Hard
FAQ
Conclusion
Recommended Links
Reference Links

Quick Tips and Facts

Decluttering is the first step to packing a messy house. Sort your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard.
Create a packing plan to stay organized. Start with less frequently used items and pack room by room.
Gather packing supplies such as boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
Label boxes with the room they belong to and a brief description of the contents.
Keep an inventory of your packed boxes to easily locate items later.
Take breaks and ask for help when needed. Packing a messy house can be physically and emotionally draining.
Moving with kids adds an extra challenge. Involve them in the process and make it fun.
Packing fragile items requires extra care. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes.
Dealing with odds and ends can be tricky. Use small boxes or containers to keep them organized.
Packing to move is hard because it involves making decisions about what to keep and what to let go.

Decluttering Process

Before you start packing, it’s essential to declutter your messy house. Here’s how to tackle the decluttering process:

Sort your belongings: Go through each room and sort your items into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Be ruthless and honest with yourself about what you truly need and want to take with you to your new home.
Start with one room: Begin decluttering one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to focus on decluttering.
Create a system: Use bins or boxes to separate items into different categories. Label each container accordingly to keep things organized.
Donate or sell: Consider donating items that are in good condition but no longer serve you. You can also sell valuable items to make some extra money before your move.
Dispose of unwanted items: Properly dispose of items that are broken, damaged, or no longer usable. Recycle or throw them away responsibly.

By decluttering your messy house before packing, you’ll save time, money, and energy during your move. Plus, you’ll start fresh in your new home with only the things you truly need and love.

Creating a Packing Plan

A well-thought-out packing plan is crucial for efficiently packing a messy house. Follow these steps to create your plan:

Assess your timeline: Determine how much time you have before your move and allocate specific packing tasks to each day or week leading up to the moving day.
Start with less frequently used items: Begin packing items that you won’t need in the immediate future. This includes seasonal clothing, books, decorations, and non-essential kitchenware.
Pack room by room: Focus on one room at a time to maintain organization. Start with rooms that are used less frequently, such as guest rooms or storage areas.
Label boxes: Clearly label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of the contents. This will make unpacking much easier.
Keep an inventory: Create a list or spreadsheet to keep track of the boxes you’ve packed. Note the contents of each box and assign it a number. This will help you locate specific items later.

By creating a packing plan, you’ll stay organized and avoid the stress of last-minute packing. Take the time to plan ahead, and your move will be much smoother.

Gathering Packing Supplies

To pack a messy house effectively, you’ll need the right packing supplies. Here’s a list of essential items to gather:

Moving boxes: Get a variety of sizes to accommodate different items. You can purchase boxes or ask local stores for free ones.
Packing tape: Invest in high-quality packing tape to secure your boxes properly.
Bubble wrap: Use bubble wrap to protect fragile items such as glassware, dishes, and electronics.
Packing paper: Wrap delicate items in packing paper to prevent scratches and breakage.
Markers: Have markers on hand to label your boxes clearly.
Furniture covers: Protect your furniture from scratches and dust with plastic covers or moving blankets.
Ziplock bags: Use small Ziplock bags to store screws, bolts, and other small parts from disassembled furniture.
Labels and stickers: Use pre-printed labels or stickers to mark boxes with special instructions or handling requirements.

By having the right packing supplies, you’ll be able to pack your messy house efficiently and ensure the safety of your belongings during the move.

Packing Room by Room

To maintain organization and reduce stress, pack your messy house room by room. Here are some tips for packing each room:

Kitchen

Sort through your pantry: Check expiration dates and donate any non-perishable items you won’t use before the move.
Pack dishes and glassware: Wrap each item in packing paper or bubble wrap and place them in sturdy boxes. Use dish dividers or towels to separate fragile items.
Secure appliances: Empty and clean appliances before packing them. Use original packaging if available, or wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in boxes.
Label boxes: Clearly label boxes containing fragile items to ensure they receive extra care during the move.

Bedroom

Pack clothing: Sort through your clothes and donate or sell items you no longer wear. Use vacuum-sealed bags or wardrobe boxes to pack clothing efficiently.
Disassemble furniture: Take apart bed frames, dressers, and other furniture pieces that can be disassembled. Keep screws and bolts in labeled Ziplock bags.
Protect mattresses: Use mattress covers or large plastic bags to protect your mattresses during the move.
Label boxes: Label boxes with bedroom items and include a list of the contents for easy unpacking.

Living Room

Wrap fragile items: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect delicate items such as vases, picture frames, and electronics.
Disassemble furniture: Take apart furniture pieces that can be disassembled, such as coffee tables or bookshelves. Keep screws and bolts in labeled Ziplock bags.
Secure electronics: Pack electronics in their original boxes if possible. Otherwise, wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in sturdy boxes.
Label boxes: Clearly label boxes with living room items and indicate if they contain fragile items.

Bathroom

Declutter toiletries: Dispose of expired or unused toiletries. Pack remaining items in a separate box and label it clearly.
Wrap breakable items: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect mirrors, glass containers, and other fragile bathroom items.
Secure cleaning supplies: Seal cleaning supplies tightly and pack them separately from other items to avoid leaks or spills.
Label boxes: Label boxes with bathroom items and indicate if they contain fragile items or liquids.

By packing room by room, you’ll stay organized and make the unpacking process much easier. Remember to label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of the contents.

Packing Fragile Items

Packing fragile items requires extra care to ensure they arrive at your new home intact. Follow these tips to pack fragile items safely:

Use sturdy boxes: Choose boxes specifically designed for fragile items or use double-walled boxes for added protection.
Wrap items individually: Wrap each fragile item in packing paper or bubble wrap. Use additional padding for extra delicate items.
Fill empty spaces: Fill any gaps in the box with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent items from shifting during transit.
Label boxes: Clearly label boxes containing fragile items with the word “Fragile” and indicate which side should be kept upright.
Consider professional packing: If you have valuable or extremely delicate items, consider hiring professional packers to ensure their safe handling.

Taking the time to pack fragile items properly will give you peace of mind during the move. Remember to handle these boxes with extra care and communicate their fragility to your movers.

Dealing with Odds and Ends

Packing odds and ends can be challenging because they often don’t fit neatly into boxes. Here are some tips to keep them organized:

Use small boxes or containers: Use small boxes or containers to pack odds and ends. This will prevent them from getting lost or mixed up with other items.
Label boxes: Clearly label boxes with odds and ends and include a brief description of the contents.
Use Ziplock bags: Use Ziplock bags to store small items such as screws, nails, or jewelry. Keep these bags in a designated box or container.
Take photos: Before disassembling electronics or furniture, take photos of the setup. This will make reassembly easier in your new home.

By keeping odds and ends organized, you’ll save time and frustration when unpacking. Remember to label everything clearly to avoid confusion.

Moving with Kids

Moving with kids adds an extra layer of complexity to the packing process. Here are some tips to make it easier:

Involve them in the process: Assign age-appropriate tasks to your kids, such as packing their toys or organizing their clothes. This will make them feel included and help them adjust to the idea of moving.
Make it fun: Turn packing into a game or challenge for your kids. Offer rewards or incentives for completing tasks.
Pack a “moving day” bag: Help your kids pack a bag with their favorite toys, books, and snacks for moving day. This will keep them entertained and provide a sense of familiarity.
Keep their routine: Stick to your kids’ regular routine as much as possible during the packing process. This will help them feel more secure and minimize disruptions.

Moving with kids can be stressful, but involving them in the process and making it fun will help ease the transition.

Why Packing to Move is So Hard

Packing to move can be emotionally and physically challenging for several reasons:

Decision-making: Packing requires making decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This can be emotionally draining, especially when it comes to sentimental items.
Time constraints: Moving often comes with a deadline, which adds pressure to the packing process. Trying to pack everything within a limited timeframe can be overwhelming.
Physical labor: Packing involves lifting, bending, and carrying heavy boxes and furniture. This physical labor can be exhausting, especially if you’re doing it alone.
Disruption of routine: Packing disrupts your daily routine and can make you feel disoriented. It’s normal to feel a sense of chaos during the packing process.

Understanding why packing to move is hard can help you navigate the challenges more effectively. Remember to take breaks, ask for help when needed, and be kind to yourself throughout the process.

FAQ

There is a huge psychiatric ward in the north of Prague, Czech Republic. On the outskirts of this vast area there are houses for ordinary people, one of them being this house where one of my friends was born and raised.

Where do I start decluttering a messy house?

To start decluttering a messy house, begin with one room at a time. Sort your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Create a system using bins or boxes to separate items. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to focus on decluttering.

How do you pack for a move when you have too much stuff?

When you have too much stuff, it’s essential to declutter before packing. Sort your belongings into categories and be ruthless in deciding what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Create a packing plan and start with less frequently used items. Use sturdy boxes, label them clearly, and keep an inventory to stay organized.

What should you not pack when moving?

When moving, there are certain items you should not pack due to safety or legal reasons. These include:

Hazardous materials: Items such as gasoline, propane tanks, fireworks, and chemicals should not be packed.
Perishable food: Avoid packing perishable food items that may spoil during transit.
Valuables: Keep valuable items such as jewelry, important documents, and sentimental items with you during the move.
Plants: Most moving companies do not transport plants, so it’s best to make alternative arrangements for them.

Always check with your moving company for a comprehensive list of items that should not be packed.

How do you pack fragile items for a move?

To pack fragile items for a move, use sturdy boxes and wrap each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Fill any empty spaces in the box with packing material to prevent shifting. Label the box as “Fragile” and indicate which side should be kept upright.

How can I make unpacking easier after the move?

To make unpacking easier after the move, follow these tips:

Label boxes clearly: Clearly label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of the contents.
Unpack essentials first: Start by unpacking essential items such as toiletries, bedding, and kitchen essentials.
Take it one room at a time: Unpack one room at a time to stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Use an unpacking plan: Create a plan for unpacking, prioritizing rooms based on your needs and preferences.
Take breaks: Unpacking can be tiring, so remember to take breaks and pace yourself.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to unpack efficiently and settle into your new home smoothly.

Conclusion

Packing a messy house for a move can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and organization, it can be done efficiently. Start by decluttering and sorting your belongings, then create a packing plan and gather the necessary supplies. Pack room by room, labeling boxes and keeping an inventory to stay organized. Take breaks and ask for help when needed. With these tips, you’ll be able to tackle the challenge of packing a messy house and make your move a smooth one.