Packing is often the most time-consuming and stressful part of moving—but it doesn’t have to be! With the right strategy, clear organization, and some expert guidance, you can take the chaos out of moving and feel confident every step of the way. At Exodus Moving & Storage, we’ve helped thousands of families and individuals relocate with ease. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, this guide offers everything you need to know to pack smart and arrive prepared.
Why a Packing Checklist Matters
Packing for a move requires more than putting things in boxes. A smooth, successful move means protecting your belongings, keeping stress levels low, and setting yourself up for a smooth transition. A solid checklist helps you:
- Avoid last-minute scrambling
- Prevent damage or loss
- Stay organized room by room
- Delegate tasks if you’re getting help
If you’re short on time or prefer to leave it to the pros, our packing and unpacking services are here to make your move seamless from start to finish.
Before You Start Packing: Prep Like a Pro
Begin Early
Start packing 6–8 weeks before your move. Tackle one room at a time and set realistic daily goals—packing even one box per day adds up quickly.
Declutter First
Don’t pack what you don’t need. Sort your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. This lightens your load and reduces moving costs.
Get the Right Supplies
Stock up on boxes, packing tape, markers, bubble wrap, and specialty containers like wardrobe or dish boxes. If you’re unsure what you need, Exodus can supply professional-grade materials.
Create a Labeling System
Label each box with its contents, destination room, and whether it’s fragile. Consider color-coding labels by room to make unloading easier.
Prepare a Moving Binder or Digital Folder
Include checklists, contact info, contracts, receipts, and inventory lists in one easily accessible place.
The Packing Checklist: Room-by-Room
Living Room & Bedrooms
- Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- Wrap breakables like lamps and decor in towels or bubble wrap
- Take photos of electronic setups before disconnecting
- Pack books in small boxes to avoid overloading
Kitchen
- Pack dishes vertically to reduce breakage
- Use dish barrels for extra protection
- Tape spice racks shut or seal small containers in bags
- Defrost and clean your fridge/freezer 24 hours in advance
Bathroom
- Pack essential toiletries separately for quick access
- Seal liquids in plastic bags to prevent leaks
Garage & Outdoors
- Drain fuel from equipment
- Coil cords and remove batteries
- Bundle tools safely and label accordingly
What Not to Pack
Some items are better left out of the moving truck:
- Valuables and important documents
- Medications and essential toiletries
- Perishables and frozen foods
- Flammable or hazardous materials (propane, paint, aerosols)
Keep these with you during the move to ensure access and safety.
Don’t Forget the Essentials Bag
Your first night in your new home will go much smoother with a designated box or bag of essentials:
- Chargers, keys, and important documents
- Change of clothes and pajamas
- Snacks, water, and medications
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Pet food and items
Last-Minute Tasks You Shouldn’t Miss
Even the most organized packers can overlook these:
- Forward your mail at USPS.com
- Set up utilities at your new home
- Cancel newspaper or delivery subscriptions
- Arrange pet or child care for move day
- Take photos of valuable items for insurance
Moving with a pet? Explore this handy guide: A Guide to Moving with Your Dog or Cat
Why Choose Exodus for Packing Help?
With over 28 years of experience, Exodus Moving & Storage knows what it takes to pack with precision and care. Our crews are background-checked, professionally trained, and never outsourced. Whether you need help packing a few fragile items or your entire home, we’re here to make the process efficient, respectful, and stress-free.
Here’s one recent review from a satisfied customer:
“Our load crew (Mike Sr, Mike Jr, Mac, John, and Adolfo) were very professional, made sure to introduce the whole team when they arrived, and did an excellent job packing some tricky items for us including several large pieces of glass furniture. Our unload crew (Frank, Mac, John, Jimmy, and Adolfo) were super fast with unloading and took very protective measures to protect our newly renovated new home. The entire experience was great! Thanks, Exodus!” —Rebecca B
Request a free packing quote and discover how Exodus Moving & Storage can lighten your load—literally and figuratively.
