List, Label, Locate: A Foolproof Packing System for Less Stress While Moving
Whether divorced, married, or single, preparing for a move to a new home is frequently stressful and challenging, especially if doing it yourself. Questions such as “Where did I pack the sheets?” “Which box contains my child’s favorite toy?” and “Where are my jackets?” often arise. Would you like to have a stress-free packing and moving experience? If so, read on!
Having been through this myself both before and after reading numerous articles on the topic, I am sharing tips I learned on flylady.net several years ago and expanded upon. Anyone planning to move can use these to have a stress-free packing and moving experience…or at least a less stressful one! You will be surprised by how much easier the entire process becomes with the use of a few simple tools.
Eliminate the chaos of trying to list items on multiple sides of a box that is hard to see when boxes are stacked. Save yourself significant time during and after your move by taking a couple extra small steps at the beginning of your process.
Gather Your Supplies
We all know the essentials: boxes, packaging tape, and a marker. In addition to those, pick-up an assortment of colored rolls of duct tape—a different color for each room or area. Obtain a new notebook and pen. If tearing duct tape is difficult, get a pair of scissors to use.
Boxes can be expensive to purchase, so consider alternative sources. Grocery stores, liquor stores, dollar stores, pharmacies, and small hardware stores may set aside boxes if requested. Call ahead and ask if they already have them available for anyone to take and use. Ask friends to save shipping boxes for you. Look online (Facebook Marketplace and Craig’s List are good sources) for individuals offering used boxes for free after their moves. Obtain a variety of sizes—small ones for heavier items like books and dishes, and large ones for pillows and comforters.
If padding material is required, look for some secondhand; otherwise, purchase it. As an inexpensive alternative, use towels and clothing since these items need to be transported as well.
Preparing Your Notebook
Now that the supplies are gathered, it is time to prepare your notebook. This is a key part of your stress-free packing and moving experience.
Assign a color of tape to each room or area. On the first page of the notebook, create an index list by attaching a small piece of each colored tape and labelling it with the corresponding room. For example, blue for the kitchen, red for the family room, green for the master bedroom, etc.
Next, skip a couple of pages and use the colored tape to create the first tab at the top or side of the page for the first room. Attach one end of the tape at the edge, extend it past the paper, then fold it over to stick to itself and the edge of the backside of the paper. Skip approximately four to ten pages and create another tab for another room.
Repeat this for each color tape/room, leaving blank pages between sections. When making the tabs, start at one end of the paper and stagger each subsequent tab, similar to file folder tabs. Write the name of each room on its colored tab and at the top of the first page in each section.
Start Packing Boxes
You are now ready to begin packing the boxes. Keep the notebook, pen, permanent marker, packing tape, and selected color of duct tape nearby.
Using the kitchen and blue tape as an example: go to the blue/kitchen tab in the notebook. On the first page of that section, write the number 1. Next to the number, list the items placed in that box in detail for future reference. Once the box is packed securely and the items listed in the notebook, seal it with packaging tape. Do NOT use duct tape to hold the box closed; it is too costly and does not adhere well.
Apply a 2-3” piece of colored duct tape to one corner of each side of the box. Use the permanent marker to write a large “1” on each piece of tape. Repeat this process for each box numbering in sequence as you go. When working in a different room, use that room’s colored duct tape and start again with number 1 on that page.
This method will transform your moving experience. By following this process, you can start packing weeks earlier than anticipated. Pack a few boxes daily without worrying about misplacing essential items. Instead of searching through several boxes to find specific items in the new home, refer to your notebook for guidance.
Need a rolling pin unexpectedly? The notebook indicates it is in blue/kitchen box number 7. Locate the boxes marked with blue tape and find box number 7 effortlessly.
Friends can assist by packing a designated room using its colored tape and listing items in the notebook before sealing and numbering the box. The notebook becomes a valuable resource for finding any item swiftly and efficiently.
Moving Day
Congratulations! Moving day has arrived, and you have a system detailing the contents of each box.
At the new home, there is one final step to help finish your stress-free packing and moving. Take a blank sheet of paper for each room and attach a large piece of colored tape—one color per sheet. Use a small piece of tape to affix the paper to the door or door frame of the respective room. When unloading, direct helpers to place boxes in rooms according to the matching colors, ensuring organized placement upon arrival.
Self-Care Along the Way
Remember to care for yourself throughout the process. Stay hydrated with a bottle of water, prioritize sleep, incorporate daily exercise or walks, and keep healthy snacks accessible. With this system, you can start packing early, allowing for greater control and organization while reducing stress along the way.
If you require support in organizing your time, setting goals, and building accountability, I can help. I am a certified professional life coach excited to partner with you to bring peace to your life. Contact me for a free consultation to get started.
