Creating a packing list is an inevitable part of the relocation process, that is – if you want your move to go as smoothly as possible. It will provide your process with structure, make it more manageable, and most importantly, ensure that you remember everything you have to do and avoid any lingering post-move anxiety. So, without further ado, let’s get into the nits and grits of making a packing list.
Why Is It Important to Make a Packing List?
Let’s get one thing out of the way: a move is an all-consuming process that will take up most of your mental space – and that is okay. Because even though you will surely experience some relocation stress sooner or later, there are enough benefits of relocation to even it all out. To reduce the cons of the process and boost the pros, you should consider using a relocation hack or two – the first of them being, of course, to create a packing checklist.
Although it might not seem like a revolutionary idea to have a to-do checklist on hand, many people think it is a tedious and unnecessary step to create one. We urge you not to skip this essential step because every efficient move starts with some good old planning.
Packing Guide 101: Where to Begin?
Once you’ve found the perfect home to move to in one of the best Chicago neighborhoods, it is time to start planning your boxing up process, but first, you’re due to go through some preparatory steps. From deciding on what to pack up to how to create your checklist, here are our recommendations on where to begin.
When You Declutter Your Inventory, There Are Fewer Chances to Forget Important Items
There is a reason why people commonly forget to box up so many things, and most often, it’s because there are too many of them to keep in sight. This is why we always recommend getting rid of anything that no longer serves its purpose in your daily routines before you get to creating your checklist. Not only will a declutter before relocating make the whole boxing up process easier, but it will also ensure you don’t have any trouble once you start unpacking after the move.
Any house objects and clothes which are in good shape you can leave at one of the numerous donation drop-off places in Chicago and support a cause you feel passionate about. A declutter is a great chance to earn some extra cash for your relocation expenses checklist as well. Consider throwing a garage sale or posting about things for sale on social media or online shopping sites. Try to avoid throwing out things that can be useful to others, or at least consider consulting the Chicago recycling guide to learn how to dispose of objects in the environmentally friendliest way possible.
Obtain Supplies and Materials You’ll Need to Pack Up
The next crucial step is to pose the following question: what are the essentials for packing? Truth be told, a boxing-up checklist won’t be the only checklist you will create during the process that we can guarantee. So we recommend taking an hour or two to figure out what supplies you will require to box up your decluttered storage. Here is what we recommend you get:
- Cardboard containers and boxes – You’ll require containers in multiple sizes on hand in order to store your things,
- Cushioning and wrapping materials – Things such as foam peanuts, bubble wrap, packaging paper, and other forms of wrapping material should be next to you if you decide not to hire packers and movers in Chicago,
- A dolly – Whether you’re to move a piano or in order to relocate other large items, you will require a dolly and some straps to turn the endeavor easier,
- Tape and markers – The final step in your boxing up process will be labeling, so have the essentials required for it.
Once Preparation Is Over, It’s Time to Take Out Your Pen and Paper
Now that you’ve decided on what to take and have all the needed materials, you can actually start writing your list. Not only will your checklist encompass everything you’re to take with you, but it will also work as a guide to packing for a move. By adequately sketching out all you will bring, you will actually have a timetable of how the process will unfold. So, take out your pen and binder, and get to listing up your inventory.
Consider Digitizing Your Packing Checklist for Easier Use
If having a notebook or binder in your life at all times seems as if too much of a hassle, we recommend downloading an app that lets you plan this most comfortably. Here are our top five picks for apps that will ensure your checklist will stay as relevant on the day of the big move:
- PackTeo – PackTeo is great for anyone who feels like creating a completely customized checklist. It lets you choose single objects, templates, catalogs, and even checklist generators that will suit your every need.
- Packr – The great thing about Packr is that it takes even weather forecasts into account. No matter in which season you decide to hire Chicago movers, it’ll allow you to pick and choose the perfect essentials bag for the days of your relocation. Oh, and it has a family mode – perfect for anyone relocating to one of the best Chicago neighborhoods for families.
- PackPoint – This smart app lets you share your checklist with others involved in the relocation process as well, so it will work great for anyone who is relocating with roommates or family members.
- Easy Pack – The word ”easy” is in the title of this app for a reason – it will remind you of anything and everything you might otherwise forget about before you leave for your new safe Chicago neighborhood home.
- Move Advisor – Beautiful design, great organization, and an accessible interface – what more can one ask from an app of these sorts? It’s practical, allows for timeline options, and will even provide you with easy access to Chicago moving companies’ reviews and quotes.
The First Part of Your Checklist Should Be Reserved for Non-Essential Objects
As you will see soon enough, one of our favorite tips is to structure your boxing up process, so you always start with the non-essentials and slowly move onto things you utilize more often. And trust us, this tip will work perfectly for any room you are dealing with and will help you create a perfect order of rooms you are to box up.
The Attic and Basement Are Great Places to Start With
If your house has an attic or a basement, tap into these first. You’ll want to box up candles you take out only for Christmas, and stuff such as camping equipment first, since these are definitely not things you will require while you are relocating. And yes, the attic and basement are full of junk, so they might seem like a bigger chunk to swallow. However, once you manage to declutter them, you and your inventory will feel ten times lighter – that we can guarantee.
It’s Wise to Empty Your Bookshelves and Wall Decorations in the Beginning Too
Once you are done with the ”additional” spaces, you can tackle those you use daily. That means you are to start with emptying out your shelves and cabinets of all the decorative objects, as well as those intended for entertainment purposes. Start by boxing up the books, CDs, vinyl, and artwork. Not only will you get a huge chunk of work out the way by boxing up these fragile objects, but you will also get a better picture of how the process will flow afterward. For some pro tips from an artist on how to deal with packaging artwork, check out the following video:
Move on to Clothes, Shoes, and Bags
Next up, box up clothes, as well as accessories such as bags and shoes. While it may seem logical to place all your clothing in suitcases, know that logic can sometimes fool you. Actually, because suitcases most often have adequate cushioning all on their own, it is wise to place books and decorations there, and package clothing and similar objects in cardboard boxes. Just ensure you fold them properly, so you don’t have to iron them again after you move.
Even With Clothes, You Should Follow the Non-Essential Logic
Whether you are to box up shoes or your favorite summer dresses, you should always start with the clothing not meant for the current season first. This way, you can more easily pick your essential outfits and keep the order of your stored clothes intact. Additionally, if you are a fan of any sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and even diving, and have adequate equipment in the back of your wardrobe, take it out as well. This is a great starting point for an efficient move.
Next Up, It’s Time to Deal With the Living Room Furniture
Next up, you will want to pack your furniture, specifically that which is located in the living room. The tabourets, TV sets, and cabinets are objects you can live without while relocating. Here, a dolly will come in handy, as well as straps intended for larger and heavier objects. While you’re there you can pack your TV as well, and use your laptop as the main source of entertainment.
The Bedroom Furniture Will Be the Last to Carry Out
Because the bedroom is much more essential than the living space, you will leave the furniture in it for last. After all, you will need to sleep somewhere, so don’t rush with taking out your bed. Consider employing local movers in Chicago for labor-only services to carry out all these heavy objects. We know you want your relocation process to be fast and efficient, but even more importantly, hiring professionals will ensure you will move safely while you are at it.
Last Up to Pack Are the Kitchen and the Bathroom
These two rooms hold up most of the objects you use on a daily basis, and will probably be the last rooms you use before you move out to your new affordable Chicago neighborhood home. So, before you start boxing up your pots and pans, just make sure you set aside some dishes to pack for the final days. After all, you shouldn’t live on takeout for an entire week – it is not good for your stomach or your bank account.
Finally, the bathroom is always the last place to deal with. Most of the objects in this room will also ultimately end up in your essentials bag, which you will soon find out more about. So, in the days leading up to the move, maybe take out all the non-essential things, such as extra soaps, cleaning supplies, and special hair products. Everything else, like the toothbrush, towel, toothpaste, shampoo, and the rest will find its space in the essentials bag.
An Essentials Bag Is a Must for Any Move
A thing we’ve been talking about for some time now is storage for all your essential belongings. As the name suggests the objects at hand are all those you won’t be able to do without. And these will include all the objects you will need in the days leading up to the move as well as for the first days in your new space:
- Cash, documentation, and credit cards,
- Phones, laptops, and chargers for each (as well as additional gadgets like the pin required for taking out your SIM card),
- Any prescribed medication you use daily,
- Ibuprofen or similar pain meds – just in case,
- To ensure you move safely, have some patches and a first-aid kit for dealing with possible wounds,
- Some food, water, and juices to have for the move and even for the first days after it,
- Tea and coffee supplies for your morning beverages,
- A sponge and some detergent for cleaning used dishes,
- Bathroom supplies like a toothbrush, paste, soap, and skincare,
- Clothing, shoes, and accessories.
If You Decide on Hiring Professional Movers in Chicago, Make Sure You Know Which Items They Won’t Move
If you decide on employing a mover in Chicago, IL, to help you know that there are always objects movers won’t move. This means that some objects can’t be placed in the relocation truck and that you’ll have to be the one to transport them. So, just make sure you educate yourself so that you can plan your car space in a timely manner. Here are some of the things most moving companies in Chicago, IL won’t take with them:
- Dangerous objects such as weapons and ammunition,
- Live plants and animals,
- Chemicals which include cleaning materials as well,
- Valuable items,
- Documents, IDs, and similar records with sensitive information,
- Medication, food, and drinks.
Employing a Moving Company in Chicago Is Always a Good Idea
To ensure your residential relocation is as easy and stress-free as possible, we recommend employing professional moving services in Chicago. The perks of professional help are numerous – you won’t have to worry about supplies, transportation, or finding assistance to carry heavy things. The best movers in Chicago will ensure a smooth transition that doesn’t take up all your energy.
Our professionals can help you if you are looking for commercial relocation assistance as well. All you need to do is contact us today and get all the information you might require. Of course, our friendly staff will gladly provide you with a free quote, as well as answer any questions you may have. Don’t waste more time – we are waiting for your call.