Written by Alexis Weisend
Cover photo by Jade Fischer
Packing an entire apartment is stressful, overwhelming and emotional. This has been your home for four years, so naturally it’s accumulated lots of memories. However, that also means it’s accumulated lots of stuff. You may be thinking, ‘how the f*ck do I fit my entire life in a couple suitcases and boxes?
You’re not alone. For many years, I have worked as an assistant to my amazing mother, a professional organizer. I’ve packed and unpacked at least 20 houses with her, and she’s taught me many of her tricks. I’m going to walk you through each step, and we’ll get through this together.
Gather Supplies First
Before we start, we’re going to need some things:
Multiple sharpies/black markers
Boxes (if you’re not flying)
Cushion foam for glassware
Here’s a pack with the above items
4 colors of sticky notes
Large Ziplock bags
If you can’t afford some of this, it’s no issue. I’ll give some tips on how to be creative with packing supplies.
The Walk Through
Give yourself a moment to walk through your apartment and remember all its memories. Take a picture of yourself and that special wall of decorations.
Assign a sticky note color to each meaning: Donation, sell, trash, and keep.
Go to each room, and put the labels on large items such as furniture accordingly.
Pack a bag for your trip. Make sure to include all necessary clothes, bathroom items and electronics (don’t forget their chargers)!
The Bedroom
This is where those vacuum seal bags are a lifesaver. Fold your comforter, and stuff it in a vacuum seal bag. Do the same with your pillows. Attach your vacuum hose to the plastic piece, and watch everything condense. If you don’t have a vacuum, these bags can be hand-rolled.
Move to your closet and do the same with your clothes. These bags tend to look the same after a while, so label them with a piece of tape. Keep your socks to the side if you cannot purchase cushion foam.
You can keep your clothes on their hangers by covering them with a trash bag and zip tying the top.
Shoes go best in a box but can go in a suitcase.
Put anything in vacuum sealed bags into suitcases. They’re heavy, and the wheels help bare the weight during travel.
Put all linens aside; we’ll use those later!
Wrap anything glass (such as a lamp) in either bubble wrap or a towel. Make sure that your box/suitcase is filled with soft items such as a blanket or crumpled wrapping paper to reduce movement.
Start packing your nick-nacks.
Pack all devices with their chargers, and tape the cords together with blue tape.
Lastly, take down your decorations carefully. Lay them flat in folders or between sheets of wrapping paper.
The Bathroom
Take everything you want to keep, and put it on the counter. You’re definitely going to need a trash bag for items you don’t need.
Start bagging all liquid items.
Tape any open containers shut.
Wrap any glass items in paper, or put them in your socks.
If you have a drawer organizer, simply wrap it in paper and tape it tightly shut.
Keep all chargers with their electronics.
Use crumpled wrapping paper or your towels to fill spaces in boxes/suitcases.
The Dreaded Kitchen
This is what we train for, team. You got this!
Take out all dishes, so we can see what we’re working with (make sure your dishwasher is empty).
Begin lining the bottom of a medium box/small suitcase with crumpled wrapping paper, bubble wrap, or towels/linens.
Place cushion foam/bubble wrap between each plate or generously wrap every other plate in a sheet of wrapping paper. Place the stack of plates in the box/suitcase, and fill space with socks or crumpled wrapping paper.
Do the same with all glass bowls and cups. You should never have glass touching glass.
Take the drawer organizer out of your silverware drawer, wrap it in paper and tape it tightly shut.
Wrap all knives carefully in paper/bubble wrap or put them in oven mitts. You must label these! Make sure they can’t stab through anything.
Pack frying pans, placing foam/bubble wrap/packing paper between them to avoid scratching.
Wrap glass lids to pans and pans separately, but keep them in the same box so you don’t lose track.
Fill your pots with random kitchen items to save space. Place covered glass lid upside down on the pot.
Wrap any glass food containers in bubble wrap/packing paper.
Take all food out of the pantry. Throw away items or donate unopened food. If you want to keep something, tape it tightly closed. If it’s messy, put it in a plastic bag.
Clean out your fridge. You probably won’t be able to keep anything, but tape down anything you take. All open liquids must go in bags!
Furniture
Wrap the corners with bubble wrap, and tape them down. These straps are very useful for moving furniture.
Wrap mirrors in linens/bubble wrap, and tape them tightly.
You can donate furniture to Goodwill or sell/give away on Craigslist.
More tips
Label everything and all sides of boxes. Even label suitcases. This makes unpacking easier.
Keep important papers in a folder, and place them somewhere safe. Label whatever bag/ box they’re in.
Buy more supplies than you need, and return what you don’t use. I ran out of supplies for more than half my moves.
Don’t be afraid to donate unnecessary items.
Fill holes in your wall with wall spackle or rub a bar of soap on the spot.
Make sure you don’t pack your roommates’ items!
Packing up your entire life is exhausting, daunting and stressful. However, it’s not impossible. Take things step by step, and allow yourself to take breaks. Instead of dreading packing, let it be your goodbye.