Packing for a move can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of what supplies you’ll need. Whether you’re packing up a family home, downsizing after the kids have left, or moving from a cozy condo, having the right materials can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll explore three common moving scenarios and break down the packing supplies you'll need, along with some helpful planning tips.
Scenario 1: The Busy Family Move (1,800-2,500 sq ft)
Moving a family with two kids, three to four bedrooms, and a garage is no small task. With all the toys, clothes, kitchen items, and garage tools, you’ll need to be well-prepared.
Estimated Supplies:
Boxes: 90-150 boxes of various sizes.
Small boxes: 20-30 (for books, pantry items, and small decor)
Medium boxes: 40-60 (for kitchenware, toys, and small appliances)
Large boxes: 20-30 (for bedding, towels, and bulkier items)
Wardrobe boxes: 5-10 (for hanging clothes)
Packing Tape: 10-15 rolls
Bubble Wrap: 200-300 feet (for fragile items like dishes, glassware, and electronics)
Packing Paper: 30-40 lbs (for wrapping and filling empty spaces)
Plastic Wrap: 1 large roll (for securing furniture and bundling items)
Moving Blankets: 8-12 blankets (for protecting furniture and large mirrors)
Labels and Markers: 2 packs of labels and a few permanent markers
Planning Tips:
Yard Sale/Donations: Encourage the kids to go through their toys and clothes a few weeks before the move. Hold a yard sale to get rid of items they’ve outgrown or no longer need. Donate anything that doesn’t sell.
Packing Hack: Use your kids' soft toys and stuffed animals as padding in boxes containing fragile items. It saves on bubble wrap and keeps their belongings together.
Scenario 2: Downsizing After the Kids Have Left
When it’s just you and your partner, and the kids are off to college, it’s time to think about downsizing. However, you’ll likely still have a lot of belongings, especially sentimental or inherited items that require special care.
Estimated Supplies:
Boxes: 60-100 boxes of various sizes.
Small boxes: 15-25 (for books, kitchen items, and small keepsakes)
Medium boxes: 30-50 (for kitchenware, decor, and personal items)
Large boxes: 10-15 (for bedding, towels, and bulkier items)
Specialty boxes: 5-10 (for fragile or sentimental items, such as dish pack boxes or picture frame boxes)
Packing Tape: 8-12 rolls
Bubble Wrap: 150-250 feet (for fragile and sentimental items)
Packing Paper: 25-35 lbs (for wrapping and filling empty spaces)
Plastic Wrap: 1 large roll (for securing furniture and bundling items)
Moving Blankets: 6-10 blankets (for protecting furniture and mirrors)
Labels and Markers: 2 packs of labels and a few permanent markers
Planning Tips:
Decluttering: As you prepare to downsize, take the opportunity to declutter. Consider holding a yard sale or donating items you no longer need. Sentimental items can be tricky, but setting limits on how many to keep can help.
Packing Hack: Use old towels and linens as padding for fragile items. This reduces the need for as much packing paper and keeps these items from taking up space in other boxes.
Scenario 3: Moving from a Condo (1,200 sq ft)
For an elder relocating to be closer to family, the focus is often on carefully packing personal belongings and sentimental items, rather than a large volume of goods. Moving from a 1,200 sq ft condo, it's important to ensure that cherished items are packed with care and that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Estimated Supplies:
Boxes: 47-81 boxes of various sizes.
Small boxes: 15-20 (for kitchen items, small decor, and books)
Medium boxes: 25-40 (for clothing, bedding, and personal items)
Large boxes: 5-10 (for bulkier items)
Packing Tape: 6-10 rolls
Bubble Wrap: 100-200 feet (for fragile and sentimental items)
Packing Paper: 20-30 lbs (for wrapping and filling empty spaces)
Plastic Wrap: 1 large roll (for securing furniture and bundling items)
Moving Blankets: 4-8 blankets (for protecting furniture and mirrors)
Labels and Markers: 1-2 packs of labels and a couple of permanent markers
Planning Tips:
Donations: As part of the downsizing process, consider donating items that are no longer needed to local charities. Many organizations offer pick-up services for donations, which can be especially helpful.
Packing Hack: Utilize small plastic containers to organize and pack smaller sentimental items. This way, they stay safe and can easily be found when unpacking.
Final Thoughts
No matter which scenario fits your situation, having the right packing supplies is key to a smooth and stress-free move. Start planning early, gather your supplies, and consider decluttering before packing to minimize what you need to transport. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful move!
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