Moving Soon? Try This Stress-Free Packing System

Packing for a move doesn’t have to feel like total chaos. 😵‍💫 With the right strategy, you can keep your sanity and find your toothbrush on day one.

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, using a simple priority system can make your entire moving process smoother and way less stressful. Today, I’m sharing one of the best-kept secrets to organized packing that works no matter how big or small your move is.

🎯 The Secret: Pack by Room AND Priority

Most people pack by room. That’s good – but we’re going one step further.

By labeling your boxes with both the room they belong in AND a priority number (1, 2, or 3), you’ll know exactly what to unpack first, and what can wait until you’ve caught your breath.

📦 Priority 1: Unpack These First

Think: Everything you need within the first 48 hours.

• Bedroom: Sheets, pillows, towels, pajamas, and outfits for the week
• Bathroom: Toiletries, toilet paper, shower curtain
• Kitchen: Everyday dishes, coffee maker, utensils, basic cookware
• Living Room: Chargers, remotes, kids’ essentials, pet food

👉 Label: “Bedroom – Priority 1”
👉 Unpacking Tip: Have movers place all #1 boxes directly into their rooms for quick access.

📦 Priority 2: Nice to Have, Not Urgent

These are your comfort and decor items—helpful, but not essential.

• Bedroom: Wall art, lamps, rugs
• Kitchen: Serving dishes, blender, spice rack
• Living Room: Decor, extra blankets, books

👉 Label: “Living Room – Priority 2”
👉 Storage Tip: Ask movers to place these boxes in an out-of-the-way area like a guest room or garage so they’re not in your way.

📦 Priority 3: Unpack When You Can

These are items you won’t miss for a few weeks.

• Bedroom: Extra bedding, off-season clothing
• Kitchen: Bread maker, fondue set, cake pans
• Garage/Basement: Holiday decor, storage bins, sports gear

👉 Label: “Garage – Priority 3”
👉 Unpacking Tip: Stack neatly in your storage space until you’re ready to organize.

🗂️ Bonus Tip: Color Code by Room

If you’re a visual person, use colored tape or labels to match each room. For example:

• • • • • • • Red = Kitchen
            • Yellow = Bedroom
            • Green = Living Room

This makes it super easy for movers—and you—to know where everything belongs at a glance.

✅ Why This Works

• You save time by unpacking what matters first
• You avoid digging through 40 boxes looking for a towel
• You prevent clutter in high-traffic areas
• You keep long-term items out of sight until you need them

🏡 Final Thought: Unpack on Your Own Timeline

Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. By using this simple Room + Priority system, you can feel more in control, more organized, and way more at home—faster.

And let’s be real—when you know where your coffee pot and clean underwear are on day one? That’s a moving win. 😉

Need help planning your next move?

As a local real estate expert, I don’t just help you find your next home—I help you make moving into it stress-free, too. Contact me for my printable Packing Priority Labels and a personalized Move Map!