Moving is one of those things that sounds exciting until you start doing it.  

Suddenly, every drawer you open feels like a time capsule of stuff you forgot you owned like cords to devices that died a decade ago, mystery keys, and that “someday I’ll wear it again” pile mocking you from the closet. 
 
It doesn’t have to be like this.  

Packing doesn’t have to be exhausting, disorganized, or last-minute. With the right strategy and a few tricks from professional organizers, you can make your next move smoother, faster, and about 50% easier. 

Let’s unpack (pun intended) how. 
Step 1: Start With a Plan, Not a Panic 

Most people start packing the way they cook on a weeknight: they open a cabinet and start grabbing whatever’s in reach.  
But packing smart means having a plan before the first box gets taped. 
 
Start by mapping your timeline. 

• Two months out: Begin decluttering. Anything you haven’t used, worn, or loved in the last year,  it’s time to decide whether it gets donated, sold, or recycled.
• One month out: Gather supplies like boxes, labels, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, and bins for “move day essentials.”
• Two weeks out: Begin packing non-essentials (off-season clothes, books, decor, etc.).
• One week out: Pack the rooms you use least.
• Two days out: Finish the kitchen and bathrooms. 

The key is pacing. Packing is a process, not an event. A professional organizer doesn’t just throw things in boxes. We build momentum in small, organized bursts. 

Step 2: Declutter Like You Mean It 
Here’s the truth no one likes to admit:  

...If you pack clutter, you’ll just be unpacking clutter later. 
 
So before you even think about boxes, do a serious pre-move edit. Go room by room and ask: 

• Do I use this?
• Do I love this?
• Would I buy it again today? 
  

If the answer is no, it doesn’t deserve a seat on the moving truck. 
 
One of the best parts of working with a professional organizer is having a neutral third party to help you make those tough decisions with no guilt, no pressure, and zero judgment. 

We can even coordinate donation drop-offs or hauler pickups, so you’re not staring at “donate piles” that linger for weeks. 

Step 3: Pack by Category, Not by Chaos 

Most people pack by room, which sounds logical but actually leads to inefficiency. You’ll end up with twelve half-packed boxes scattered across the house. 
 
Professional organizers pack by category: 

• Linens and towels together (from every room).
• All books together (then labeled by owner or subject).
• All kitchen tools in a clearly defined set. 

This approach means you can unpack faster and find things easily at the new place. 
 
It also helps you keep inventory. You’ll know how many boxes of “Kitchen Essentials” you have versus “Seasonal Decor.” That makes both the movers’ job and yours a whole lot simpler. 
 
Step 4: Label Like Your Sanity Depends on It (Because It Does) 

A label can make or break your moving day. 
 
Forget scribbling “Misc.” or “Bedroom?” in Sharpie. Use consistent, detailed labels. We recommend: 

• Color-coding by room (stickers or tape work great)
• Numbering each box and keeping a quick reference list (so “#14 – Bathroom Towels & Hair Dryer” actually means something)
• Special tags for “Open First” boxes 

We also add “Fragile” or “This Side Up” notes where it matters not just for movers but for your own unpacking flow. 
 
Bonus: our team uses digital inventory lists for larger homes so you know exactly where everything is before the truck even pulls out of the driveway. 
 
Step 5: Build a “First-Night Box” for Each Family Member 

Moving day is long. By the time you land in your new home, the last thing you want to do is hunt for pajamas or your toothbrush. 
 
So we always pack a First-Night Box: one per person (and one for the household). 
Include: 

• A change of clothes
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Chargers
• Snacks and paper goods
• A towel, pillow, and blanket 

Label it clearly and keep it with you, not on the moving truck. You’ll thank yourself later. 

Step 6: Take Photos Before You Pack 

Before you take anything apart, shelves, electronics, furniture setups, snap quick photos. 
 
This is one of those simple organizer tricks that saves hours later. You’ll remember where cords plug in, how artwork was grouped, or which drawer held utensils perfectly. 
 
It also helps you recreate your favorite organized spaces in the new house.  

At The Organized You, we use these photos when unpacking to rebuild rooms in a way that feels instantly familiar just cleaner, calmer, and more functional. 

Step 7: Know When to Hand It Off 

There’s no rule that says you have to do it all yourself. If your move is starting to feel overwhelming, that’s exactly when professionals like us step in. 
 
We can: 

• Pre-sort and declutter before moving day
• Pack strategically, with labeling and inventory
• Coordinate donations and removal of unwanted items
• Unpack and organize your new home so it’s fully functional right away 

Imagine walking into your new home and having your kitchen, closets, and bathrooms already set up: everything in its place, boxes gone, and systems ready to keep you organized long after move-in day. 
 
That’s the peace of mind a professional organizer delivers. 
 
The Bottom Line 

Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions, but it doesn’t have to be one of life’s biggest stressors. 

Packing smart means planning ahead, decluttering intentionally, labeling clearly, and setting yourself up for success not chaos. 
 
And if the thought of doing all that alone makes you want to lie down on the bubble wrap and cry, we’ve got you. 
 
At The Organized You, we help busy families and professionals pack, move, and settle in seamlessly, turning what feels like chaos into calm. 
 
You focus on where you’re going. 
We’ll take care of how you get there. 

 Serving the Greater Boston Area with Expert Home Organization Services & Custom Closet Organization

At The Organized You, we offer personalized home organization services throughout the Greater Boston Area, including Wellesley, Dover, Needham, Newton, Medfield, Walpole, and beyond. Whether you need help decluttering, optimizing your closets, or creating a functional home office, we’re here to design systems that work for you. Learn more about our services in Wellesley, Dover, Needham, Newton, Medfield, and Walpole, and schedule your free consultation today!