Where To Start Packing When Moving

Alright, folks, gather 'round, grab a virtual coffee, because we’re about to tackle a beast. Not a literal beast, unless your attic is literally inhabited by squirrels (in which case, call animal control before packing). We’re talking about packing for a move. That mountain of cardboard boxes mocking you from the corner? Yeah, we're going to conquer that. The big question is: Where do you even begin?

Seriously, it’s like staring into the abyss. Or, you know, your closet after neglecting it for, oh, a decade. But fear not! I’m here to guide you through this logistical nightmare with a mix of questionable advice and surprisingly practical tips. Think of me as your slightly unhinged, but ultimately helpful, packing Yoda.

The Purge (aka "Get Rid of Stuff")

Before you even think about buying bubble wrap (which, let’s be honest, you’ll probably just pop instead of using), you need to face the cold, hard truth: you own too much stuff. I know, I know, it's a painful realization. But trust me, moving is the perfect excuse to unleash your inner Marie Kondo. Except, instead of thanking your socks for their service, you’re more likely to shout, "BEGONE, hideous sweater from Aunt Mildred!"

Pro-tip: Create three piles: Donate, Sell, and Trash (or "Recycle" if you’re feeling environmentally conscious). Be ruthless. If you haven’t used it in a year, chances are you won’t miss it. Except maybe that vintage pizza cutter shaped like a shark. That one's a keeper.

Fun fact: Did you know that the average American home contains over 300,000 items? That's enough stuff to fill a small museum… or maybe just your garage.

Operation: Empty the Attic (or Basement… or Shed… You Get the Idea)

Now, for the love of all that is holy, do NOT start with the heart of your home. Resist the urge to pack your kitchen first. Instead, tackle the areas that are already relatively unused. The attic, the basement, the shed – these are the perfect starting points. Why? Because they're usually filled with forgotten treasures (and maybe some actual trash).

Packing these areas first accomplishes a few crucial things:

• It’s a warm-up. Like stretching before a marathon, packing the attic prepares you for the main event: dealing with your actual belongings.
• It gives you space. Emptying these storage areas creates more room to sort and pack the rest of your house.
• It might uncover hidden gold. Okay, probably not gold. But maybe a vintage board game you forgot existed. Or a box of embarrassing childhood photos that you can use to blackmail your siblings later.

Important: Be prepared for anything when venturing into these forgotten zones. Wear a mask (dust bunnies are real, people!), bring a flashlight (because apparently no one believes in lighting in storage areas), and maybe a buddy (for moral support… and to help you carry that ridiculously heavy box of old encyclopedias).

The Sentimental Stuff Showdown

Okay, this is where things get tricky. We all have that box (or five) filled with sentimental items: old birthday cards, concert tickets, dried-up flowers from that one time your significant other tried to be romantic… you know the drill.

The key here is to be realistic. You don't need to keep every single memento from your past. Pick the most meaningful items and let the rest go. Take photos of the things you want to remember but don't need to physically keep. Create a digital scrapbook. Your future self will thank you (especially when they're not tripping over boxes of old yearbooks).

Joke alert: My mother once tried to convince me that I needed to keep a rock from a family vacation... from 1987. I love her, but I drew the line at sedimentary souvenirs.

Low-Hanging Fruit: Seasonal Decorations

Christmas lights in July? Easter bunny ears in November? Yeah, those should probably be packed first. Seasonal decorations are easy to box up because they're already grouped together. Plus, getting them out of the way early will make you feel like you're actually making progress (even if you’re just procrastinating dealing with your closet of doom).

Bonus tip: Label these boxes clearly. Future you will be incredibly grateful when December rolls around and you can immediately find the box labeled "Christmas Ornaments" instead of digging through 20 boxes of random stuff.

Create a "First Night" Box

Imagine this: you arrive at your new place, exhausted, starving, and covered in packing tape. The last thing you want to do is rummage through boxes looking for your toothbrush and pajamas. That’s where the "First Night" box comes in. This box should contain all the essentials you’ll need for your first 24 hours in your new home: toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, phone chargers, snacks, and maybe even a bottle of wine (for celebratory purposes, of course).

Important: Keep this box with you during the move. Don't let the movers take it! Think of it as your personal survival kit for the moving apocalypse.

Remember to Breathe (and Maybe Order Pizza)

Packing is stressful. There’s no way around it. But it doesn’t have to be a complete and utter nightmare. Take breaks, listen to your favorite music, and reward yourself for your progress. And if all else fails, order a pizza, call your friends, and turn it into a packing party. Because misery loves company… and pizza.

So there you have it, my friends. A (hopefully) humorous and helpful guide to where to start packing. Now go forth and conquer those cardboard boxes! And remember, if you get overwhelmed, just blame it on the squirrels in the attic.