7 Things to Pack Last When Moving

When you’re moving, all those packing boxes are enough to make your head spin. But don’t worry — Paradise Moving & Storage will help you make sense of the chaos and turn that mountain of stuff into an organized process. So, let’s explore things to pack last when moving, whether it’s a local moving or interstate long-distance moving. 

Pack Non-Essential Items First

Start by packing items you won’t need right away, such as things you use less frequently or can do without for a few weeks, such as:

• books and records;
• picture frames and artwork;
• knick-knacks and decorations; 
• clothing and shoes. 

Packing these items that won’t disrupt your daily routine makes it possible for you to continue living comfortably in your home while preparing for your move.

Start With Books and Records

To start packing your books and records, declutter your collection by deciding what to keep. If you haven’t read a book in years or have records you no longer listen to, maybe it’s time to sell them, donate to a local library or thrift store, or even pass them on to someone.

Pack everything using durable boxes to withstand the weight of the items and avoid packing too much to make lifting simpler. When packing books, it’s best to lay them flat or with the spine facing down to prevent damage. As for your records, pack them vertically, and never stack them horizontally as it can lead to warping.

Picture Frames and Artwork

Picture frames and artwork are often delicate, valuable, and irreplaceable. To ensure their safe arrival at your new home, start by assessing each piece — check the size, material, and fragility of your artwork and frames. Larger pieces might require custom-made boxes, while smaller ones could fit into standard moving boxes.

Then, gather your packing materials. You will require bubble wrap, packing paper, sturdy cardboard, packing tape, and perhaps corner protectors for most frames and artwork. 

After that, you can start packing picture frames and artwork:

1. Begin by wrapping your artwork or frame in paper to protect it against scratches.
2. Next, wrap the item in bubble wrap. Be generous with it — it’s your main line of defense against bumps and drops. Secure the wrap with packing tape.
3. If you’re dealing with a frame or a canvas, consider adding corner protectors for extra safety.
4. Line your box with more bubble wrap or packing paper. This creates a soft bed for your item to rest on.
5. Place your wrapped artwork or frame in the box. If there’s any extra space, fill it with crumpled packing paper or more bubble wrap.
6. Finally, seal the box securely with packing tape and clearly label it as “Fragile – Artwork” so movers know to handle it with care.

It’s better to keep such items out of the way to prevent any accidental damage as you move larger items around.

Knick-Knacks and Decorations

To pack knick-knacks and decorations properly, use this as a chance to declutter. Sort through your things and choose what brings you joy.

Now, gather up some packing supplies like small boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts, and tape. Wrap each piece lovingly, then carefully place them in your box, with the chunkier items at the bottom. Don’t forget to fill in gaps with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to stop things from moving around.

Clothing and Shoes

Packing your clothing and shoes doesn’t mean just tossing them in a suitcase. It requires several steps:

1. First, go through everything and decide what you want to take with you. 
2. Once you’ve sorted out your keepers, group your clothes by type.
3. For clothes that wrinkle easily, consider garment bags or specialty boxes. You can also use vacuum seal bags to save space, especially for out-of-season clothes.
4. As for shoes, clean them first to avoid dirt spreading in your luggage. Stuff them with socks or paper to keep their shape. Then, wrap each pair in a bag or packing paper before placing in a box.

If you have any high-value or delicate items like designer dresses or leather boots, consider getting professional packing services. They’ll ensure these precious pieces reach your new home in excellent shape.

Packing Up Essential Items

Your essential items are the things you’ll need right up until the last minute before your move and the first things you’ll be reaching for once you arrive at your new place.

There are a few categories you need to think about:

• a box of essentials.
• kitchen items.
• office supplies.
• electronic devices and media players.
• toiletries and cleaning supplies.

Keep these categories easily accessible by packing them last and unpacking them first. Let’s explore how to do it correctly.

Packing a Box of Essentials

Such a box is essential during your move, as it will hold everything you’ll need for those first few hectic days at your new place. It may include these items:

• Clothing and personal items. Make sure to pack enough clothing for a few days, taking into account the weather and your planned activities. 
• Food and drink. Granola bars, nuts, and bottled water are good options. 
• Essential documents. Keep important documents like passports, IDs, house deeds, and insurance papers in this box.
• Toiletries and medications. Don’t forget essential toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, and toilet paper. If you or any family members take regular medications, ensure these are packed too.
• Entertainment. Having a book, a deck of cards, or your favorite movie can provide some much-needed relaxation.
• Chargers and electronics. You might need them for communication, work, or navigation.
• Tools and cleaning supplies. A simple toolset can help with small repairs, and cleaning supplies for urgent cleanup.

The goal of this box is to make your first few days in your new home as comfortable as possible.

Kitchen Items

Here’s how to pack your kitchen items:

1. Start with the basics — a pot, a pan, a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and utensils like spatulas and spoons. 
2. Pack a set of plates, bowls, glasses, and cutlery for each family member. 
3. Choose the appliances you use daily, like your coffee maker, kettle or toaster. Larger appliances, such as blenders or slow cookers, can be packed separately and unpacked later.
4. Bring along non-perishable food items like pasta, canned goods, coffee, tea, and snacks.
5. Don’t forget dish soap, sponges, and a dish rack. You’ll need these for cleaning up after meals.

Pack enough to get by without overloading yourself. The quicker you unpack and organize your new kitchen, the sooner you’ll feel at home.

Office Supplies

First, sort your office supplies and only keep what’s necessary. Pack them in a sturdy box or container. It’s best to use smaller boxes to avoid them becoming too heavy. Remember to place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top.

Be extra careful with sharp objects like scissors or letter openers — wrap them up in bubble wrap or packing paper. Important documents and files should be packed separately in a labeled box. Printers and other electronic devices need special care. Remove the ink cartridges from your printer before packing it, and check if all devices are properly cushioned to prevent damage. 

You can also label your box as “Office Supplies” to know exactly where is your office stuff.

Electronic Devices and Media Players

Your electronic devices and media players are delicate items that need extra care, so use these tips to pack them:

• Television or laptop. If you’ve still got their original boxes and padding, use them. But if not, just wrap them up in bubble wrap or soft materials.
• Media player and/or streaming device. Pack them just like your laptop or TV, just remember to remove all disks before.
• Internet router and modem. When you pack these up, label those wires for an easier setup at your new place.
• Microwave. Make sure it’s clean and dry before you pack it away.
• Lamps. Remember to take out the bulb and wrap the lamp in something protective.
• Small accessories. To avoid losing your remotes, chargers, and other small electronics, pack them in a separate, clearly marked box.

Before you disconnect everything, remember to back up all your data and files. And keep all wires and accessories together so you can find them easily later.

Toiletries and Cleaning Supplies

Your toiletries and cleaning supplies are also important, so pack them properly:

• Toiletries. Your toothbrush, soap, toilet paper, and skincare routine — you’re going to need these until the very end. Keep them in a separate bag so you can easily grab them on moving day.
• Cleaning supplies. You’ll want to leave your old place spick and span, right? And who knows, your new place might need a quick clean too. 
• Laundry detergent. You’ll be doing laundry up to the last minute. Plus, you’ll probably want to wash some linens as soon as you get to your new place.
• Towels and bedding. These are often used right up until the end. Also, it’s nice to have a set ready for your first night in your new home.

Packing these items last means they’re easily accessible when you need them.

Now that you know what to pack last, you can concentrate on other important aspects of your relocation. Need additional assistance? Contact our experts in packing and moving services and let them do all the heavy work for you.