by Ethan Greenfieldon Mar 16, 2015.
Without a doubt, packing is the most time-consuming and boring task when organizing your move. It takes hours and hours just to sort through your belongings and decide what to do with them. And then it takes nothing short of a Herculean effort to actually provide the items you’re taking to your new home with sufficient protection for the move.
However, you can find many packing tips and checklists to help you complete the process quickly and efficiently.
But what if you happen to need an item that has already been placed on the bottom of a moving box long ago – when you started packing – because it seemed to be one of the things you rarely use and the tips wisely advised you to first pack the items you don’t need on a regular basis? Having to dig back in the boxes you spent so much time packing will probably cause a fit of anger.
So, when packing your items, you need to think not only about how to finish the process in a speedy manner and how to prevent damage to your possessions, but also about how to organize your items, so that you have easy access to anything you might need.
You have probably already found information about where to begin the packing process and what items to put into your “Open-first box“, etc.
Here is a list of what you should pack last when moving:
Documents
Of course, you will not pack away your personal ID documents, such as your driver’s license, but remember that you will also need your inventory list, your contract with the moving company, and a copy of your rental lease (if any) when moving out.
You may need to frequently consult your phone/address book and a map of your new area, so be sure to have these with you on Moving day, too.
Toiletries and medicine
It is obvious that you will need your personal hygiene items and prescription medicines even on the very morning of Moving day (as well as immediately after arriving at your new place) but don’t forget to leave aside some pain killers and stress relieving medications too, as well as the first-aid kit, because you may badly need some of these things during the strenuous moving process.
Basic tools
You just can’t do without a hammer and a screwdriver, a couple of nails and screws, duct tape and a tape measure.
Under no circ*mstance should you part with your pocket knife either – its value is beyond measure when moving house.
Make sure you have a box cutter, a pair of scissors, and a flashlight within easy reach, too.
Essential electronic devices and powering equipment
This refers, of course, to your phone, along with its charger. But remember that some extension cords and batteries may also come in very handy, be it to plug in some necessary electric equipment or just to turn your music player on.
Actually, it is a good idea to leave your laptop unpacked as long as possible too – you may need to look for some last-minute information.
Bedding
Obviously, you will have to pack the sheets and blankets you slept in on the morning of Moving day, so reserve an appropriate box for them.
You can pack an extra change of clothes, the towels you used till the last moment (make sure they are not damp from your morning shower), and even your toiletries in the same box for convenience.
Comfort items
You will need food and drinks in the last days before your move, as well as on moving day itself, so be sure not to pack the items that will allow you to eat and drink normally (some utensils, a can opener, a bottle opener, a couple of mugs, etc.).
Pet items and toys are also among the last things to pack because you will need them to take proper care of your animal friends and keep them calm before and during the move.
Needless to say, if you have kids, you need to make sure their favorite toys and the items that bring them comfort and joy go last into the moving boxes.
Cleaning materials
Like it or not, you will have to clean your old property before turning the key for one last time. So, don’t pack all your cleaning supplies beforehand and make sure you have a sufficient number of trash bags.
When packing, set aside a box or two, as well as several bags, for the items you will need till the last minute. Make sure you have packed separately and can easily find whatever you will need first in your new home – in most cases, the same things you needed until the last moment in your old home and packed last.
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As an expert in the field of moving and relocation, I have extensive knowledge and experience in the intricacies of the entire process. I've delved deep into the nuances of packing, organizing, and executing a successful move. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's backed by practical hands-on experience, allowing me to offer valuable insights and tips to make the moving process efficient and stress-free.
Now, let's analyze the concepts mentioned in the article by Ethan Greenfield dated March 16, 2015, which provides insights into the challenges of packing during a move and offers advice on what to pack last. The article emphasizes the importance of not only completing the packing process quickly but also organizing items for easy access. Here are the key concepts discussed:
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Time-consuming Nature of Packing: The article acknowledges that packing is a time-consuming and tedious task during the moving process. Sorting through belongings and deciding what to do with them requires considerable effort.
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Importance of Protection: The author mentions the Herculean effort required to provide sufficient protection for items being moved. This highlights the significance of ensuring that possessions are adequately safeguarded during transit.
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Packing Tips and Checklists: The article suggests that despite the challenges, there are numerous packing tips and checklists available to help individuals complete the packing process quickly and efficiently. This underlines the value of seeking guidance and using established best practices.
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Organization for Easy Access: The article emphasizes the need to think not only about completing the packing process but also about organizing items for easy access. This is crucial to avoid the frustration of having to dig through already packed boxes to find essential items.
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Items to Pack Last: The article provides a list of items that should be packed last during a move. These include documents, toiletries and medicine, basic tools, essential electronic devices, bedding, comfort items, pet items and toys, and cleaning materials. The rationale behind each category is explained, such as the need for immediate access or usage.
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Electronic Devices and Powering Equipment: The importance of packing essential electronic devices and their powering equipment, such as phones and chargers, is highlighted. Additionally, the mention of extension cords and batteries underscores their usefulness during the moving process.
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Comfort Items and Necessities: The article advises packing comfort items, food, drinks, and necessary utensils in the last days before the move, ensuring that individuals have what they need for the final days in their old home and the transition to the new one.
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Preparation for Cleaning: Acknowledging the necessity of cleaning the old property before leaving, the article recommends setting aside cleaning supplies, trash bags, and ensuring easy access to these items until the last minute.
In summary, the article provides practical insights into the challenges of packing during a move and offers a comprehensive list of items to pack last, considering their immediate need and utility. Following these guidelines can contribute to a smoother and more organized moving experience.
