As long as it takes, within reason, of course.

Some rooms can be packed in a few hours; others may take two or more days. Some people may be lucky enough that once they start packing, they can do so with few, if any, interruptions; others may find themselves squeezing it in around regular jobs, as well as any necessary repair or remodeling jobs.

Some people may choose to make a packing schedule that allows for “time off” between rooms; others may make up their minds that as much as possible will be done within a certain amount of time, and will stick to that schedule.

No matter how the time for packing is allotted or occurs, there are certain things that can be done, usually well in advance of the final days, which will certainly make everything go a lot smoother.

Packing seasonal clothing, decorations, and other items can be accomplished very early. After all, it’s going to either be warm or cold, close to holidays or not, so why not go ahead and pack the things that aren’t currently being used or needed?

As packing takes place, space will appear. But, that’s OK, it will soon be used again—to hold the boxes or containers that were packed. Make sure that the space is cleaned before filling it up again.

If packing is done properly, there should be no reason for anyone to have to “live out of a box”. This is why you will want to pack all non-essential and/or seldom-used items earlier than, say, those items in the bedrooms, bathrooms, and living and eating areas.

If at all possible, set packing goals, but make them realistic and flexible. Moving in and of itself is stressful enough, without any additional stress being added. And, remember, everything will all eventually get packed.

Using a professional moving company is something to be considered. If funds are available, and time is a factor, then deciding to use professional moving services may be wise.

Moving companies offer varied services. Some companies pack, load, move, and unload items, placing them exactly where they belong or where the customer wishes.. Others may require that belongings already be packed, and may only provide loading and unloading services, and unloading may be simply that: off-loading the belongings at the residence, with no further placement.

Other companies may go even farther: they may pack the household contents, load the belongings, transport them to the new residence, and unload and set up the items precisely where they belong, to the residents’ specifications. Additionally, they may also clean the old residence. Some may even go so far as to clean both the old and the new residence.

A relatively new concept in moving is the “all-inclusive” company. This company does everything. They act as the real estate agency by finding the right house, then continue to offer their services during the entire packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and set-up process.

Any moving company should be thoroughly checked out before being engaged. One may wish to ask the company to provide references, preferably former customers. It is also wise to determine if any complaints have ever been filed against the company.

Do not be hesitant to negotiate. Ask if a midweek move would be cheaper than a weekend move, and even if there is a difference in the time of year a move occurs. Any company, of course, will need to inspect the home and contents to see what will be involved in the move; this may be a good time to “comparison-shop”, for the best prices and services.

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There are probably as many ways to pack as there are packing containers and materials. Therefore, the best way to pack will be the way that best suits the individual person or family.

It will probably take approximately four weeks for packing to be completed. Therefore, thought should be given as to what can be packed immediately, and what may need to be packed later.

It is always a good idea to begin the process of elimination before any actual packing is begun. There is no need to pack something if it is not going to be moved and used in the new location.

Once all unnecessary items have been taken care of, seasonal clothing and items as well as belongings in any lesser-used rooms can be packed. Books, videos, DVDs, and things of that nature can be packed, as can items in any garages, outbuildings, or storage areas. Once the items in garages, outbuildings, or storage areas are packed, the resulting space can be used to store the already packed items.

Essential items, of course, will have to be packed over the last few days; however, bedroom items that can be spared can be packed. This can include extra bed clothing, and decorative throws or pillows. Likewise, clothing can be packed, especially if one takes into account the wardrobe needs over the final weeks and plans accordingly.

Home offices should be packed with consideration to fulfilling of current commitments. Those items that must be used daily should be left out, but other items, such as old files and lesser-used equipment can be packed.

The kitchen should not be packed until as close to the actual move date as possible. Bathroom items and other personal belongings may have to be packed on the very day of moving.