No two people are going to pack alike. One person will swear that room by room, everything at once, is the only way to go, while another will insist that each room will require two packing sessions—one for those items that are not used as often, then another one to get everything else.

How it should be done is an individual thing, and what works for you is the method that should be used. It is evident, however, that items such as books, seasonal decorations or ornaments, and off-season clothing can be among the earliest things packed, AFTER de-cluttering has occurred, of course. IF IT’S NOT BEING USED, DON’T PACK IT!

Once initial packing has begun, it will probably be easier to make and adhere to a packing schedule. The very act of beginning to put things in boxes and containers will enable you to see exactly what should be considered essential, and what can be packed sooner.

Garages and outbuildings can be packed almost immediately after residence and relocation arrangements have been finalized, followed by spare or guest bedrooms. Books, DVDs, and artwork can also be packed fairly early.

Bedrooms and much-used areas, such as the living room, kitchen, and dining area, will have to wait until close to the last minute—but enough time should be allowed to make sure that packing these rooms is not a rush job, or that they are not being completely packed on the day of the move itself.

Those who work out of a home office should notify clients and other essential personnel of the move, and set a date for when the office will be “closed” at the old residence. All necessary business should be taken care prior to that date.

Part of the moving process involves you turning off the utilities before you put in the request to have them added to your new home. This aspect of moving can be a daunting task indeed and in a worst case scenario it may be a chore that is easy for you to forget. The last thing that you want is to move in to your new home and not be able to see the interior of your new home or even have water to take a well needed shower after such a stressful day.

Before you get ahead of yourself with all the moving responsibilities that will be impressed upon you, you should call your utility company in your state some week or two before your move-in date. And if you are moving out of state, check with the utility companies in that state to arrange for service connection there as well. Before you start making your phone calls to the utility companies, you should be armed with the account numbers for each bill. This would make finding your account a lot easier. Let each company know that you will be expecting service on the morning that you are expected to move in to your new home.

The utility companies should also be able to leave the service on in the old apartment at least until you is all moved out. Remember to give the utility company the right information on the date that you plan on moving and transferring your services. It would also be advisable that you call the utility companies a few days before they are expected to move your services from one house to another. Even if you are moving out of state then you should also use this above mentioned method in informing your new utilities about your move and your intention of applying for new service. In addition to the electricity company you will also need to notify your water company as well and your cable/ internet and telephone providers.

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.