How to Pack for a Super Organized Move

Moving is probably very low on everyone's list of "Favorite Things to Do". But there are times in our lives where we must move our belongings. So why not keep it as organized as possible? Before starting, make sure you have plenty of boxes and packing material on hand. And the earlier you can start your move, the better. Have you heard of the 80/20 rule? Well as it applies to the 'stuff' in people's lives, about 80% of our stuff we can live without at least for a short while. The other 20% we might use every day. So get started on that 80% well ahead of time and you'll be off to a good start.

Now, about staying organized. Conventional wisdom will tell you to label the outside of each box with its contents. There are several problems with this approach. First, it's hard to get all the contents of any one box written on the outside. There may be a wide variety of stuff in any given box. One must pack each box as the stuff fits. Some people write very general stuff like "Kitchen" or "Closet" on the outside which doesn't really do much good. Furthermore, if you write it on the top of the box, what happens? The boxes get stacked up on top of each other and you must then move them around to see what you wrote.

Another problem with listing the contents on the top of each box is that it invites stealing. Consider a box that's labeled "Digital Camera Equipment - Fragile". If you hire movers and use that labeling method, they will know where they can get a free digital camera won't they? Same with a box labeled "Jewelry and Watches - Fragile". Now I'm not saying all movers are dishonest, but I can say there is an element of risk there.

So let's get back to staying organized. The simple solution is to just number each box. Number it with a marker on the top and at least on one side. If there are fragile items in the box, then write that word in large letters as well.

You will need to have a corresponding list somewhere so that you'll later be able to know what's in each box. You could handwrite one, but a better option is to use a computer spreadsheet like Excel. A simple two column spreadsheet will suffice where one column is the box number and the second is a list of its contents.

This has several advantages. You can be as detailed as you want in the spreadsheet and list each item in the box if you have time. The only thing the movers and everyone else will see is the number on the box. A computer spreadsheet is also searchable. Say you reach the other end of your move and you ask "I want lemonade - now which box is that lemon squeezer in?". You can simply fire up your computer and search the spreadsheet. If you recorded it, you'll know right where to find that lemon squeezer and you'll be enjoying nice fresh lemonade immediately.

Obviously if you use a computer spreadsheet, your computer should be one of the last things packed. If you have a notebook computer, you can keep the list going until the day of the actual move. If you plan to pack your computer however, don't forget to print the list out first so you have it handy!

If you take the extra time to number and record your boxes, you can feel less stressed out about your move. You can relax when you reach the other end and begin to unpack. You can simply read your list to decide which box to unpack first, second and so on. So why not organize your move? They don't have to be traumatic.