What to Pack First and Last When Moving in California

Ready to start your California move? Let’s break down exactly how to pack your home – from the first box to the last. This guide will help you stay organized and make unpacking in your new place so much easier. We’ve helped thousands of California families move, and we’re sharing our best tips with you.

Pre-Packing Phase: 2-3 Months Before

Starting early is your best friend when it comes to moving. First things first – let’s get organized. Pull out your phone and take pictures of each room. This helps you remember where everything goes in your new place. Get some good quality boxes (forget those flimsy grocery store ones), packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for not skimping on supplies.

Now’s also the perfect time to sort through your stuff. We all have things we don’t need anymore. California has some great donation centers – just search for your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. They’ll often pick up furniture and larger items right from your home. Make three piles: keep, donate, and trash. Be honest with yourself – if you haven’t used something in a year, it’s probably time to let it go.

First Items to Pack: 3-8 Weeks Before

Start with the easy stuff – things you won’t miss for a while. Your Christmas decorations, those winter coats (especially if you’re moving in summer), and those books you’ve already read. Pack up your garage first – tools, sports equipment, and those boxes that have been sitting there since your last move.

Got a guest room? Pack it up entirely. Same goes for any rooms you rarely use, like a formal dining room or that craft room you’ve been meaning to get back to. Don’t forget about your storage spaces – attics, basements, and those high cupboards you never open. Label everything clearly with the room it belongs in and what’s inside. A good label now saves hours of searching later.

Mid-Stage Packing: 2-4 Weeks Before

Time to tackle your walls and shelves. Carefully wrap each picture frame and mirror in bubble wrap. Pack your DVDs, video games, and those extra towels and sheets you keep for guests. In your kitchen, pack up the fancy dishes, that ice cream maker you use twice a year, and any other appliances you won’t need before moving day.

Your home office is next – but keep your computer and essential papers out. Pack up reference books, old files, and extra supplies. If you have multiple bathrooms, pack up the ones you use less often, leaving out just the basics. Don’t forget to leave out enough towels and toiletries for the final week.

Late-Stage Packing: 1-2 Weeks Before

Now we’re getting to the stuff you use more often. Start with your bedrooms – pack most of your clothes, leaving out just enough for a week or two. Use suitcases for these clothes – they’re easier to move and unpack first. In your main bathroom, keep out the essentials but pack everything else.

This is also the time to pack valuable items with extra care. Your jewelry needs special attention – keep important pieces with you during the move. Important papers should go in a special box you’ll transport yourself. Don’t forget to back up your computer and pack electronics in their original boxes if you still have them.

Last Items to Pack: Final Days

The final countdown! Keep out just what you’ll need for the last few days: a few changes of clothes, basic toiletries, some cleaning supplies, and essential kitchen items. Pack a special box with everything you’ll need for your first day and night in the new place – medications, chargers, basic tools, toilet paper, paper towels, and some snacks.

Special California Moving Tips

Moving in California comes with its own challenges. If you’re moving in summer, be extra careful with items that might melt or warp in hot moving trucks – candles, vinyl records, and electronics need special attention. For coastal moves, add moisture-absorbing packets to boxes with metal items to prevent rust.

If you’re moving to an earthquake-prone area, pack fragile items with extra cushioning and consider earthquake-safe storage solutions for your new home. Got outdoor furniture or pool equipment? Clean and dry everything thoroughly before packing to prevent mold and mildew.

Professional Packing Services Save Time

Sometimes, calling in the pros just makes sense. Professional packers can pack your entire home in a fraction of the time it would take you, and they know all the tricks for keeping your stuff safe. They bring all the right materials and can even help you unpack at your new place.

Our team uses high-quality boxes and packing materials, and we label everything clearly so you know exactly where each box belongs in your new home. We can even create a detailed inventory of your items for extra peace of mind.

Unpacking Your New Home

When you get to your new place, start with the essentials – set up your beds first (you’ll want a good night’s sleep after moving day!), then get your bathrooms ready. Next, tackle the kitchen – at least enough to make coffee and basic meals.

Take your time unpacking the rest. There’s no rush, and trying to do it all at once can be overwhelming. Focus on one room at a time, and don’t feel pressured to get everything perfect right away. Most people take a few weeks to really settle in, and that’s totally fine.

Remember, every move is different, and you might need to adjust this timeline to fit your situation. The key is starting early and staying organized. Whether you’re moving across town or across the state, taking a systematic approach to packing will make your move so much smoother.

Need help with your California move? Our team of professional movers in California is here to help. We’ve handled thousands of moves across California, and we know exactly how to make your move stress-free. Give us a call for a free quote and let’s talk about how we can help with your upcoming move.

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