Selling a home can take time, planning, and patience.You may have prepared your home, welcomed showings, answered questions, and waited for the right buyer only to have your listing expire without a
10 Tips for Packing Smartly for a Move
Dated: October 29 2025
Views: 179
Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and in Southern California cities like West Covina, Covina, Baldwin Park, San Dimas, and surrounding areas across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, the process often comes with excitement—and stress. One of the biggest challenges? Packing.
With proper planning and strategy, however, you can simplify the process. Here are 10 practical tips for packing smartly for your move.
Plan
1. Schedule Adequate Time
Packing takes longer than most people expect. Use this guide to plan:
- Studio/1 bedroom: 1–3 days
- 2 bedrooms: 3–5 days
- 3 bedrooms: 1 week or more
- 4+ bedrooms: 2 weeks or more
Pro Tip: Start early. Even packing just one box a day can make a big difference.
2. Get New Boxes and Packing Equipment
Fresh boxes, bubble wrap, and packing foam provide better protection and prevent allergens from transferring into your new home.
Pro Tip: Many local moving companies around LA, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties offer eco-friendly packing materials—ask your REALTOR® for referrals.
3. Watch Packing Videos
Search for terms like “decluttering before a move” or “packing tips for moves.” Learn from experienced movers and apply the strategies that work best for you.
4. Hire Professionals
Professional movers save time, reduce stress, and provide materials. Summer is peak moving season in SoCal, so book early.
Pro Tip: Ask your REALTOR® for trusted moving company recommendations—they often know the best local vendors.
Pack
5. Start with the Essentials
Pack your irreplaceable items first: photo albums, passports, important documents, diplomas, and keepsakes. If possible, transport these personally.
6. Purge
Declutter before you move. Use the “$20 in 20 minutes” rule: if you can replace something for less than $20 in under 20 minutes, don’t pay to move it.
7. Make Two Piles and Two Passes
In each room, create a NO pile (donate, sell, or toss) and a YES pile (items to take with you). Pack the YES pile on your second pass.
8. Go from Least to Most
Pack the least-used rooms first. Save daily essentials like the kitchen and bathrooms for last.
9. Pack Small
Heavier items go in smaller boxes; lighter items can go in larger boxes. Your back will thank you!
10. Label, Label, Label
Every box should include:
- Room designation
- Contents
- Priority level (e.g., “unpack first”)
Pro Tip: Use color-coded tape or stickers for each room—this makes unloading much faster.
Bonus: Smart Unpacking Strategy
Have scissors or a box cutter ready. Empty one box at a time, put everything away, and break down the box before moving on. This keeps your new home organized from day one.
Pro Tips from Shasha & Terri
For Home Sellers:
- Declutter before listing: Packing early doubles as staging prep, making your home more appealing to buyers.
- Donate locally: West Covina, Covina, and San Dimas have excellent donation centers—giving back helps lighten your load.
For Home Buyers:
- Plan your unpacking: Label boxes clearly so movers place them in the right rooms of your new home.
- Pack a “first night box”: Include essentials like toiletries, snacks, chargers, and bedding so you’re comfortable on day one.
Getting ready to buy or sell in West Covina, Covina, Baldwin Park, San Dimas, or nearby areas? Shasha & Terri Team connects you with trusted moving vendors and helps make your transition smooth and stress-free. Contact us today to start your next chapter!
Shasha Truong & Terri Nguyen Realty Group
Your Realtors-For-Life
Happy to Help Buy & Sell Homes in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties for 25+ years & beyond
📞 Call/Text: 626-893-9617 | 626-315-0025
📧 shasha.truong@exprealty.com | terri.nguyen@exprealty.com
🌐 www.shashaterri.com
🏠 DRE# 01253561 | DRE# 01449810
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References
- National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Consumer Moving & Packing Guides.
- HouseLogic by NAR. Decluttering & Packing Advice.
- California Association of REALTORS® (CAR). Moving Resources for Homeowners.
- facts.realtor – Consumer Resources (2025).
Shasha Truong & Terri Nguyen Realty Group
We are Shasha and Terri, your highly experienced real estate professionals dedicated to turning your real estate goals into reality. Fluent in English and Vietnamese, we bring 27+ years of experience ....
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