“My house is a mess. How am I supposed to pack for a move?”

If that’s a question you’ve asked yourself lately, take a deep breath—we’ve all been there. Moving is stressful enough without adding a messy home to the mix, but with a step-by-step plan (and a little patience), you can absolutely handle it. This guide is here to bring a little order to the chaos and make the packing process manageable. Here's how to purge your house for a move.

Step 1: Start with a Game Plan

Before you start tossing things into boxes, take a step back and make a plan. Trust us, a little prep up front saves a ton of time (and headaches) later. Start by:

Assessing Your Situation: Which rooms are the messiest? Which ones can you tackle quickly?
Creating a Packing Schedule: Focus on one room at a time. Trying to do everything at once will have you ready to quit before you even begin.

Breaking the job into smaller, manageable chunks will make packing seem way less intimidating.

Step 2: Start the Process Early

If your home is particularly messy, don’t wait until the last minute to start packing. The more time you give yourself, the easier it will be to stay calm and avoid the last-minute panic. Plus, the earlier you start, the smaller you can start! Clean and organize one drawer, one cabinet, or one corner each day. Over time, those small wins will add up and make the entire process so much more manageable!

Step 3: Declutter Before Moving

One of the best ways to deal with packing is to declutter as you go. If you’re wondering how to purge your house for a move, here’s how to get started:

Touch Every Item: As you’re packing, take the time to look through every item and decide if it’s worth moving. Break the work into small dedicated zones—one drawer, one closet, or a shelf at time—to make the process more manageable.
Sort Your Stuff: Create boxes for "keep," "donate," "sell," or "trash." Be honest about what you really need.
Ask Yourself Some Questions: When was the last time you used this? Does it still serve a purpose? If you haven’t used or thought about it in years, it may be time to let it go.

Decluttering might seem like more work in the short term, but you'll be packing fewer boxes and carrying less into your new home, which means way less hassle.

Pro tip: Have gently used items you don't need to take with you? Don't toss them, donate them! Check out our donation guide for everything you need to know about donating items before your move.

Step 4: Stock Up on Packing Supplies

A messy house doesn’t stand a chance when you’ve got the right supplies! Before you pack up anything, make sure you have:

Boxes (probably more than you think you’ll need!)
Packing tape
Bubble wrap or packing paper for fragile items
Markers and labels

Having everything you need nearby makes packing so much easier. You don’t want to stop every five minutes to search for a tape dispenser!

Step 5: Moving and Decluttering Made Simple: Tackle One Area at a Time

Trying to pack the entire house all at once is asking for overwhelm. Instead, focus on one room at a time. Here’s how to make it more manageable:

Start with an “Easy Win” Room: Smaller, less-cluttered rooms like a bathroom or guest bedroom are good confidence builders.
Pack Strategically: Begin with items you don’t use every day, like seasonal clothes, books, or decorations.
Label Absolutely Everything: Label each box with the room it’s going to and a quick note about what’s inside, like “Kitchen - Pots & Pans.”

Staying organized with a room-by-room approach helps you stay focused and shows visible progress.

Step 6: Protect Sentimental and Fragile Items

Packing fragile or sentimental stuff? Take your time and pack it right. Wrap dishes, glassware, or delicate decorations in bubble wrap or thick paper to keep them safe. For sentimental items, think about packing a separate “special items” box that’s easy to spot when you move into your new place.

Step 7: Pack a Survival Box

Moving day is busy, and the last thing you want to do is dig through packed boxes for your toothbrush. Pack a survival kit with all your essentials, including:

Toiletries
Towels
A change of clothes (or two!)
Important documents
Snacks and bottled water

Keep this kit with you during the move so it’s always within reach.

Step 8: Lighten the Load Before the Move

Remember, less is more. Before sealing up those boxes, take one last look at your stuff and ask yourself if it’s really worth bringing. Moving is the perfect time to declutter, so don’t be afraid to leave behind anything you don’t truly need.

Why Go Mini’s is Perfect for Moving and Decluttering

Packing might feel like a big, messy job, but choosing the right moving solution makes a world of difference. Go Mini’s portable storage containers are designed to make moving and packing easier, no matter the size of your home or the level of clutter.

Here’s why Go Mini’s is a great choice:

Do It on Your Terms: With Go Mini’s, a container is delivered right to your driveway, and you can load it at your own pace. Pack it as you go to keep your home organized and clutter-free during your move.
More Than Enough Space: From heavy furniture to fragile boxes, there’s room for it all.
Flexibility You Can Count On: Take as much time as you need to declutter and clear the mess—your container will be waiting for you when you're ready to load it up.
No Need for Multiple Trips: One trip is all it takes to load all of your belongings into a Go Mini’s container. No need to make multiple trips back and forth from a storage unit or rental truck. We’ll take your container straight to your new home when you’re ready.

Why deal with the hassle of renting a truck when Go Mini’s brings storage to you? Take control of your moving process with a solution that’s simple, reliable, and stress-free. Get started today with a free quote and see how Go Mini’s can help you tackle your move with confidence.

The next time you’re wondering how to pack a messy house to move, remember these tips to organize, declutter, and pack like a pro. You’re ready to face the mess and make moving day a breeze. Good luck, and happy moving!