The No-BS Box-By-Box Battle Plan

The Holy Crap We're Moving Survival Plan: A Packing Checklist

Are you staring at your stuff wondering how it all fits into boxes?

A packing checklist is your best friend when moving day feels like D-Day.

The No-BS Box-By-Box Battle Plan cuts through the chaos and gives you a clear map to victory.

No fluff, just the step-by-step game plan you need to get packed without losing your mind—or your grandmother's china.

Moving is like going to war with your possessions.

You need strategy.

You need supplies.

And most of all, you need this battle-tested packing checklist from the moving experts who've seen it all.

Access our free Packing calculator to get an instant quote for what you need and how much it'll cost

Why Most People Fail at Packing (And How You Won't)

Let's face it.

The reason most moves turn into disasters isn't money.

It's not even time.

It's poor planning.

Picture this: It's the night before moving day. You're surrounded by half-packed boxes. Your important papers are... somewhere. The movers arrive tomorrow, and you're still wrapping dishes at 2 AM.

Sound familiar?

That's because most people attack packing like they're randomly throwing punches in a boxing match.

No strategy. No system.

But not you. Not anymore.

With our house moving checklist, you'll know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it right the first time.

Your 6-Week Moving Timeline: Start Here or Suffer Later

The secret weapon of stress-free moving?

Starting early.

Here's your week-by-week moving preparation checklist:

6 Weeks Before: The Reconnaissance Mission

1. Get 3-5 quotes from moving companies (or save yourself time and just call Mr. BigStuff at (517) 948-0894)

2. Start an inventory of everything that's moving with you

3. Begin collecting free boxes from grocery stores and liquor stores

4. Create a moving budget (and stick to it!)

5. Make a "move" folder for all receipts and documents

6. Start eating through your pantry and freezer

Pro Tip: Snap photos of expensive items before packing for insurance purposes. You'll thank us later.

5 Weeks Before: The Supply Drop

1. Buy or gather all packing supplies: a. Boxes (small, medium, large) b. Packing tape and dispenser c. Bubble wrap and packing paper d. Permanent markers e. Plastic wrap f. Scissors and box cutters g. Moving blankets

2. Confirm your moving date with Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving

3. Start decluttering like your sanity depends on it (because it does)

Why This Matters: For every item you get rid of now, that's one less thing to pack, move, and unpack. Be ruthless!

4 Weeks Before: The First Strike

1. Begin packing non-essential items: a. Seasonal decorations b. Books and knickknacks c. Guest room items d. Wall art and decor pieces

2. Research schools, doctors, and services in your new area

3. Change address with USPS, effective your move date

4. Notify important services of your move: a. Banks and credit card companies b. Insurance providers c. Subscription services d. Online retailers

Battle Tactic: Label every box with the room it's going to AND a number. Keep a master list of what's in each numbered box on your phone.

3 Weeks Before: The Deeper Dive

1. Pack less-used kitchen items (fancy serving ware, holiday dishes)

2. Sort through closets and pack off-season clothing

3. Make arrangements for pets and plants on moving day

4. Start running down perishable food supplies

5. Clean as you go - don't leave it all for the end

Command Decision: This is the perfect time to book Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving for both packing AND moving services.

Let the pros handle the heavy artillery while you manage the operation! Call (517) 948-0894.

2 Weeks Before: The Heavy Artillery

1. Confirm details with your moving company

2. Pack most of your household goods, leaving out only essentials

3. Disassemble furniture that won't be needed

4. Set up utilities at your new place

5. Cancel or transfer utilities at current home

6. Back up your computer

7. Make a plan for valuables (keep with you during the move)

Strategic Move: Use your suitcases and laundry hampers as packing containers. They're taking up space anyway!

1 Week Before: The Final Countdown

1. Pack an essentials box for your first night

2. Finish packing everything except daily necessities

3. Clean rooms as they're emptied

4. Confirm parking arrangements for the moving truck

5. Get cash for tipping movers

6. Pick up any prescription refills

7. Take photos of electronic setups before unplugging

Last-Minute Intel: The night before, freeze a few bottles of water. Use them to keep your cooler cold during the move, then you'll have cold water when you arrive!

Room-By-Room Packing Orders (Your Tactical Assault Plan)

Different rooms need different approaches.

Don't wing it - follow these battlefield-tested strategies for each zone of your home.

Kitchen Conquest (The Trickiest Territory)

The kitchen has the most breakable items and the most odd-shaped objects.

Start here, because it takes the longest.

Supplies Needed:

1. Dish barrel boxes or cell kits

2. Packing paper (lots of it)

3. Medium boxes

4. Heavy-duty boxes for appliances

5. Plastic wrap

Packing Sequence:

1. First Wave: Items you rarely use

   a. Holiday dishes

   b. Fancy serving pieces

   c. Specialized gadgets

   d. Seasonal cookie cutters

   e. Cake decorating supplies

2. Second Wave: Items used occasionally

   a. Bakeware

   b. Food processor

   c. Mixing bowls

   d. Extra pots and pans

   e. Cookbooks

3. Third Wave (2-3 days before moving):

   a. Most dishes, glasses, and silverware

   b. Most pots and pans

   c. Pantry foods (donate anything unopened you won't use)

4. Last Minute (day before):

   a. Coffee maker

   b. Toaster

   c. Essential cooking pot

   d. Few dishes for last meals

Kitchen Packing Hacks:

1. Place paper plates between your regular plates

2. Use clean socks to wrap glasses

3. Keep sets of items together

4. Pack heavy items in small boxes

5. Use towels to wrap breakables and save on bubble wrap

6. Seal and tape partly-used containers of non-perishables

Bathroom Battleground

Bathrooms seem simple but can get messy fast with liquids and small items.

Supplies Needed:

1. Small and medium boxes

2. Plastic bins for toiletries

3. Ziplock bags

4. Packing paper

Packing Sequence:

1. Start with items you don't use daily:

   a. Guest bathroom supplies

   b. Extra towels

   c. Duplicates of any toiletries

   d. Decorative items

2. Clean out the medicine cabinet:

   a. Check expiration dates - toss old medications safely

   b. Make a separate, labeled box for medications

   c. Pack first-aid supplies where you can find them quickly

3. Day before:

   a. Pack showering supplies in a separate overnight bag

   b. Keep out essential medications

Bathroom Battle Strategy:

1. Plastic wrap the tops of toiletries, then put the cap back on

2. Use plastic bins for under-sink cleaning supplies

3. Take a photo of your medicine cabinet before packing so you know how to reorganize

4. Keep shower curtain and rings together in one bag

Bedroom Barracks

Your bedroom should be the last room packed up and the first room set up at the new place.

Supplies Needed:

1. Wardrobe boxes

2. Medium and large boxes

3. Packing paper

4. Mattress bags

Packing Sequence:

1. Start with off-season clothing and rarely worn items

2. Pack most books and decor

3. Pack jewelry carefully in separate containers

4. Leave out enough clothes for moving day and 2-3 days after

Bedroom Packing Tactics:

1. Leave clothes on hangers and group them, then slip a garbage bag over them from the bottom

2. Roll clothing instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles

3. Use vacuum bags for bulky items like comforters

4. Use luggage and duffel bags for clothing

5. Keep bedsheets accessible for the first night

Living Room Logistics

The living room often has the most valuable and fragile items.

Supplies Needed:

1. Picture boxes

2. TV boxes (or original packaging if you have it)

3. Bubble wrap

4. Furniture blankets

5. Plastic wrap

Packing Sequence:

1. Start with wall art, photos, and decorative items

2. Pack books and media

3. Carefully pack electronics

4. Prep furniture last

Living Room Maneuvers:

1. Take photos of how electronics are connected before unplugging

2. Keep remote controls with their devices

3. Use sandwich bags for small hardware when disassembling furniture

4. Tape the bags to the furniture they belong to

5. Don't overpack book boxes - they get heavy FAST

Home Office Operations

Papers and electronics need special attention.

Supplies Needed:

1. Document boxes

2. Banker boxes

3. Bubble wrap

4. Anti-static bags for electronics

5. Labels and markers

Packing Sequence:

1. Organize and file important documents first

2. Pack and label reference materials and files

3. Back up computers before packing

4. Carefully pack electronics

5. Keep essential documents with you, not in the moving truck

Office Oracle Tips:

1. Color-code file boxes by priority

2. Take photos of your desk setup before dismantling

3. Keep cords with their devices

4. Don't pack financial documents, IDs, or sensitive information in the truck

Garage/Basement Bunker

These areas often have the most random and potentially hazardous items.

Supplies Needed:

1. Heavy-duty boxes and bins

2. Furniture blankets

3. Packing tape (extra strong)

4. Work gloves

5. Plastic bags for small parts

Packing Sequence:

1. Sort everything first (donate/sell/trash/keep)

2. Drain gas and oil from power equipment

3. Pack tools in small, manageable boxes

4. Pack seasonal items together

5. Consider whether items are worth moving (looking at you, half-empty paint cans)

Garage Guerrilla Tactics:

1. Take photos of tool arrangements if you have a system

2. Keep sets together (socket sets, drill bits, etc.)

3. Use plastic bags for screws, nails, and small parts

4. Label everything meticulously - garage boxes are the most confusing to unpack

5. Many items can't be moved by professionals (chemicals, gas, etc.) - plan accordingly

Special Forces: Handling the Hard Stuff

Some items need extra-special handling.

Here's your specialized training.

Fine Art and Fragile Décor

1. Use specialty art boxes or make corner protectors from cardboard

2. Wrap each piece in acid-free paper, then bubble wrap

3. Pack standing upright, not flat

4. Mark "FRAGILE" on all sides of the box

5. Consider professional art moving services from Mr. BigStuff for valuable pieces

Electronics

1. If possible, use original packaging

2. Take photos of how cords are connected

3. Tape cords to devices or keep in labeled bags

4. Keep electronics out of extreme temperatures

5. Use plenty of padding in boxes

Plants

1. Move plants in your personal vehicle if possible

2. Stop watering a few days before to lighten soil weight

3. Put plastic bags around pots to prevent soil spills

4. Stabilize tall plants with stakes

5. Check regulations if moving across state lines - some plants can't cross borders

Valuables and Important Documents

1. Keep jewelry, cash, and important documents with you

2. Consider safe deposit boxes for extremely valuable items during the move

3. Photograph valuables before packing

4. Make digital copies of important papers

5. Use waterproof containers for irreplaceable documents

The First Night Box: Your Survival Kit

When you arrive at your new place exhausted, you'll worship yourself for packing this box:

1. Toilet paper

2. Hand soap

3. Shower curtain and rings

4. Towels

5. Bedsheets and pillows

6. Pajamas

7. Basic toiletries

8. Phone chargers

9. Basic tools (screwdriver, pliers, scissors)

10. Snacks and water

11. Coffee maker and supplies

12. Paper plates and plastic utensils

13. Medications

14. Cleaning supplies

15. Flashlight

Mark this box with bright tape or colors and move it yourself.

DO NOT let it get buried in the moving truck!

What Not to Pack: The Contraband List

Some items moving companies won't take - and for good reason:

1. Perishable food

2. Plants (most companies)

3. Hazardous materials:

   a. Cleaning supplies

   b. Paint and paint thinner

   c. Propane tanks

   d. Gas and oil

   e. Aerosol cans

   f. Nail polish remover

   g. Pool chemicals

4. Firearms and ammunition

5. Valuable documents and jewelry

Kids and Pets: Special Operations

Moving with little beings who don't understand what's happening needs extra care:

Kids:

1. Pack their rooms last and set them up first at the new place

2. Let them pack a special box of their most treasured items

3. Keep favorite toys accessible during the move

4. Consider childcare on moving day

5. Make the move seem like an adventure, not a trauma

Pets:

1. Keep them away from the action on moving day

2. Pack a pet essentials bag: a. Food and treats b. Medications c. Toys d. Bedding e. Leash/carrier

3. Update ID tags with new address

4. Consider boarding during the most chaotic parts

5. Maintain routines as much as possible

Your Secret Weapon: The Professional Packers

What if I told you there's a way to skip most of this stress?

The ultimate hack to a smooth move is hiring professional packers from Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving.

Here's why:

1. Professionals pack in hours what would take you days

2. They bring ALL the supplies (no emergency runs to the store)

3. They know exactly how to protect fragile items

4. They're insured for breakage

5. Your back won't hate you after

6. Your marriage/relationship might actually survive the move

7. You'll have time to handle the million other moving tasks

Think professional packing is too expensive?

Think about:

1. The value of your time

2. The cost of packing supplies

3. The value of your fragile items

4. Your mental health

5. The cost of takeout when you're too exhausted to cook

Call Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving at (517) 948-0894 to get a quote.

Most people are shocked at how affordable professional packing can be.

It might be the best money you ever spend.

The Ultimate Apartment Moving Checklist

Moving from an apartment has special challenges:

1. Check your lease for moving requirements:

   a. Notice period

   b. Moving day restrictions

   c. Elevator reservations

   d. Security deposit requirements

2. Measure doorways and elevators for large furniture

3. Reserve loading dock or service elevator if available

4. Get parking permits if needed for moving truck

5. Clean as you go - apartment cleanouts are brutal if left to the end

6. Take photos of the empty apartment for security deposit disputes

7. Return all keys and access cards

Moving a Whole House: The Command Center Approach

For larger homes, establish a "command center" that stays functional until the end:

1. Choose one room (dining room works well)

2. Keep packing supplies, labels, markers here

3. Post a master checklist on the wall

4. Keep moving documents in one folder here

5. Track progress by room

6. Hold daily family meetings to coordinate efforts

7. Keep this room functioning until the final push

The Week After: Unpacking Priorities

Unpacking has a strategy too:

1. Kitchen first - you need to eat

   

2. Bedrooms second - you need to sleep

3. Bathrooms third - you need to be clean

4. Main living area fourth - you need to live

5. Home office fifth - you need to function

6. Other rooms as needed

7. Decor and knickknacks last

Don't try to unpack everything immediately.

Focus on functionality first, then aesthetics.

Click here for our 6-week, 120-point Post Move Checklist

Why Choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving?

When you're making your moving company choice, here's why Mr. BigStuff should be at the top of your list:

1. Founded in 2024 by YouTube influencer and author Jae Burnham

2. 82+ five-star reviews on Google, Thumbtack, and Moving Helper

3. Full-service options from packing to unpacking

4. Transparent pricing - no surprise fees

5. Local experts who know the area

6. Trained, background-checked movers

7. Fully insured and licensed

8. On-time guarantee

9. Clean trucks and equipment

10. Careful handling of your belongings

Call to Action: Make Your Move Stress-Free Today!

Why struggle through your move alone when Mr. BigStuff's team of moving experts is just a phone call away?

Book your move now and get:

1. Free in-home estimate

2. 10% off packing services when you book a full move

3. Complimentary wardrobe boxes

4. Free furniture assembly at your new home

5. Peace of mind knowing professionals are handling everything

Call (517) 948-0894 today or visit https://justthebigstuff.com to schedule your consultation.

Remember, anyone can move boxes, but it takes experts like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving to move your life with care.

Don't trust your memories and treasures to just anyone.

Make the smart choice.

Make the easy choice.

Choose Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving for your next move.

Your future self will thank you when you're relaxing in your new home while everyone else is still unpacking boxes and arguing about where the couch should go.

The Mr. BigStuff No-Stress Guarantee

We're so confident in our service that we offer a No-Stress Guarantee.

If we don't make your move easier and less stressful than doing it yourself, we'll give you a $100 credit toward your next move.

That's how sure we are that you'll love our service.

Ready to experience the easiest move of your life?

Call us at (517) 948-0894 or visit https://justthebigstuff.com today!

(Remember to use our moving checklist packing list when preparing for your move! It works for homes and apartments of all sizes, from studio apartments to 5-bedroom houses. Our packing checklist system adapts to your specific moving needs while ensuring nothing gets forgotten in the process.)