How to Strategically Pack Up Your 2 Bed Apartment

The whole process of moving and packing up your entire apartment can be strenuous. There are so many different things you have to do and check off in order for everything to go smoothly.

Looking at moving as one giant project can start to make you panic and wonder how in the world you are going to get everything done on time. The way you see it, it’s either going to cost you all of your free time for the next few months or cost you more money than you planned on. 

In order to avoid both scenarios, let’s take it one piece at a time. The first step in moving is always figuring out how and what to pack. To make it an easier task we have come up with 6 steps to strategically pack up your 2 bed apartment that will leave you feeling monumentally accomplished.

Step 1: Less Stuff = Less to Pack

You have probably heard everyone telling you that you need to purge, purge, and purge before moving. That way you don’t end up packing up and then unpacking and organizing things you don't really need or even want. Marie Kondo has a different take on how to declutter and organize your life. Instead of going room by room she tells you to organize by category. For example, all your books that you have hidden all over your 2 bed apartment should be spread out in front of you. The determining factor of whether or not you keep it all depends on your answer to the question: Does it spark joy? If you say not really or no, then get rid of it!

>>Search 2 Bedroom Apartments in Chico<<

Step 2: Donate/Sell/Trash

Now that you’ve organized by category, it’s time to decide how to get rid of the items that didn’t spark any joy. You have several options when it comes to getting rid of unwanted items such as: donating them to the local community, selling them for cash, or taking them to the dump.

You can strategically go through this process by making three separate piles near the front of your 2 bed apartment. Donate old clothes you want to get rid of. If they are nice enough, try taking them to a consignment store who will either give you money back or store credit. Other items that don’t fit either category can be just taken to the dump or disposed of properly.

Step 3: Most Important Box of All 

The most important box you need to make 100% sure you pack is your first night box. You will be thanking heaven above that you made sure this was done when you are all moved into your new place. After a long day of moving, you don’t want to have to go looking for which box holds your pj’s or toothbrush or your makeup remover. All the important stuff will be conveniently in one box labeled “First Night.” If you are unsure what should go into your box, here is a list of things to consider.

Step 4: How to Save on Boxes

Boxes can start to become expensive when you purchase them brand new from moving companies. Save money by asking your friends or family if they have any boxes lying around they'd be willing to part with or loan to you. If you have baskets and crates used as decoration in your apartment, pack stuff inside of them instead of just leaving them empty. You can also go to your nearest liquor store, coffee shop or grocery store and ask if they have any unwanted boxes they would more than happy for you to take. Also look at Craigslist for anyone listing free boxes. 

Step 5: Before You Box It All Up

Have you arranged your bookshelf just right? Did you have someone else hook up all your electronics? If there is anything you want to look exactly the same as you had it in your old 2 bed apartment, it’s a smart idea to take a picture of it before you begin taking it apart. For example, take a picture of the back of your T.V. so that when you are hooking it up in your new place you don’t have to try to remember where each plug went.

Step 6: How to Box It All Up

You’ve organized, gotten rid of unwanted items, acquired all the boxes you’ll need, and taken all the important photos. Now for the fun part- packing everything into boxes (whether you know it or not you get a shot of endorphins with every room you clear).  Here is a list of things to keep in mind:

• Label EVERYTHING – now you can go room by room and pack everything up. Put all your kitchen supplies in boxes labeled kitchen, master bedroom stuff in the boxes labeled master bedroom, etc. You can also have a color code system by choosing a color for each room and sticking the colored dot on the door of your new place. That way, the movers know which box goes where in your new place. Be crazy organized and add a number system to the boxes and list out what is in each box on paper or google sheets. It’ll save you from having to spend the time looking through all the boxes labeled kitchen to find the one with silverware.
• Pack Plates Vertically – this makes them less likely to break.
• Use Towels, Blankets, Shirts, and Socks – save money on bubble wrap when wrapping your breakables and use towels, or stuff your glassware with clean socks.
• Bag Nails and Screws – when taking apart furniture, put all the necessary parts in a Ziploc and tape it to the back of whatever it is you took apart.
• Roll, Never Fold – to pack your clothes in less boxes roll them instead of folding them, it will take up less room.
• Heavy Items in Small Boxes – all your books could fit in that big box, but you won’t be able to pick it up. Stick your books and other heavy items in multiple small boxes.

Moving out of your 2 bed apartment will take time, but it doesn’t have to be strenuous. Follow the strategic steps above and you’ll find yourself not only feeling accomplished, but you'll have a lot less stuff.

For more tips that give you insight on how packing and moving can be made easier download our 16 Mind Blowing Tips for Moving Out Before Moving In.