Packing is probably one of the most hated activities on a global level. Whenever you hear someone talk about moving, you probably hear “Ugh, I hate packing more than anything in the entire world” or “Packing is so stressful!”. We have all been there at one point and it truly is no fun at all. Thankfully, there are some things you can do ahead of time to help ease the process.

DeClutter

Listen, we all know it is way easier to just dump drawers of stuff into boxes, tape it up and set it aside for the movers. However, unpacking will just be more of a mess. Before you start getting out the tape and cardboard, get rid of stuff first. Create a few piles: Trash, Donate and Sell. Throw out all the junk you know cannot be used again. Then set up a garage sale to make some money off those old treasures, and then donate whatever is left over.

Create Categories

If you are going room by room in your attempt to pack, you may want to rethink your strategy. After all, dishes and glassware can be kept in both the dining room and the kitchen and linens can be kept all over the house. Instead of going by house geography, create categories for items. If you put them all together before going through them, you will be able to determine what you really need to keep and what can go into the Trash, Sell or Donate pile.

Touch Everything

This simple process will help you figure out if you really want to keep something. Whether they are clothes, towels, glasses or more, touching it will give you an idea of whether or not you want to bring an item into your new home. After all, you may think that set of towels is perfectly fine to keep, but after touching, do they feel worn or rough? If so, it is time to part. We accumulate so much over the years that sometimes we forget that an item is no longer up to par and worthy of coming to a new home. By physically touching an item, you can figure out which pile an item needs to go in.

Make Moving Fun

Huh? Yes, you read that correctly. Make moving fun by creating an event with family and friends. Certain circumstances may be more emotional compared to others, but by making it a get together with your nearest and dearest, you not only get a helping hand but you can have a blast remembering all the good times you have had in that house. Add in some wine and yummy food and it will be a productive day you won’t soon forget.