Changing homes can be something to look forward to, especially if you're moving to an exciting neighborhood. Regardless, it can also be physically draining if not planned and executed correctly. And once you start packing, you'll be aghast at the amount of work that you need to finish before moving day.

No matter how much r little you have to pack, systematically packing your belongings is a task that requires undivided attention. If you're not focused, you're likely to lose, forget or even break things in the process. But worry not. If you're stressing about packing for your move or worrying about how to pack kitchen items and all of your stuff, we've listed some tips that will help you save time and trouble.

If you're going to start packing at the eleventh hour, you're bound to mess up. Hence, consider starting the whole process well in advance. This way you'll be able to plan everything properly. What to take and what not to, how much time and packing material you require, etc.

If the change of homes is significant, i.e., moving to a new city and knowing things will take a reasonable amount of time, consider temporary accommodation. You can search for a convenient option online that provides basic amenities, including housekeeping and a stable internet connection. For instance, if you're in southwest Texas, search for 'Pecos lodging' and book a place to stay till you make the big move. This way, you won't have to live uncomfortably amid tons of boxes and stuff. Plus, you might even have to vacate the current place anyway, so having a temporary backup till you move helps.

If you're on a tight budget, hiring additional help might seem like an unnecessary expense. However, if you have numerous commitments and can't find the time to get down to packing your belongings, this is an excellent option. This way, you won't have to worry about missing your moving deadline because you're not done packing yet.

Professional packers know how to pack different stuff. They'll come well-prepared with all the necessary equipment and help you sort, pack and label your boxes before you're ready to move. You could even hire a full-service company that packs and transfers your belongings from your current home to the new one. 

If you decide to pack your stuff by yourself, you need to be thoroughly prepared for it. These include getting your hands on sturdy boxes, packing tape, scissors, bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and a dolly. Without the proper sizes of containers, you'll end up stuffing everything randomly anywhere you can. Not only will this make the packing process messier, but unpacking afterward can be a nightmare.

Try to get boxes and cartons of different sizes for each room separately. Once you have them lined up, begin putting in stuff neatly. Bubble wrap and foam peanuts are essential if you have a lot of valuables to protect while moving. A dolly is also necessary because it helps you carry things without dropping, tripping, or crashing. Having these handy tools on hand can spell the difference between a well-done packing job and a hot mess of clutter, bringing us to the next point. 

You don't have to take everything with you when changing homes, and there can be no better time to declutter and donate than when you're packing. Start by emptying areas you haven't touched in a long time. You'll find so many things taking up unnecessary space. If you move into your new home with all these items, you'll start your journey with unnecessary baggage. Too much clutter can be stifling for the body and the mind and can increase anxiety levels exponentially. 

Decluttering is thus vital to have a more straightforward time packing and a smoother move. Start putting all the things you haven't in a while together, and in the end, you can donate them to someone who can use them better. These donations can include clothes, furniture, appliances, decorations, and more. You can also have a mini sale or sell stuff online to make some extra bucks to assist you in the move. By getting rid of unwanted things, you'll also have much more room to decorate your new place in a better way.

This is easily one of the most overlooked parts of moving and one that can cause considerable distress on day one in your new home. Take a box and pack a few clothes, fresh underwear, and toiletries. Furthermore, you'll need to keep medication separate, as well as kitchen essentials like a kettle, a pan, and a few vital ingredients you'll need in the first few days.

Being without these items can be even worse if you're shifting with children. In such a case, give each family member a small box so pack their stuff individually and stack all the boxes together when they're ready to go.

It can be incredibly annoying to be halfway through packing and forgetting to place your collection of books in a specific box or something else. It can be even worse to go through your cartons after shifting and not finding a particular item because you don't remember where you placed it. Hence, create a detailed checklist to stay on track. You can outline packing tasks in order of priority and get the most difficult things sorted out first. You might also want to organize things by room, so you know what to pack/unpack first.  Also, use the list to organize your belongings according to boxes and label them.

A checklist is even more critical if you're a collector and you have a lot to pack. Making a detailed inventory of your books, CDs, or souvenirs is necessary if you want to transport your collectibles safely. 

Packing for a move can seem like a mountain of a task long before you even start. However, if you follow the tips mentioned above, you can save a considerable amount of time and hassle. Moreover, organized and neat packing will help you get your new place in order much faster!