Our packing process is very specific, but maybe my checklists can be useful to those planning a cross-country move or a long road trip.
UPDATE: Due to 2020 being a 'annis horribilis' I panicked, kept on ticking things off the list and was able to move within two days instead of 5 weeks. In a way I'm happy to know I can throw all of our things in boxes and then into the car to flee a disaster, but it is much nicer to prepare to move in a leisurely way.
(This is all of our things packed and ready to get loaded in 2019.)
5 W E E K S B E F O R E M O V I N G
β route planning
β campground search
β attraction search
β restaurant search / plan where to eat
β purchase moving supplies if necessary
β make a packing plan + plan car organization visually
(This is the schematic from our Spring 2020 move.)
β‘ NG Road Atlas: Adventure Edition (to plan route & find attractions)
β‘ Campendium (to locate campgrounds)
β‘ Happy Cow (to find vegan friendly dining)
β‘ Gas Buddy App (to compare gas prices while traveling)
β‘ My Google Map (to collect ideas & plan route)
(This is an example snapshot of my private adventure map.)
4 W E E K S B E F O R E M O V I N G
β meal plan to eat up fridge & freezer
β 1 hour declutter
β declutter paperwork
β scan important documents
β set up a donation box
(place items in here as you come across them over the next
few weeks)
β label valuable belongings with name and phone number like a child heading to camp
3 W E E K S B E F O R E M O V I N G
β inventory and inspect travel gear (for us this is camping gear)
β make all last minute online orders
β sell or donate what you don't wish to bring
β meal plan for the trip
β’ tackle deep cleaning projects
(oven, fridge, freezer, bathroom etc.)
β detailed route planning
β book campsites / accommodations
2 W E E K S B E F O R E M O V I N G
β car wash / vacuum / interior clean
β oil change
β check tire pressure
β inspect windshield wipers
β inspect windshield washer fluid
set up car for travel
β’ replenish and customize emergency kit
β’ inventory and inspect emergency tools
(jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, multi tool, rope etc)
β’ decide which travel reusables go in the car
(coffee mugs, water bottles etc)
β’ set up a car road trip kit
our car kit
β‘ sunscreen & insect repellant (stored in back car door for easy access)
β‘ mineral spritz deodorant
(stored in back door to to freshen up on the go)
β‘ travel atlas and maps
β‘ travel reusables
(coffee mugs x2, water bottles x2, sporks x2, 1 straw, napkins,
pocket knife, reusable shopping bags, a trash jar for scraps)
β‘ umbrella
β‘ a flashlight (stored in back car door)
β‘ a lightweight blanket for when I get cold in the passenger seat
(stored in the back pocket of the passenger seat)
β‘ The pocket behind the driver seat holds a vacuum sealed bag with 2 sweatshirts.
β‘ cell phone charger (left in the car at all times)
β‘ a small cooler and a basket for snacks
β‘ a pen and a notebook (in the glove box)
β‘ hot water bottle x2
β‘ sunglasses (in designated places)
β‘ binoculars (stored in back car door)
our customized emergency kit
β‘ flashlight (with extra batteries)
β‘ emergency blanket
β‘ Nina's asthma medication (inhaler, allergy medication)
β‘ pollution mask
β‘ a clean rag
β‘ pen, permanent marker, paper and scissors
β‘ $30 emergency cash: $20 + $5 + $1 (x5)
β‘ lighter (and matches)
β‘ bar soap
β‘ sanitary towelettes
β‘ chapstick
β‘ creams: anti-itch cream, antibiotic ointment, rash cream
β‘ headache medication
β‘ digestive enzymes
β‘ small bandages
β‘ elastic support bandage
β‘ sterile gauze products (3)
β‘ adhesive tape
β‘ antiseptic wipes
β‘ cough drops
β‘ period products
β‘ personal defense spray
β‘ rain poncho
The following videos show the last week of our packing process in 2018.
L A S T W E E K B E F O R E M O V I N G
β MONDAY: nothing scheduled
β TUESDAY: nothing scheduled
β WEDNESDAY: nothing scheduled
β THURSDAY: 1st day of packing --- do 3/4 of the work
β refer to the packing plan (stick to it to avoid π€¬ππ₯΅π«)
β select clothing to wear until and during the move
a laundry basket works well as a drop zone for this
β’ select toiletries to use until and during the move
(corral in one location)
Nina's travel toiletries
β‘ toiletry bag
β‘ toothbrush /toothpaste
β‘ bar soap (in a travel case)
β‘ shampoo
β‘ deodorant
β‘ perfume
β‘ medication
β‘ daily vitamins
β‘ essential oils
β‘ shea butter
β‘ hair brush
β‘ hair ties
β‘ scissors
β‘ nail file
β‘ razor
β‘ makeup: bb cream, concealer, eyeshadow pallet, mascara,
3 brushes
β‘ travel jewelry case
Spencer's travel toiletries
β‘ toiletry bag
β‘ toothbrush / toothpaste
β‘ bar soap (in a travel case)
β‘ shampoo
β‘ headache medication
β‘ daily vitamins
β‘ deodorant
β‘ perfume
β‘ razor (shaving soap bar / brush / oil)
β‘ nail clippers
β‘ lip balm
β‘ comb
β‘ hair pomade
β‘ condoms
β FRIDAY: 2nd day of packing --- finish packing
β SATURDAY: donation run
β clean the house
β SUNDAY: load the car
β eat all meals out
β last load of laundry
β empty trash & recycling for the last time
β charge electronics (laptop, phone, camera battery etc.)
β cancel gas & electric
β cancel internet service
β return keys
β move-out inspection and/or snap photos
Nothing is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to allow time to visit with family and friends and if necessary to catch up on unfinished to do's.
The 2nd day of packing is the most difficult, so I strongly recommend to do as much as you can on day 1. The packing process on day 2 is typically not as straight forward as it seems. We are known to take a sanity lunch before completing the packing process.
Off to new adventures! Take good care everyone.
β‘ Nina
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