Packing Tips for Moving Out
Answers for Renters

Don’t wait until the last day of your rental lease to start packing. Moving is a big project, so break it up into small tasks. Three weeks before moving day, get a supply of boxes, rolls of box tape and a big marking pen. Choose a wall in one of your rooms and clear everything away from it. This is where you will stack your packed boxes.
         
Begin by packing things you won't need during the next three weeks. If it's summer, pack your winter clothes. Pack books and magazines, most of the dishes and silverware and kitchen utensils, most of the towels and sheets, and everything that is hanging on your walls. Do a little packing each night.
         
Mark each packed box with the name of its contents and location at your new residence, such as Books-Living Room or Dishes-Kitchen. When you unload, you'll be able to put each box in the right place before unpacking it.
         
In the last two or three days before move-out, pack things you can live without until after you relocate. Carefully identify these boxes as you probably will need to open them first at your new place. Leave out some silverware, pans and dishes, and pack everything else in the kitchen. Hold back two bath towels and some basic toiletries. Also, keep any cleaning supplies handy that you will need to clean your unit at the very end.
         
If you follow these tips, your packing will be done several days early, and you can rest before moving day. On the last morning, gather up what's left, pack it into a couple of boxes, and you're ready to go!