Packing List for Moving Out of Parents’ House
Leaving the comfort of your parents’ house and starting your new life can be both exciting and overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive packing list that will help you gather all the essentials for your new home. Whether you’re moving in with friends or signing a lease, our list will ensure you’re prepared for the big move.
With this guide, you’ll get over 90 ideas on what to pack, what to prioritize and what to leave behind. So, let’s get packing and start this new chapter together!
Before You Move Out…
- Notify your parents of your moving date and plan the logistics of packing and transporting your belongings.
- Make sure you have a plan for electricity, internet, and other utilities at your new place, and schedule disconnections from your current accounts.
- Contact your bank and credit card companies to alert them of your address change.
- Review and update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration (if applicable) with your new address.
- Arrange for trash and recycling pickup at your new residence, and schedule any necessary setup appointments with your new utility providers.
- Contact your employer and any insurance providers to update your address of record.
Packing List
Clothing
Kitchen Essentials
Bedding
Electronics
Cleaning Supplies
Paperwork and Organization
Furniture and Decor
Basic Tools
Bathroom Essentials
Personal Care
Print or Get the PDF
Packing Tips for Moving Out of Parents’ House
1. Start early
Give yourself enough time to pack and unpack without feeling rushed. Aim to start packing at least 2-3 months in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Consider the items you use daily and make a list of them to make your packing easier.
2. Make a plan for items you won’t need immediately
Determine what items you won’t need right away and plan to pack them separately. For example, this could be the case for books, some extra cables, and tools.
Consider storing them in labeled boxes or containers, which you can access when needed.
3. Label and organize boxes clearly
Use clear and descriptive labels on each box, including the contents, room or area it belongs in, and any special handling instructions.
Create a master list to keep track of your packed items and their assignments.
4. Once you move out, make a list of everything that is missing
We know it’s probably not what you wanted to read, but expect to forget a few things during the move.
Ask your parents not to clean your old room and not to discard your items for a few weeks, and keep a list of anything you miss in your new home.
Once you’ve identified what’s missing, either buy it or plan a trip back to pick it up.
What Not to Pack when Moving out of Parents’ House
Moving out of your parents’ house for the first time can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. With so many decisions to make, it’s easy to overlook certain items that are unnecessary to bring. Here are some things you may want to avoid packing.
- Unused or Broken Items – Leave behind any items that are broken, outgrown, or no longer serve a purpose to declutter your space and reduce waste.
- Personal Hygiene Items – You’ll likely be able to purchase whatever you need once you’re settled into your new place.
- Perishable Food – Don’t bring food items that have expiration dates looming or have already expired, as they may spoil or go to waste.
- Clothing with No Significance – Be honest with yourself – if you haven’t worn something in a year or it’s not special to you, it’s okay to part ways.
- Duplicates or Similar Items – If you have multiple items that serve the same purpose, consider keeping only your favorite and letting go of the rest.
- Unfilled or Used Up Containers – Empty containers, such as shampoo or lotion bottles, can be donated or repurposed, so it’s best to leave them behind.
- Old Newspapers and Magazines – You can recycle or toss these items, so they don’t need to take up space in your move.
- Miscellaneous Paperwork – Organize important documents like receipts and paperwork digitally or in a designated folder – you don’t need to physically transport unnecessary papers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to organize my packed boxes for easy unpacking?
Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make it easier to unpack and find what you need quickly.
How can I protect my fragile or breakable items during the move?
Wrap fragile items like dishes, glassware, and ornaments in paper, cloth, or bubble wrap. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to prevent shifting during transit. Consider using specialized boxes for items like mirrors or lamps.
Can I leave some items behind when moving out of my parents’ house?
Yes, it’s common to leave some items behind, especially if they don’t belong to you or are not essential. Consider donating or selling items you no longer need or use.
How do I ensure I don’t forget anything important when packing?
Make a list of everything you need to pack to reduce stress and ensure everything is accounted for.
Cross items off as you pack to keep track of what’s left. Request that your parents don’t discard any items from your old room for a few weeks, so you have time to notice if something is missing.
Each time you realize something is missing, add it to your list, and plan a return trip with a consolidated list of items to pick up.