How Do You Move a Messy Room?

Moving is stressful enough, but when it comes to packing up a messy room, it can feel like an impossible task. But don’t worry—you’re not alone! We've all been there, and the good news is, you can do it. In this guide, we’ll show you how to move a messy room step-by-step, turning chaos into a manageable project.

Why Start with the Messy Room?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of organizing, let’s address the big question: why tackle the messy room first? Moving often involves a tight timeline, and messy spaces tend to hold the most clutter, which can slow down your packing process. By starting with the most challenging room, you’ll get a huge burden off your shoulders, and the rest of your move will feel like a breeze. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to transform chaos into order!

1. Assess the Situation

The first step to moving a messy room is to assess what you’re dealing with. This might seem obvious, but when you're overwhelmed by clutter, it can be hard to see the forest for the trees. Take a few moments to walk around the room and note the following:

• What’s in the room? Identify large pieces of furniture, piles of clothes, books, or miscellaneous items.
• What’s out of place? Consider the items that don’t belong in the room and will need to be moved to another part of the house before packing.
• What’s trash? There’s no sense in packing up garbage. Start mentally identifying what can go straight into the trash or recycling.

2. Declutter Before You Pack

A messy room is often a sign that it’s time for a good decluttering. Moving is a golden opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need or want, making your new space feel fresh and organized right from the start.

How to Declutter Effectively:

• Start Small: Tackle one corner or area at a time. This could be a section of the floor, a dresser, or the closet. Trying to declutter the entire room at once can be overwhelming.
• Use the “Four-Box Method”: Grab four boxes or bins and label them: Keep, Donate, Trash, Sell. As you go through each item, place it in the appropriate box.
  • Keep: Items you want to bring with you.
  • Donate: Items in good condition but no longer serve you.
  • Trash: Broken or worn-out items that aren’t worth holding onto.
  • Sell: Anything valuable you could sell online or at a yard sale.

Decluttering helps clear both your room and your mind, making the next step—packing—so much simpler. Remember, the fewer items you bring with you, the easier and cheaper your move will be.

3. Create a Packing Plan

After decluttering, you’re ready to dive into packing but don’t just throw things in boxes without a plan. Proper organization at this stage will save you hours of frustration when it’s time to unpack in your new place.

Here’s How to Create an Effective Packing Plan:

• Group Similar Items Together: Pack similar items together, such as all your books in one box, clothing in another, and décor in a separate box. This will make it easier to unpack later.
• Label Everything: Be as specific as possible when labeling your boxes. Instead of just writing "Bedroom," label boxes with details like "Bedroom - Books" or "Bedroom - Winter Clothes."
• Pack Room by Room: Focus on packing one room at a time rather than bouncing between rooms. Since you’re working in the messiest room, getting it fully packed will give you a morale boost.

4. Tackle Large Items First

One of the biggest obstacles in a messy room is often the large, bulky furniture. It takes up space and can make it hard to move around and pack smaller items. Start by dismantling or prepping the larger pieces of furniture in your room, such as:

• Beds: Take apart the bed frame, wrap the mattress in a protective cover, and pack screws and tools in labeled bags.
• Dressers and Shelves: Remove drawers and shelves to make the furniture easier to move. Pack fragile items or anything in the drawers separately.
• Closets: Hang clothes on wardrobe boxes if possible. If not, fold them neatly in suitcases or vacuum-sealed bags.

Once the big stuff is out of the way, you’ll have much more room to maneuver and pack everything else.

5. Sort Through Small Items Methodically

Messy rooms often have small, random items scattered everywhere. These are the things that can slow you down if you don’t have a system. Here’s how to stay organized:

• Use Ziplock Bags or Small Boxes: For items like jewelry, office supplies, or small trinkets, use clear bags or small containers. This prevents small items from getting lost or tangled during the move.
• Bundle Cables and Cords: Electronics often come with a mess of tangled cables. Use zip ties or twist ties to keep them neat and label each cord. You’ll thank yourself later when setting up your electronics.
• Pack Personal Items Last: Sentimental items or anything you use daily should be packed last. Consider keeping essentials—like your phone charger, a change of clothes, and toiletries—separate in an easily accessible box.

6. Get the Right Supplies

Packing a messy room can sometimes require more supplies than you think. Stock up on the basics, and make sure you have the right tools for the job:

• Sturdy Boxes: Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to boxes, especially for heavier items like books or electronics.
• Bubble Wrap & Packing Paper: Protect fragile items like décor, picture frames, and electronics with ample padding.
• Tape & Markers: Use high-quality packing tape to ensure boxes stay sealed, and grab a few permanent markers for labeling.
• Furniture Covers: Protect furniture from scratches and dirt during the move with moving blankets or plastic covers.

7. Clean as You Go

As you start to pack, you might uncover dust bunnies, dirt, or items you forgot about. Cleaning as you go is an excellent way to leave your old room in good shape and ensure your belongings are clean and ready for your new place.

• Vacuum or Sweep: Once furniture is moved, vacuum or sweep the area to make sure no dust or small items are left behind.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Dust and wipe down furniture and décor before packing them to avoid bringing dirt into your new home.
• Dispose of Trash Regularly: Decluttering often means filling trash bags quickly. Make a habit of taking the trash out regularly so it doesn’t pile up.

8. Enlist Help

Packing a messy room doesn’t have to be a solo project. If possible, ask friends or family for help. Even one extra pair of hands can make a big difference. They can help you stay organized, give you a fresh perspective on what to keep or toss, and speed up the packing process.

• Assign Tasks: To avoid chaos, assign specific tasks. For example, one person could focus on sorting items into boxes, while the other wraps fragile items.
• Make it Fun: Play music, order pizza, and make the packing process as enjoyable as possible. A positive mindset can turn a daunting task into a productive day.

9. Final Walkthrough

Before you consider the room “done,” do a final walkthrough. Check for any items you may have missed and ensure everything is packed, labeled, and ready to go. Don’t forget to:

• Look in Closets: Make sure the closet is fully emptied and organized.
• Double-check Drawers: Check drawers and hidden storage spaces for forgotten items.
• Inspect Walls: Remove any hooks, posters, or wall décor you may have missed.

Moving a Messy Room Can Be Easy

Moving a messy room might seem intimidating at first, but with a bit of planning, patience, and the right strategy, you can turn that cluttered space into a well-organized success story. Break the process down step by step, declutter before packing, and take it one box at a time. By the time you’re finished, you’ll not only have packed up a room but also simplified your life in the process.