Packing an entire home can feel overwhelming for most people, but for me, Olivia Parks, owner of Professional Organizer New Orleans, it’s all about strategy, efficiency, and care.
Here’s what a typical day looks like when I’m hired to pack a client’s home from start to finish.
Now, of course, every packing project is different.
Every client wants help packing a different number of rooms and items; some packing services take longer than others, but here is what a typical day looks like during a professional packing service.
Step 1: Gather and Prep Packing Supplies
Before the project day, I head to a local packaging supply store such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, or U-Haul to gather everything I’ll need: tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, boxes, glass packing kits, box cutters, scissors, and more.
P.S. This is just one of the many benefits of hiring a professional packing service; we take care of getting all the packing supplies for you.
I always prep ahead of time so I can hit the ground running on the day of the job. One of my favorite time-saving tricks is pre-crushing all of the packing paper beforehand. It might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference once packing begins.
Step 2: Arrive and Unload
I arrive promptly at the client’s home and unload my vehicle. Sometimes, I work solo, and at other times, I have team members with me, depending on the size of the job. I bring all the supplies inside, greet the client, confirm any last details, and then get started.
Step 3: Decluttering Before I Start Packing (Optional)
Some clients want help decluttering before moving. This is completely optional, but it can be a great opportunity to go through your belongings and decide what you actually want to bring with you to your new home.
It’s also the first step to downsizing your home.
I can help you go through the areas we’ll be packing, or other areas of your home, and sort through what you want to keep, donate, or throw away.
I’ll bring boxes and trash bags to help with the process, and at the end of our session, I can also take your donations to a local donation center in New Orleans.
Decluttering before we pack can also mean fewer things to pack, fewer moving boxes, and less to unpack once you’re in your new home.
Step 4: Box Assembly and Room by Room Packing
Time to start the unpacking. I start by assembling all the boxes and creating a staging area. Each space in the home gets its own section for packed boxes and supplies. This keeps everything organized and prevents confusion later on.
I usually work one room at a time, starting with spaces that are used the least (like guest rooms or storage areas) and saving high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms for last.
Step 5: Pack with Purpose
Every item is carefully wrapped and strategically boxed. I use plenty of packing paper and bubble wrap for fragile items, and I make sure boxes are filled properly so nothing shifts during transport.
Each box is clearly labeled with both the room name and a brief summary of its contents, for example: “Kitchen – Everyday Dishes.” This makes unpacking faster and easier in the future.
Step 6: Communicate Throughout the Day
I stay in close communication with the client throughout the day. If there are items they’ll need right away after moving (like coffee makers, bedding, or toiletries), I label those as “Open First” so they can be unpacked immediately.
Step 7: Wrap Up and Review
Once everything is packed, I conduct a final walkthrough with the client to ensure that nothing was missed and that they are comfortable with how everything is organized. I gather up any leftover supplies and clean up the work areas before heading out.
How Professional Organizer New Orleans Can Help
Packing doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right system, preparation, and attention to detail, the process becomes smooth and stress-free. That’s what I aim to bring to every client through our packing services: a move that’s organized from start to finish.
Whether you’re in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, the Westbank, the Northshore, or the surrounding Greater New Orleans areas, my team and I would love to help you get ready for your moving day.
Need Help Packing Your Home?
If you’d like more info on our packing services:
- what’s included in a packing service
- what to expect when you hire a professional packing service
- how much packing services in New Orleans cost
You can call us at (504) 321-6792 or contact us online; we’d be happy to answer any questions you have.
