Packing for a family move can be a chaotic experience, especially when everyone has their own approach. At The Halyard Group, we’ve seen how personality differences can turn this task into a battleground.
But what if we told you that these differences could actually be the key to a smoother packing process? By understanding and leveraging each family member’s unique packing style, you can transform this often stressful task into a collaborative and even enjoyable experience.
What’s Your Family’s Packing Personality?
At The Halyard Group, we’ve observed numerous families prepare for moves, and we’ve noticed that packing styles vary as much as the families themselves. Understanding these different approaches can transform your packing process from a potential nightmare into a smooth operation.
The Organized Planner
This family member starts packing weeks in advance. They create lists, schedules, and (often) colour-coded labels. While some might view this as excessive, organized planners can become your secret weapon for a smooth move. A survey commissioned by Kijiji Canada found that 71% of Canadians are bothered by their household clutter, experiencing emotions ranging from frustration to depression An organized planner in your family can help combat this issue during a move.
The Last-Minute Rusher
We all know one – the family member who throws things into boxes as the moving truck arrives. While this causes stress, last-minute rushers often excel at making quick decisions. They sort out what’s truly necessary from what can stay behind.
The Overpacker
“Better safe than sorry” serves as this person’s motto. They pack for every possible scenario, even for a move across town. While it might seem excessive, overpackers often think of items others forget. They become your go-to for those “just in case” situations. However, the average weight of household goods moved is 7,400 pounds – a number that overpackers might easily exceed.
The Minimalist
This family member believes in travelling light, even when it comes to moving. They excel at decluttering and can help the whole family reduce their possessions. A study by the National Association of Realtors found that 93% of agents recommend decluttering before selling a home, making minimalists valuable allies in the moving process.
Understanding these packing personalities in your family allows you to assign roles effectively and create a more harmonious moving experience. We’ve found that acknowledging and working with these different styles, rather than against them, can make all the difference in a successful move.
Now that we’ve identified these distinct packing personalities, let’s explore how to tailor packing strategies to each type, ensuring everyone contributes effectively to the moving process. Remember, your goal is to create an irresistible first impression that sells, not just in packing, but in every aspect of your move.
How to Tailor Packing Strategies for Every Personality
At The Halyard Group, we understand that each family member approaches packing differently. We’ve developed strategies to leverage these unique traits, transforming the moving process from chaotic to coordinated.
Empower the Planners
Create detailed, room-by-room packing lists for your organized family members. Catch up on laundry beforehand and create a master packing checklist. Encourage them to start early, perhaps 6-8 weeks before the move. This approach satisfies their need for organization and provides a valuable roadmap for the entire family.
Ask them to create a decluttering schedule, allocating specific days for each room or category of items. This methodical approach can reduce the overall volume of items to be moved (potentially saving on moving costs).
Motivate the Last-Minute Rushers
Set clear, non-negotiable deadlines for family members who thrive under pressure. Break the packing process into smaller, manageable tasks with specific due dates. For example, “Pack all books by Friday” or “Clear out the garage by Sunday evening.”
Place a visual countdown timer in a common area of the house. This constant reminder creates a sense of urgency that last-minute packers respond well to. Firm deadlines help your last-minute rushers avoid common regrets.
Tame the Overpacker’s Tendencies
Implement a “one in, one out” rule for overpackers. For every non-essential item they want to pack, they must remove another item from their moving pile. This strategy helps overpackers prioritize their belongings without feeling deprived.
Encourage overpackers to focus on multi-purpose items. A Swiss Army knife can replace several individual tools, reducing the overall number of items packed. Moving costs can vary depending on various factors. Help overpackers streamline their belongings to potentially reduce moving costs and make the transition smoother.
Utilize Minimalists as Efficiency Experts
Ask your family minimalists to review everyone’s packing plans and suggest ways to streamline. Their knack for identifying essentials proves invaluable in reducing unnecessary items.
Teach other family members the minimalist approach of packing versatile items. For example, neutral-coloured clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This not only reduces the volume of items packed but also simplifies unpacking and organizing in the new home.
These personalized strategies play to everyone’s strengths, turning packing into a collaborative effort. The next step involves transforming this task into a bonding experience for the whole family.
How to Make Packing a Family Bonding Experience
Assign Roles Based on Strengths
The Halyard Group recommends assigning roles that capitalize on each family member’s strengths. This strengths-based approach focuses on identifying and leveraging individual strengths to foster personal growth and improve wellbeing. Your organized planner can create a master checklist and oversee the process. The last-minute rusher might excel at quick decision-making for items you’re unsure about keeping. Put your overpacker in charge of ensuring nothing important is left behind, while your minimalist can help everyone streamline their belongings.
Turn Packing into a Game
Transform packing into a friendly competition. Gamification is a way of tackling tasks by making them more like the experience of playing games, like hopscotch or chess. Set up a points system for completed tasks. Award 5 points for each box packed, 10 points for decluttering a drawer, and 20 points for clearing out an entire closet. The family member with the most points at the end of each day or week chooses a family activity or meal.
Implement a Reward System
Establish both individual and family rewards for reaching packing milestones. These could range from small treats (like a favourite snack for completing a room) to larger rewards (such as a family outing to a favourite restaurant once all packing is done).
Exchange Packing Tips and Tricks
Encourage family members to share their best packing hacks. Your teenager might have a great method for efficiently packing clothes, or your partner might know the best way to wrap fragile items. Create a family packing guide where everyone contributes their top tips. If you are able to do the packing and have everything ready to go when the movers arrive on moving day, you will save them time – which in this case, means saving money.
This approach not only improves the overall packing process but also fosters a sense of teamwork and shared accomplishment.
The goal extends beyond just getting packed; it’s about bringing your family closer together. These strategies will not only make the moving process smoother but also create lasting memories.
Final Thoughts
Understanding each family member’s unique approach transforms the packing process. The organized planner, last-minute rusher, overpacker, and minimalist all contribute to a more efficient and harmonious experience. Involving the whole family in packing fosters teamwork, teaches valuable life skills, and strengthens family bonds.
We recommend you start early, break tasks into manageable chunks, and maintain open communication. You can turn packing into a game or competition to keep everyone engaged and motivated. This approach ensures each family member feels heard and valued during what can be a stressful time.
At The Halyard Group, we provide comprehensive support throughout the entire moving process. Our expertise helps families upsize to larger homes in neighbourhoods across the Greater Toronto Area (beyond just finding the right property). We assist in maximizing the selling price of your current home and ensure a smooth transition into your new one.
Contact us today to start planning a smoother, family-focused move in the Greater Toronto Area.
