Cristiano Marcheli Kaftan, Janesso Leone Hat, Celine Sunglasses (old, similar here and here)

There is no piece I return to more in summer than a kaftan. I wear one at home while working, pack one for every trip, and love knowing it can go from a morning by the pool to dinner later that evening without missing a beat. It has the breezy appeal of a cover-up, but the right version feels every bit as worthy of a reservation.

Natalie Martin Dress

Naturally, it’s the color and pattern that make one kaftan stand out to me over another. An all-over palm print, graphic stripe, richly colored paisley, saturated silk, or fringe that adds movement gives an otherwise casual silhouette a sense of occasion. Worn with a wide-brim hat and flat sandals, it’s perfect for an afternoon in the sun, and once it’s time to head to sunset cocktails, a sculptural earring, layered necklace, or smaller bag carries it beautifully into the evening.

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

These tips for packing for a move come from my very recent experience — I (and my teenager) have only been in the new place for two months. After my divorce (see my advice on what to do when you file) was finalized in January 2026, and my ex-husband moved out of the home we’d shared for 18 years, I starting preparing to move, too.

I knew this move would be a lot (partly due to the emotional aspect), but it ended up being more work and more stressful than I expected. The last time I moved as a single person, which was for my first “real” job, I didn’t have a ton to bring because I hadn’t accumulated much yet. (IKEA definitely came in handy for that first apartment!)

That’s why I wasn’t prepared for the amount of packing I’d have to do this time around. (Fortunately, my mother, who is retired and only lives 10 minutes away from the house we left, did a lot of packing this time for me (huge thanks, Mom!).

Most of us hate moving, and packing can seem never-ending as it eats up most of your free time (ALL of it, by the end). Through my exhausting experience, though, I’ve come away with lots of packing tips to share.

Tips for Packing and Unpacking When You Move

Start Early — No, Earlier

I cannot emphasize this enough. Start EARLY to save yourself some stress (and panic, chaos, and so on). When you’re already busy with work, family, and more (and especially if you’re a procrastinator like I am), it’s easy to keep telling yourself you have PLENTY of time left. Personally, I should have started packing and decluttering much, much earlier.

The drawback is having to be surrounded by boxes of your stuff for even longer, but if it’s feasible, it’s worth it. We moved out of a single-family home, but if you have an apartment or other small living space and don’t have much room for piles of boxes, just remember that you’ll eventually end up living with the same number of them anyway. Plus, you’ll improve your Tetris skills!

Disclaimer: I was pretty lucky — I got the keys to our rental a few weeks before moving day, and we didn’t put our house on the market until after we moved, so we didn’t need to do everything in a single day.

{related: what is your best decluttering advice?}

Get Rid of As Much Stuff As You Can

You know those people who say, long after moving, “Yeah, we still have boxes we haven’t even unpacked!” — and they don’t even remember what’s inside? Don’t be them. Be ruthless about getting rid of things you don’t need.

I’m in my town’s “community giving” Facebook group, and even though I’ve been getting rid of TONS of stuff through there over the years, plus donating to Goodwill, etc., I never realized how much I could still get rid of. As I was packing, I gave away, donated, and sold (FB Marketplace ftw!) MANY items, but even post-move, I found even more that either wouldn’t fit in our new place, a townhouse, or were just unnecessary. (Who needs that many lamps?!) So, I’ve continued!

Be strict when you ask yourself, “When’s the last time I used this? Will I ever use it again?” My three handy questions for purging belongings are: “Do I really need this?”, “Is this sentimental?” (take a photo before ditching it!), and “Could someone else use this?”” Also helpful are: “Could I buy one of these again in the future, or borrow one?” Alternately, try the “poop rule” (ew).

{related: decluttering, selling, donating, Kondoing, and more}

Choose Your Labeling Strategy

If you’re hiring a moving company, like I did ($1,700, ouch, but worth it), ask how they prefer you label boxes, as well as the maximum weight of each.

Instead of labeling boxes “dining room,” “living room,” etc., I used tape for color-coding. I made three cardboard signs that showed the color key: one to refer to during packing, and two to post for the movers at the new place. Next to each room name, I stuck a piece of the coordinating color of tape.

I used duct tape and masking tape (also called artists’ tape) for color-coding — and for speed’s sake, I tore instead of cut it. I placed a tape piece on each side of the box, plus the top. FYI, Michaels has a large selection of tape colors, and if you do need scissors, nonstick ones are perfect for cutting tape! I also bought this roll of 500 (!) “fragile” stickers and later passed on the excess.

On each box, I used a wrote the general contents with a black marker (“mugs,” “tote bags,” etc.), and even though it takes longer, it’s ideal to write this not just on the top flaps, but every side. (I ran out of time for this, d’oh!) When boxes are piled up in your new place, it’s a pain to search for certain items when you can’t see the tops. When I had to hurriedly throw unrelated stuff together in boxes (again, ran out of time), making it tough to summarize, I wrote each lengthy list on a post-it on the top and taped over it with packing tape.

{related: what to consider if you’re thinking of moving to the suburbs}

Buy More Supplies Than You Think You Need

It’s a giant pain to be in the packing groove and suddenly run out of packing paper, boxes, or tape, or have your last Sharpie dry out (ask me how I know). Gather a lot more supplies than you expect to need — you can get much of it for free, and you can always pass it on later to a grateful person.

Here are the best things to have on hand:

• open-top plastic crates/baskets: These are great for transporting stuff in your car, but clearly not ideal for the moving truck.
• large plastic totes with lids: These are nice for sheets, blankets, towels, etc., because they keep things clean, and the totes won’t get too heavy. Clear sides are always helpful in general.
• LOTS o’ moving boxes: Trust me, get FAR more than you need, if you have the space to store them. I ran out at least a few times and had to get more, which was annoying. Check your local free groups, FB Marketplace (some boxes are free, some aren’t), and of course, every mover’s friend, the liquor store.
• packing materials like packing paper, newspaper, and bubble wrap. Rags, towels, clothes, and cloth napkins can do double duty. Again, check Facebook if you’re on it — I don’t think I had to pay for any packing stuff. (Packing peanuts, even the eco-friendly kind, make a big mess and aren’t really worth it.)
• misc. supplies like bungee cords, binder clips, zip ties, post-it notes, a pad of paper, plastic wrap or foil for certain kitchen items), giant tote bags (like IKEA bags), and large trash bags, especially for moving clothes.

{related: buying a home: tips and tricks}

Make a Packing Kit

I really don’t want to know how many hours I wasted looking for things I “lost” somewhere in the house: tape, scissors, pens, markers, my phone, etc. It was so frustrating! Too late, I realized that a portable “packing kit,” though kinda dorky (I mean, who’s watching, anyway?) would have been hugely helpful, especially when I was wearing clothes without pockets. (I did a lot of packing in pajamas!)

So, to avoid wasting time like I did, consider wearing a fanny pack / waist pack containing all the small essentials. Has anyone done this? Do tell.

{related: the Type A guide to moving (our best moving tips!)}

Readers, what are your best packing tips for a move? Do you typically hire professionals? What are your favorite ways to get rid of things pre-move?

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

J.Crew has been bringing back several old favorites in its Icons collection. I think the idea is to introduce a new generation to some of the “throwbacks” that made J.Crew what it is today, but I’m using it as an opportunity to replace items that have been hanging out in my elder millennial closet for 15+ years.

This pointelle cardigan is a perfect weight for summer and comes in so many gorgeous colors that you may want to grab more than one. This “neon snapdragon” would bring a summery pop of brightness to my usual grays and blacks. 

The sweater is $168-$178 at J. Crew and comes in sizes XXS-3X. 

Sales of note for 6/5:

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ooh: this clutch from Cuyana looks extremely versatile. It’s not unusual to see a clutch styled with multiple straps, but it IS unusual for me to like the way it looks in almost every view. As a clutch without any strap: cute! As a crossbody (as pictured): cute! As a shorter shoulder bag with a chain strap: cute!

This limey chartreuse color is not my favorite, but it does seem to be the hot color of the summer, and Cuyana just released a zillion bags with this seasonal color. It does look really beautiful with navy, medium blues, and more.

The bag comes in three core colors in pebbled leather (black, red, and “stone cappuccino”), as well as suede (“clay/cherry”) and another black version in “lamb/snake” (but it just looks matte to my eyes).

The clutch itself is $248-$298, with a variety of adjustable straps being $98-$198.

Sales of note for 6/5:

Some items in the fashion industry are long-term investments that transcend fads. Luxury handbags stand out among these as necessary pieces that are both functional and fashionable. The Valentino Garavani DeVain bag is a good example of how contemporary style and classic refinement can coexist in a single accessory. A well-made bag is more than just a fashion statement; it is a symbol of excellence, adaptability, and individuality.

The Growing Value of Designer Accessories

Fashion enthusiasts’ attention has switched over time from rapidly evolving trends to durable goods. Many now prefer to invest in high-quality accessories that hold their value and attractiveness rather than regularly updating outfits with seasonal pieces.

In particular, luxury bags provide a special benefit. They are appropriate for both regular use and exceptional events because they blend strength and beauty. They are a wise addition to any outfit because of their dual function.

Functionality Meets Style

The ability of luxury bags to strike a balance between design and use is one of the main reasons they continue to be popular. They are designed to fulfil daily necessities in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. These bags are made with functionality in mind, from roomy interiors to neatly arranged sections.

Consumers today have higher expectations for their fashion selections. They want things that are useful in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. A high-quality bag is a dependable everyday companion because it can hold necessities while also adding flair to the ensemble.

A Statement of Personal Identity

Fashion has always been a method to express oneself, and accessories have a big influence on how that expression is shaped. In example, a person’s purse can reveal a lot about their sense of style.

The bag you choose becomes a part of who you are, regardless of whether you like dramatic designs or simple aesthetics. Your taste, way of life, and attention to detail are all reflected in it. For this reason, a lot of people take the time to carefully choose items that complement their personalities.

Longevity and Sustainability

The idea of purchasing less but better has been gaining popularity as discussions about sustainability continue to expand. Purchasing a single, long-lasting, high-quality item is significantly more sustainable than buying inferior substitutes on a regular basis.

Luxury bags are frequently made with strong materials and skilled craftsmanship to ensure they endure regular use. This longevity promotes more conscientious consumption practices and lessens waste.

Versatility Across Occasions

The adaptability of a luxury bag is another important advantage. Classic designs can be utilised in a variety of contexts, in contrast to trend-based things that soon become outdated.

A well-made purse can easily be worn to formal occasions as well as informal get-togethers. It provides a sense of refinement when worn with jeans and a basic tee. It adds elegance when paired with evening attire. You can enhance the value of a single item thanks to this versatility.

Building a Timeless Wardrobe

Choosing items that will hold up over time is essential to building a timeless wardrobe. In this process, accessories are essential. Even though fashion trends may shift, a timeless purse nevertheless works well with a variety of looks.

You may create a collection of pieces that complement one another with ease by concentrating on high-quality, muted colours and flexible patterns. This method guarantees that your clothes stays fashionable and useful while also making styling easier.