Picture this for a second: You’re standing in your living room, looking at a mountain of boxes, thinking, “Where do I even begin?”
Moving can feel like a total beast, and if you’re anything like most people, you’ll be wondering, “What to pack first when moving?
It’s the million-dollar question that we’ve all asked ourselves at some point.
Did you know that 90% of people start packing without a solid plan and end up in chaos?
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
It doesn’t matter if you're packing up an apartment or a house; knowing the right order to pack can turn your move from a stressful nightmare into a smooth ride.
So, let’s answer your question about what to pack first when moving and tell you how to organize the whole thing.
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Start With a Moving Essentials Checklist
Before you do anything, the first step is to have a solid plan.
It is compulsory to create a moving essentials checklist. When we say essentials, we mean the things you need for everyday survival.
This checklist should include items you’ll need immediately when you arrive at your new place.
Things that you will need for the first 24 to 48 hours of survival.
A solid checklist should include:
-
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
- Important documents (ID, passports, insurance, and rental agreements)
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A change of clothes for the first few days
- Medications or medical supplies
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Chargers for your phone, laptop, and other electronics
- Snacks and water to keep your energy up
Once you have this checklist, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing you're starting on the right foot.
Once you’ve got your checklist, explore the must-haves for your move by checking out our moving essentials—what you really need.
Pack Items You Won’t Need Immediately
Now that you have your essentials ready, it’s time to start packing things you won’t need right away.
This is where you start getting organized and smart about what to pack first.
Out-of-season clothes: If you're moving in the summer, pack up your winter jackets, gloves, and boots. You won’t need them for a while, so get them out of the way. It’s a good idea to pack your seasonal clothing first.
Books, movies, and decorative items: Start with non-essentials like your book collection, movies, or extra decor you won’t need for the first few days.
Extra bedding: Pack up those spare blankets and sheets you won’t be using immediately. You’ll still have the essentials, but this stuff can be packed up early.
Packing these things first will clarify space and help you focus on what's important later. It's a great way to declutter, and you won't even miss these things until you're settled.
Don't stress about packing—connect with top-rated movers for a seamless move. Find the best moving company now.
Pack Kitchen Items
Next up is the kitchen. This is one of those areas where you need to think ahead.
What kitchen gadgets or utensils do you not need in the immediate future?
Here’s where packing priority items comes into play. You can start with things like:
- Extra pots and pans
- Dishware (if you have a lot, pack up the ones you don’t use every day)
- Non-essential small appliances (blenders, toasters, etc.)
- Extra cutlery, glassware, and mugs
By packing the kitchen early on, you’re freeing up a ton of space and making sure you’re not scrambling for utensils the moment you get to your new place.
While you're packing your kitchen essentials, remember to check out our detailed guide on how to pack your kitchen for moving for more pro tips.
Focus on Things You Use Every Day (Essentials)
Now, you'll start packing the essentials—the stuff you can’t live without.
After all the non-essentials are packed, focus on your day-to-day items. These should include:
- Your main set of clothes (not the seasonal ones—think shirts, pants, pajamas)
- The cookware and utensils you use daily (a couple of pots, a pan, and a few knives)
- Your main toiletries—shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant
- A few sets of towels and your shower curtain
- Chargers for all your devices
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Bedding—pack your mattress protector, sheets, and pillows
Having these top items to pack first for a move ready to go will prevent you from scrambling through boxes looking for the stuff you use all the time.
Take Care of the Fragile and Valuable Stuff
Now, let’s talk about those fragile or valuable items. You know, the stuff you really don’t want to break or lose. Things like:
- Fine china (if you have any)
- Family heirlooms or personal keepsakes
- Electronics like TVs, computers, and stereo equipment
- Glass or fragile decorations
Note: Pack these things carefully and make sure they’re clearly labeled so nothing gets damaged. Don’t rush through this step—fragile items deserve extra attention.
If you want to pack your fragile items like a pro, check out our expert tips on how to pack fragile items to keep everything safe.
Pack Up Furniture & Larger Items Last
Now that you've packed your essentials and smaller items, it's time for the big stuff—furniture and larger items.
But before you go throwing couches and tables into boxes (which would be a little crazy), take it slow.
Disassemble anything that can be easily broken down (like bed frames, bookshelves, or desks). This will make it easier to transport and store in the moving truck.
Before you haul that couch, make sure you’ve got the best protection for your furniture—check out our guide on the best ways to protect your furniture before moving.
Set Aside a “Moving Day Bag”
The last thing you want to do on moving day is be running around looking for things.
That’s why having a moving day bag ready to go is crucial.
This should have:
- Your important documents (like your ID, moving contract, etc.)
- A couple of outfits for moving day (don’t pack them last minute)
- Snacks, water, and drinks (trust me, you’ll get thirsty)
- A phone charger (because how else are you going to track your movers or navigate?)
- A first-aid kit (just in case—moving can get a little intense)
Unpacking Tips (Because You’ll Need Them Too)
You will need these unpacking tips once you’ve made it to the new house!
This is where you’ll really thank yourself for following a packing list for moving house and staying organized.
Here's the general order to unpack:
Essentials Box: Start by first setting up the bathroom, bed, and kitchen essentials.
Living Areas: Set up your living room or any common spaces where you'll spend the most time.
Bedrooms: Unpack your bedroom last if you’re not in a rush.
Everything else: Finally, tackle the rest of your stuff, such as books, decor, and non-essentials.
Note: By following this packing order, you'll have everything you need as soon as you arrive. Plus, it'll make the process a whole lot less stressful.
And when you’re finally ready to unpack, learn how to unpack after moving for step-by-step tips.
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