The best way to get something done is to begin. And when it comes to moving, this couldn’t be truer.
We all know moving can be a real pain in the neck. Between figuring out where your favorite mug went and trying to remember if you even own a vacuum cleaner, it can feel like a never-ending process.
But when to start packing for a move is crucial, and getting the timing right can seriously save you some major stress down the road.
You’re probably wondering, "Alright, I’m moving, but when exactly do I start?"
Well, you're not alone. According to a survey, 58% of people admitted that they left packing until the last minute, which leads to last-minute panic and broken things.
However, packing early can give you a huge advantage. You don’t want to be scrambling to throw stuff into boxes the night before the movers show up.
Whether you're moving from a tiny apartment or a giant house, there’s a moving packing timeline you can follow to make things smooth.
So, let’s discuss the details of when to start packing for a move, the right timeline, what to pack first, and how to keep your sanity intact while doing it.
Start Thinking About Packing Early!
Packing isn’t a “the day before” thing. You have to plan ahead.
So, when should you start?
The short answer: Start early, but don’t freak out.
Aim for about 6 to 8 weeks before your move. Don’t worry—We are not saying you should start boxing up everything on day one. But the sooner you start, the smoother it will be.
How early to start packing for a move?
Start at least 6 weeks out, especially if you're moving into a new house or apartment that's a bit bigger than what you’re used to.
You’ve got a lot of stuff, so don’t wait until the last minute. Even if you have only a couple of rooms, you’d be surprised how quickly things pile up.
Packing is like that one group project in school—the earlier you get started, the less chaotic it will be. And the best part is you don’t have to rush through it.
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Create a Packing Timeline
A moving packing timeline is going to be your best bud during this whole process.
It’s like having a GPS for your move. Sure, you could just wing it, but where’s the fun (and sanity) in that?
Here’s a timeline that’ll guide you through the packing process:
| Time Before Moving | What to Pack | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Weeks Before | Stuff you rarely use: seasonal clothes, extra decor, and out-of-season items. | Start decluttering. Be brutal—anything you don’t use, ditch it! |
| 6 Weeks Before | Furniture, art, books, and anything that’s big and bulky. | Pack in stages—start with the easy stuff. |
| 4 Weeks Before | Kitchen gadgets, spare linens, extra towels, and artwork. | Label, label, label! Don’t get lazy here. |
| 2 Weeks Before | Clothing, bathroom essentials, random decor that’s not in use. | Pack as much as you can, but leave the essentials behind. |
| 1 Week Before | Pack up any last-minute items. This is crunch time! | Seriously, don’t wait any longer. Pack your daily essentials last! |
| Moving Day | All your essentials like toiletries, the last pair of clean socks, snacks, etc. | Double-check everything! |
Packing still feels overwhelming? Check out How Much Do Professional Packers Cost to see if hiring pros is the right move for you!
Pack by Room
Packing by room is seriously the best way to keep everything in order.
Packing everything together in one giant pile might seem easier, but it's actually a disaster. We want to make sure everything goes in its designated space in the new place.
So, as you start packing, organize it by room.
Moving Checklist Packing Schedule
Follow this schedule if you want to stay on track:
- Start with the least used rooms: Guest rooms, storage closets, or the garage. These things won’t be needed until you’re well into the move.
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Next, handle your living areas and kitchen: You'll probably still use these places until moving day, but pack away stuff you don't need.
- Finally, the bedrooms and bathroom: Leave your essential stuff here until the very last minute. You don’t want to pack up your toothbrush too early.
Not sure what to pack first? Find out What to Pack First When Moving to make your packing process even smoother!
Packing Tips for Moving
Packing tips for moving are not just about shoving stuff in boxes. It’s about being smart so that your stuff gets to the new place in one piece.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Use quality boxes and tape: Don’t skimp on this. Invest in strong boxes and get some good tape to seal things up.
- Don’t overstuff boxes: You don't want to break your back carrying a box that's basically a lead weight.
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Bundle fragile stuff: Wrap breakable items in bubble wrap or use soft towels or blankets for padding.
- Label everything: When you're unpacking, you'll want to know which box goes where, so label everything by room.
Want to avoid packing disasters? Don’t miss our guide on the Biggest Packing Mistakes People Make When Moving to make sure you're on the right track!
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Packing for a Move-in Stages (Don't Try to Do It All at Once)
Here’s a tip that will make your life so much easier: pack in stages.
Don’t go crazy trying to pack up your entire house in one weekend. Start with the non-essential stuff and work your way toward the things you use daily.
Here’s how it could look:
Stage 1: Pack things like extra clothing, holiday decorations, books, and knick-knacks. These things aren’t going anywhere soon.
Stage 2: Start tackling your kitchen and your less-used furniture.
Stage 3: Finally, pack the items you use every day: clothes, toiletries, and the coffee maker.
Worried you’ll forget something important? Make sure you don’t miss a thing by reading our guide on Most Common Things People Forget to Pack.
How to Pack for a Move Efficiently
We’re in the home stretch now! If you want to pack like a pro, here’s how to do it efficiently:
Use bags and suitcases.
You already have them sitting around, so why not use them? Fill your suitcases with clothes, shoes, or even bedding. This will save space in your boxes and keep your stuff organized.
Use your car
Don’t just load your car with random snacks and fast food. Instead, pack delicate items like your laptop or a few fragile decorations. This will keep them safe and easily accessible when you arrive at your new home.
Focus on one room
Packing everything at once can make your head spin. Focus on one room at a time to avoid distractions. Finish packing up a room completely before moving on to the next to keep everything organized.
Use your towels
Don't waste money on bubble wrap when you have towels, blankets, or even old T-shirts. Wrap fragile items like glassware or electronics in soft fabric to prevent them from breaking.
Pack heavy items in small boxes
Large boxes can quickly become too heavy and hard to carry. Instead, put heavy items like books, dishes, and kitchenware in smaller boxes. They’ll be easier to handle and less likely to tear.
Ready to pack and move? Get a free quote and save big on your moving costs!
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