6–8 weeks before the move: Clean out and pack your belongings
The earliest phase of packing for a move focuses on preparation. Starting about six to eight weeks in advance will give you the freedom to make thoughtful decisions and avoid the frantic “everything goes in a box” rush at the end.
Start by scouring closets, storage areas, and less-used rooms to find out what’s worth keeping. Many people donate or throw away far more items than they originally expected once they started packing. If you are able to let go of your inner hoarder, clean up will make moving easier, with fewer boxes to pack, less to transport and an easier unpacking process.
The next step is to gather your packing supplies. It’s helpful to have a mix of box sizes, tape, labels, bubble wrap, and wrapping paper on hand before you get into a rhythm. That afternoon trip to Home Depot can quickly throw momentum out the window.
From there, focus on the non-essentials, the things you won’t need for the next few weeks. These may include:
- Holiday decor and seasonal displays
- Memorabilia and souvenirs
- Backup linens and extra towels provided
- Overflow kitchen gadgets or duplicates
- Hobby or craft supplies that are not currently being used
Following this early process will free up space, reduce visual clutter, and help you get into the mindset of actually making your move.
2-4 weeks in advance: pack room by room
In the middle of your move, most of your house will start to turn into boxes. A room-by-room approach is the most efficient because it helps you maintain order and keep labeling consistent. This also allows you to maintain a relatively normal lifestyle until you start packing up the most used rooms and items in your home.
Start with rooms you use the least: guest rooms, extra bathrooms, or formal dining areas. It’s emotionally and logistically easier to pack entire rooms that won’t disrupt your daily rhythm.
As you move through this phase, you can focus on categories that take longer to prepare or require extra care. These include:
Fragile objects
Glassware, dishes, electronics and framed art take a while to be properly packaged. Using bubble wrap and sturdy boxes prevents last-minute breakage.
Guest room items
As these areas are rarely used, bed linen, spare towels and decorations can now be stored neatly and without discomfort.
Books and decoration
Books should be placed in small boxes to avoid excessive weight, while decorative items and artwork require padding and careful arrangement.
Bedding
Any linen that is not part of the daily routine (tablecloths, spare sheets, extra blankets) can be safely packed during this phase.
By the end of this period, most belongings, aside from daily necessities, will be organized and ready to move.
1 week in advance: final packing, box with essentials and perishables
The last week before a move is all about tying up loose ends. This is when you pack everyday use items such as current clothing, toiletries and office supplies. You may still have a few essentials on hand, but most items can be kept in a box and sealed.
This is also the ideal time to prepare a box of essentials: a small collection of must-haves for your first night in the new home. Many people bring toiletries, medications, chargers, a change of clothes, and a few basic kitchen items.
In the meantime, take a look in your refrigerator and pantry. Try cooking through perishables and give away anything that won’t survive the journey.
Pack the kitchen last (2-3 days away)
Kitchens remain active until the end of the moving process, so you pack them last. In the last few days before your move, start packing items that you won’t need for daily cooking. Think of serving dishes, special cooking utensils and extra kitchen utensils.
Only leave out what you need for simple meals and snacks. Then pack the remaining staples for the last two days. This strategy ensures that your household remains functional for as long as possible without delaying the move.
How to pack for a quick move (1 week or 3 days)
If a move happens on short notice, you need a compressed but deliberate plan that prioritizes speed, triage, and momentum.
One week quick plan:
- Clean up quickly (keep/donate/throw pile).
- Pack the storage areas first (basement, attic, closets, garage).
- Save bedrooms and living areas.
- Pack up most of the kitchen, leaving only everyday items behind.
- Pack the essentials you’ve used all week.
- Clean the house and take care of the final details.
Three-day accelerated timeline:
- Complete passage through storage areas.
- Pack decor, books and anything non-essential.
- Packing bedrooms.
- Pack the kitchen (except for the bare essentials).
- Pack daily essentials and toiletries.
- Remove perishables from the refrigerator/freezer.
- Complete last-minute tasks and cleaning.
Apartment and dorm moves: what to pack first
Smaller spaces usually mean faster moves, so the goal is to start with items that are rarely used and keep everyday life functional until the end.
- Apartment moves (pack these first):
- Wall art and decoration.
- Books and media.
- Decorative pieces and trinkets.
- Rarely used kitchen utensils (extra pans, serving dishes, special gadgets).
- Because apartment kitchens are small, it often makes sense to pack most of them sooner than when moving.
- College/dorm moves (pack these first):
- Out-of-season clothing.
- Supplies for the dormitory that you will only need upon arrival (storage cubes, hangers, extra bedding).
- Extra shoes, equipment or duplicate items.
- Save this one for the end:
- Toiletries currently in use.
- Bedding you sleep on.
- Essential academic supplies (laptop, chargers, notebooks, ID cards).
- Helpful Packing Tactics for Dorm Rooms:
- Use transparent containers so you can immediately see what’s inside.
- They stack well in tight spaces and speed up unpacking.
Should I start packing before closing?
It’s not a bad idea to start packing before you close, but it’s wise to limit yourself to non-essential items until the date is set. You don’t want to be stuck unpacking the daily essentials when timelines shift. Consider packing early as preparation while keeping your functional home intact.
Local factors: weather, traffic and parking permits
Your location plays a role in how you pack and plan your moving day. Areas with unpredictable weather can benefit from plastic bins or extra padding, while urban areas often require early planning for truck movements or temporary parking permits. By taking these external logistics into account, last-minute obstacles are avoided.
Choosing moving boxes: cardboard versus plastic
Cardboard boxes remain the most common option, ideal for books, lightweight decoration and clothing, and anything that doesn’t need protection from moisture. They are affordable, easy to label and easy to lose.
Plastic bins offer greater durability and protection, especially in wet climates or when moving long distances. They are also reusable and ideal for items that go straight into storage. By choosing a mix of both, you have flexibility and security.
Items that movers cannot handle
Professional movers have limitations on what they can carry. Paint, propane tanks and certain chemicals are classified as hazardous materials and usually must be disposed of or transported personally. Movers also avoid perishable goods, firearms, ammunition, jewelry, cash and irreplaceable documents. By planning ahead and making sure there is room for these items in your personal car, you will ensure that these items are handled properly on moving day.
Frequently asked questions about when to start packing for a move:
How soon before a move should you start packing?
Most experts recommend starting six to eight weeks ahead, starting with non-essential items.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 rule of packing?
It’s a clutter-clearing tool that asks you to donate five items, recycle four, store three, repair two, and throw away one.
What is the 3-3-3 rule when packing?
This pacing strategy divides your day into three hours of packing, three hours of running errands or miscellaneous tasks, and three hours of rest.
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