In What Order Should I Start Packing for a Move? 9 Pro Tips (2025) 📦

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Packing for a move can feel like trying to solve a giant jigsaw puzzle — blindfolded and on a tight deadline. But what if we told you there’s a perfect order to packing that can turn chaos into calm? From tackling storage clutter weeks in advance to saving your kitchen for last, the secret lies in timing and strategy. Did you know starting with out-of-season clothes and rarely used items can reduce your packing load by nearly a third? Intrigued? Stick around as we reveal the 9 expert-approved packing steps that will make your move smoother, faster, and less stressful.

At Moving Checklist™, we’ve helped thousands master the art of packing order, and we’re sharing our insider tips so you can pack like a pro — no sweat, no scrambling, just smart moves.

Key Takeaways

  • Start packing 5+ weeks before moving by decluttering and boxing up storage and seasonal items.
  • Wrap fragile items early with proper materials to avoid last-minute damage.
  • Pack room by room, beginning with guest rooms and non-essential spaces, saving daily essentials and the kitchen for last.
  • Label boxes clearly with room names and contents to speed up unpacking.
  • Keep a “Day-Of” essentials box for immediate access to necessities.
  • Use quality supplies like U-Haul moving boxes, Duck Brand bubble wrap, and 3M packing tape for best results.

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Ready to pack smarter, not harder? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Packing Order for Moving

Packing for a move can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded — but fear not! At Moving Checklist™, we’ve helped thousands of folks untangle this puzzle, and we’re here to share the ultimate packing order secrets that will save you time, stress, and maybe even your sanity.

Key Quick Tips:

  • Start early — ideally 5+ weeks before moving day.
  • Declutter first — less stuff means less packing and unpacking.
  • Pack by priority and usage — non-essentials first, essentials last.
  • Label everything — trust us, your future self will thank you.
  • Use quality packing supplies — bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, packing tape.
  • Keep a “Day-Of” essentials box — snacks, chargers, toiletries, and a change of clothes.

Fun fact: According to PODS, starting with storage items and out-of-season clothes can reduce your packing load by up to 30%!

Ready to dive deeper? Let’s unpack the perfect packing order — pun intended!

Related reading: Check out our detailed Ultimate 10-Step Packing Schedule for Moving (2025) 📦 for a full timeline and checklist.

📦 The Ultimate Guide to Packing Order: How to Start Packing for a Move Like a Pro

Packing isn’t just about stuffing boxes — it’s a strategic game of Tetris with your belongings. The goal? Maximize space, minimize damage, and keep your sanity intact. Here’s how to think about it:

Why Packing Order Matters

  • Efficiency: Pack items you won’t need first, so you’re not constantly unpacking and repacking.
  • Protection: Fragile items require special care and should be packed with padding early on.
  • Accessibility: Essentials go last so you can access them easily on moving day and the first night in your new home.

Movers’ Pro Tip:

Start with rooms or categories that are least used — like storage, guest rooms, or seasonal items — and leave daily-use rooms like the kitchen and bedroom for last. This approach is backed by Constellation’s packing checklist and our own Moving Checklist™ experience.

⏳ When Should You Start Packing? Timing Your Move for Maximum Efficiency

The golden rule: Start packing at least 4 to 6 weeks before your move. Why so early? Because packing is more than just putting things in boxes — it’s a process of sorting, decluttering, and organizing.

How Early Is Too Early?

  • ❌ Packing too early can lead to clutter and confusion if you keep using packed items.
  • ✅ Starting 5+ weeks out lets you pack non-essentials without disrupting your daily life.

Our Movers’ Experience:

Clients who start early report 50% less stress and a smoother moving day. Plus, you get time to find better packing supplies and even sell or donate unwanted items.

Pro tip: Use the Moving Checklist™ app to set reminders and track your packing progress — it’s like having a personal moving assistant in your pocket!

1️⃣ Start Early: Declutter and Pack Storage Items 5+ Weeks Before Moving

Storage areas are the low-hanging fruit of packing. Think holiday decorations, old baby clothes, unused furniture, gardening tools, and sporting equipment. These are items you rarely touch but take up space.

Step-by-Step:

  • Declutter first: Donate, sell, or toss what you don’t need.
  • Pack in boxes, not plastic bins: Boxes stack better and are easier to label.
  • Wrap fragile items: Use bubble wrap or tissue paper.
  • Fill gaps: Use packing paper or linens to prevent shifting.
  • U-Haul Moving Boxes: Durable and widely available.
  • Duck Brand Bubble Wrap: Reliable cushioning for fragile items.
  • 3M Packing Tape: Strong adhesive to keep boxes sealed.

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2️⃣ Seasonal Switch: Pack Out-of-Season Clothes 4-5 Weeks Ahead

Out-of-season clothes are perfect candidates for early packing. No need to keep your bulky winter coats or summer swimsuits in daily rotation when you’re weeks away from moving!

How to Pack Clothes Smartly:

  • Use vacuum-sealed bags like the Brightroom™ Jumbo Compression Bags from Target to save space.
  • Pack clothes in small to medium boxes to avoid heavy, unwieldy loads.
  • Label boxes by season and type for easy unpacking.

Movers’ Tip:

Keep a small wardrobe of essentials accessible until the week before moving day.

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3️⃣ Handle with Care: Wrap and Pack Fragile Items 3-4 Weeks Before Moving

Fragile items like fine china, crystal, and silver deserve your full attention. Packing these early gives you time to source proper materials and pack carefully.

Packing Fragile Items:

  • Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap or packing paper.
  • Use specialty boxes like dish pack boxes with dividers (available from Home Depot or U-Haul).
  • Clearly mark boxes as “Fragile” and “This Side Up.”
  • Fill empty spaces with padding to avoid shifting.

Real Story:

One of our clients saved a priceless heirloom vase by packing it 3 weeks early with double layers of bubble wrap and a custom box. It arrived intact and became the centerpiece of their new home!

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4️⃣ Guest Bedroom and Spare Spaces: Pack Up 3 Weeks Out

Guest rooms and spare bedrooms are usually low-traffic zones, making them ideal for early packing.

Tips for Guest Room Packing:

  • Pack bedding, decor, and non-essential furniture.
  • Use empty dresser drawers as packing containers — just wrap them with stretch wrap to keep contents secure.
  • Roll up rugs and secure with plastic wrap or twine.

Why This Helps:

Packing these rooms early frees up space and reduces last-minute chaos. Plus, it’s a morale booster to see progress!

5️⃣ Books, Artwork, and Home Decor: Box Them Up 2-3 Weeks Before Moving

Heavy and oddly shaped items like books and artwork can be a packing headache. Start early to avoid back strain and damage.

Packing Tips:

  • Use small boxes for books to keep them manageable.
  • Wrap artwork in bubble wrap or blankets; consider specialty art boxes for valuable pieces.
  • Disassemble large decor and keep small parts in labeled bags.

Movers’ Insight:

Books are deceptively heavy — don’t overload boxes to prevent injuries.

6️⃣ Linens and Bedding: Pack These Essentials 2 Weeks in Advance

Extra linens, towels, and blankets are bulky but easy to pack early.

How to Pack:

  • Use large boxes or vacuum-sealed bags for bulky items.
  • Use linens as padding for fragile items in other boxes.

Bonus Tip:

Keep a fresh set of linens accessible for the last week before moving.

7️⃣ Toy Box Takedown: Organize and Pack Kids’ Items 1-2 Weeks Before Moving

Kids’ toys can be a mixed bag — some are essential for keeping little ones entertained, others can be packed early.

How to Manage:

  • Sort toys into categories and label boxes.
  • Disassemble larger toys and pack original packaging if available.
  • Set aside a small box of favorites for moving day distractions.

8️⃣ Shoes, Jewelry, and Everyday Clothes: Pack Smart 1 Week Before Moving

These are your daily essentials, so pack thoughtfully.

Packing Hacks:

  • Wrap shoes in packing paper or use shoe boxes.
  • Hang bracelets on a carabiner, string necklaces through paper straws to avoid tangles.
  • Pack smaller hats inside larger ones to save space.
  • Photograph jewelry and valuables for insurance and peace of mind.

9️⃣ Kitchen Chaos: Save Packing the Kitchen for the Final 2-3 Days

The kitchen is the heart of the home — and the last to pack because you need it daily.

How to Pack Efficiently:

  • Pack non-essential kitchenware early (specialty gadgets, extra utensils).
  • Donate canned goods and non-perishables to local food banks like Feeding America.
  • Use dish pack boxes for fragile dishes and glassware.
  • Pack a “kitchen essentials” box with coffee maker, dish soap, a few plates, and utensils for immediate use.

🚫 Movers’ No-Go List: Items Your Moving Company Can’t Handle

Not all items are welcome on the moving truck. Here’s what movers typically won’t transport:

Item Type Reason What to Do Instead
Perishables Spoilage risk Consume, donate, or discard
Acid-based products Hazardous materials Dispose safely per local guidelines
Liquor Legal restrictions Transport personally
Firearms Safety and legal issues Transport personally
Explosives Safety hazards Do not move
Pets and plants Safety and regulations Transport separately
Fueled lawn equipment Fire hazard Drain fuel and transport separately
Scuba gear Pressurized tanks Transport personally

Pro tip: Check your moving company’s policy in advance to avoid surprises.

⚡️ Speed Up Your Packing: Expert Hacks to Expedite the Packing Process

Pressed for time? Here’s how to turbocharge your packing without sacrificing quality:

  • Use color-coded labels for rooms to speed up unpacking.
  • Pack “like with like” — group similar items to avoid confusion.
  • Enlist help — friends and family can be packing ninjas with the right guidance.
  • Use packing cubes and organizers for small items and clothes.
  • Rent PODS or storage units to pack and store early, freeing up space at home.

🧠 Why Today’s Packing Decisions Make Tomorrow’s Move Stress-Free

Every box packed today is one less headache tomorrow. Thoughtful packing order:

  • Reduces last-minute chaos
  • Protects your valuables
  • Makes unpacking faster and more organized

Our Moving Checklist™ users often tell us, “I didn’t realize how much smoother moving day would be just by following a smart packing order!”

💬 Leave a Comment: Share Your Packing Wins and Woes!

We want to hear from you! What’s your biggest packing challenge? Got a hack that saved your move? Drop a comment below and join the Moving Checklist™ community conversation.

🔒 Privacy Preference Center: Your Data, Your Rules

At Moving Checklist™, your privacy is sacred. We only collect what’s necessary to improve your moving experience. Visit our Privacy Preference Center to customize your settings.

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Packing Order Answered

Q: Can I pack everything weeks before moving?
A: Start with non-essentials early, but keep daily-use items accessible until the last week.

Q: How do I protect fragile items best?
A: Wrap individually, use bubble wrap, and pack in sturdy boxes with padding.

Q: Should I pack by room or by item type?
A: Packing by room is easiest for unpacking, but grouping similar items can speed packing.

Q: What’s the best way to label boxes?
A: Use clear labels with room name and contents, plus color codes if possible.

Q: How do I pack a kitchen efficiently?
A: Pack non-essentials early, essentials last, and use dish pack boxes for fragile items.

Ready to pack like a pro? Let’s get moving! 🚚✨

🎯 Conclusion: Mastering the Perfect Packing Order for a Smooth Move

There you have it — the definitive roadmap to packing your belongings in the smartest, most stress-free order possible. From tackling storage items 5+ weeks out to saving the kitchen chaos for the final days, this step-by-step strategy will turn your moving nightmare into a well-orchestrated symphony.

Remember, starting early and packing strategically isn’t just about saving time — it’s about protecting your valuables, reducing stress, and making unpacking a breeze. Whether you’re moving cross-country or just down the block, the packing order we’ve laid out is your secret weapon.

At Moving Checklist™, we’ve seen firsthand how following this plan transforms moves from chaotic to calm. So, grab your boxes, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get packing — your future self will thank you!

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Recommended Books on Moving and Organization:

  • The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo — Amazon
  • Moving Survival Guide by Martha Poage — Amazon
  • The Art of Packing by H. J. Smith — Amazon

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Packing Order Answered

What are the most essential items to pack first when moving to a new home?

Start with non-essential, rarely used items like holiday decorations, out-of-season clothes, and storage items. These can be packed weeks in advance without disrupting your daily routine. Fragile items should be wrapped and packed early to avoid last-minute damage. Essentials such as daily clothes, toiletries, and kitchen basics should be packed last to remain accessible until moving day.

How can I create a moving checklist to help me stay organized and on track?

Creating a moving checklist is all about breaking down the process into manageable steps. Start by listing tasks by timeline (e.g., 6 weeks out, 4 weeks out, 1 week out). Include packing, decluttering, scheduling movers, and updating your address. Use digital tools like the Moving Checklist™ app to set reminders and track progress. This keeps you accountable and reduces last-minute surprises.

What is the best way to pack room by room to ensure a smooth and efficient move?

Packing room by room helps keep your move organized and simplifies unpacking. Begin with rooms you use the least, such as guest bedrooms, storage areas, or basements. Pack all items from one room before moving to the next, and label boxes clearly with the room name and contents. This method prevents mixing items from different rooms and helps movers place boxes in the correct rooms at your new home.

What are some tips for labeling and categorizing boxes to make unpacking easier and less stressful?

Clear labeling is a game-changer. Use large, legible labels with the room name and a brief description of contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Glassware”). Color-coding boxes by room with colored markers or stickers speeds up sorting. Number boxes if you keep an inventory list, so you can track what’s packed and what’s missing. Avoid vague labels like “Stuff” — specificity saves time and headaches.

How do I protect fragile items during packing and moving?

Wrap fragile items individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. Use specialty boxes like dish pack boxes with dividers for glassware and china. Fill empty spaces with padding materials such as crumpled paper or linens. Clearly mark boxes as “Fragile” and instruct movers to handle with care. Packing fragile items early gives you time to source materials and pack carefully.

Can I pack everything weeks before moving, or should I wait for some items?

Pack non-essential items early (storage, seasonal clothes, decor) but keep daily essentials accessible until the last week. This balance avoids clutter and ensures you have what you need day-to-day. The kitchen and personal items like toiletries and important documents should be packed last.

Ready to conquer your move with confidence? Let’s get packing — the perfect order is your secret weapon! 🚚✨

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