What to Pack First When Moving?

Moving to a new home is both an exciting and overwhelming experience. With so much to do, deciding what to pack first when moving can be challenging. However, having a clear plan of action can make the process smoother and more efficient. 

Here are the step-by-step instructions to start packing when moving. By understanding the process, you will save time, reduce stress, and make the overall move more efficient.

Declutter Before You Pack

One of the most essential steps to take before packing is to declutter. Moving provides an ideal opportunity to declutter and part with items you no longer need or use. As you go through each room, organize your belongings into different categories such as:

• Keep

  Items you need and use regularly.

• Donate

  Items in good condition that others may find useful.

• Throw away

  Items that are damaged or unusable.

Decluttering will save you time and effort when you start packing, and you’ll have fewer boxes to move into your new home.

What to Pack First When Moving?

• Pack Non-Essentials First

  The first things to pack are the non-essential items. These are things you don’t use daily and won’t need until after the move. Here’s a breakdown of what non-essentials to pack first:

  1. Off-Season Clothing

     If you're moving during the summer, pack your winter clothes first. These items won’t be needed before the move, so it’s safe to pack them away early. Use suitcases, vacuum-sealed bags, or sturdy boxes to store your off-season clothes.

  2. Decorative Items

     Wall art, pictures, and decorations around the house can be packed early. These items are not essential for your daily routine, so start with them. Be sure to wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent any damage.

  Know how to pack Artwork for moving!

  3. Books and Magazines

     Books and magazines, unless you’re a daily reader, can also be packed early. Use small or medium-sized boxes for books, as they can get quite heavy. Avoid overpacking these boxes to make them easier to lift and move.

  4. Collectibles and Hobby Items

     If you have collections like action figures, stamps, or other hobbies, pack them next. Since these items are usually for display or occasional use, they won’t be missed in the weeks leading up to your move.

• Pack the Kitchen Next

  The kitchen can be tricky to pack, but it's smart to pack non-essential kitchen items early on. Here’s a breakdown of what to pack first from the kitchen:

  1. Specialty Cookware and Appliances

     If you have appliances that you rarely use, such as a bread maker or slow cooker, pack those first. Likewise, any pots, pans, or gadgets you don’t use regularly can go into boxes early.

  2. Dishware and Glassware

     Pack your fine china, wine glasses, and other fragile dishware that you won’t need before the move. Make sure to use plenty of bubble wrap or newspaper to protect these delicate items.

  3. Extra Utensils

     Most people have more kitchen utensils than they use on a daily basis. Pack any extra spatulas, serving spoons, or utensils that you don’t need every day.

     You’ll want to keep enough everyday dishes, cups, and utensils to use until the move, but everything else should be packed.

• Pack Up Bedrooms and Living Areas

  Once you’ve taken care of the non-essentials, move on to the more frequently used areas. Here’s what to pack from bedrooms and living spaces:

  1. Bedding and Linens

     Begin by packing away any extra bedding and linens that you won’t require immediately. Keep one set of sheets and blankets for each bed, but pack the rest.

  2. Entertainment Items

     If you have a large collection of DVDs, video games, or board games, pack them next. You might want to keep out one or two items for entertainment in the days leading up to the move, but the bulk can be boxed up.

  3. Toys and Children’s Items

     If you have children, pack their non-essential toys first. You can leave out a few favorite toys to keep them entertained, but pack away the majority, especially larger toys or ones they don’t use every day.

• Pack Toiletries and Bathroom Items Last

  The bathroom will be one of the last areas you pack since you’ll need these items up until moving day. However, you can still pack some non-essential bathroom items ahead of time:

  1. Extra Towels

     If you have more towels than you use daily, pack the extras. Keep a few towels out for showers and personal hygiene.

  2. Backup Toiletries

     You may have extra bottles of shampoo, conditioner, or soap that you can pack early. Keep only the items you’ll need for the next few days.

  3. First Aid Kit

     It’s a good idea to pack your first aid kit early and keep it in an easily accessible box. You might need it during the moving process, so place it somewhere handy.

• Important Documents and Valuables

  It’s essential to pack your important documents and valuables separately from everything else. Make sure to have these items in a secure and easily accessible place. This can include:

  1. Birth certificates

  2. Passports

  3. Legal documents

  4. Jewelry

  5. Financial paperwork

  These should be packed in a special box or bag that you keep with you during the move.

• Pack a First-Night Box

  As you approach moving day, create an essentials box that contains everything you’ll need for the last few days in your old home and the first few days in your new one. This box should include:

  1. A set of dishes, cups, and utensils
  2. Basic toiletries like soap, toothpaste, and shampoo
  3. A change of clothes for each family member
  4. Snacks and drinks
  5. Phone chargers and important electronics
  6. Cleaning supplies for your new home

• Pack Last-Minute Items on Moving Day

  There are some items that you’ll need right up until the moving truck arrives. These include:

  1. Perishable food from the fridge and pantry
  2. Bedding from the beds
  3. Any cleaning supplies you’ll need for a final clean-up

Once the truck is loaded and the house is empty, you can pack these last-minute items and head to your new home.

Decluttering first, packing non-essentials, and saving the most-used items for last will help you stay organized and reduce the stress of moving. Follow these steps, and your move will be off to a smooth start!