Packing for a Move: What to Pack First, Last, and in Between

Packing for a move can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can make the process easier, more organized, and far less stressful. A crucial part of this strategy is understanding what to pack first, what to pack last, and what to pack in between. Whether you're moving locally, across the country, or even internationally, having a clear packing order plays a key role in ensuring nothing is forgotten and your essentials remain accessible.

Why Packing Order Matters

Many people discover--sometimes too late--that efficient packing for a house move is all about timing and organization. Deciding what items should be packed away at which stages leads to:

• Less chaos and clutter during your remaining days in your current home
• Faster, more efficient unpacking in your new place
• Reduced risk of accidentally packing indispensable items

Packing for a Move: The Big Picture

The essential principle is to pack by necessity and frequency of use. Items rarely used and non-essentials should go first; daily necessities should be packed last. Understanding this principle will clarify each step of your moving process, saving you both time and unnecessary frustration.

The Best Approach: Room-By-Room & Priority System

For the most organized move, tackle one room at a time, and within each room, begin with items you use the least. This system not only makes packing manageable, it also helps during unpacking. Before diving into the specifics, gather your packing supplies:

• Sturdy moving boxes (various sizes)
• Packing tape and dispensers
• Bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam peanuts
• Markers and labels
• Plastic bags for small items
• Scissors, box cutters, and cleaning supplies
• Stretch wrap and furniture covers

What to Pack First When Moving

Packing Non-Essentials First

When starting to pack for a move, begin with non-essentials--items you can live without for a few weeks. Packing these first means less disruption to your daily routine.

• Out-of-Season Clothing: Pack away winter coats in summer and swimsuits in winter.
• Books and Magazines: Unless you're currently reading them, these can be boxed early.
• Rarely Used Kitchenware: Think specialty appliances, extra dishes, serving platters, and holiday bakeware.
• Decor and Art: Wall art, picture frames, vases, candles, and decorative pillows.
• Collectibles and Keepsakes: Pack away knick-knacks, memorabilia, and display pieces in protective materials.
• Spare Linens: Tablecloths, guest bedding, extra towels.
• Storage Items: Items already stored in basements, attics, or closets are prime candidates for early packing.

Declutter as You Pack

Moving is a great time to declutter. As you pack non-essentials, evaluate each item. Do you love it? Use it? Need it in your new place? If the answer is "no," consider selling, donating, or tossing it. This reduces the volume you need to move and can even save you money on moving costs.

What to Pack Next: The Semi-Essentials

Continue with Less Frequent Items

• Cookware Used Occasionally: Mixing bowls, baking sheets, slow cookers.
• Kids' Toys and Hobbies: Limit each child to a small box of current favorites and pack the rest.
• Guest Room Items: Bedding, decor, and furniture not in daily use.
• Office Supplies: Extra paper, files, and non-daily equipment can be packed ahead of time.

Leave Labels Clear & Visible

As you go, clearly label every box with its destination room and a list of contents. Use color-coding, bold markers, or even digital inventory apps for extra organization. This step is crucial not just for packing, but for finding what you need quickly during the unpacking process.

What to Pack Last When Moving

Leave Daily Essentials for the End

As moving day approaches, it's time to focus on your everyday essentials. These are items you'll need up until the last minute and should be packed at the very end--ideally in a clearly marked "essentials box" or suitcase.

• Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, hairbrushes.
• Minimal Clothing: Enough outfits for the last few days and the first few days after the move.
• Medications and First Aid: Any prescription meds, pain relievers, and a basic first aid kit.
• Important Documents: IDs, passports, financial paperwork, moving contracts.
• Chargers and Electronics: Phones, laptops, chargers, and small electronics.
• Daily Kitchen Items: A couple plates, cups, utensils, your coffee maker or kettle.
• Pet Supplies: Food, bowls, leashes, and toys your pets need daily.
• Cleaning Supplies: For last-minute clean-up before leaving your old place.

The Essentials Bag or Box

Assemble a dedicated essentials bag or box for each member of your household. Think of it as an overnight bag for a trip: enough to survive 2-3 days if you can't get to your main boxes immediately. Include:

• Change of clothes and pajamas
• Personal hygiene products
• Medications, glasses, contact lens supplies
• Basic snacks and water bottles
• Kid comfort items (favorite toy, blanket, etc.)
• Pet necessities
• Laptop/tablet and charger

Extra Tips: What Not to Pack Until Moving Day

Some items are prohibited or risky to pack in moving trucks, especially for long-distance or interstate moves. These may include:

• Perishable food
• Plants
• Valuables like jewelry, cash, heirlooms (take these with you personally)
• Hazardous materials (cleaning chemicals, paint, propane tanks, firearms)

Check with your chosen moving company for a full list of restricted items.

The Ideal Moving Timeline: A Week-by-Week Guide

Four Weeks Out: Start Early

• Book movers or a rental truck
• Gather packing supplies
• Begin decluttering and packing non-essentials
• Notify important parties of your address change

Two Weeks Out: Move on to Less Frequent Items

• Pack remaining books, seasonal decor, guest rooms
• Continue labeling and organizing by room
• Use up pantry food and freezer items

One Week Out: Pack Semi-Essentials

• Pack most clothing and shoes you don't wear daily
• Disassemble extra furniture
• Contact utility providers to schedule shut-off dates

Last Few Days: Essentials Only

• Pack up daily-use items and your essentials box
• Defrost and clean your refrigerator 24 hours before moving
• Complete a final round of cleaning
• Do a walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind

Room-by-Room Packing Checklist

Here are tips for packing each room efficiently, following the "first, last, and in-between" method.

Kitchen

• Pack rarely used appliances first
• Box up dishes and glassware not needed daily (wrap with care!)
• Save a basic set of plates, utensils, cups for last
• Dispose of open liquids and use pantry goods before moving

Living Room

• Pack books, DVDs, games first
• Next, wrap artwork, electronics, and small decor
• Leave essential furniture and entertainment systems for last

Bedrooms

• Pack off-season wardrobe first
• Next, box up extra bedding, shoes, and storage items
• Essentials like pillows and sleepwear packed last

Bathrooms

• Start with spare towels and products stocked in excess
• Keep daily items in a travel bag and pack these just ahead of the move

Home Office

• File paperwork and pack archived documents early
• Safely box electronics with original packaging if available
• Keep important documents with you during the move

Garage/Basement

• Dispose of hazardous or prohibited materials
• Pack seasonal decorations, tools, and sporting equipment early
• Disassemble furniture and equipment as needed

Key Packing for a Move Tips

• Keep a Moving Checklist: Document every step and check off tasks to stay organized.
• Don't Overfill Boxes: Keep weight manageable to avoid injuries and box breakage.
• Protect Fragile Items: Use extra padding for glasses, plates, and electronics.
• Use Clear Bins for Essentials: This makes key items easy to spot on arrival.
• Photograph Cable Setups: Before packing electronics, take pictures of wire connections for easier reassembly.
• Purge As You Go: The less you take, the lower your stress, effort, and moving costs.
• Keep Valuables Close: Personally transport anything irreplaceable.

Conclusion: Make Moving Smoother Through Smart Packing

By applying the right packing strategy for a move—starting with non-essentials, moving on to semi-essentials, and finishing with daily necessities—you make your transition to a new home drastically more organized and stress-free. Remember, a little planning upfront saves countless hours of unpacking confusion later on. Utilize checklists, label your boxes clearly, and consider each item's daily importance before boxing it up. When in doubt, ask yourself: Will I need this before moving day, or can it wait until I settle in again?

With these step-by-step packing tips, your next move can be smooth, efficient, and even a bit enjoyable! Happy moving!