Figuring out what to pack first when moving can be one of the biggest challenges of the entire process. While moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, it often comes with its fair share of stress and overwhelming tasks. To make the transition as smooth as possible, proper packing is essential. Creating a packing list for moving is a great way to stay organized and ensure that your most important items are ready for the big day. By preparing early and packing strategically, you can avoid unnecessary chaos and make the entire moving experience more manageable. Starting with the essentials and following your packing list for moving will help minimize last-minute stress, allowing you to settle into your new home quickly and comfortably.
What Should You Do Before You Start Packing?
Before you begin packing for a move, it’s crucial to determine what to move first when moving to ensure the process is as smooth and organized as possible.
1. Declutter Your Space
Decluttering is one of the most important steps to take before packing. It simplifies your move and saves valuable time and effort. The fewer items you need to pack, the more organized and stress-free your move will be.
Why Decluttering Is Essential:
- It reduces the number of things you need to pack and transport.
- It helps you avoid moving unnecessary or unused items to your new home.
- It makes unpacking easier since you won’t have to deal with items you no longer need.
How to Decide What to Keep, Donate, or Throw Away:
- Keep: Items that are in good condition, useful, and have a place in your new home.
- Donate: Things you no longer need but are still in good condition, such as clothes, books, or furniture.
- Throw Away: Broken or damaged items, expired food, and anything that no longer functions.
2. Gather Packing Supplies
Once your space is decluttered, the next step is to gather the packing materials you’ll need to protect your belongings during the move.
Essential Packing Materials:
- Boxes (in various sizes)
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Packing peanuts
- Markers for labeling
- Cushioning materials (like newspapers or towels)
Tips for Finding Free Boxes and Packing Materials:
- Check local grocery stores, liquor stores, or online platforms (such as Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle) for free boxes.
- Ask friends and family if they have extra packing materials they no longer need.
3. Create a Moving Checklist
To stay organized, it’s helpful to create a packing list for moving. This checklist will outline all the tasks you need to complete before starting the packing process, ensuring you stay on track and don’t forget anything important.
Key Tasks to Include on Your Checklist:
- Confirm your moving date and, if necessary, book a moving company.
- Start packing early, particularly items that aren’t used daily.
- Clean and prepare your current home for the move.
- Notify your utility companies, postal service, and other relevant organizations about your address change.
How to Organize Your Packing Schedule:
- Set a clear packing timeline and break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
- Start with non-essential items, like seasonal clothes or decorations.
- Save everyday essentials, such as toiletries and kitchen items, for last.
What to Pack First When Moving | A Smart Packing Schedule for Moving
When you’re getting ready for a move, having a clear packing schedule for moving can help reduce stress and keep everything on track. One of the first steps is knowing what to pack first when moving. Starting with the essentials allows you to stay comfortable and organized during the transition and ensures that your most important items are always within reach.
1. Essentials Box
At the top of your packing list for moving should be your essentials box—a container with the items you’ll need immediately upon arriving at your new home. Packing this box first helps you avoid rummaging through dozens of boxes just to find your toothbrush or phone charger.
What to Include:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper)
- Important documents (passport, ID, lease, insurance papers)
- Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter)
- A few changes of clothes
- Chargers, devices, and basic electronics
- Snacks, water, and simple kitchen items (like a plate, mug, and utensils)
Why This Box Matters:
By keeping your essential items accessible, you’ll save time and avoid unnecessary stress during the first few days in your new space.
2. Valuables and Irreplaceable Items
As you follow your packing schedule for moving, prioritize packing valuables and irreplaceable items early. These might include jewelry, family keepsakes, legal documents, or sentimental belongings.
How to Pack These Items Safely:
- Jewelry: Use padded boxes or individual pouches to prevent tangling or damage.
- Heirlooms & Keepsakes: Wrap fragile items carefully and pack them in sturdy, clearly labeled containers.
- High-Value Items: Consider using specialty boxes or secure bags with extra padding designed specifically for valuable belongings.
Keeping these items separate from your general moving boxes ensures they receive the care and attention they deserve.
3. Seasonal Items
Seasonal belongings—like winter coats, holiday decorations, or beach gear—should be packed early in your moving timeline since you won’t need them right away.
Tips for Packing Seasonal Items:
- Winter Clothes (if moving in summer): Use vacuum-sealed bags or labeled bins for bulky garments.
- Sports & Outdoor Gear: Pack in durable bags or containers, and use special carriers for bikes, skis, or other large items.
- Holiday Décor: Store fragile decorations in bubble wrap and label each box clearly.
Packing seasonal items early is a smart step in any well-planned packing list for moving, freeing up space and helping you stay organized.
How to Pack for a Move in a Month | Your Week-by-Week Packing Plan
If you have a full month to prepare for your move, the key is to stay organized and spread out the workload. Following a thoughtful packing list for moving and knowing what to move first when moving will help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure nothing gets overlooked. Here’s a simple week-by-week guide to help you pack efficiently over the next four weeks.
Week 1: Pack the Least-Used Items First
Start by packing the things you rarely use. This is a great way to make progress early without disrupting your daily life.
What to Move First When Moving:
- Attic, Garage, Basement: These storage spaces often contain items like holiday decorations, old tools, or seasonal gear. Begin by sorting and boxing up these non-essentials.
- Spare Rooms and Storage Areas: Items such as out-of-season clothing, extra furniture, or unused electronics should be packed early on. This not only clears space but also builds momentum for the rest of your move.
Week 2: Pack Non-Essentials and Decorative Items
Once you’ve handled the least-used areas, turn your attention to non-essential but visible items around your home.
Add These to Your Packing List for Moving:
- Home Décor: Carefully wrap artwork, picture frames, vases, and other decorative items in bubble wrap or soft fabric to avoid damage. Label these boxes as “Fragile.”
- Books, DVDs, and Collectibles: Use small, sturdy boxes to avoid making them too heavy. These items are easy to pack in advance and won’t be missed in your daily routine.
Packing Tip:
For fragile items, line boxes with crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts and ensure each item is individually wrapped. Fill empty spaces to prevent shifting during transit.
Week 3: Tackle Clothing and Linens
As your moving date gets closer, begin packing items you won’t need during the final weeks.
What to Pack:
- Seasonal Clothing: If you’re moving in summer, go ahead and pack your winter gear—or vice versa. Vacuum-seal bags or labeled storage bins are ideal for saving space.
- Extra Linens: Start boxing up spare towels, sheets, and blankets. Keep just what you’ll need until moving day.
Pro Tip – Create a Capsule Wardrobe:
Select a small set of versatile clothing items to wear in the final two weeks. This will keep your daily routine simple and make it easier to finish packing your wardrobe just before moving day.
Week 4: Essentials and Final Items
In the last week, you’ll focus on packing the everyday items you’ve been using, and preparing your essentials box for the move.
Last-Minute Packing List for Moving:
- Daily kitchenware
- Bathroom essentials
- Work/school materials
- Pet supplies
- Important documents and valuables
Your essentials box should include everything you’ll need during your first few days in your new home—this should be the very last box you pack and the first one you unpack.
By following this structured approach and knowing what to move first when moving, you can stay ahead of schedule and reduce moving-day chaos. Use this packing timeline alongside a comprehensive packing list for moving to stay organized, protect your belongings, and make the entire process more manageable.
Tips for Staying Organized While Packing
Packing can feel overwhelming, but staying organized can make the process smoother and less stressful. Here are some helpful tips to stay on track:
1. Label Boxes Clearly
One of the most important things you can do when packing is label your boxes clearly. This will make unpacking much easier and help you find things quickly once you’ve moved.
- Importance of Clear Labeling: By labeling each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents, you can avoid confusion and save time searching for items later.
- Recommended Labeling Methods: You can label boxes room-by-room (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Living Room”) or use color-coding to make it even easier. For instance, use a red label for the kitchen, blue for the living room, and green for the bedroom. This method makes it easy to identify where each box belongs at a glance.
2. Keep an Inventory List
Keeping an inventory list is crucial for tracking everything you’ve packed and where it’s stored. This ensures you don’t lose track of anything important during the move.
- How to Keep Track: Whether you use a smartphone app, spreadsheet, or a simple notebook, write down what’s in each box and which room it belongs to. This will make it easier to find specific items once you start unpacking.
- Using Apps or Paper Lists: There are plenty of moving apps that allow you to take pictures of your boxes and create digital inventories. Alternatively, a paper list works just as well—just make sure to keep it updated as you pack.
3. Pack a Little Each Day
Packing all at once can feel like too much, but if you pace yourself, it becomes more manageable.
- How to Divide Your Packing Workload: Plan to pack a few boxes every day. Start with items you don’t use often, like seasonal clothes or decor, and work your way toward essentials. Breaking it down into smaller tasks will help you feel less overwhelmed.
- Benefits of Pacing Yourself: Packing a little each day helps you avoid the stress of a last-minute rush. It also gives you time to carefully pack fragile items and ensures you don’t miss anything. By the time moving day arrives, you’ll be mostly ready and won’t feel panicked.
Final Thoughts
When you’re preparing for a move, knowing what to pack first when moving is crucial for a smooth transition. Start with your essentials, pack non-essentials and decor, and focus on clothes and linens as the moving day approaches. At Chamomile Go, we understand how overwhelming packing can be, and we’re here to make your move as stress-free as possible. Whether you need help with packing or simply want advice on how to get organized, our team is ready to assist. Contact us today for expert packing services in Los Angeles at +1 310-895-3517. Let Chamomile Go take the hassle out of your move reach out now and get started!
FAQs
What Should I Pack First When Moving?
The first items to pack are those that you don’t use regularly, such as seasonal items, decor, and out-of-season clothing. You can also start with non-essential kitchen items, books, and extra furniture. Packing early gives you more time to focus on essential items closer to moving day.
Should I Pack Clothes First When Moving
It’s a good idea to pack clothes that you won’t need immediately, like seasonal clothes or extra linens. You can leave out just a few items to create a “capsule wardrobe” for the last few weeks leading up to your move.
When Should I Pack Fragile Items?
Fragile items, such as glassware, dishes, and artwork, should be packed early but carefully. Use bubble wrap, towels, or packing paper to protect them. Make sure these items are packed in sturdy boxes and clearly labeled as fragile.
How Can I Organize My Packing When Moving?
Start by packing items you don’t use daily. Label boxes by room and create an inventory list to keep track of everything. This will help you stay organized and make unpacking easier when you arrive at your new home.
What Should Be Packed Last When Moving?
The last things you should pack are your everyday essentials, such as toiletries, medications, phone chargers, and a change of clothes. These should be packed in an “essentials box” that you’ll need right away upon arriving at your new home.
