What To Pack First When Moving can be challenging to figure out, particularly if you’re unsure about what to bring first. With so much to do, moving to a new house can be both exhilarating and stressful. Being organized and packing wisely are the greatest ways to stay on course. Creating a packing list for moving is an easy way to stay organized and ensure that your most valuable belongings are available when you need them. You can save yourself a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty by starting early and following a packing schedule for moving. To keep things going smoothly, concentrate on packing the necessities first and adhere to your moving checklist. This will make it easier and quicker for you to get settled in your new house.
What Should You Do Before You Start Packing?
What to Move First When Moving is a key question to answer before you begin packing. It’s crucial to know what to pack first before you start the moving process. Making a plan in advance will keep everything organized and make your relocation go more smoothly.
Clear Out Your Area
Decluttering is one of the best things you can do before packing. You’ll save time and effort when packing if you get rid of items you don’t need. Your relocation will go more quickly and be less stressful if you have fewer things.
Why Decluttering Is Important:
- You’ll need to move and pack fewer things.
- Unwanted items won’t be brought into your new house.
- It will be easier and faster to unpack.
How to Decide What to Keep, Donate, or Throw Away:
- Keep things that are essential in your new home, functional, and in good condition.
- Give away well-maintained items that you no longer need, such as furniture, clothing, or books.
- Anything that is broken, expired, or useless should be thrown out.
Gather Packing Supplies
After decluttering, start collecting the packing supplies you’ll need to protect your stuff during the move.
Packing Supplies You’ll Need:
- Boxes (various sizes)
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Packing peanuts
- Markers for labeling
- Soft items like towels or newspaper for padding
Where to Find Free Packing Supplies:
- Ask local grocery or liquor stores for free boxes.
- Look on websites like Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle.
- See if friends or family have extra packing items.
Create a Moving Checklist
A moving checklist will help you stay organized and make sure you don’t forget anything important. It’s a great way to manage your time and reduce last-minute stress.
Things to Include in Your Checklist:
- Confirm your moving date and book movers if needed.
- Start packing early, beginning with items you don’t use every day.
- Clean and prepare your current home for the move.
- Let utility companies, the post office, and others know your new address.
How to Plan Your Packing Schedule for Moving:
- Set a timeline and break tasks into smaller steps.
- Pack non-essentials first, like out-of-season clothes or extra decor.
- Save daily-use items like toiletries and kitchen tools for last.
By staying organized and knowing what to move first when moving, you’ll make the process more manageable and less stressful. Following a clear packing schedule for moving will ensure nothing is overlooked and that your new home is set up smoothly.
What to Pack First When Moving | A Smart Packing Schedule for Moving
A well-defined packing strategy can simplify and reduce the stress of moving preparations. Knowing what to move first when moving is one of the most beneficial things. Starting with essentials guarantees that you have what you need immediately and keeps you comfortable and organized during the journey.
Start by Packing a Box of Necessities
A necessities box needs to be the first item on your moving checklist. This little box contains the essentials you’ll need as soon as you move into your new house. You won’t have to go through dozens of boxes to find necessities like your toothbrush or phone charger if you pack it first.
What to Include in Your Essentials Box:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper)
- Important papers (ID, passport, lease, insurance)
- Medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
- A few sets of clothes
- Phone and device chargers
- Snacks, water, and basic kitchen items (a mug, plate, utensils)
Why This Box is Important:
Having your essentials close at hand helps you settle in faster and avoid stress during the first few days in your new place.
Pack Valuables and Personal Keepsakes
As part of your packing schedule for moving, it’s smart to pack valuables and sentimental items early. These can include jewelry, family keepsakes, legal papers, or anything that’s hard to replace.
How to Safely Pack Valuable Items:
- Jewelry: Use padded boxes or small bags to keep pieces safe and untangled.
- Keepsakes: Wrap fragile items carefully and place them in strong, labeled boxes.
- High-value items: Use secure bags or special boxes with extra padding to protect them.
Keeping these items in a separate, clearly marked box ensures they stay safe and easy to find.
Pack Seasonal Items Early
Seasonal things like holiday decorations, winter jackets, or beach gear should be packed early because you won’t need them right away. This step clears up space and helps you focus on daily-use items later.
Tips for Packing Seasonal Items:
- Winter clothes (if moving in summer): Store in labeled bins or vacuum-sealed bags.
- Sports and outdoor gear: Use tough bags or boxes; pack large items like bikes or skis in special carriers.
- Holiday decorations: Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap and clearly label each box.
Packing seasonal items first keeps your move more organized and makes unpacking easier later on. Following a solid packing schedule for moving ensures everything is packed efficiently and nothing important is left behind.
How to Pack for a Move in a Month | Your Week-by-Week Packing Plan
The best strategy to reduce stress if you have a month to prepare for your relocation is to spread out the work and keep organized. You can stay organized and prevent missing anything crucial by using a weekly packing schedule for moving and understanding what to pack first. To help you pack wisely over the following four weeks, here is a straightforward week-by-week guidance based on a well-thought-out packing list for moving.
Week 1: Start with the Least-Used Items
Begin by packing the things you don’t use often. This lets you get a head start without affecting your day-to-day routine.
What to Pack First:
- Attic, Garage, Basement: These areas usually hold seasonal items, tools, or decorations. Sort through them and box up what you don’t need right away.
- Spare Rooms and Storage: Pack away off-season clothes, extra furniture, and unused electronics. This clears space and gets you into the moving mindset.
Week 2: Pack Non-Essentials and Décor
Next, focus on the non-essential items around your home that are easy to live without for a few weeks.
Add These to Your Moving Checklist:
- Home Decorations: Wrap things like art, vases, and photo frames in bubble wrap or soft cloths. Label boxes as “Fragile” to avoid damage.
- Books, DVDs, and Collectibles: Use small, strong boxes so they’re not too heavy. These items are simple to pack early and won’t affect your daily life.
Packing Tip:
For breakable items, use newspaper or packing peanuts to line boxes. Wrap each item separately and fill in empty spaces to prevent movement during the move.
Week 3: Pack Clothing and Linens
As moving day gets closer, start packing things you won’t need in the final days.
What to Pack This Week:
- Seasonal Clothes: If it’s summer, pack your winter gear—and the other way around. Use vacuum bags or labeled bins to save space and stay organized.
- Extra Towels and Bedding: Pack extra sheets, blankets, and towels. Keep only what you need for the final week.
Pro Tip – Use a Capsule Wardrobe:
Choose a few basic clothing items to wear for the last two weeks. This makes dressing easier and gives you time to pack the rest of your clothes.
Week 4: Pack Daily Essentials and Final Items
In the last week, focus on the things you use every day and prepare your essentials box for moving day.
What to Pack Last:
- Kitchen items you still use
- Bathroom basics
- School or work supplies
- Pet items
- Important papers and valuables
Your essentials box should have everything you’ll need for your first few days in your new home. This should be the final box you pack—and the first one you open.
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.
