What to Pack First When Moving is actually one of the first questions I get asked once a moving date is set. Packing up your things to move out of your home can be enough to shake anyone, particularly if you’re surrounded by years of stuff, and you have no idea where to start. If you know how to pack for a move without stress, the whole answer can be summarized in a simple sentence: have a plan and pack in the right order. Whether you are moving a few miles or acontinent away, doing a little groundwork at the beginning will help you keep things moving along … and calm you down a bit, too.
To Chamomile Go customers, we know the beginning of packing feels the most daunting. That is exactly why this guide to packing for a move breaks the packing process down into simple, actionable steps so you can focus on what really matters at the start of each day. A few simple steps in a proper sequence will keep the mess to a minimum, prevent you from becoming overwhelmed, and keep your household running smoothly until the day you move.
Why Packing Order Matters
Before you begin filling box after box, it helps to know why packing order matters so much for your move. Understanding how to start packing for a move will save you from a last-minute rush and frustration. By packing up things that you don’t use very often first, you can still have easy access to your important items.
A little planning means you can stash things you use infrequently and have stuff you use daily handy. A good process means you’re not scrambling for rudimentary necessities in the final days. A number of them attest to the fact that a regimented packing schedule is what kept them sane and allowed them to accomplish each step without panic. When you do it right, you can live in your house while boxes start piling up.
Start With Items You Don’t Use Every Day
When packing, the simplest place to start is by dealing with what doesn’t interrupt your day-to-day. They shouldn’t be needed before then, so getting an early start on packing them won’t lead to any chaos.
Books, Media, and Decorative Items
Books, DVDs, board games, and collectables are your best bets for dusting off. They are often infrequently used items and are relatively simple to store in a standardized manner, with similarly sized and shaped containers.
Decorative things like wall art, photo albums, vases, and knick-knacks are a few more things that need to be packed early. Since they are usually fragile, it also means you need more time to wrap them with care to make sure they are safely packed. Taking care of them now takes the pressure off later and keeps them safe.
Pack Seasonal and Holiday Items Next
After non-essential items are packed, begin packing items you won’t need in your current season. These things are stored away for the most part, so they work well for early packing.
Seasonal Clothing and Accessories
If you’re moving in the heat of summer, pack your winter coats, boots, scarves, and heavy sweaters first. For a winter move, do the reverse. When labelling boxes, clearly state the season, so when you are unpacking, you can be quick and organized at your new home.
Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations like ornaments, lights, wreaths, and seasonal accessories need to be packed safely. Use boxes that are not too large and have enough padding inside so items won’t touch each other. Since they will not be needed anytime soon, packing mid-move helps reduce the clutter and frees up the storage space.
Pack Rarely Used Appliances
Then it’s time to pack up the appliances and tools you don’t use daily. They seem to hog precious kitchen or pantry real estate, so stowing them away early makes your home feel more spacious and less cluttered.
Blenders, food processors, slow cookers, and other specialty kitchen gadgets can be boxed for moving once they are clean and dry.
Tuck the cords into any appliance and, if possible, pack them in the original boxes for extra protection. This will not only keep things neat but will also facilitate the unpacking.
You may read How to Pack Kitchen for Moving?
Use a Room-by-Room Packing Approach
To keep things orderly and efficient, pack up one room at a time. This prevents mixing of items and makes labeling easier.
Kitchen
The kitchen usually takes the longest because of all the different types of fragile dishes there are. Begin to pack:
- Extra pantry goods
- Dishes and glassware for special occasions
- Rarely used appliances
Everyday dishes, cups, and utensils are the last to be packed. Many people switch to disposable plates and cutlery in their final days to avoid cleaning.
Bedrooms
Begin with any clothing you don’t wear regularly, or that your current season does not include. Guest bedding, blankets, throw pillows, and extra linens are packed long before. Roll or fold clothes neatly into drawers or suitcases to organize.
Your primary bedding should remain available through the day of your move. Protect your mattress nearer the time with a mattress protector or a clean sheet.
Living Room and Other Spaces
Once you have the essentials organized, pack stuff like these:
- Drapes and rugs
- Shepherd’s hooks, lamps/batteries for accent lighting
- Craft supplies or tools
They’re not everyday items, and can be stored away without interfering with your day-to-day life. If you want more help at this stage, professional packers can take some of the work away from you and ensure your belongings are treated with care.
You may read How To Pack Paintings For Moving?
Know What to Pack Last
Although it is important to know what to pack first, knowing what to pack last is equally important. Certain things should be kept accessible until the very end to ensure your home remains comfortable and functional.
Pack these items last:
- Daily clothing
- Toiletries
- Kitchen essentials
- Medication
- Chargers and electronics
- Important paperwork
- Cleaning supplies
These are items that should be kept handy so you can keep your household running smoothly while you prepare the rest of your belongings for the move.
Prepare a First-Night Essentials Box
One of the most essential parts of any moving process is packing a first-night box. This box has all the essentials you’ll need right when you arrive in your new house.
Items Include:
- Towels
- Snacks and Water
- An extra set of clothes
- Toiletries
- Phone chargers
- Basic bedding
- Trash bags
Pack and load this box last so you open it first. This simple trick will save time and frustration at the end of a long day of moving, particularly in bustling cities where you have to be up and at ‘em as soon as you can.
Final Thoughts
Knighted Moving shouldn’t panic; understanding what to pack first when moving allows you to control the process and significantly reduce stress. By starting with non-essentials and seasonal items, you can ease into the transition without interrupting your daily routine. Pack one room at a time, keep essentials nearby, and prepare a reliable first-night box for a smooth arrival. If you need professional moving and packing services in Sherman Oaks, our expert team is ready to simplify your journey. Contact Chamomile Go and let us take the weight off your shoulders and make your move as calm and stress-free as possible.
FAQs
How long in advance should I pack up for moving?
Begin to pack non-essential items a few weeks in advance, about two to three weeks before your move. That should buy you some breathing room to organize and not panic.
Is it better to pack by room?
Yes. If you pack by room, you will make life easier for yourself at the unpacking stage and keep your belongings organised while you are moving.
What do people usually forget to pack?
Chargers, toiletries, and paperwork are among the small daily essentials people often forget. A separate essentials box will make this less likely to happen.
Are special boxes required for fragile items?
Yes. Pack the glassware, electronics, and dishes in strong/packing boxes specific to them with proper padding to minimise chances of unexpected damage.
How do you stop overpacking boxes?
Do not fill the boxes with more than 40–50 pounds of weight. Arrange heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top to keep the balance and prevent you from breaking or tearing the boxes.
