When Should You Start Packing for a Move?
Most households should begin planning and decluttering six to eight weeks before moving day. That does not mean every box must be packed two months early. It means you should start with items you rarely use and gradually work toward everyday necessities.
The larger the home and the more storage areas it contains, the earlier you should begin.
Eight Weeks Before Moving
Create your moving plan
Confirm your target date, request moving estimates and decide whether you need packing services, storage or specialty-item handling.
Begin decluttering
Sort closets, garages, basements, attics and storage rooms. Decide what will be:
- Moved.
- Donated.
- Sold.
- Recycled.
- Discarded.
Moving items you no longer need adds packing time, truck space and expense.
Start an inventory
Photograph valuable items and make a list of furniture, appliances and specialty belongings.
Six Weeks Before Moving
Gather packing supplies
You may need:
- Small, medium and large boxes.
- Heavy-duty boxes.
- Packing paper.
- Bubble protection.
- Tape.
- Markers.
- Mattress bags.
- Dish-pack materials.
- Wardrobe boxes.
Use smaller boxes for books, tools and other heavy belongings. Large boxes filled with heavy items can become unsafe to lift.
Pack rarely used items
Start with:
- Seasonal decorations.
- Extra linens.
- Books.
- Collectibles.
- Formal dishes.
- Off-season clothing.
- Stored décor.
Four Weeks Before Moving
Pack secondary rooms and belongings you can live without for several weeks.
This may include:
- Guest rooms.
- Home-office archives.
- Wall décor.
- Extra kitchen equipment.
- Children’s stored toys.
- Garage items not used regularly.
Begin notifying service providers and organizations of your upcoming address change.
Two Weeks Before Moving
Most nonessential belongings should now be packed.
Focus on:
- Remaining décor.
- Most clothing.
- Extra cookware.
- Pantry items you will not consume.
- Bathroom storage.
- Outdoor equipment.
Confirm the moving date, arrival window, addresses, phone numbers and any special instructions.
One Week Before Moving
Pack nearly everything except immediate daily needs.
Prepare a clearly marked first-night box containing:
- Toilet paper.
- Soap.
- Towels.
- Basic tools.
- Phone chargers.
- Bed linens.
- Paper products.
- Coffee or simple breakfast supplies.
- Pet supplies.
- A change of clothes.
Do not place medications, identification, closing documents, cash or irreplaceable valuables on the moving truck.
The Day Before Moving
- Finish all remaining packing.
- Seal and label every box.
- Empty and defrost appliances when required.
- Charge phones.
- Confirm access to the new property.
- Clear walkways.
- Set aside items you are transporting personally.
- Prepare water and simple snacks.
- Get adequate sleep.
Moving Day
Walk through the home before the truck leaves. Check closets, cabinets, the attic, garage, shed, patio and storage areas.
At the new home, direct boxes to their labeled rooms. This reduces unnecessary rearranging after the movers leave.
How to Label Moving Boxes
Each box should include:
- Destination room.
- General contents.
- Fragile status when appropriate.
- Priority level.
For example:
Kitchen — Everyday Dishes — Fragile — Open First
A simple labeling system saves time at both ends of the move.
Need Help Packing? Ask About Packing and Moving Services
