Whether you’re moving from a four-bedroom home in Phoenix, Arizona, or leaving a studio apartment in Cincinnati, Ohio, packing up your entire home is no small task. That said, creating a timeline and knowing when to start will make the process smoother and less stressful. As for when to start packing for your move, a general rule of thumb is to start about 6 to 8 weeks before your moving date. This guide details what to do at each stage so you can stay organized without breaking your routine early.
6-8 weeks before moving: Organize and pack unnecessary items.
The initial stage of packing for a move focuses on preparation. Starting 6-8 weeks in advance gives you the freedom to make thoughtful decisions and avoids the rush of “everything fits in the box” at the end.
Start by looking at your closets, storage spaces, and underused rooms to sort out what’s worth keeping. Many people end up donating or throwing away far more items than they originally anticipated when they begin the packing process. If you can let go of what you’ve been holding up in your mind, decluttering will make your move easier, with fewer boxes to pack and fewer things to carry, making the unpacking process easier.
The next step is to gather your packing materials. Before you get into the rhythm, it’s helpful to have boxes of various sizes, tape, labels, bubble wrap, and wrapping paper on hand. A midday trip to Home Depot can quickly throw momentum out the window.
From there, focus on non-essentials, things you won’t need for a few weeks. These may include:
Holiday decorations and seasonal displays Memorabilia and keepsakes Extra linens and extra towels Overflow kitchen supplies and duplicates Hobbies and crafts that you are no longer using
Following this early process will declutter your space, reduce visual clutter, and get you in the mindset to actually take action.
2-4 weeks ago: Pack your belongings room by room.
In the middle of the move, most of the house will start transitioning to boxes. A room-by-room approach is the most efficient and helps maintain order and label consistency. This also allows you to maintain a relatively normal lifestyle until you start packing up the rooms and items you use most in your home.
Start with rooms you don’t use often, like guest rooms, spare bathrooms, and formal dining spaces. It’s easier emotionally and logistically to cram an entire room without disrupting the daily rhythm.
As you move through this stage, focus on categories that take longer to prepare or require special attention. These include:
fragile items
Properly packaging glassware, tableware, electronics, and framed artwork takes time. By using bubble wrap and a sturdy box, you can prevent last-minute damage.
Guest room items
These spaces are rarely used, so bedding, extra towels, and decorative items can be neatly boxed up without any inconvenience.
books and ornaments
Books should be placed in small boxes to avoid excessive weight, while decorative items and artwork should be stuffed and carefully placed.
linen
Linens you don’t use on a daily basis, such as tablecloths, back-up sheets, and extra blankets, can be safely packed at this stage.
By the end of this period, most of your non-daily belongings will be organized and ready to move.
1 week ago: final packaging, boxes of essentials, perishables
The last week before your move is all about finishing up any unfinished business. Now is the time to pack your daily necessities, such as the clothes you’re currently wearing, toiletries, and office supplies. You can keep some essentials accessible, but most of your belongings can be sealed in a box.
This is also the ideal time to prepare an essentials box with the essentials you’ll need for your first night in your new home. Most people carry toiletries, medications, chargers, a change of clothes or two, and some basic kitchen items.
In the meantime, check your refrigerator and pantry. Cook perishable items and get rid of anything that won’t last during your trip.
Pack the kitchen last (for 2-3 days)
The kitchen will continue to move until the end of the moving process, so it should be packed last. In the last few days before your move, start by packing boxes of items you don’t need for everyday cooking. Consider serving platters, specialty utensils, and additional cooking utensils.
Leave only what you need for a quick meal or snack. Then, in the last day or two, pack up the remaining staples. This strategy ensures that households continue to function for as long as possible without delaying movement.
How to prepare for moving faster (1 week or 3 days)
Rapid transitions require compressive but deliberate planning that prioritizes speed, triage, and momentum.
1 week fast track plan:
Quick cleanup (storage/donation/piling). First, pack your storage location (basement, attic, closet, garage). Box your bedroom and living space. Pack most of the kitchen, leaving only the everyday items. Pack the essentials you’ll use throughout the week. Clean the house and take care of the final details.
3-day accelerated timeline:
Thoroughly clean your storage space. Pack decorations, books, and anything else you don’t need. Pack your bedroom. Pack your kitchen (except for the bare essentials). Pack your daily necessities and toiletries. Clear out perishables from the refrigerator/freezer. Finish the last bit of work and cleaning.
Moving apartments and dorms: what to prepare first
Generally, the smaller the space, the faster the move. So the goal is to start with items you use less often and keep your daily life functional until the end.
Moving an apartment (packing first): Wall art and decorations. Books and media. decorations and accessories. Rarely used kitchen utensils (extra pots, serving plates, special utensils). Because apartment kitchens are small, it often makes sense to pack up most of the kitchen earlier than you move.
Moving to college/dorm (prepare these first): Off-season clothing. Dorm items you won’t need until your arrival (storage cubes, hangers, extra bedding). Additional shoes, gear, or duplicate items.
Leave these out until last: Your current toiletries. The bedding you sleep on. Essential school supplies (laptop, charger, notebook, ID).
Useful dorm packing strategies: Use transparent boxes so you can easily see what’s inside. Stacks securely even in tight spaces and speeds up unpacking.
Should I start packing before the store closes?
It’s not a bad idea to start packing before the store closes, but it’s wise to limit yourself to non-essential items until the date is confirmed. You don’t want to get stuck unpacking everyday items if your timeline changes. Treat early packing as preparation while keeping a functional home intact.
Local factors: weather, traffic, parking permits
Your location will influence how you pack and plan on moving day. In areas with unpredictable weather, plastic bins and additional cushioning may be helpful, while urban areas often require early scheduling for truck removal and temporary parking permits. Taking these external logistics into account can help you avoid last-minute obstacles.
How to choose moving boxes: Cardboard vs. plastic
Cardboard boxes remain the most common choice and are perfect for books, lightweight decorative items and clothing, and anything else that doesn’t require moisture protection. It’s affordable, easy to label, and easy to dispose of.
Plastic trash cans offer more durability and protection, especially in humid climates or on long journeys. Reusable and also great for direct storage items. Choosing a combination of both provides flexibility and security.
Items that cannot be handled by moving companies
Professional moving companies have limitations on what they can transport. Paint, propane tanks, and certain chemicals are hazardous materials and typically must be disposed of or transported by individuals. Movers also avoid perishables, firearms, ammunition, jewelry, cash, and irreplaceable documents. Planning ahead and making sure you have space in your personal vehicle for these items will ensure that they are properly taken care of on moving day.
Frequently asked questions about when to start packing for your move:
How long before moving should I start packing?
Most experts recommend starting with non-essential items 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing rule?
This is a decluttering tool that prompts you to donate 5 items, recycle 4 items, clean up 3 items, repair 2 items, and throw away 1 item.
What is the 3-3-3 rule of packing?
This pacing strategy divides your day into three hours of packing, three hours of errands and chores, and three hours of rest.
