One of the most common questions homeowners have when preparing to move is, “What should I prepare first?” Whether you’re moving into a four-bedroom home in Phoenix, Arizona, or a two-bedroom bungalow-style home in Birmingham, Alabama, organization is the key to making the entire move more efficient. This guide outlines exactly what to pack first when moving, why that order is important, and how to start packing efficiently while still ensuring you have access to your essentials.
Start by packing items you don’t use every day.
The most effective packing strategy is to start with items that are not essential for daily life. Before moving day, think about what you won’t need or will lose. This allows you to make steady progress without affecting your daily life or creating avoidable inconveniences.
1. Pack storage space and long-term storage items first
Storage space is a great place to start since there are a lot of things you rarely use. These areas store items for occasional or seasonal use, so you can bin them early without disrupting your daily life.
Items normally in the warehouse
Seasonal clothing and accessories Holiday decorations Sporting, camping, or hobby supplies Old documents and memorabilia Tools and repair items that are not used regularly or are not essential to the move
Packing your storage space first will get you started quickly and free up physical space for staging other boxes.
2. Pack essential items like home decor and decorations
Once your storage space is complete, it’s time to turn your attention to decorations. Target things that make your home unique but don’t contribute to its function.
Examples of decorative items that should be packed early:
Wall art, framed prints, and photographs Vases, candles, and decorative pottery Cushions, blankets, and accents Small collectibles and exhibits
Removing decorations early will give your home a more neutral feel, which can be helpful if you’re preparing for viewings while your home is on the market. Gradually simplifying your space can also ease the emotional transition when you leave your home.
3. Pack books, hobby equipment, and entertainment.
Books, entertainment supplies, and hobby supplies are some of the most essential items you’ll need in the weeks leading up to your move. Packing these early will keep your shelves cleaner and less visually cluttered.
Pack items such as:
Books, magazines, photo books Board games, puzzles Video games, game consoles Crafts, sewing materials, art supplies
These items can be heavy, so separate them into smaller boxes to avoid overpacking and reduce the risk of injury.
4. Pack extra linens, extra bedding, and extra towels.
Most households store more linen than they use regularly. Packing extra sets early reduces clutter and reduces the number of items you have to deal with last minute.
Ideal items to pack early:
Guest sheets and rarely used linens Extra blankets or comforters Extra towel sets
Keep only one set of active linens and towels per person to make the last few days before your move more manageable.
5. Pack non-essential kitchen items
The kitchen is often the last room you want to pack, but some items can be boxed weeks in advance. Focus on those that don’t support your daily meal preparation.
Kitchen items that don’t need to be packed first:
Tableware and platters Specialty bakeware Small appliances (waffle makers, slow cookers, toaster ovens) Additional tableware, duplicate utensils, or glassware
6. Pack off-season clothing and accessories
Clothes that don’t apply to the current season are easy to cross off your list.
What to include:
Heavy coats for spring or summer travel Shorts, swimsuits, or sundresses for fall or winter travel Seasonal footwear Holiday attire and formal wear
Packing your off-season clothing early will free up space in your closet and reduce the hassle of final packing.
7. Pack the guest room and less frequently used areas
Guest rooms, spare bedrooms, and other low-traffic areas tend to contain items that aren’t part of everyday life. It also makes a great space to store empty, packed boxes.
Items in rarely used spaces:
Guest Bedding and Decor Guest Room Accessories and Small Furniture
Completing these areas early will help maintain order on the move.
Why this packing order works
Following this sequence allows you to:
Maintain access to essentials for as long as possible Gain packing momentum early without disrupting your daily routine Reduce stress by tackling the simplest, least emotional categories first Reduce workload during the last week before the move
By the time you’re ready to pack your essentials, most of the work is already done without sacrificing your daily comfort.
Frequently asked questions about what to prepare first when moving
When should I start packing my unnecessary items?
Start preparing for your move 4 to 6 weeks before your move date. This timeline allows you to complete unnecessary categories so you don’t have to rush to pack the rest of your home.
How do I know what is “non-essential”?
Anything that is not necessary for daily life is OK. If you don’t use it every week or don’t need it before your move, you can pack it early.
Why start with storage areas instead of the main living space?
Storage is the most efficient starting point because it stores infrequently used items and is isolated from day-to-day functions.
Can I clean up the kitchen early?
Yes, but only for non-essential items. Leave the cooking utensils, dishes, and utensils you use every day outside until the last few days.
Do I have to follow this order exactly?
Although not exact, using this order as a guideline can help you avoid packing important items too early and keep the process organized.
