What to Pack First When Moving: The Ultimate Checklist to Start Right
Wondering what to pack first when planning your move? You’re not alone. At MNGMOVERS LLC, we’ve helped countless families and individuals organize the perfect packing checklist to make the transition to their new home smoother and faster. One of the biggest questions we get is: “What are the best things to pack first when moving?”
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through what to pack first when moving, how to build a smart checklist, and the right strategy to tackle each room in your house. Whether you’re weeks away or just starting the pre-packing phase, this blog will help you prepare for your move in a way that saves time and makes your moving day far less stressful.
What Should You Pack First When Moving?
If you’re wondering what to pack first, the best place to start is with items you won’t need until after you’ve arrived at your new home. The goal is to begin with rarely used items and gradually move toward the essentials.
Start by packing:
- Out-of-season clothes
- Books you won’t read anytime soon
- Decoration and picture frames
- Items in storage spaces like the attic or garage
These non-essentials help kick off the packing process without disrupting your daily life. Starting here also gives you time to declutter.
What Are the Essential Packing Supplies for Dishes?
We recommend you start packing at least 3–4 weeks before moving day. Begin with storage areas and move room by room. The earlier you begin, the more time you’ll have to sort, label, and pack away non-essential belongings.
You can start by packing areas such as:
- The guest room (if unused)
- Attic or basement
- Storage bins and closets
Giving yourself time ensures a smoother pace and avoids last-minute chaos.
How Can a Checklist Help You Pack?
Creating a moving checklist is one of the smartest ways to figure out what to pack. A checklist not only helps organize your timeline but ensures you don’t forget important steps.
Your checklist should include:
- Which rooms and items to pack each week
- What packing items you’ll need (e.g., bubble wrap, boxes, tape, packing paper)
- What to label and how
At MNGMOVERS LLC, we can even provide a customized packing checklist for your move.
Which Rooms Should You Pack First When Moving House?
The best place to start packing is in the rooms you use the least. Avoid packing your kitchen or bedroom essentials until the final week.
Start with:
- Guest room
- Home office
- Storage space or closets
- Decoration areas like hallways or living rooms
By starting with these zones, you pack first when moving house with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
What Household Items Are Easiest to Pack First?
Some items first on your list should be those that are durable and unlikely to break. Think soft goods, books, and non-breakable decor.
Easy-to-pack items include:
- Towel sets
- Linen and bedding not in use
- Out-of-season clothes and shoes
- Board games, books, and DVDs
Use these items to start filling packing boxes and build momentum.
Should You Pack Fragile Items Early or Last?
Fragile items like fine china or collectibles should be packed early, but with care. Since you don’t use these daily, they’re perfect candidates for early pre-packing.
Make sure to use:
- Bubble wrap or foam padding
- Dividers for glassware
- Double-walled packing boxes
Label these boxes clearly as fragile and keep them away from heavy items during the move.
How Do You Handle Packing the Bedroom?
When it comes to your bedroom, start with items you don’t need daily. This may include:
- Seasonal clothing items
- Extra linen and bedding
- Sentimental items like photo albums
Save your daily clothes, essential toiletries, and your main bedding for the final few days before moving day.
What Should You Pack in the Kitchen?
Kitchens are tricky. You use them daily, so pack them closer to moving day. However, you can still get a head start.
Early kitchen packing includes:
- Fine china or party dishware
- Rarely used items like baking tools or special utensils
- Duplicate pots and pans
Leave out your basic cookware and utensils until the final week.
What Personal Items Should You Leave for Last?
The last things to pack should include your essential items and day-to-day needs. These are the items you’ll use right up until moving day and should be packed in a clearly labeled essentials box.
These include:
- Toiletries
- Important documents
- Phone chargers
- Clothing for the week
- Medications
Keeping these separate ensures you’re comfortable during the transition.
How Can a Professional Mover Help You Pack?
Working with a professional moving company like MNGMOVERS LLC takes the guesswork out of packing. We know how to pack when moving in a way that protects your belongings and maximizes efficiency.
Our team can:
- Help you figure out what to pack first
- Provide boxes and packing materials
- Assist with labeling and sorting
- Make your move less stressful
Whether you’re doing it yourself or opting for full-service, we’re here to help you pack smart.
Final Checklist: What to Pack First When Moving
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- Out-of-season clothes, books, and decor
- Unused linen, towel, and bedding sets
- Storage items from the attic, garage, or basement
- Fragile collectibles and fine china
- Unused kitchen gear and party dishware
- Sentimental keepsakes you don’t need daily
- Guest room and home office contents
Being strategic about what to pack first when moving helps save time, reduce stress, and make your packing and moving journey more organized. At MNGMOVERS LLC, we’re proud to support you every step of the way to your new home.