The short answer to what you should start packing first is to pack things you don’t use daily. If it can sit in a box for a few weeks without disrupting your routine, it can be packed early. Items in garage storage, off-season clothes or decor, and kitchen tools you rarely touch are all good candidates.
With an entire home to box up, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. That’s why starting with a plan can make all the difference. This guide walks you through what to pack first when moving, what to save for last, and when to start so your move feels less chaotic from beginning to end.
Melanie Morris is an editor, writer, and one of the sharpest moving experts at HireAHelper. Seven years spent answering readers' toughest questions and demystifying a process most people dread has made her an authority on what movers actually need to know — and how to explain it without the jargon. Her own relocations around the Southwest and up and down the West Coast give her the firsthand experience to back it up. Whether you're crossing the country or just moving down the block, Melanie makes sure the advice you get is accurate, trustworthy, and easy to act on.
A well-paced packing plan helps you stay organized and avoid last-minute rushing that can lead to errors, panic, or lost items. Start packing for your move using the timeline below.
Start with anything literally collecting dust. Label your boxes clearly and consider packing items in plastic bins if you plan to store them long-term once you move into your new home.
Also, evaluate items as you pack. If you haven't used something in a year or more, consider donating or selling it to make room for other items. The less you have to pack and haul, the more time and money you can save on your move, so decluttering is an important step.
A good tip is to combine spare linens with fragile items, wrapping breakables in extra towels or pillowcases to save on bubble wrap or packing paper. You should also pack clothing by season so you don't have to pull every box out at once just to find what you need for the current weather. Instead, you can unpack clothing throughout the year.
When possible, take large items like furniture and exercise equipment apart for easier storage and transport. As you do this, make sure you put all the hardware for each piece in its own bag, then label and tape it to the item for more convenient reassembly. It also helps you keep track of these items, so you're not scrambling to find a missing screw when trying to put your couch back together.
At this point, your house really looks like you're moving and not just decluttering. Consider packing a suitcase for everyone in the family with clothing and essentials during this week.
Assign a small laundry basket to each person for toys and other items used during the last few days in your home. This helps everyone keep track of belongings, and it's easy to grab the laundry basket on moving day.
Pack high-priority items in clear totes or small boxes with descriptive labels so you can get to them easily and quickly. Be sure to set aside anything movers won’t transport, like flammables, pesticides, cleaning/pool chemicals, and perishables — you’ll need to transport those yourself.
Medications, personal items like your toothbrush and deodorant, and nonperishable foods are some of the last things most people pack. Moving day essentials, like a change of clothes or a first aid kit, should also be packed last.
Make sure you keep this on you and in your own vehicle as you make a final trip from your old house to your new home.
You should start packing about 8 weeks ahead of your move. This gives you time to work in stages. If you’re hiring packers, you can plan ahead, but begin later.
"You should also pack clothing by season so you don't have to pull every box out at once just to find what you need for the current weather. Instead, you can unpack clothing throughout the year."
Long-distance moves require extra prep since leaving items behind isn’t an option. The more distance, the more lead time you’ll need.
The best way to start packing for a move is with a checklist. If you have goals, a timeline, and a process for taking inventory, this really reduces the chance for last-minute scrambles and stress.
Knowing what to pack first is only part of a strong plan, and the earlier you get started, the more time you have to take things at your own pace and recalibrate in case something goes wrong. Thankfully, you can use our moving checklist to help you create a comprehensive plan to support a smoother, lower-stress move.
Packing an art studio can feel more complicated than packing the rest of the house. Instead of neatly shaped household items, you may be dealing with paints, delicate brushes, unfinished work, fragile ceramics, and... Read More
Lauren ThomasJul 20, 2026
Professional packing can take anywhere from 2 hours for a small apartment to a full day or more for a larger home. The actual timeline depends on how much you own and how prepared you are when the crew arrives. In... Read More
Karen BodkinJul 06, 2026
Packers do not always bring their own boxes, including when you book labor-only packing help directly or through HireAHelper. What supplies they bring depends on the type of packing service you choose. With... Read More
Karen BodkinJul 24, 2026
The bathroom can be tricky to pack. It’s one of the last rooms you get to because you use it regularly, and it’s filled with items that can break or spill, but there are techniques to make this area easier to move.... Read More
Karen BodkinJul 23, 2026
You might think shoes are easier to pack than glassware or your TV, but if you just throw them into a large bag without following the proper steps, you might end up with scuffed leather, bent heels, or a moldy pair... Read More
Melanie MorrisJul 23, 2026
Patio furniture tends to be heavy, collect dirt from outside, and have irregular shapes that don’t fit well in standard boxes. But packing them for a move isn’t impossible with the right process. If you clean each... Read More
Melanie MorrisJul 20, 2026