What to Pack First When Moving

Erik Scheetz • February 27, 2020

You probably have already guessed by now that packing is the most time consuming and frustrating part of moving. As soon as you know you are moving, you should start the packing process in increments so it does not get overwhelming. But knowing when to pack what? That is the tricky part.

Packing when moving is an important task that follows a certain internal logic: strict, sequential and rational. You know not to pack the bathroom too early because if you do, you will be packing away all your essential bathroom toiletries and supplies that you use daily. Packing the wrong items from the wrong rooms at the wrong time will cause you to lose precious time – something you cannot afford right now.

1. Create an Inventory

You have no doubt accumulated lots of odds and ends, some of which you do not even remember collecting or buying in the first place. This is why it is a good idea to compile a house inventory list from the start. Not only will this refresh your memory about what you own, it will also allow you to keep track of the things you intend on moving with you. Compile a detailed list of the items you have, proceeding methodically room by room.

You can use this inventory list as a packing list later on when it is time to actually start filling boxes. This will give you a reliable record of your possessions and ensure nothing critical is left behind. You can also use this list upon delivery to check the delivered boxes against your inventory, alerting you immediately of anything that is missing.

2. Sort and Toss Items You Do Not Need

Divide all your belongings into four categories:

To be packed: Be careful here because the more items you add to this category, the more time and space you will need for them. Only pack and move items you truly intend to use in the new place.
To be sold: You can sell unwanted items, either online or at a garage sale, to make some extra cash for your impending move.
To be given away: Give gently used items to friends or donate them to charity, from furniture and clothing to shoes and books.
To be recycled: Any items you cannot sell or give away because they are broke, outdated, torn or worn out should be recycled.

3. Start Packing

Here are some tips on the order of the rooms to start packing:

Pack least used rooms FIRST, such as storage areas and unoccupied rooms.
Keep the bedroom as the last room to pack so you can sleep normally and with access to all your bedding and pajamas for a comfortable night's sleep.
Pack toughest rooms FIRST, because you will get progressively more and more tired with each day and room that passes.

Here are the rooms you should pack IN ORDER:

Garage
Basement and attic
Closets
Spare rooms
Guest bathrooms
Kitchen (leave the main utensils and appliances you will need in the days leading up to the move)
Living room (start with the big stuff you do not need every day, such as extra chairs, end tables, couches, china cabinets, bookcases, etc.)
Kids’ rooms (get them involved and make a game of it)
Your bedroom
Main bathrooms

In general, you will want to pack non-essential items first, which means anything in your home that you can live without comfortably throughout the packing process until moving day. You may also want to pre-pack low-priority items to get them out of the way before the essential packing begins.