Moving into a new home is rather exciting, but let’s face it-packing is a chore. Whether you’re upgrading to your dream house, starting fresh in a new city, or just moving across town, one question always seems to linger: “When should you start packing to move?” It is not just about stuffing your belongings into boxes; it is about making the process seamless, stress-free, and efficient. Without a clear packing schedule, the excitement of moving can quickly turn into chaos.

Six to Eight Weeks Before Moving

The key to a stress-free move is early preparation. Knowing when to start packing to move  and following a detailed timeline can make all the difference. Being six to eight weeks in advance of your move date gives you ample time to organize your belongings and prepare for the transition.

1. Declutter and Organize

Before packing, take this great opportunity to get rid of stuff you no longer want or use. Go through each room and decide which items you’re going to be keeping, donating, or throwing out. This way, you are reducing the number of things you have to pack, aside from making the entire moving process a little easier.

• Give out to local charities those clothes, furniture, or things that you no longer use.
• Dispose of items responsibly that are beyond repair or unusable.

2. Create an Inventory List

Make a complete inventory list of all your things. This would help you get organized with your move and facilitate unpacking a lot easier.

3. Gather Packing Supplies

Stock up on all the essential packing materials to avoid last-minute shopping. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Cardboard boxes of different sizes.
• Packing tape and dispensers.
• Bubble wrap and packing paper for fragile items.
• Markers and labels for box identification.

By starting early, you will be able to shop around for quality packing supplies and not overpay.

Four to Six Weeks Before Moving

At this stage, begin packing items that you won’t need in the weeks leading up to your move. Following a packing schedule for moving will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.

1. Pack Non-Essential Items

Start with belongings you use infrequently, such as:

• Decorations, photo frames, and books.
• Infrequently used kitchen gadgetry, which may include baking equipment or special appliances.

Packing these things in good time leaves you with ample time for more important belongings later.

2. Label Boxes Clearly

Label each box with which room it is going into and a small description of the contents. If you want to make it easy on yourself, use a color-coded system. This way, you’ll label the boxes for a particular room in the same color. For instance, all labels for the kitchen could be colored green, and all labels for the bedroom blue.

3. Notify Service Providers

Contact utility and internet providers in your old hometown, as well as subscription services about your move dates. Set discontinuations at your old apartment and connections at your new address for utilities, internet connection, and streaming services.

Two to Four Weeks Before Moving

As the move date approaches, your attention should shift to packing items used less often and preparing larger pieces of furniture for transportation. You will want to make sure that, during this phase, you are ahead of your moving preparation timeline.

1. Pack Less-Used Essentials

Items to pack which are not crucial in daily use, but still are necessary:

• Extra linens, towels, and pillows.
• Small appliances, including toasters and blenders, are used in the kitchen.
• Extra dishes, glassware, and utensils.

2. Dismantle Furniture

Dismantle any large furniture, such as beds, desks, and bookcases. Put screws, bolts, and other hardware from each item in labeled zip-top bags so you know where they go later on.

3. Confirm Moving Arrangements

Call your chosen domestic movers or rental truck company to confirm the details of your move: Confirm the date and time and any special needs, such as fragile items or oversized furniture.

One Week Before Moving

Now, with only one week to go, it’s time to think about packing up the daily essentials and getting ready for the big day. By now, most of your things should be packed.

1. Pack Frequently-Used Essentials

Prepare a box with items you may need during your last days in the old home, including:

• Clothes for the whole week.
• Toiletries, medicines, and a few cleaning things.
• Essential documents: IDs, passports, and contracts regarding the move.

2. Prepare a First-Day Essentials Box

Pack a separate box or bag with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This could include:

• Snacks and water are recommended.
• Chargers and other electronics.
• Bed linen and general toiletries.

3. Clean as You Go

Take the time to give a good cleaning out as you pack each room. It can save the headache on a moving day and ensure your old home is clean for whoever might come after you.

The Day Before Moving

The day before your move is all about final checks and preparation. Following your packing guide for moving ensures that everything is ready to go.

1. Perform a Final Walkthrough

Go room by room; remember to check the closets as well. Cabinets, drawers, attics, and the basement are common places where many precious things have been forgotten.

2. Secure Fragile Items

Add extra padding to boxes containing fragile items, such as glassware or electronics, to minimize the chances of damage while in transit.

3. Label Everything

Check that all boxes are appropriately labeled and also include instructions such as “Fragile” or “This Side Up.”.

Moving Day

Moving day is chaotic, but being well-prepared means it will be less so. Here’s what to do:

1. Coordinate with Movers

Inform your household moving services or helpers which boxes contain fragile items or require special handling.

2. Perform a Final Walkthrough

Do a final walk-through before leaving to make sure nothing is left behind. Don’t forget to check utility closets, outdoor spaces, and hidden corners.

3. Keep Essentials Handy

Carry all important items like keys, wallets, identification cards, and all moving documents instead of packing them in boxes.

Top Moving Packing Tips

Here are some expert packing tips for a move to make your experience smoother:

• Use Color-Coding: Assign each room a specific color for easy box identification.
• Pack By Room: Avoid mixing items from different rooms in one box.
• Avoid Overpacking: Keep box weights manageable to prevent breakage or strain.
• Ask for Help: Enlist friends, family, or professional packers if needed.

Packing for Moving Checklist

Use this packing for moving checklist to stay on track:

• Declutter and sort belongings.
• Purchase packing supplies.
• Pack non-essential items first.
• Label and organize boxes.
• Prepare a first-day essentials box.
• Clean rooms as you go.

Conclusion

Packing for a move doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start early, stay organized, and rely on this packing schedule for moving to ensure a seamless experience. Whether you are moving across the street or hiring professional domestic movers, these tips will help you transition into your new home with ease.

Ready to get moving? Check out our complete Moving Checklist and learn more about Fairway Movers for reliable and professional household moving services!

FAQs

1. When should I start packing to move?

You are expected to begin the packing process six to eight weeks in advance by sorting and then packing non-essential items.

2. How can I stay organized while packing?

Keep everything in order by using an inventory list, labeling boxes clearly, and following a packing schedule.

3. What should go in a first-day essentials box?

Put toiletries, chargers, clothes, snacks, and important documents in a single box so that on the day of moving, it is readily available.

4. Why does packing feel overwhelming?

Poor planning is usually the reason people feel overwhelmed with packing. If you start early and follow some structured timeline, then it will be less stressful and you will find it manageable.