Packing Tips January 11, 2020 5 min read Jason Sexton

Tips For What To Pack First When You're Moving

When moving, start packing the rooms and items you use least — typically storage areas, seasonal décor, and spare bedrooms. Work backward from move day, leaving everyday essentials like bedding, toiletries, and kitchen basics for the final 24 hours. This approach keeps your home functional right up to moving day and reduces last-minute chaos.

Packing To Move Checklist

Many people search “packing to move where to start” when preparing for a move. One of the best ways to address this common concern is by making a packing list for moving and packing supplies, including a list of supplies. Here are some items that will help you decide where to start when packing to move: Moving boxes in a variety of sizes to hold your belongings Padding to secure more fragile items like glassware and electronics Rolls of packing tape to seal boxes, packing paper, and secure padding Knives and scissors to cleanly cut tape, especially for the unpacking phase Markers to labeling...

How To Start Packing To Move

Knowing what to pack first can make or break the success of a move. Planning ahead will do wonders when figuring out what to pack first in preparation for a move. Start by taking inventory to make a checklist and determine where to start packing when moving. Labeling boxes and taking like items together at a time with a handcart is an efficient way to transport, load, and unload your items when the big day comes. Giving yourself extra time before moving will also help you figure out what to start packing first. This can greatly reduce stress and frustration down the road as you decide what...

Prep Work - Assemble Your Packing Supplies

Having the right packing supplies on hand and organized can make the packing process much easier. Before you start packing, assemble various sizes and strengths packing boxes, packing tape, and protective wrap such as bubble wrap, and taking the time to label boxes can make a big difference to you and your moving company. Having these materials assembled in advance of packing will give you an important head start in preparing to move to your new home. Keep reading for our packing tips!

First, Prepare Your Belongings For Packing

Often, the most difficult part about starting to pack for a move is the starting part. It’s so difficult to know where the first place to start packing is and what to pack first. Before we get into what to pack first, let’s talk about how to begin.

1. Sort & Take Inventory Of Your Belongings

This step is so important to your success with your move. Before you even think about beginning to pack, you should first take inventory of your belongings and sort everything. Before beginning to pack, you should know everything that’s in your possession. A good way to begin is to get a notebook, pencil, and a cup of coffee ready and begin your inventory walk through your house.

2. Declutter The Items That You Won’t Be Bringing

We cannot stress this enough — before you begin packing, get rid of items that you don’t need. Why go through the trouble of packing countless unwanted items that you won’t need or use at your future home? Rather than spending all that time cleaning, packing, and unpacking these items, find them a better home where they will be used to their potential. When you get rid of unwanted items such as old clothes, old furniture, unimportant knick-knacks, and other non-essential items, packing and moving get easier both before you go and when you get to your new place. Declutter responsibly and sort...

3. Clean and Dust Items Before Packing

The next step is to clean and dust items before packing them. You don’t want to be unpacking dirty, dusty items on the other side of your move so a quick way to prevent this is to give each item a quick wipe before packing it.

4. Find A Reliable Moving Service

Working with a moving service might not be the first thing on your mind when it comes to moving homes, but trust us; you’ll be glad that you decided to work with a moving service when the big day rolls around. Not only does it make the packing and moving process much easier, it helps to unpack efficiently in your new home or new location. Moving services are experienced and equipped with the knowledge and tools to get each move accomplished efficiently. If you would like to work with a reliable moving service near you , contact On The Go Moving today.

What To Pack First When Moving

People ask all the time, but where do I start when it comes to packing? That’s why we’re here. First things first, create a moving checklist . Write down categories, dates, and rooms that all need to be packed up and add them to your calendar. Moving checklists are so helpful when it comes to what you should do first when moving. After you’ve created a realistic moving checklist, it’s time to jump into packing. Here’s the order of what you should pack first.

1. Start The Packing In The Least Used Room

You don’t want to start packing boxes in the kitchen or with your child’s favorite toys. Instead, start in the least used room and work your way to the more frequently used spaces after that. Your least used room could be the garage, basement, closets, a spare room - a guest room, or your attic. Determine which room in your house you use the least and start the packing process in there.

2. Pack Items That Are In Storage

Pack items that are already packed away and in storage. These items are easy to pack because they haven’t yet been unpacked yet. If you have a storage unit or a storage room in your house, organize and pack these items first.

3. Pack The Most Difficult Room

Don’t save this room for last, you’ll be all tired out by the time you get to this room, and that might result in disorganized packing. This may mean the dining room and wrapping all of your fine china, rooms that have old furniture or lots of picture frames, hanging clothes, and rooms that contain a lot of knick-knacks, and other items. Rather than saving the hardest for last, pack up the most difficult room towards the beginning of your packing timeline. Often this can be the bedroom or dining room; read how to pack clothes for moving here.

Ready to Move in the Seattle Area?

On The Go Moving serves Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Seattle & 20+ Eastside cities. Licensed, insured, 4.8★ rated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack first when moving?

Pack items you use least first: out-of-season clothes, books, décor, spare linens, and items in storage or the garage. Leave daily essentials — toiletries, work clothes, coffee maker, phone chargers — for the last day.

How far in advance should I start packing for a move?

Start packing 4–6 weeks before your move date for a typical 2–3 bedroom home. Begin with storage areas and spare rooms, then work room by room toward the most-used spaces. Waiting until the last week causes unnecessary stress and rushed packing.

What is the most efficient order to pack when moving?

The most efficient packing order is: (1) storage areas and garage, (2) spare bedrooms and guest rooms, (3) living room décor and books, (4) kitchen non-essentials, (5) bedrooms, (6) bathrooms and daily essentials last.

Should I pack room by room or category by category?

Packing room by room is generally easier for residential moves because it keeps boxes organized by destination. Category packing (like the KonMari method) works better if you're also decluttering during the move.

What should I NOT pack until moving day?

Leave these for moving day: phone chargers and electronics, medications, important documents (passports, IDs), one set of bedding, a change of clothes, toiletries, coffee maker, and any items your movers need to access last.

How do I pack efficiently to save time?

Use a color-coded label system (one color per room), pack heavy items in small boxes, fill boxes completely to prevent crushing, and keep an 'open first' box with essentials for your first night in the new home.

Jason Sexton — Founder & Owner, On The Go Moving & Storage
Jason SextonFounder & Owner, On The Go Moving & Storage

Jason founded On The Go Moving & Storage in Redmond, WA in 2009 and has personally overseen more than 25,000 moves across Greater Seattle. He holds a Washington State Household Goods Mover license (HG-064180) and writes from direct, hands-on experience in the moving industry.

About the author

Get a Free Moving Quote Today

Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish & the entire Eastside. Flat-rate pricing. No hidden fees.

✓ Licensed & Insured in WA✓ 4.8★ Google Rating✓ Flat-Rate Pricing✓ No Hidden Fees