Moving is like having a baby—you think you’re prepared, but there’s always that one thing you forget!
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever moved before (and if you haven’t, what rock have you been living under?), you know that it’s not all packing and pizza parties.
It’s that overwhelming feeling of, “Okay, where do I even start?”
If you've found yourself staring at a pile of boxes, wondering what to pack first when moving, we’ve got your back.
Did you know over 35 million Americans pack up and move each year?
That’s a lot of moves, a lot of packing, and a lot of stress.
But the reason people get so stressed out is because they have no clue what to do first.
That’s why getting organized before you even start tossing things into boxes is compulsory.
Don’t worry about where to put your socks or your favorite mug just yet.
Let’s figure out what’s actually important to pack first.
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Let’s discuss this whole "what to pack first" thing, and by the end of this, you’ll be an expert at packing without losing your mind.
Start with the Out-of-Season Stuff
Alright, here’s the thing: You don’t need your winter jacket in July, right?
The first thing to tackle when moving is packing up everything that isn’t essential for the season.
So, if you’re moving in the middle of summer, pack away those cozy scarves and wool sweaters.
Get them out of sight and out of mind. Here's a moving essentials checklist: winter coats, boots, seasonal decorations, and even that beach chair you never use during the cold months.
It's done and done. It'll give you extra space, and honestly, it's the kind of thing that can be packed weeks before the move day without you even thinking about it.
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Non-Essential Kitchen Items
Kitchen—the heart of every home and yet, the place that always feels like it’s bursting at the seams when it’s time to pack.
But guess what? You don’t need that fancy blender or those gold-rimmed plates right away.
The first items to pack when moving are extra pots, your collection of spice jars (unless you're using them in the next few days), and that popcorn machine you use twice a year.
If you won't need it in the next few days, toss it in a box and get it out of the way.
By the way, don’t forget to pack a bag of snacks and water bottles for moving day.
It’s a lifesaver when you’re midway through the chaos and suddenly realize you haven’t eaten anything since breakfast.
Clothes You Won’t Need Anytime Soon
Alright, fashionista, you can leave your current wardrobe out of this.
It’s time to pack away the stuff that’s out of season. That old “lucky” sweater you never wear? Bye, Felicia. Don’t get us wrong, you will need your clothes when you move, but the jeans you wear once a month or those summer dresses you haven’t touched in ages?
Toss ‘em in a box because how to pack for a move is all about efficiency.
Put these away early, and you won’t be scrambling the night before your move looking for that one random pair of socks you never wear.
Plus, you’re giving yourself a little extra room for the important stuff.
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Everything You Don’t Use Every Day (But Can’t Live Without)
We all have that one drawer or closet that’s full of things we think we need but hardly ever use.
You know what we are talking about—the random kitchen gadgets, that yoga mat you’ve been meaning to use, or the mountain of unused towels.
Packing strategy for moving: Start packing these “extras” first. You won't miss them.
Put the things you won’t be using in the next few days into boxes.
You’ve got better things to do, like figuring out how to get your TV set up on the other side.
Packing priorities when moving—this is your jam.
Get Your Documents Together
If you've ever moved, you know what a hassle it is to find your passport or birth certificate on a moving day.
It's not fun. So, here's the deal: your important documents are among the essential items to pack first when moving.
These are the things you can’t afford to lose or forget.
Pack these in a small, secure box or a folder that you can carry with you.
Important papers, like insurance documents, medical records, and even that one letter from your cousin that you really should respond to but never have time for, should all go in here.
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Your First-Night Box
Pack a moving packing list of essential things that you’ll need the moment you get to your new place.
You don't want to dig through boxes for the basics, like toiletries, pajamas, or your favorite mug. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
Put these in a “first-night” box:
- Toilet paper (because, let’s face it, you’ll need it)
- A change of clothes
- Snacks (because moving day hunger is real)
- All your chargers (don’t forget these!)
- A bottle of wine or whatever beverage gets you through stressful situations
- Basic kitchenware (at least a coffee mug and a plate)
- Toiletries like toothpaste, soap, and shampoo
The goal here is to make sure you’re not scrambling to find these things at 11 pm when you finally get your last box into the new place.
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Think About Furniture & Large Items
Now, we know this might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked.
If you have the time, take apart your furniture before moving day.
Bed frames, bookshelves, tables—get those screws out ahead of time. Keep everything together in one bag, labeled and taped to the item, so you don’t end up with a pile of parts that don’t fit together later.
Packing orders for moving: Big items first, small items second. You’re setting yourself up for a smooth sailing move.
Declutter and Donate
Moving is the perfect time to declutter. You know you’ve been putting it off. Like, who doesn’t have at least three boxes of stuff they’ve never opened?
Do yourself a favor and donate or throw away things you don’t need.
Packing strategy for moving: If you haven’t used it in the past year, toss it. It’ll save you a ton of hassle, and hey, your move will be lighter!
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Label, Label, Label
We can’t stress this enough: label everything.
Best way to pack for a move: Each box should clearly state what’s inside and which room it belongs to.
When you’re unloading, it’ll make all the difference. Plus, there’s nothing worse than opening a box of mystery items at your new place. No one has time for that.
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