Packing is the part of a move most people do themselves, and the part that most often runs late. The fix is not working harder in the final weekend. It is starting with a plan, using the right materials and packing in an order that keeps the house livable until the end. Follow these six steps and you will finish with time to spare.
Sort Before You Pack
Every item you pack costs time now and money on a long-distance move, where price follows weight. Before buying a single box, walk the house with three bags or bins: donate, sell and discard. A good rule of thumb is that anything you have not used in a year should earn its spot on the truck.
- Essentials: things you use weekly, packed last
- Seasonal: holiday decor, off-season clothes and sports gear, packed first
- Valuables: jewelry, documents and heirlooms that travel with you
- High-value or fragile: art, mirrors, antiques and large TVs that may need professional packing
Buy the Right Supplies
| Supply | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Small boxes (about 1.5 cu ft) | Books, tools, canned goods | Heavy items always go in small boxes |
| Medium boxes | Kitchen tools, toys, small appliances | The workhorse size for most rooms |
| Large boxes | Bedding, pillows, lampshades | Only for light items, or they become too heavy to lift |
| Dish packs | Plates, glasses, bowls | Thicker walls protect the kitchen |
| Wardrobe boxes | Hanging clothes | Move closets straight from rod to rod |
| Packing paper, tape, markers | Everything | Buy more tape than you think you need |
Use new or like-new boxes. Grocery and liquor store boxes are often weakened by moisture and use.
Pack in the Right Order
- Storage spacesAttic, garage shelves, closets and under-bed storage. These hold the most items you will not miss.
- Guest rooms and formal spacesSpare bedrooms, dining room hutch, decor, books and framed photos.
- Living room and officeKeep one lamp, the TV remote and work essentials until the final days.
- KitchenPack all but a minimal set of dishes, a pot, a pan and utensils about a week out.
- Bedrooms and bathroomsLast. Pack linens and toiletries the night before, keeping a first-night kit separate.
Room-by-Room Techniques
Kitchen
Wrap plates one at a time and stand them on edge in a dish pack, like files in a drawer. Wrap glasses individually and fill gaps with crumpled paper so nothing shifts.
Living room
Remove table legs and sofa feet. Bag screws and bolts, label the bag and tape it to the furniture it belongs to. Roll rugs with the pile inside.
Bedrooms
Leave hanging clothes on hangers in wardrobe boxes. Use suitcases for folded clothes, and keep jewelry with you, never in the truck.
Home office
Take a photo of cable connections before unplugging. Use original boxes for monitors when you have them, and back up computers before the move.
Label So Unpacking Is Easy
Write the destination room and a short contents list on two sides of every box, not just the top, since stacked boxes hide their lids. Mark fragile boxes clearly and add arrows for which side is up. Number boxes and keep a simple list on your phone. If a box goes missing, you will know exactly what was inside.
Pack an Open-First Box
This box rides in your car or is the last thing loaded. It should get your household through the first night and morning without opening anything else.
- Sheets, pillows and a blanket for each bed
- Toilet paper, soap, towels, toiletries and medications
- Phone and laptop chargers, plus the Wi-Fi router
- Box cutter, screwdrivers, pliers and a flashlight
- Paper plates, cups, coffee, snacks and pet food
- Trash bags, cleaning wipes and paper towels
One caution: if you pack your own boxes, a mover may not be responsible for damage to the contents unless the box itself was mishandled. Fragile, valuable or hard-to-pack items are often safer with the crew. See packing services, or read our professional long-distance packing guide to see how crews pack for cross-country trips.
How long does it take to pack a house?
Plan on several weeks for a family home if you pack a little each day. Starting with storage spaces four weeks out keeps the final week manageable.
What should I not pack in a moving box?
Flammables, propane, paint, aerosols and perishable food should not go on the truck. Keep documents, medications and jewelry with you.
Should I wrap furniture myself?
Usually not. Movers pad-wrap furniture during loading. Focus your time on boxes and on removing small parts.
Can I pack some rooms and have movers pack others?
Yes. Partial packing is common, for example the kitchen and fragile items only.