Whether you’re moving out of a four-bedroom house in Phoenix, AZ, or leaving your studio apartment in Cincinnati, OH, behind, packing up your entire place is no small feat. That said, creating a timeline and knowing when to begin can make the process smoother and less stressful. When it comes to figuring out when to start packing for a move, the general rule of thumb is that you should start about six to eight weeks before moving day. This guide breaks down what to do at each stage so you can stay organized without disrupting your routine too early.
6–8 weeks before moving: declutter and pack non-essentials
The earliest stage of packing for a move focuses on preparation. Beginning about six to eight weeks out gives you the freedom to make thoughtful decisions and avoid the frantic “everything goes in a box” rush at the end.
Start by going through closets, storage spaces, and less-used rooms to sort out what’s worth keeping. Many people end up donating or tossing far more items than they initially expected to once they start the packing process. If you are able to let go of your inner hoarder, decluttering will make moving easier with fewer boxes to pack, less to transport, and an easier unpacking process.
The next step is to gather your packing supplies. It’s helpful to have a mix of box sizes, tape, labels, bubble wrap, and packing paper on hand before you get into a rhythm. That midday Home Depot trip can throw momentum out the window in a hurry.
From there, focus on the non-essentials, the things you won’t need for several weeks. These may include:
- Holiday décor and seasonal displays
- Memorabilia and keepsakes
- Backup linens and extra towels
- Overflow kitchen gadgets or duplicates
- Hobby or craft supplies not currently in use
By following this early process, you’ll clear space, reduce visual clutter, and help you get into the mindset of actually making your move.
2–4 weeks before: pack room by room
In the middle stretch of your move, most of your home will begin transitioning into boxes. A room-by-room approach is the most efficient, helping you maintain order and keep labeling consistent. This also allows you to maintain a relatively normal lifestyle until you start packing the most used rooms and items in your home.
Start with rooms you use least—guest rooms, spare bathrooms, or formal dining spaces. It’s easier emotionally and logistically to pack entire rooms that don’t disrupt your daily rhythm.
As you move through this stage, focus on categories that take longer to prepare or require extra care. These include:
Fragile items
Glassware, dishes, electronics, and framed art take time to wrap properly. Using bubble wrap and sturdy boxes prevents last-minute breakage.
Guest room items
Since these spaces are seldom used, bedding, spare towels, and décor can be neatly boxed now without inconvenience.
Books and decor
Books should go into small boxes to avoid excessive weight, while decorative items and artwork require padding and careful arrangement.
Linens
Any linens not part of everyday routines—tablecloths, backup sheets, extra blankets—can be safely packed during this phase.
By the end of this window, most belongings aside from daily necessities will be organized and ready to move.
1 week before: final packing, essentials box, and perishables
The final week before a move is all about tying up loose ends. This is when you’ll pack daily-use items like current clothing, toiletries, and office supplies. You may still keep a few essentials accessible, but most belongings can be boxed and sealed.
This is also the ideal time to prepare an essentials box—a small collection of must-haves for your first night in the new home. Many people include toiletries, medications, chargers, a change of clothes or two, and a few basic kitchen items.
Meanwhile, take a look through your fridge and pantry. Try to cook through perishable items and give away anything that won’t survive the trip.
Pack the kitchen last (2–3 days out)
Kitchens stay active until the very end of the moving process, which is why you pack them last. In the final days before your move, begin by boxing items you don’t need for everyday cooking. Think serving platters, specialty cookware, and extra utensils.
Leave out only what you’ll need for simple meals and snacks. Then, in the last day or two, pack the remaining staples. This strategy ensures your household stays functional as long as possible without slowing down the move.
How to pack for a move fast (1 week or 3 days)
When a move happens on short notice, you need a compressed but deliberate plan that prioritizes speed, triage, and momentum.
One-week fast-track plan:
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- Rapid declutter (keep / donate / toss pile).
- Pack storage areas first (basement, attic, closets, garage).
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- Box up bedrooms and living spaces.
- Pack most of the kitchen, leaving only daily-use items.
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- Pack essentials you’ve been using all week.
- Clean the home and handle final details.
Three-day accelerated timeline:
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- Full sweep through storage spaces.
- Pack décor, books, and anything nonessential.
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- Pack bedrooms.
- Pack the kitchen (except bare-minimum essentials).
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- Pack daily essentials and toiletries.
- Clear perishables from fridge/freezer.
- Finish last-minute tasks and cleaning.
Apartment and dorm moves: what to pack first
Smaller spaces usually mean faster moves, so the goal is to start with low-use items and keep daily life functional until the end.
- Apartment moves (pack these first):
- Wall art and décor.
- Books and media.
- Decorative pieces and knickknacks.
- Rarely used kitchenware (extra pans, serving dishes, specialty gadgets).
- Because apartment kitchens are small, it often makes sense to pack most of them earlier than in a house move.
- College / dorm moves (pack these first):
- Off-season clothing.
- Dorm supplies you won’t need until arrival (storage cubes, hangers, spare bedding).
- Extra shoes, gear, or duplicate items.
- Keep these out until the end:
- Toiletries currently in use.
- Bedding you’re sleeping on.
- Essential academic supplies (laptop, chargers, notebooks, IDs).
- Helpful packing tactic for dorms:
- Use clear bins so you can see what’s inside immediately.
- They stack well in tight spaces and speed up unpacking.
Should I start packing before closing?
It’s not a bad idea to start packing before closing, but it’s wise to limit yourself to non-essential items until the date is firm. You don’t want to be stuck unpacking daily necessities if timelines shift. Treat early packing as preparation while keeping your functional home intact.
Local factors: weather, traffic, and parking permits
Your location plays a role in how you pack and plan for moving day. Areas with unpredictable weather might benefit from plastic bins or additional padding, while urban areas often require early scheduling for moving trucks or temporary parking permits. Factoring in these external logistics helps avoid last-minute obstacles.
Choosing moving boxes: cardboard vs. plastic
Cardboard boxes remain the most common option, ideal for books, lightweight décor and clothing, and anything that doesn’t require moisture protection. They’re affordable, easy to label, and easy to get rid of.
Plastic bins offer more durability and protection, especially in wet climates or long-distance moves. They’re also reusable and great for items going directly into storage. Choosing a mix of both gives you flexibility and security.
Items movers can’t handle
Professional movers have restrictions on what they can transport. Paint, propane tanks, and certain chemicals fall under hazardous materials and typically must be disposed of or transported personally. Movers also avoid perishables, firearms, ammunition, jewelry, cash, and irreplaceable documents. Planning ahead and making sure there’s room for these items in your personal vehicle ensures these items are handled properly on moving day.
FAQs about when to start packing for a move:
How soon before a move should you start packing?
Most experts recommend starting six to eight weeks ahead, beginning with non-essentials.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 rule of packing?
It’s a decluttering tool prompting you to donate five items, recycle four, put away three, repair two, and throw out one.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for packing?
This pacing strategy divides your day into three hours of packing, three hours of errands or miscellaneous tasks, and three hours of rest.