When preparing for a move, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “What should I pack first?” Whether you’re moving into a four-bedroom house in Phoenix, AZ, or a two-bedroom bungalow-style home in Birmingham, AL, organization is the key to streamlining your entire move. This guide outlines exactly what to pack first when moving house, why the sequence matters, and how to start packing efficiently while keeping your essential items accessible.
Start by packing items you don’t use every day
The most effective packing strategy is to begin with everything that is not essential to your daily life. Think about the items you will not need or miss before moving day. This will help you make steady progress without affecting your daily routines or creating avoidable inconvenience.
1. Pack storage areas and long-term items first
Storage spaces are full of things that are rarely used, making them the ideal starting point. Because these areas hold items intended for occasional or seasonal use, you can box them early without impacting your routine.
Items typically found in storage
- Seasonal clothing and accessories
- Holiday decorations
- Sports equipment, camping gear, or hobby supplies
- Old paperwork and sentimental keepsakes
- Tools or repair items not used regularly or essential to your move
Packing storage areas first creates immediate progress and opens up physical space for staging other boxes.
2. Pack home decor and ornamental nonessentials
Once storage spaces are complete, turn to decorative items. Target the things that personalize your home but don’t contribute to its function.
Examples of decorative items to pack early:
- Wall art, framed prints, and photographs
- Vases, candles, and decorative ceramics
- Throw pillows, blankets, and accents
- Small collectibles and display pieces
Removing décor early also helps your home feel more neutral, which can be helpful if you are preparing for showings during a home sale. It may also make the emotional transition of leaving a home easier by simplifying your space gradually.
3. Pack books, hobby gear, and entertainment
Books, entertainment materials, and hobby supplies are among the least essential items during the weeks leading up to a move. Packing these early helps clear shelving and reduces visual clutter.
Pack items like:
- Books, magazines, and photo albums
- Board games and puzzles
- Video games and gaming systems
- Crafts, sewing materials, and art supplies
Because these items can be heavy, distribute them into smaller boxes to prevent overpacking and reduce risk of injury.
4. Pack extra linens, spare bedding, and additional towels
Most households keep more linens than they use regularly. Packing extra sets early reduces clutter and the number of last-minute items to handle.
Ideal items to pack early:
- Guest sheets and rarely used linens
- Spare blankets or comforters
- Extra towel sets
Keeping only one active set of linens and towels per person makes the final days before moving more manageable.
5. Pack nonessential kitchen items
While the kitchen is often the last room you want to pack up, certain items can be boxed several weeks in advance. Focus on pieces that do not support day-to-day food prep.
Nonessential kitchen items to pack first:
- Serveware and platters
- Specialty bakeware
- Small appliances (waffle maker, slow cooker, toaster oven)
- Extra dishware, duplicate utensils, or glassware
6. Pack off-season clothing and accessories
Clothing that does not apply to the current season is an easy one to check off the list.
What to include:
- Heavy coats during a spring or summer move
- Shorts, swimwear, or sundresses during a fall or winter move
- Seasonal footwear
- Holiday attire and formalwear
Packing off-season clothing early frees up closet space and makes the final packing stretch less overwhelming.
7. Pack guest rooms and low-use areas
Guest rooms, spare bedrooms, and other low-traffic areas tend to contain items that are not part of daily living. They also make excellent spaces to store packed boxes once emptied.
Items found in low-use spaces:
- Guest bedding and décor
- Guest room accessories and small furniture
Completing these areas early helps you maintain order throughout the move.
Why this packing order works
Following this sequence allows you to:
- Maintain access to essential items as long as possible
- Build early packing momentum without disrupting daily routines
- Reduce stress by handling the simplest and least sentimental categories first
- Shrink the workload for the final week before moving
By the time you’re ready to pack essentials, most of the work will already be done – without sacrificing your daily comfort.
Frequently asked questions on what to pack first when moving house
When should I start packing nonessential items?
Start packing for your move four to six weeks before moving day. This timeline allows you to complete nonessential categories and avoid packing up the rest of your house in a hurry.
How do I know what counts as “nonessential”?
Any item not required for day-to-day living qualifies. If you don’t use it weekly or won’t need it before the move, it can be packed early.
Why start in storage areas instead of main living spaces?
Storage holds the least frequently used items and is isolated from your daily functions, making it the most efficient starting point.
Can I pack the kitchen early?
Yes, but only nonessential items. Everyday cookware, dishes, and utensils should remain out until the last few days.
Do I need to follow this exact order?
Not strictly, but using this order as a guideline helps you avoid packing important items too early and keeps the process organized.