When To Start
Packing For A Move .

Unsure of where to start when packing for a move? Wherever you are in the process, packing last-minute is a recipe for undue stress, inefficiency and disaster. Here are some tips from Muscular Moving Men, a professional Phoenix-based moving company, on where and when to start packing for a move.

The best thing you can do is to start early, especially if you’re moving long-distance. Start by making a checklist for the move two months before your anticipated moving day. Gather supplies and declutter your space. About six weeks before moving, pack rarely used items and keep other tasks on your radar, like hiring a long distance moving company. 

One month before moving, confirm moving details and start packing lesser-used items. Complete other moving tasks, like transferring utilities and taking time off work. Two weeks before moving, pack a “first-night” box and the majority of your items. Dispose of perishables and cook pantry meals to cut down on item quantity. One week before the big move, finalize packing and clean your living space. On moving day, pack essential documents and valuables separately, supervise loading, and do a final walkthrough. 

This timeline can be adjusted for specific circumstances, with smaller moves requiring a condensed timeline and larger moves benefiting from a more spread-out approach. Starting early, following a structured packing timeline and tackling the move little-by-little ensures an efficient move and less stress on moving day.

Early Preparation (6-8 weeks before the move)

Decluttering and Downsizing

Before you start packing in earnest, take some time to downsize. Now is the time to identify no-longer needed items, clean them, and make plans to get rid of them sustainably.

1. Start by preparing your items well— wash any used clothing and furniture. 
2. Take a variety of photos in well-lit areas, showcasing the item from different angles.
3. Once your items are ready for sale, advertise them online on social media or on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. 
4. Be flexible with pricing to attract buyers and be safe— never share personal information in public spaces online. 
5. Have a backup plan for unsold items such as donating or recycling.

Gathering Packing Supplies

It’s easy to overspend when gathering packing supplies. Start with the basics: get boxes of different sizes, packing tape, and cushioning material, like bubble wrap and packing paper. 

Invest in markers or stickers to label your belongings as well as a box cutter to cut and open boxes. For fragile items, consider additional cushioning material, like packing peanuts. Consider stretch wrap for additional protection.

Unsure of where to start? Check out our packing supply bundles!

Starting to Pack (5-6 weeks before the move)

Packing non-essential items

Start by making an inventory list of items in your home. Once you have an idea of how much stuff you have, you can officially start packing! Any non-essentials like out-of-season clothing, books, art and decor are free to go. If you won’t need it in the next month before your move, it can get packed away.

Once you’ve officially begun the packing process, develop a system for labeling boxes. You can write on the box itself with a marker or use stickers to clearly label the box’s contents and which room it belongs in. Consider color-coding your boxes for additional visibility. Mark boxes with fragile items and use arrows to clearly indicate the correct side up.

Special items

Valuables and other delicate items should be packed well to ensure their safety during a move. Use acid-free paper when packing artwork and photos to limit ink transfer or damage to the piece. Keep electronics as safe as possible with bubble wrap and extra cushioning material.

Intensive packing phase (3 weeks before the move)

Room-by-room packing strategy

While it may be tempting to jump around when packing, try to pack all of the items in one room together. This way, your belongings stay organized by room and you save time unpacking later! 

When packing a new room, start with non-essential items and use cushioning material when appropriate. Consider grouping clothing by season and using wardrobe boxes for hanging items. Stack heavier boxes at the bottom for stability and use vacuum-seal bags to save space.

Update your inventory list as you go along. We recommend using a spreadsheet or app to keep detailed records of your belongings.

Handling large items

Moving large items without preparation is a recipe for disaster. Prepare your large items for a move by disassembling the pieces, then grouping items with bags and labeling with tape. A good rule of thumb is to disassemble moving or unstable parts if they can’t be secured. Consider removing the pull-out drawers from a wardrobe, or taking the legs off of a table. Disconnect, wrap and tape cords to electronic devices. Use a cart or a dolly to transport the item to avoid injury, or consider professional packing assistance.

Final Packing Stage (1-2 weeks before the move)

Daily necessities

As your moving day approaches, set aside essentials you’ll need for your first night in your new home. Toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, phone chargers and basic kitchen equipment can be bundled into a “first night” box. Keep essential tools, cleaning supplies and important documents close by.

Last-minute packing

In the unavoidable event you end up packing last minute, prioritize packing essentials first. Packing room-by-room ensures efficiency and organization. Use up available suitcases and bags along with boxes and confirm your moving details prior to your move. 

Conduct a final sweep of your living space for any forgotten or overlooked items. Inspect all kitchen cabinets, closets, bathrooms and bedrooms. Check your utilities and HVAC settings before you go. Collect all keys, and confirm all doors and windows are secured.

Moving day preparations

Essentials kit

Your essentials kit, or “first night” box, should contain bare minimum necessities for your first night in your home. Consider items like…

• All needed medications, with appropriate dosing instructions
• Portable chargers and charging cables for phones and electronics
• Toiletries, like a toothbrush and toothpaste
• A change of clothes
• Important documents, like identification
• Moving documents, like insurance papers, payment confirmations and your lease
• A first aid kit, in the event of an accident
• A small toolkit for unpacking and assembly

Final checks

Once your living space is packed, conduct final checks of your space and your belongings. Confirm your essentials kit is nearby, along with any important documents. Make sure large items and valuables are secure. When loading belongings, move the heaviest items first and keep them low to the ground for stability.

Keep yourself grounded and manage stress during the move by staying organized. Create a checklist for tasks and delegate them as needed. Take breaks to recharge, communicate, and remain flexible to adapt to any unexpected challenges. 

Happy packing!

Packing may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The key to packing for a move effectively is to start early and be flexible. Two months before your move, start downsizing and begin preparations by gathering supplies and making an inventory list. One month before the big move, make an inventory list and start packing non-essential items. Two weeks before the move, start packing in earnest room by room. Don’t forget a “first night” box. 

Most importantly, tailor your moving timeline to your needs and communicate with all parties involved. If you’re moving to someplace close by, condense the timeline of your move. Looking for professional packing services? We’ve got you.