Packing for a move is like cooking a big family meal; when you follow a recipe and tackle one step at a time, everything comes together perfectly.
The same goes for moving. Without a clear plan, packing can quickly become a chaotic and stressful mess.
You might find yourself surrounded by half-filled boxes, wondering what to pack next or, worse, where something important got packed in the first place.
So, whether it’s the chaos of the kitchen or the mess of a kids' room, the key is strategy, not speed.
Did you know that 45% of people say packing is the most stressful part of moving, more stressful than the move itself?
This room-by-room packing guide is your practical solution to organizing your move with less hassle and more confidence.
Your Pre-Packing Checklist Starts Here
Before you tape your first box or wrap a single glass, a little planning can make a big difference. Just like you wouldn’t start cooking without checking the recipe, you shouldn’t start packing without prepping the essentials.
Here’s how to get started:
Declutter Before You Pack: Go room by room and let go of items you no longer need. If you're unsure what to pack first when moving, start with what you don’t plan to keep.
Gather Your Packing Supplies: Stock up on boxes, bubble wrap, tape, labels, and markers. Having the right tools on hand saves time and stress.
Create a Master Packing Checklist: List all the rooms in your home and break them down into tasks. This will keep you accountable and help you track your progress.
Set a Moving Timeline: Plan your packing by room usage. Start early with storage and guest rooms and save bathrooms and kitchens for last.
Your Complete Room-by-Room Packing Guide
With your supplies ready and your plan in place, it’s time to put your packing strategy into action, one room at a time. Let’s begin with the living room, often one of the first places you unpack to feel “at home.”
Living Room Essentials
The living room is packed with décor and electronics, so start early, especially if you have lots of framed photos or collectibles.
Checklist:
- Books, magazines
- Picture frames and wall décor
- Electronics (TV, game consoles, speakers)
- Cables and remotes
- Lamps, clocks
- Decorative items and throw pillows
What to pack first: Start by packing non-essentials like books, art, and décor. Wrap fragile items separately and label boxes as “FRAGILE.”
What to pack last: Pack electronics and daily-use items, such as remotes and chargers, last. Bundle and label cables to make unpacking easier.
Kitchen Packing
Packing the kitchen can be tricky, so start early to avoid last-minute stress. Pack in layers and leave only the essentials for daily use for the final days.
Checklist:
- Dishes and glassware
- Pots, pans, and bakeware
- Utensils and cutlery
- Small appliances (e.g., blender, toaster)
- Food storage containers
- Pantry items and dry goods
- Cleaning supplies and trash bags
What to Pack First: Start with rarely used items, such as special occasion dishes, baking tools, and extra utensils. Wrap breakables and use small boxes for heavy items, such as canned goods.
What to Pack Last: Keep daily-use plates, key utensils, and your coffee maker or kettle until the end. Place them in a clearly labeled essentials box for easy access.
Bedroom Preparation
Bedrooms may seem easy to pack, but personal items can add up quickly. Stay organized and pack in stages, focusing on one room at a time.
Checklist:
- Off-season clothing and shoes
- Every day clothes and accessories
- Jewelry and valuables
- Bedding, blankets, and pillows
- Nightstand items (books, chargers, glasses)
- Personal decor and wall art
- Small furniture and storage bins
What to pack first: Start with off-season clothes, extra linens, and decorative items. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging items and roll others to save space.
What to pack last: Keep daily outfits, toiletries, and bedding out until the day of the move. Pack a “first-night” bag with essentials for easy access at bedtime.
Kids’ Rooms / Playrooms
Packing your child’s room takes care and patience. It’s their comfort zone, so involve them if possible and pack gradually to ease the transition.
Checklist:
- Toys and games
- Books and stuffed animals
- Clothes and shoes
- Art supplies or school materials
- Wall decals or decorations
- Furniture and storage bins
What to pack first: Begin with toys, books, and off-season or outgrown clothes. Make packing fun—turn it into a game or let your child decorate their boxes.
What to pack last: Save comfort items, favorite toys, bedtime books, and nightlights for last. Pack them in a clearly labeled bag to keep with you on moving day for routine and comfort.
Home Office Setup
Your home office contains important items, such as documents and electronics. Pack it carefully to ensure a smooth setup and avoid workflow disruptions.
Checklist:
- Important documents and files
- Office supplies (pens, paper, staplers)
- Books and binders
- Laptops, monitors, and keyboards
- Cables, chargers, and accessories
- Desk decor and storage organizers
What to pack first: Begin with books, décor, and rarely used supplies. Sort papers into labeled folders and backup digital files before unplugging any devices.
What to pack last: Keep essentials like your laptop, charger, and key documents out until the day before. Pack them in a personal bag or a marked box you’ll carry with you.
Bathroom Basics
The bathroom may seem quick to pack, but it’s full of daily essentials and items that are prone to spills. A smart, careful approach helps prevent leaks and last-minute stress.
Checklist:
- Toiletries and skincare products
- Medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Towels and bathmats
- Hair tools (dryer, straightener, etc.)
- Cleaning supplies
- Shower curtain and bathroom decor
What to pack first: Start with non-essentials like extra towels, unopened toiletries, and backup supplies. Toss expired items, pack liquids in sealed containers, and label boxes.
What to pack last: Pack your toothbrush, skincare products, medications, and hygiene essentials the night before or the morning of the move.
Garage / Storage Areas
Often overlooked, garages and storage areas can be the most cluttered. A clear packing plan helps you avoid wasting time and space on unnecessary items.
Checklist:
- Tools and hardware
- Seasonal decorations
- Sports equipment
- Lawn and garden tools
- Storage bins and shelves
- Paints, fuels, and hazardous materials
What to pack first: Start by decluttering, tossing broken items, and donating what you don’t need. Pack tools, sports gear, and storage bins in sturdy boxes. Group and label everything clearly.
What to pack last: Keep basic tools, cleaning supplies, and other essential items for last-minute fixes until the end. Properly dispose of hazardous materials; don’t move them.
Your Packing Timeline
Now that you’ve organized each space with a clear room-by-room packing guide, it’s time to put everything into motion with a weekly timeline.
4 Weeks Out: Pack storage, seasonal décor, and out-of-season clothes—non-essentials you won’t miss.
2–3 Weeks Out: Pack bedrooms, books, guest rooms, hobbies, and rarely used kitchen or office items.
Final Week: Pack your daily essentials, including clothes and toiletries. Finish living areas and prepare a “first-night” box.
Day Before Move: Wrap up packing of the kitchen and bathroom. Pack perishables and last-minute items. Label boxes clearly for easy access.
Final Room Checks Before Moving Out
As moving day approaches, it’s easy to focus on boxes and logistics, but don’t skip the final walk-through.
It’s the final step in your step-by-step moving guide, ensuring all your hard work pays off.
Room-by-Room Walk-Through: Check every closet, drawer, and cabinet, even if you think it’s empty. Ensure everything is packed and labeled.
Leave Out Cleaning Supplies: Keep a small cleaning kit handy for last-minute touch-ups. Leave paper towels, sprays, and trash bags unpacked until the end.
Don’t forget the Essentials: Before leaving, grab chargers, keys, wallets, and important documents. Keep them in a personal bag you carry with you during the move.
Additional Packing Tips for Moving Day
Even with a solid packing checklist by room, moving day can still bring unexpected challenges. These additional packing tips for moving will keep things running smoothly.
|
Tip |
Why It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Pack a “First-Night” Box |
Ensures you have essentials like toiletries, clothing, and snacks immediately. |
|
Don’t Overpack Boxes |
Prevents injuries and keeps boxes from breaking during the move. |
|
Use Clear Bins for Priorities |
Makes it easy to spot and access important items quickly. |
|
Label Boxes Clearly |
Saves time and confusion when unloading and unpacking. |
|
Keep Tools & Chargers Handy |
You’ll need them for reassembly and staying connected on day one. |
