{"id":108096,"date":"2025-12-02T12:39:34","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T20:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=108096"},"modified":"2025-12-02T12:39:34","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T20:39:34","slug":"when-to-start-packing-for-a-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/when-to-start-packing-for-a-move\/","title":{"rendered":"When to Start Packing for a Move: Your Definitive Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re moving out of a four-bedroom <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/14240\/AZ\/Phoenix\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">house in Phoenix, AZ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or leaving your studio <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/ohio\/cincinnati-apartments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apartment in Cincinnati, OH<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, behind, packing up your entire place is no small feat. That said, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/blog\/how-to-move-game-plan-timeline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">creating a timeline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6\u20138 weeks before moving: declutter and pack non-essentials<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 \u201ceverything goes in a box\u201d rush at the end.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by going through closets, storage spaces, and less-used rooms to sort out what\u2019s 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, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/decluttering-checklist-to-curb-the-clutter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">decluttering<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will make moving easier with fewer boxes to pack, less to transport, and an easier unpacking process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next step is to gather your packing supplies. It\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From there, focus on the non-essentials, the things you won\u2019t need for several weeks. These may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Holiday d\u00e9cor and seasonal displays<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Memorabilia and keepsakes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Backup linens and extra towels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overflow kitchen gadgets or duplicates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hobby or craft supplies not currently in use<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By following this early process, you\u2019ll clear space, reduce visual clutter, and help you get into the mindset of actually making your move.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2\u20134 weeks before: pack room by room<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start with rooms you use least\u2014guest rooms, spare bathrooms, or formal dining spaces. It\u2019s easier emotionally and logistically to pack entire rooms that don\u2019t disrupt your daily rhythm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you move through this stage, focus on categories that take longer to prepare or require extra care. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fragile items<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glassware, dishes, electronics, and framed art take time to wrap properly. Using bubble wrap and sturdy boxes prevents last-minute breakage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guest room items<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since these spaces are seldom used, bedding, spare towels, and d\u00e9cor can be neatly boxed now without inconvenience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Books and decor<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Books should go into small boxes to avoid excessive weight, while decorative items and artwork require padding and careful arrangement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linens<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any linens not part of everyday routines\u2014tablecloths, backup sheets, extra blankets\u2014can be safely packed during this phase.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By the end of this window, most belongings aside from daily necessities will be organized and ready to move.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 week before: final packing, essentials box, and perishables<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The final week before a move is all about tying up loose ends. This is when you\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is also the ideal time to prepare an essentials box\u2014a 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meanwhile, take a look through your fridge and pantry. Try to cook through perishable items and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.feedingamerica.org\/ways-to-give\/food-donations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">give away<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> anything that won\u2019t survive the trip.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pack the kitchen last (2\u20133 days out)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019t need for everyday cooking. Think serving platters, specialty cookware, and extra utensils.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leave out only what you\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to pack for a move fast (1 week or 3 days)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a move happens on short notice, you need a compressed but deliberate plan that prioritizes speed, triage, and momentum.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One-week fast-track plan:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Days 1\u20132:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid declutter (keep \/ donate \/ toss pile).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pack storage areas first (basement, attic, closets, garage).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Days 3\u20136:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Box up bedrooms and living spaces.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pack most of the kitchen, leaving only daily-use items.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Day 7:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pack essentials you\u2019ve been using all week.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean the home and handle final details.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three-day accelerated timeline:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Day 1:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full sweep through storage spaces.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pack d\u00e9cor, books, and anything nonessential.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Day 2:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pack bedrooms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pack the kitchen (except bare-minimum essentials).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Day 3:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pack daily essentials and toiletries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clear perishables from fridge\/freezer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finish last-minute tasks and cleaning.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Apartment and dorm moves: what to pack first<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smaller spaces usually mean faster moves, so the goal is to start with low-use items and keep daily life functional until the end.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Apartment moves (pack these first):<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wall art and d\u00e9cor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Books and media.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decorative pieces and knickknacks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rarely used kitchenware (extra pans, serving dishes, specialty gadgets).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because apartment kitchens are small, it often makes sense to pack most of them earlier than in a house move.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>College \/ dorm moves (pack these first):<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off-season clothing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dorm supplies you won\u2019t need until arrival (storage cubes, hangers, spare bedding).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extra shoes, gear, or duplicate items.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keep these out until the end:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toiletries currently in use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bedding you\u2019re sleeping on.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essential academic supplies (laptop, chargers, notebooks, IDs).<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Helpful packing tactic for dorms:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use clear bins so you can see what\u2019s inside immediately.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They stack well in tight spaces and speed up unpacking.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should I start packing before closing?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not a bad idea to start packing before closing, but it\u2019s wise to limit yourself to non-essential items until the date is firm. You don\u2019t want to be stuck unpacking daily necessities if timelines shift. Treat early packing as preparation while keeping your functional home intact.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local factors: weather, traffic, and parking permits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing moving boxes: cardboard vs. plastic<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardboard boxes remain the most common option, ideal for books, lightweight d\u00e9cor and clothing, and anything that doesn\u2019t require moisture protection. They\u2019re affordable, easy to label, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/blog\/things-to-do-with-used-moving-boxes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">easy to get rid of<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plastic bins offer more durability and protection, especially in wet climates or long-distance moves. They\u2019re also reusable and great for items going directly into storage. Choosing a mix of both gives you flexibility and security.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Items movers can\u2019t handle<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-to-do-while-movers-are-moving-your-stuff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional movers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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\u2019s room for these items in your personal vehicle ensures these items are handled properly on moving day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs about when to start packing for a move:\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon before a move should you start packing?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most experts recommend starting six to eight weeks ahead, beginning with non-essentials.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the 5-4-3-2-1 rule of packing?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a decluttering tool prompting you to donate five items, recycle four, put away three, repair two, and throw out one.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the 3-3-3 rule for packing?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This pacing strategy divides your day into three hours of packing, three hours of errands or miscellaneous tasks, and three hours of rest.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you\u2019re 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":801,"featured_media":100743,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34279],"tags":[36408],"coauthors":[36411],"class_list":["post-108096","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-selling-a-home","tag-selling-a-home"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v28.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>When to Start Packing for a Move<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Figuring out when to start packing for a move isn\u2019t an exact science. 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