Guide

When To Start Packing For A Move (Week-By-Week Guide)

Remember

Packing your home for a move is a significant task that requires careful planning. With years of experience in the moving industry, I can attest that preparation is key to a smooth moving process. Here’s a comprehensive week-by-week guide to help you get started.

6-8 Weeks Before Your Move: Clean and Organize

Clean Your Home: Begin with a thorough cleaning. This will make it easier to decide what to take with you.
Declutter: Go through each room and decide which items you no longer need. Fewer items mean a cheaper and more organized move.
Separate Unwanted Items: Collect unwanted items together to get an idea of how much you’ll be moving and receive an accurate moving estimate.

5 Weeks Before Your Move: Sell or Donate Unwanted Items

Garage Sale: Sell items you no longer need to save on moving costs and earn extra cash.
Donate: Donate items that are not worth selling. Ask for a receipt for tax purposes.
Dispose of Furniture: Refer to our guide on getting rid of old furniture.
Plan for Non-Allowables: Check the list of items movers won’t transport and plan accordingly.

4 Weeks Before Your Move: Finalize Details with Your Moving Company

Confirm Details: Ensure you have a confirmed moving date with your moving company.
Review Moving Plan: Go over the plan with your moving company to ensure everything is clear.

2-3 Weeks Before Your Move: Begin Packing

Gather Packing Materials: Purchase supplies from Home Depot or online, and use household items like linens and towels.
Pack Non-Essentials First: Start with storage rooms, closets, and the garage.
Pack by Room: Keep boxes in their respective rooms for easy organization.
Label Boxes: Clearly mark each box with its contents and designated room.
Stage Items in the Garage: Use garage space for packed non-essential items.
Personal Items: Move valuable and personal items yourself to ensure their safety.

3 Most Crucial Packing Tips

Valuable Items: Keep jewelry, cash, and important documents with you.
Day Box: Pack a box with daily essentials like medications, toiletries, and clothes.
Time Management: Start early to avoid last-minute stress.

1 Week Before Your Move: Final Preparations

Kitchen Packing: Organize and use proper materials to protect fragile items.
Clothes and Bedding: Dressers can be moved with clothes inside if not overpacked.
Final Checks: Ensure all boxes are labeled and packed securely.

Packing Strategy: Decide what to move first and pack non-essential items room by room. Use appropriate materials for fragile items.

Self-Packing vs. Hiring Movers: Full-service movers can pack for you but at a higher cost. Packing yourself saves money, but movers won’t be liable for box contents.

Note

Following this guide will help ensure a smoother and more organized move. Start early, stay organized, and take one step at a time. For more tips and resources, visit our blog and pre-move tips sections.

UniMovers

The Moving Process: When, Where, And How To Start Packing