Oct 25, 2024

When to start packing for your house move

Learn how to make your move smoother by labeling boxes properly and knowing when to start packing, with tips on staying organized and stress-free during your relocation.

When to start packing for your house move
Subscribe To Our Email Newsletter - Movers X Webflow Template

Subscribe to our email newsletter

Be the first to learn about exciting offers including a FREE MOVE!

Thanks for joining our newsletter.
Oops! Something went wrong.

When to Start Packing for Your House Move

Figuring out when to start packing for your move can be tricky, but getting the timing right can make the whole process much smoother. Ideally, you should start packing about six to eight weeks before your moving day. This gives you plenty of time to tackle everything at a manageable pace, without feeling rushed.

Begin by packing items that you don’t use often, such as seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, and seldom-used kitchen appliances. These non-essential items can be packed well in advance, freeing up time to focus on more important tasks as moving day approaches. About four weeks before your move, start working on the rest of your belongings, room by room. It’s helpful to have a packing schedule to keep you on track—breaking down the process into smaller tasks makes it less overwhelming.

As the moving date gets closer, around two weeks out, pack up everyday items that you can manage without for a little while, like certain kitchenware and bathroom items. Leave the essentials for last—things you use daily like toiletries, important documents, and a few changes of clothes. Aim to have everything packed and ready to go a couple of days before the move, so you can focus on last-minute details without stressing over unfinished packing.

Starting early and pacing yourself ensures a smoother move, and helps avoid the chaos of last-minute packing.

  1. Start Packing 6-8 Weeks Before Moving: Begin packing well in advance to avoid feeling rushed and manage tasks at a comfortable pace.
  2. Pack Non-Essential Items First: Begin with seasonal items, holiday decorations, and other belongings you don’t use often.
  3. Use a Packing Schedule: Break down the process into smaller tasks by packing room by room to stay organized and avoid overwhelm.
  4. Pack Everyday Items 2 Weeks Before Moving: Start packing items you can manage without, like extra kitchenware and bathroom supplies, as the move gets closer.
  5. Leave Essentials for Last: Pack daily necessities such as toiletries, important documents, and clothing in the final days before the move.

Start packing in advance

Vitae congue eu consequat ac felis placerat vestibulum lectus mauris ultrices cursus sit amet dictum sit amet justo donec enim diam porttitor lacus luctus accumsan tortor posuere praesent tristique magna sit amet purus gravida quis blandit turpis.

Start Packing In Advance Movers X Webflow Template
Always use plenty of packing paper!

Why Labeling Your Boxes Properly is Key to a Smooth Move

Labeling your boxes properly might seem like a small step, but it makes a big difference when it comes to staying organized during a move. As you pack, take a few extra seconds to clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This helps movers (and you) know exactly where each box should go in your new place, making the unloading process faster and more efficient.

Don’t just stop at writing “kitchen” or “bedroom” on the box—be specific. For example, “Kitchen - Pots and Pans” or “Bedroom - Winter Clothes” gives you a much better idea of what’s inside. This is especially helpful if you need to find certain items quickly after moving in. For fragile items, add “FRAGILE” in big, bold letters on all sides of the box, and consider using arrows to indicate which side should stay up.

Color-coding can also be a lifesaver. Use different colored markers or tape for each room, so you can quickly identify where each box belongs at a glance. If you want to go a step further, keep a master inventory list of all your boxes and their contents, which can come in handy if anything gets misplaced.

Proper labeling doesn’t just make unpacking easier; it takes a lot of the stress out of moving day by keeping everything organized and easy to find.

  • Label Boxes with Contents and Room: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in for better organization during the move.
  • Be Specific: Use detailed labels like “Kitchen - Pots and Pans” to make finding items easier after moving in.
  • Mark Fragile Items Clearly: Label fragile boxes with “FRAGILE” and use arrows to indicate which side should stay up.
  • Use Color-Coding: Assign different colors for each room to quickly identify where each box belongs.
  • Keep a Master Inventory List: Maintain a list of all boxes and their contents for easy tracking and to help locate items if anything goes missing.
“Local moves are billed by the hour. Don't burn up clock time by forcing your movers to solve the mystery of where everything goes. Preparation equals savings.” - Jim Boer, GM
Our movers will be diligent about labeling, and keeping things organized during your move.

Hiring Moving Buddies Tucson AZ ensures your belongings are packed securely and efficiently by experienced professionals who know how to navigate the local moving challenges. With expert packing techniques and quality materials, you’ll enjoy a stress-free move and peace of mind knowing your items are in safe hands.