Moving to a new place is exciting—but let’s be real, it’s also a bit overwhelming. One of the most common questions people ask is: what should I pack first when moving? If you’re staring at your stuff wondering where to even begin, you’re not alone.
This guide gives you a room-by-room breakdown of what to pack first when moving, so you can stay organized, cut stress, and avoid packing chaos at the last minute. Let’s dive in!
Why Does the Packing Order Matter?
Before you start tossing things into boxes, it helps to have a strategy. Packing in the right order means:
- You avoid living out of boxes too early.
- Your essentials stay available when you still need them.
- Unpacking at the new place becomes way easier.
That’s why starting with low-priority areas and non-essentials is key. Creating a move out checklist can also help you stay organized and make sure nothing slips through the cracks during the chaos of packing and relocating.
Start Here: Items to Always Pack First
Regardless of the room, these are the types of items you should always pack first:
- Out-of-season clothing (Winter coats in July? Pack ’em.)
- Books and decor (You’re not reading or admiring shelves right now.)
- Rarely used kitchen gadgets (Goodbye, fondue set.)
- Extra linens and towels
- Backup toiletries
- Holiday decorations
- Old electronics and wires you barely touch
Once those are boxed up, it’s time to go room by room.
What to Pack First in the Living Room
The living room often holds lots of non-essential stuff. Here’s how to approach it:
Pack First:
- Decorative items (vases, artwork, picture frames)
- Books, magazines, and coffee table extras
- DVDs, games, and unused remotes
- Extra throw blankets or pillows
- Off-season items like holiday decor
Wait to Pack:
- TV and remote you still use daily
- Main seating (if disassembling early causes inconvenience)
Pro Tip: Label cords and remotes with painter’s tape so setup is easier later.
What to Pack First in the Kitchen
Kitchens can be deceptively tricky because there’s a lot of stuff packed into small cabinets. The trick is starting with the least-used items first.
Pack First:
- Fancy dishware or china
- Baking tools (muffin pans, cookie cutters)
- Small appliances you don’t use every day (blender, air fryer, rice cooker)
- Extra mugs, utensils, or Tupperware
Wait to Pack:
- Daily plates, bowls, and cutlery
- Coffee maker or kettle
- Cleaning supplies (you’ll need them for move-out cleaning!)
Pro Tip: Use dish towels to wrap breakables and save on bubble wrap.
What to Pack First in the Bedroom
Bedrooms usually hold a mix of daily use items and stuff you haven’t touched in months. Prioritize based on frequency.
Pack First:
- Off-season clothes and shoes
- Accessories, jewelry you don’t wear often
- Extra bedding and linens
- Books on your nightstand (unless they help you sleep!)
- Wall art and decor
Wait to Pack:
- Your current clothes
- Everyday shoes
- Favorite pillow and bedding
Pro Tip: Pack one suitcase as if you’re going on a week-long trip. That’s your survival kit for the moving week.
What to Pack First in the Bathroom
Bathrooms seem small, but they hide a surprising amount of clutter. The key is to pack backup items first.
Pack First:
- Extra shampoos, lotions, and unopened products
- Spare toothbrushes or razors
- Towels you rarely use
- Medicine you don’t need regularly
- Hair styling tools you don’t use every day
Wait to Pack:
- Daily hygiene products
- Toilet paper, hand soap, and towels still in use
Pro Tip: Keep a “bathroom essentials” bag for the final days and first night in your new home.
What to Pack First in the Office or Study
If you’re working from home, you’ll need to keep the setup intact as long as possible. But there’s still plenty you can box up early.
Pack First:
- Old files and documents
- Stationery you rarely touch
- Extra office supplies
- Books, binders, and reference materials
Wait to Pack:
- Laptop, chargers, and daily work tools
- Printer (if used frequently)
- Important documents (keep them in a clearly marked folder)
Pro Tip: Take a photo of your desk setup so you can recreate it at the new place if needed.
What to Pack First in Kids’ Rooms
Packing kids’ rooms can be emotional—and tricky. The goal is to make the transition smooth without removing their comfort items too soon.
Pack First:
- Outgrown clothes and toys
- Books they haven’t read in a while
- Wall decor
- Spare bedding
Wait to Pack:
- Favorite toys or stuffed animals
- School supplies
- Nightlights and comfort items
Pro Tip: Let them help pack a special “first night” box with their favorites so they feel included and excited.
What About the Garage or Storage Room?
This is one area you definitely want to start early. It’s usually full of things you don’t need right now.
Pack First:
- Holiday decorations
- Sports equipment you’re not currently using
- Camping gear
- Extra tools or lawn equipment
Wait to Pack:
- Basic tools (you might need a screwdriver on moving day)
- Cleaning supplies or trash bags
Pro Tip: If it’s dusty or dirty, pack it in heavy-duty bins or contractor bags to avoid messes.
Should You Pack Essentials Last? Absolutely.
Your “essentials box” should be the last thing you pack and the first thing you open. Include:
- Toiletries
- Phone chargers
- Snacks and water
- A change of clothes
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Tools (like scissors, box cutters, and tape)
- Important documents and IDs
Final Tips for Packing Like a Pro
- Label every box with the room and contents.
- Use color-coded stickers or tape to keep rooms organized.
- Don’t overpack boxes—keep them liftable!
- Use suitcases for heavier items like books.
- Keep your valuables and paperwork with you—not in the moving truck.
Ready to Start Packing?
Now that you know what to pack first when moving, the process doesn’t feel quite so overwhelming, right? By taking it room by room and starting with what you don’t use daily, you’ll make your move smoother, faster, and way less stressful.
And hey—if you’re still procrastinating, just pick one room and start with a single box. That’s how momentum begins.
