Moving to a new home or apartment can be exciting, but doing so unfortunately comes along with numerous challenges and questions. One of the most important being, “How soon should you start packing for a move?” Packing up your belongings and preparing to transfer them from one space to another is one of the most stressful aspects of any move. All moving experts will agree that the timing of when you start packing is essential in ensuring success throughout the process of a move; but, how soon should you start packing for a move? In today’s blog, we will answer this question as we share advice from our expert moving team.
What to Pack Early
Moving to a new home is a process that requires meticulous planning, beginning with packing up your personal belongings. To ensure a smooth and stress-free move, consider starting the packing process at least 6 to 8 weeks before your official moving date, starting with items that are used less frequently, such as seasonal decorations, out-of-season clothing, or seldom-used kitchen gadgets.
Packing Essentials
As your moving day approaches, it’s time to shift your focus to the items you use daily but can manage without for a short period. This includes non-essential kitchenware, books, and decorative items. Ideally, you should aim to have the majority of your belongings packed by the time you reach the three to four-week mark. This gives you ample time to sort, declutter, and label your boxes efficiently.
A Week-by-Week Breakdown
If the 6-to-8-week window still feels abstract, here’s how it breaks down in practice. Weeks 8–6: pack seasonal items, decor, and anything in storage. Weeks 6–4: tackle books, out-of-season clothing, and spare kitchenware — this is also the right time to start gathering packing supplies and moving boxes if you haven’t already. Weeks 4–2: pack everything except daily essentials. Final week: pack a first-night box and confirm your move date with your moving company. For a full list of what belongs in that first-night box, see our Top 8 Things You Need When You Move Out guide.
Final Preparations
In the last couple of weeks leading up to your move, focus on packing the essentials that you use daily. Items such as clothing, toiletries, and important documents should be packed in a way that makes them easily accessible during the transition. Use this time to confirm your moving arrangements, notify important contacts of your change of address, and double-check that all loose ends are tied up.
So, how soon should you start packing for a move? Our experts recommend beginning the packing process 6 to 8 weeks before your moving day, starting with non-essential items. Starting early allows you to tackle the process methodically, reducing stress and ensuring that no item is left behind. By following a strategic timeline – beginning with non-essential items and progressing to daily essentials – you can make your move a smoother and more manageable experience.
FAQ’S ABOUT PACKING TIMELINES
What if I only have two weeks to pack?
Focus on the highest-impact categories first: rarely used rooms (garage, guest room, storage), then non-essential kitchen and closet items, saving daily essentials for the last two to three days. Consider professional packing help to compress the timeline safely.
Does the 6–8 week timeline change for a long-distance move?
Yes — long-distance moves typically need 8–12 weeks of lead time due to scheduling, permits, and logistics. See our 5 Tips for Moving Long Distance guide for the full timeline.
Have More Questions?
Looking for more moving advice? From answering questions like, “How soon should you start packing for a move?” to scheduling seamless transportation that will save you time and stress on your moving day, the experts at Mike Hammer Moving have you covered. Click here to learn more about our top-rated moving services or to get a quote on the cost of your upcoming move!
