Wondering when to start packing for your move? Waiting until the last few days can make moving feel much more overwhelming than it needs to be. A simple packing timeline can help you break the work into smaller tasks and keep your home functional until moving day.
For a typical household move, starting about 6 to 8 weeks before moving day can give you time to declutter, gather packing supplies, and gradually pack items you do not use every day. Your timeline may be shorter or longer depending on the size of your home, how much you own, and how much time you have available.
6–8 Weeks Before Moving Day: Get Organized
Before filling boxes, make a plan.
- Confirm your moving date.
- Arrange your moving company.
- Start sorting through belongings.
- Decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
- Gather boxes, packing paper, tape, and other supplies.
- Start with storage areas such as attics, basements, garages, and closets.
This is also a good time to begin packing items you rarely use.
4–5 Weeks Before Moving Day: Pack Less-Used Items
Start packing items that are not part of your daily routine.
Consider packing:
- Seasonal clothing
- Decorations
- Books
- Guest-room items
- Extra linens
- Small appliances you rarely use
- Artwork and decorative items
Keep frequently used belongings accessible so you do not have to reopen boxes before moving day.
2–3 Weeks Before Moving Day: Keep Going Room by Room
At this point, you should be making steady progress through the home.
Pack additional kitchen items, office supplies, extra bathroom products, and other belongings you can live without for a few weeks.
As you pack, label each box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of its contents. Clearly labeling boxes can make unloading and unpacking easier once you arrive at your new home.
1 Week Before Moving Day: Pack the Essentials
The final week should focus on finishing the remaining boxes and preparing for moving day.
Set aside the items you will need immediately, including:
- Toiletries
- A few changes of clothes
- Chargers
- Important documents
- Medications
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Everyday kitchen essentials
Consider keeping these items together so they are easy to access rather than buried in the moving truck.
The Day Before Your Move
Finish your final packing and make sure everything that is going on the moving truck is ready.
Do a walkthrough of your home and check closets, cabinets, drawers, storage areas, and other spaces where belongings may have been left behind.
If you are using professional movers, make sure you know the expected arrival time and have any building, parking, or access arrangements handled ahead of time.
Moving Day
Try to keep your important documents, valuables, medications, and other personal essentials with you rather than packing them on the moving truck.
Once the movers arrive, let them know about any items that require special handling and identify anything that should not be loaded.
Start Packing Before the Last Minute
You do not have to pack your entire home at once. Starting several weeks ahead allows you to work through your belongings gradually and gives you more time to organize everything properly.
For more packing guidance, check out our Packing Tips and learn more about preparing for your move with All American Moving, Storage and Delivery of Columbus.