The Moving Process: When, Where, and How to Start Packing

Last updated 11/29/2024

Moving can be overwhelming, especially for first-time movers who aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of the process. From sorting and packing to sealing boxes and organizing logistics, the tasks can feel endless. To help ease your stress, we’ve put together a comprehensive week-by-week guide to prepare you for a seamless move.

6-8 Weeks Before: Clean and Sort

The earlier you begin preparing for your move, the smoother the process will be. Starting early allows you to divide the tasks into manageable steps, reducing stress for you and your loved ones.

While it’s a good idea to start packing at least three weeks before moving day, the initial stages of preparation should begin around two months in advance. This timeframe will allow you to organize your belongings and set a solid foundation for a more efficient move.

Clean

Starting with a clean house is essential for a smooth moving process. A thorough cleaning sets the stage with an organized environment, making packing and sorting easier. When your home is tidy, it’s easier to see what items you have.

This helps you decide what to keep, donate, or discard. A clean space makes the packing process feel less daunting and more manageable, giving you a sense of control as you move forward.

Declutter

Take the time to go through each room in your home and set aside items you no longer want or need. These items will bypass the packing process altogether, making your move more efficient and manageable. You can do this step while you’re cleaning or after, whichever works best for you.

Decluttering now reduces the number of items you have to pack and also ensures you’re only taking what truly matters into your new space. Use this opportunity to part with items like chipped mugs or those pants you keep thinking you’ll wear but never do. For inspiration, try applying Marie Kondo’s method and ask yourself if each item sparks joy. If it doesn’t, it’s time to let it go.

Group all the items you won’t be moving in one designated area, separate from what you plan to keep. This will give you a clearer visual of how much you actually need to pack and move. It can also help you better estimate the costs associated with your move, whether it’s for packing supplies, transport, or professional moving services.

5 Weeks Before: Sell and Donate

Now that you’ve gathered the items you no longer need, it’s time to take the next step and downsize by donating, selling, or discarding them. Start by sorting items into categories: things you can donate, items that can be sold for extra cash, and items that need to be thrown away.

Sell

For items that still have value, consider selling them online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark. This reduces how much you’ll be moving and can also help cover moving expenses. Remember to recycle or responsibly dispose of anything that can’t be donated or sold to keep your decluttering efforts eco-friendly.

A garage sale is an excellent way to declutter, earn extra cash, and reduce your moving load. While it takes some planning, the effort pays off. Create clear, attention-grabbing signs and advertise around your neighborhood. To draw in more buyers, consider coordinating with neighbors. Hosting sales on the same weekend is a great way to say goodbye before you move!

Donate

Once you’ve sold some of your items, you may still have some left over that need a new home. You can help those in need by donating to local charities, shelters, or thrift stores. Many places accept a variety of items, from household goods and furniture to clothing and kitchenware. Take the time to research local charities, shelters, or thrift stores to see what they need and how you can help.

4 Weeks Before: Choose a Moving Option

To DIY move or not to DIY move – this is a question many people face when planning their move. Choosing between a do-it-yourself approach and hiring professional movers depends on a variety of factors. These include your budget, the distance of your move, the size of your home, and how much time you can dedicate to the process.

While a DIY move can save you money, it often requires significant effort, careful planning, and physical stamina. On the other hand, professional movers can make the process much easier and faster but come at a higher cost. Weighing these options carefully can help you determine which approach is best for your situation.

Research and Compare Professional Movers

Now is the perfect time to reach out to friends and family for recommendations on moving companies they trust. This can help you find reputable services that align with your needs. Research moving companies in your area and compare their services and pricing to find the best fit for your move.

It’s a good idea to obtain at least three quotes to ensure you’re getting competitive rates and quality service. For larger homes, requesting an in-home estimate can be especially beneficial. Many moving companies charge by the hour, and an accurate assessment can give you a clearer idea of the total cost.

Plan to Move Yourself

A DIY move can be a cost-effective option, but it requires careful planning and preparation to be successful. Unlike hiring professional movers, you’ll need to take charge of every aspect of the process, from packing to transportation. This means gathering essential supplies like boxes, tape, and padding. Renting equipment such as dollies or hand trucks to handle heavy or bulky items is also a good idea.

Additionally, you’ll need to find the best transportation method, whether that’s renting a moving truck or using your own vehicle, and ensure it’s suitable for the size of your load. Properly planning these details ahead of time will help make your DIY move smoother and more manageable.

Essential Supplies for DIY Moving

If you’re opting for a do-it-yourself move, ensure you have all the supplies you need to pack efficiently and safely. Stock up on plenty of boxes, packing tape, and protective materials before you start packing. It’s best to estimate the amount of supplies you’ll need and purchase them ahead of time to avoid last-minute trips.

For larger or fragile items, moving blankets and additional padding are essential to prevent damage. These supplies can be found at stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart. Don’t forget to check out our moving checklist to make sure you have everything needed for a successful DIY move!

Dollies

For a more efficient DIY move, you might need to rent some equipment to help with heavy lifting and transport. Dollies are invaluable for moving large and bulky items like bookshelves, pianos, or multiple stacks of boxes. If you don’t have one or can’t borrow one, there’s no need to worry! Dollies and hand trucks are available for rent at stores like Home Depot, U-Haul, and Lowe’s. Rental prices typically range from $7 per hour to $20 for a full day. Compare these options to find the best deal for your needs based on the size and complexity of your move.

Transportation Options

When it comes to moving your belongings to your new home, there are several transportation options to consider. The two most common options are renting a moving truck or a mobile storage pod.

Rental trucks from companies like U-Haul, Enterprise, and Penske come in a range of sizes, from 10 to 26 feet. This makes them suitable for moves of all scales – from a small apartment to a larger multi-bedroom house. Rental rates will vary based on factors such as location, duration, and truck size. To get the most out of your DIY move, check out our guide on how to pack a moving truck!

Mobile storage pods offer flexibility by allowing you to pack your belongings well before moving day. These pods are delivered directly to your home and can be stored until it’s time to move. This option is great for those who need more time or are on a tight schedule, as the rental company handles the transportation. Companies like U-Haul and PODS provide this service. Rates depend on your location, distance of transport, and the size or number of pods you need.

Some companies also offer optional packing and loading assistance for an additional fee. Additionally, you can hire a labor-only moving company to keep costs down.

Tips for Moving Yourself

When planning a DIY move, measuring your large items is crucial to ensure a smooth process. Measure the dimensions of the items you’ll be moving, as well as the doorframes, hallways, and any tight spaces they’ll need to pass through.

This will help you assess how much help you might need for lifting and maneuvering. It will also alert you to any items that may need to be disassembled to fit through narrow openings. Knowing these measurements will be valuable when selecting the right size of transportation for your move, helping you avoid any surprises on moving day.

Additionally, having extra hands on deck will provide you with more muscle and support throughout the moving process, making the day more manageable. Reach out to your circle several weeks in advance to get a clearer idea of how many people will be available on moving day. This also gives you time to line up additional helpers in case someone’s schedule changes at the last minute. The more support you have, the smoother and quicker your move will go.

2-3 Weeks Before: Start Packing

Starting the packing process a few weeks before your move can significantly reduce stress and make the entire moving experience more manageable. By giving yourself extra time, you can pack at a steady pace, avoid last-minute rushes, and handle any unexpected challenges that may come up. This approach allows you to stay organized, stay on top of your timeline, and ensure that you’re fully prepared when moving day arrives.

Gather Your Packing Materials

If you haven’t already gathered your moving supplies, now is the time to do so. Here’s a checklist of essential items to make sure you’re fully prepared:

• Boxes
• Tape
• Honeycomb wrap
• Markers/labels
• Moving blankets (optional)

Pack Up Non-Essential Items First

Start by packing up items that you don’t use on a daily basis. This is a great time to clear out shelves and cabinets, pack up all those knickknacks and decorative pieces. Make sure to handle fragile items with extra care, using appropriate packing materials to keep them safe in boxes.

Begin with items from areas like the garage, storage rooms, and closets, as these are usually filled with things you don’t need right away. It’s a good idea to leave the kitchen for last since it will likely be in constant use until the final days of your move.

Pack Room By Room

Packing one room at a time is an effective way to ensure that all your belongings stay organized and make it into the right boxes. This helps reduce the chances of items getting misplaced and makes it easier to keep track of what’s packed. By focusing on one room at a time, you can maintain better organization and efficiency throughout the packing process.

Label Your Boxes

Labeling your boxes by room is essential for staying organized and making the unpacking process easier. Be sure to place the labels on the side of each box, not just on top, so that they remain visible even when boxes are stacked high.

This will help you quickly identify where each box belongs when you start unpacking. It also saves you time by preventing you from sifting through unmarked boxes to find items like your favorite sweater or other essentials.

Move Items to a Staging or Loading Area

After you’ve packed and labeled everything in each room, gather all the boxes in a central location to streamline the moving process on the big day.

The garage is a common choice for a staging area, as it’s typically not a high-traffic space and may already be used for storing boxes. This setup will save you time and effort on moving day, as you won’t have to go back and forth between rooms to gather items for loading.

1 Week Before: Final Packing

You’re almost there! With just one week to go before your move-in date, it’s time to focus on the final stages of packing and preparation.

Start Packing the Kitchen

The kitchen is often one of the most challenging spaces to pack due to the variety of fragile items it holds. Use your packing materials wisely to keep your glasses, plates, and cookware protected during the move. Bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes will help ensure your kitchen essentials arrive safely at your new home.

To protect your glass plates, place paper plates between them to prevent breaking during packing and transport. You can also use socks and other clothing items to cushion and secure your glassware, providing extra padding and reducing the risk of damage.

Keep in mind that professional movers typically won’t transport some items, like perishable food items or certain types of liquids. Be sure to use up or dispose of perishable items before moving day and pack liquids securely if you plan to take them yourself.

Clothing, Bedding, and a First-Night Box

It’s time to pack up the majority of your clothing, including items that you’ve been using regularly up until now. Don’t forget to pack your bedding, blankets, and any extra linens that have kept you comfortable during the moving process. This step will help free up space and make your final packing days more manageable.

This is also the perfect time to pack a first-night box with any essentials you’ll need while moving and in the days that will come after. Include a fresh pair of clothes for the next day as well as a pair of pajamas. Add any toiletries you may need (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, toilet paper, etc.) so that you have easy access to these items. Also, make sure your cleaning supplies are easily accessible so you can deep clean before you move everything in.

Final Check-In’s

With just a few days left, take a moment to go over a checklist to ensure everything is in order.  Contact your utility providers well before your move-in date to confirm that your new home will have water, electricity, and other essential services ready when you arrive. This simple step will save you from the stress of arriving at an empty house with no lights or running water, making the unpacking process much more comfortable and manageable.

Confirm the arrival time for movers if you’re using professional services or the drop-off schedule for a mobile storage pod. If you’ve opted for a DIY move, check in with friends and family who have offered to help and make sure they’re still available. Plan for breaks on moving day by ensuring you have access to water, snacks, and shaded areas for your team.

Lastly, take a deep breath and appreciate the progress you’ve made. Packing up your entire life into dozens of boxes is no small feat, but you’re nearly there! Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before your moving day. Being well-rested will give you the energy needed for any last-minute packing and lifting. Once moving day arrives, you’ll be just one truck ride away from starting the next chapter in your new home.

Conclusion

Moving may seem like an insurmountable task, but with careful planning and strategic execution, it doesn’t have to be stressful. By following this comprehensive week-by-week guide, you can navigate the moving process with greater ease and confidence.

Starting with the essential steps of cleaning and decluttering, and then moving into the logistical choices between DIY or professional moving services, you can tackle the many facets of moving in a well-organized manner. From gathering supplies to packing items room by room and labeling them meticulously, each step helps set the stage for a smooth transition.

As you approach the final week before your move, make sure to focus on the final preparations that will make moving day as seamless as possible. Taking the time to pack the kitchen carefully, assemble a first-night box, and confirm details with your moving team or helpers ensures you are well-prepared and less likely to encounter last-minute surprises. Remember that while the process may be daunting, the reward of settling into your new home is worth every ounce of effort.

When moving day arrives, embrace it with a sense of achievement. You’ve planned, packed, and prepared every detail to make your move as efficient as possible. Take a moment to reflect on the journey, knowing that the challenges you overcame will lead you to a fresh start in a space that’s uniquely yours. With a good night’s sleep and your well-earned sense of accomplishment, you’ll be ready to step into your new home and begin the next chapter of your life.

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