{"id":2023,"date":"2025-09-24T14:31:45","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T18:31:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/?p=2023"},"modified":"2025-09-24T14:35:51","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T18:35:51","slug":"what-to-pack-first-when-moving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/what-to-pack-first-when-moving\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Pack First When Moving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_530815287.jpg\" alt=\"what to pack first when moving\" class=\"wp-image-2024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_530815287.jpg 850w, https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_530815287-340x220.jpg 340w, https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_530815287-768x497.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving to a new home is exciting, but packing up everything you own? That can feel overwhelming &#8211; fast. The good news is that knowing what to pack first when moving makes the entire process easier. By starting with non-essential items and working your way toward everyday essentials, you\u2019ll stay organized, save time, and reduce stress when moving day arrives.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re relocating across town or across the country, this guide breaks down exactly what to pack first, what to leave for last, and how to stay on top of the moving process.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Packing Order Matters<br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When people start packing, they often grab whatever\u2019s closest &#8211; which can create chaos. You end up digging through boxes for things you still need or rushing to throw last-minute items together.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By following a clear packing order, you\u2019ll:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Avoid packing (and unpacking) stress.<\/li><li>Prevent damage by packing fragile items carefully, not in a hurry.<\/li><li>Keep everyday essentials accessible until the last day.<\/li><li>Save time during unpacking because everything is grouped logically.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of it as working from the outside in &#8211; pack the items you rarely use first, then gradually move to the things you use daily.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Pack First When Moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Off-Season Items<br><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with the easiest category: things you won\u2019t use before the move.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Clothing: Pack up coats, sweaters, swimsuits, or sandals depending on the season.<\/li><li>Sports gear: Surfboards, skis, camping gear &#8211; box up whatever doesn\u2019t fit the current weather.<\/li><li>Holiday d\u00e9cor: Decorations, wrapping supplies, and seasonal items can be packed months in advance.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These items are out of sight, out of mind, and won\u2019t disrupt daily life.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Rarely Used Spaces<br><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, move to rooms and areas that aren\u2019t part of your daily routine:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Attic, basement, or garage storage<\/li><li>Guest bedrooms and bathrooms<\/li><li>Closets with old keepsakes<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Packing these areas first helps you make quick progress while reducing clutter you probably won\u2019t notice missing.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Books, D\u00e9cor, and Collectibles<br><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your home may feel a little bare without decorations, but these items are easy to live without for a few weeks.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Wall art, picture frames, and mirrors<\/li><li>Figurines, vases, or other fragile d\u00e9cor<\/li><li>Books, magazines, and albums you won\u2019t read or use before moving day<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Tip: Use bubble wrap or packing paper for anything breakable, and label these boxes as \u201cfragile.\u201d<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Extra Kitchen Supplies<br><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your kitchen is essential, but most people have far more dishes and gadgets than they need.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Small appliances like waffle makers or mixers<\/li><li>Serving platters, casserole dishes, and wine glasses<\/li><li>Extra pots, pans, and utensils<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep out just enough to cook simple meals (one pan, one pot, and basic silverware), then pack the rest.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Linens, Towels, and Bedding<br><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have multiple sets of bedding and towels, you don\u2019t need all of them at once.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Pack extra sheets, blankets, and guest bedding.<\/li><li>Box up spare bath towels and beach towels.<\/li><li>Keep just one set per person available until the move.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is also a good time to donate or recycle worn-out linens so you\u2019re not hauling unnecessary items to your new home.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Clothing and Shoes You Don\u2019t Need Immediately<br><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After off-season clothes, trim down your wardrobe even further. Create a mini capsule wardrobe for the last few weeks before the move, just a few versatile outfits and shoes. Everything else can go into boxes.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro tip: Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Non-Essential Electronics and Entertainment<br><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You probably don\u2019t need your entire entertainment system up until the last day. Start with:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Gaming consoles and accessories<\/li><li>Old laptops, tablets, or stereo equipment<\/li><li>DVD collections or board games<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep just your main TV or laptop accessible until moving day, then pack those up last.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Pack Last (Save for Moving Week)<br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as important as knowing what to pack first is knowing what to leave until the end. These are the things you\u2019ll need right up to moving day:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Everyday toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant)<\/li><li>A week\u2019s worth of clothing and shoes<\/li><li>Kitchen basics (coffee maker, a few dishes, silverware)<\/li><li>Medications and important documents<\/li><li>Pet supplies and children\u2019s essentials<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Pack these into a clearly labeled \u201cEssentials Box\u201d or suitcase that stays with you during the move. That way, you\u2019ll have everything you need for your first night in your new home without digging through dozens of boxes.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bonus Moving Tips for Stress-Free Packing<br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Ship ahead: Send your non-essential items ahead with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"ShipGo (opens in a new tab)\">ShipGo<\/a>, and meet your belongings at your new home.<\/li><li>Declutter as you go: Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need. There\u2019s no point in moving things you won\u2019t use.<\/li><li>Label everything clearly: Note both the contents and the destination room (e.g., \u201cKitchen \u2013 Small Appliances\u201d).<\/li><li>Use the right supplies: Invest in quality moving boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap. It\u2019s worth it for protecting fragile items.<\/li><li>Create a packing timeline: Start 6\u20138 weeks before your move, and tackle a little each day to avoid last-minute panic.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Packing doesn\u2019t have to be overwhelming. By starting with off-season items and rarely used spaces, then gradually moving toward everyday essentials, you\u2019ll make steady progress without turning your home upside down. Following this step-by-step order ensures your move is organized, efficient, and far less stressful.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, when you\u2019re wondering what to pack first when moving, remember: start with what you don\u2019t use daily and save the essentials for last. With the right strategy, you\u2019ll be ready to settle into your new home smoothly &#8211; and even enjoy the process.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Moving to a new home is exciting, but packing up everything you own? That can feel overwhelming &#8211; fast. The good news is that knowing what to pack first when moving makes the entire process easier. By starting with non-essential items and working your way toward everyday essentials, you\u2019ll stay organized, save time, and reduce&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":2024,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2023","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AdobeStock_530815287.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2023","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2023"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2023\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2031,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2023\/revisions\/2031"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2024"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2023"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2023"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipgo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2023"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}