Moving Packing Checklist: A Calm Plan for Every Week

Four to six weeks out: reduce and organize

Set aside donations, recycling, hazardous waste, items for sale, and things traveling separately. Confirm what your mover, truck rental, or container provider will not accept. Gather sturdy boxes, tape, paper, stretch wrap, labels, markers, mattress and furniture protection, and a way to record each box’s room and contents.

Two to three weeks out: pack by use

Pack décor, books, seasonal clothing, spare linens, and rarely used kitchenware first. Use smaller boxes for dense items and larger boxes for light soft goods. Wrap breakables individually, fill voids, and avoid letting contents shift. Photograph electronics and label cords before disconnecting them.

• Keep boxes under a manageable lifting weight.
• Mark fragile boxes on multiple sides, but do not rely on a label alone.
• Use a consistent room name at both homes.

Final week: protect the transition

Pack most daily-use items, confirm the inventory, and make a first-night kit with medication, documents, chargers, toiletries, basic tools, clothes, towels, snacks, and pet supplies. Defrost and dry appliances according to their instructions. Separate valuables, personal records, keys, and anything you need immediately.

Moving day: control the handoff

Walk the crew through the home and point out items that are not moving. Keep children and pets away from loading paths. Check closets, attic, shed, cabinets, and outdoor areas after loading. Photograph the condition of valuable items and keep your inventory and paperwork with you, not inside an inaccessible box.

Common questions