Moving into a new home is exciting, but the process of packing to move can feel overwhelming and stressful. A little strategy can go a long way toward making your move smoother and more efficient. Whether you have months to plan or you’re packing to move in a hurry, the following packing tips will help you optimize your move, save time, and protect your belongings every step of the way.
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Declutter Before You Pack
One of the first (and best) packing tips is to declutter your belongings before you start putting things into boxes. As experts often say, “Get rid of the things you don’t want or need so you don’t have to pack them at all!” (Gabriel 2025) (pods.com). Moving is the perfect time to edit down your possessions – donate or sell items you no longer use, and toss anything broken or worn out. The less you have to pack, the easier and faster your move will be. In fact, a move is a great time to “travel lightly”; a hurried move gives you even more incentive to only bring the essentials (Mueller 2022) (moving.com).
To make decluttering more manageable, go through each room and sort items into piles: keep, donate, recycle, or trash. Think practically, not sentimentally – if you haven’t worn or used something in over a year, do you really need to move it? You can donate usable items to local charities (for example, Goodwill accepts almost anything in good condition, and many animal shelters will take old towels or linens) (moving.com). Not only will this lighten your load, it can also help others in need. By decluttering before you pack, you’ll save on packing time, use fewer boxes, and start fresh in your new home with only the things that matter.
Gather Plenty of Packing Supplies
Once you’ve pared down your stuff, make sure you gather all the packing supplies you’ll need ahead of time. There’s nothing worse than running out of boxes or tape halfway through packing. People often underestimate how much stuff they have in their home, which leads to frantic last-minute trips for more boxes and tape (pods.com). To avoid this, stock up on a variety of box sizes (small, medium, and large) and always get more boxes than you think you’ll need. As one moving pro notes, the number one comment she hears is that people “didn’t buy enough moving boxes,” and it’s much cheaper to buy extra upfront (and return unused boxes) than to scramble for more later (Gabriel 2025) (pods.com). Don’t forget plenty of strong packing tape, markers for labeling, and cushioning materials like bubble wrap or packing paper.
For budget-friendly options, you can often find free boxes through community sources. Check with local grocery or liquor stores for spare boxes, or browse neighborhood sites like Nextdoor and Facebook Marketplace, where neighbors might give away moving boxes (Poage 2024) (blog.aptamigo.com). Office supply stores and home improvement stores sell moving kits if you need specialty boxes (like wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes or dish pack boxes for kitchenware). It’s also smart to have scissors or a box cutter on hand, and a few large garbage bags (they’ll come in handy for certain packing hacks later). By gathering an ample supply of materials before you begin, you won’t lose time searching for more, and you can set up a “packing station” at home with everything in one place for easy access (Mueller 2022; moving.com).
Start Early and Pack by Room
When it comes to packing to move, starting early is key. Begin packing well in advance of moving day, tackling a little bit each day if possible. A good rule of thumb is to pack up the least-used areas first – for example, things stored in your attic, basement, or spare room, as well as off-season items (Home Depot 2025). If it’s summer, box up your winter coats and holiday decorations now; if it’s winter, your beach gear can be packed up early. The idea is to get non-essentials out of the way so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. “It’s never too early to start packing for a move,” advises The Home Depot’s moving guide (homedepot.com). Early packing eliminates the need to rush and reduces the risk of improper packing under stress (homedepot.com).
As you pack, it often works best to go room by room. Focus on one area at a time – such as the kitchen, then the living room, then each bedroom. Packing an entire room before moving on helps you stay organized and keeps related items together. Some experts also suggest packing by category (e.g. all books at once, then all linens) if that suits you (homedepot.com), but make sure not to mix items from different rooms in the same box. For most people, a room-by-room approach is simplest: box up everything from one space, then move on to the next. This method also makes loading the moving truck and unpacking easier, since you can take each room’s boxes directly to the corresponding room in your new home. (For a comprehensive checklist of all moving tasks beyond just packing, check out our Ultimate Moving Checklist on our blog for further guidance.)
Label Boxes for Easy Unpacking
As you seal up each box, label it clearly on at least one or two sides. This simple step is easy to forget but will save you tons of time during and after the move (Poage 2024) (blog.aptamigo.com). Mark each box with its contents and the room it belongs to – e.g., “Kitchen – pots and pans” or “Bedroom – linens.” You’ll thank yourself later when you’re searching for the coffee maker on your first morning in the new place. Clear labels mean you (or the movers) can deliver each box to the right room, and you can prioritize unpacking the essentials without opening every box to find what you need.
For even better organization, consider a color-coding system or numbering system. For example, you might stick colored labels or Post-its on boxes (blue for bedroom, green for kitchen, etc.), or number each box and keep a very brief inventory list. Color coding is a quick visual cue to identify where boxes go in the new home (homedepot.com). If you’re detail-oriented, numbering boxes and noting the major items inside in a notebook can be helpful – but even a basic label like “Living Room – Decor” is far better than nothing. Remember, the goal is to make unpacking as painless as possible. Labeling boxes by room and contents will save you hours of hunting later on. It also helps movers handle items appropriately (you might add “FRAGILE” on boxes with breakables, and “THIS SIDE UP” on boxes that need it). Taking an extra few seconds to label each box as you pack will optimize your move and reduce stress on the other end.
Use the Right Boxes (Don’t Overpack)
A common packing mistake is overfilling one box or using the wrong size box for the items. To optimize efficiency and avoid damage, follow this rule: heavy items go in small boxes, and light items go in larger boxes. In other words, do not load up a huge box with books or dishes – it will be too heavy to lift and at risk of breaking. Instead, pack heavy objects like books or canned goods in smaller boxes that one person can carry safely (homedepot.com). Reserve your big boxes for bulky but lightweight things, such as pillows, bedding, or large plastic toys. This strategy makes moving each box easier and prevents injuries (your back will thank you!), and it also protects your belongings – a box that’s too heavy is more likely to burst open or be dropped. Place heavier items at the bottom of each box and lighter items on top to keep the box stable (Gabriel 2025) (pods.com).
Avoid leaving empty space in boxes as well. If a box isn’t full, stuff towels, sweaters, or crumpled packing paper into the gaps so items inside don’t shift around. Conversely, don’t overfill boxes to the point that they bulge or can’t be fully closed – that’s a recipe for crushed contents. Use packing tape generously on the bottom and top seams of each box for reinforcement (especially if it’s holding books or anything heavy). If a single item is very heavy or fragile (like a large mirror or a piece of artwork), consider a specialty box or crate for it. Using proper boxes and not overpacking them is a simple but crucial tip: it makes loading and unloading safer and faster, and ensures your items arrive intact.
Protect Fragile Items with Care
When packing delicate and breakable items – like dishes, glassware, vases, or electronics – take extra care to protect them for the journey. Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap, packing paper, or even soft household items like towels and clothing. In fact, you can “fill two needs with one deed” by using soft items like socks, towels, and T-shirts to wrap breakables, killing two birds with one stone (Mueller 2022) (moving.com). For example, slip stemware or glasses inside clean socks, or use your bath towels to cushion plates. This way, you’re packing your soft goods and protecting your fragile goods at the same time – and you’ll save money on bubble wrap. Place a layer of crumpled paper or a towel at the bottom of boxes containing breakables, and another layer on top before you seal the box (homedepot.com). This cushioning absorbs shocks and prevents items from rattling.
It’s best to pack dishes vertically (on their sides) rather than flat in a stack, as they are less likely to break with pressure that way (The Home Depot n.d.) (homedepot.com). Fill any gaps in the box with paper or cloth so nothing can shift. For especially delicate pieces, you might use specialty dividers (for example, dish pack boxes have partitions) or place pieces of cardboard between items. Mark these boxes as “Fragile” on multiple sides. You may also write “This Side Up” on boxes with electronics or liquids to ensure they stay oriented correctly. If you have the original boxes for electronics or appliances, those are usually the safest way to transport them (with the original foam padding). Taking time to properly wrap and pad your fragile belongings will give them a much better chance of surviving the move unscathed. As a bonus tip, consider keeping valuable or irreplaceable fragile items with you during the move (in your car, for instance) rather than on the moving truck for extra security – more on that below.
Pack Clothes and Linens Efficiently
Clothing, bedding, and linens can take up a lot of space, so it pays to pack them strategically. One handy trick for hanging clothes is to leave them on their hangers and slide a large garbage bag up over a group of them (pull the bag up from the bottom of the clothes and cinch it around the hanger hooks). One of the best packing tips for moving in a hurry is to pull drawstring trash bags over your hanging clothes and tie them at the hangers – this makes it quick and easy to move a closet full of clothes (The Home Depot 2025) (homedepot.com). You can carry the bundled hanging clothes directly to your new closet and simply remove the bags. This method saves the time of taking clothes off hangers and folding them, and it keeps your clothes clean during transit. For your folded clothes, suitcases are your friends – fill luggage with folded clothing, shoes, or even books (since suitcases are built to carry weight and have wheels).
If you have bulky seasonal items like winter coats, sweaters, or extra bedding, consider using vacuum-compression bags. These bags allow you to suck the air out and dramatically shrink the volume of puffy items (pods.com). Compressed, your pile of comforters becomes a flat bundle that takes far less space (just remember to keep track of the vacuum or pump at the other end!). Even heavy winter clothing can be vacuum-sealed to make it easier to fit more into the moving truck or car trunk. Another tip: you don’t necessarily need to empty dresser drawers of clothes. If the dresser is sturdy and not too heavy, you can remove each drawer with the clothes still in it, wrap the drawer in plastic wrap, and move the drawers separately. Then the empty dresser frame is lighter to carry. At the new place, just slide the wrapped drawers back in and remove the plastic. This saves a ton of packing time and means your clothes stay folded and organized (Mueller 2022) (moving.com). (Use discretion with this hack – if the dresser is extremely heavy or if you have to carry it down many flights of stairs, you may still want to unload it.) Overall, by using bags, suitcases, and smart tricks, you can streamline how you pack your wardrobe and linens, making both packing and unpacking much easier.
Set Aside Essentials and Valuables
Before you finish packing, be sure to set aside an “essentials” box or bag that will stay with you during the move. This should include all the items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home – think of it as an overnight kit for your first day or two. Common essentials to pack separately are: a couple of changes of clothes, pajamas, basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper), medications, a phone charger, and a towel and bedsheets. Also include important documents (IDs, passports, leases), any valuables like jewelry, and small electronics or chargers you can’t be without. Keep these critical items in a personal suitcase or box that does not get loaded onto the moving truck. If you’re driving to your new place, put this essentials bag in your car; if you’re flying, carry it on with you. This way, even if the moving truck is delayed or still being unloaded, you have everything you need to function for a day or two.
In addition to your essentials bag, it’s wise to personally transport truly irreplaceable or high-value items. For example, if you have family heirlooms, fine jewelry, important financial papers, or expensive electronics like laptops, plan to take those with you instead of packing them with the bulk of your things. One professional mover suggests packing valuables and documents in a separate suitcase and keeping it accessible at all times (Gabriel 2025) (pods.com). This not only prevents loss or theft, but also gives peace of mind – you won’t be worrying about where your passport or grandmother’s necklace is in the mountain of boxes. As you disassemble furniture, collect any small parts (screws, bolts, cords) into zip-top bags and tape them to the item or label them clearly. You might even prepare a “parts box” with basic tools and hardware you’ll need for reassembly (hammer, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, furniture screws, shelf brackets, etc.), as one moving expert recommends (pods.com). Keep that parts box handy so that setting up furniture at the new place is hassle-free. By packing an essentials kit and safeguarding your valuables and parts, you set yourself up for a much smoother first 24 hours in the new home. (For more on quickly getting settled, see our guide on how to unpack your essentials in one day once you arrive.)
Packing Tips for Moving in a Hurry
What if moving day is looming and you’re short on time? Don’t panic – there are specific packing tactics to help when you need to move fast. The overarching principle is this: prioritize speed over perfection. As Moving.com advises, “Packing in a hurry requires a little less deference to organization and a little bit more to just getting everything in a box and setting it aside” (Mueller 2022) (moving.com). In a last-minute move, it’s okay to forego some of the ideal organization steps if needed. Focus on getting all your belongings safely into boxes or bags first and foremost. You can always sort things out during unpacking at the new place.
Here are some rapid-packing tips when you’re in a pinch:
- Pack now, sort later. Don’t spend time meticulously separating and categorizing items – just put things where they fit. If the water glasses end up in the same box as the board games, so be it. As one expert notes, you can deal with fine sorting once you’re unpacking; as long as everything is packed safely and securely, that’s what counts (Mueller 2022) (moving.com). You might even skip detailed labeling; at minimum, mark boxes that have fragile items, but don’t worry about color-coding or inventories in a time crunch.
- Leverage soft items as packing material. Use towels, blankets, and clothes to wrap breakables (saving you the step of hunting for bubble wrap) (moving.com). Fill empty spaces in boxes with socks and t-shirts. This kills two birds with one stone and speeds things up.
- Use unconventional containers. When you’re low on time or boxes, everything becomes a container. Laundry baskets, tote bags, suitcases, trash bags – all can hold stuff for the move. For hanging clothes, as mentioned, grab garbage bags and cover groups of clothes straight off the closet rod (a huge time-saver compared to folding) (homedepot.com). Don’t bother emptying dresser drawers if you can help it – just remove the drawers and move them full.
- Set up boxes as you need them. Rather than assembling all your boxes at once, build and fill boxes one by one to avoid a sea of half-packed boxes everywhere (Mueller 2022) (moving.com). Once a box is full, tape it and set it aside, then move on to the next. This keeps your packing area manageable even in chaos.
- Ask for help. When time is of the essence, don’t hesitate to call in reinforcements. Enlist friends or family to help pack – even a couple of extra sets of hands can dramatically speed up the process (Mueller 2022) (moving.com). Assign each helper a room or a task (one person gathers all the artwork, another handles the kitchen). Be sure to show appreciation – maybe buy them pizza or coffee for their efforts – but remember that many hands make light work, especially under a tight deadline.
- Let the movers handle some tasks if necessary. If you’ve hired professional movers and you’re running out of time, it’s okay to leave certain things for them. Movers can quickly box up hanging clothes into wardrobe boxes or wrap furniture for you on moving day (Mueller 2022) (moving.com). You might pay a bit extra for the additional packing service, but when you’re really rushed, it can be a lifesaver. The key is to communicate clearly with your movers about what’s left to pack when they arrive.
Moving in a hurry is undoubtedly stressful, but by staying focused on the big picture – getting everything from point A to point B in one piece – you can make it through. Skip the nonessentials, use every shortcut available, and remind yourself that unpacking will be easier once you’re safely in your new home. For more guidance on last-minute moves, see our tips on relocating in 7 days or less – our team has helped clients pull off moves in a week, so it is possible! With a clear head and these tricks, you can conquer a fast move with minimal chaos.
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