How to Pack for a Move: A Checklist by Room (2024)

FAQs

How to pack for moving room by room? ›

Start early. Packing always takes longer than anticipated, particularly when you start reminiscing over old photographs stored in the attic or you realise that you need to dismantle the wardrobe to get it downstairs. Begin at the top of the house and move downwards.

Q: What is the most challenging room to pack? A: The bedroom and kitchen can be the most complex rooms to pack, since they contain items you'll need to use during packing.

Don't pack poisonous, flammable chemicals when moving because they can leak and possibly even explode. Carry irreplaceable items like family photos with you instead of packing them in the moving vehicle. Bugs and mice are attracted to packed pantry items like cereal, so avoid packing food.

Bigger homes take more work, so you'll typically need at least a week. Smaller homes might only take a few days. Professional movers can usually pack a room in a couple of hours, but 4-6 hours per room is a better estimate if you do the work yourself.

Renting a dumpster is the most efficient way to get rid of stuff before a move. It makes decluttering stress-free, as you won't have to relocate anything on your own.

What should I pack for 3 days before moving? ›

Start by packing the things you aren't using and won't need until after you move. (Think camping equipment, sporting equipment and out-of-season items). Work backwards from least to most needed so that your everyday necessities won't need to be packed until right before moving day.

Rolling. This is the military's chosen packing technique of choice for a reason - it's highly efficient. Wrapping your garments up in neat little rolls dramatically reduces how much space they take up and makes it easy to find the perfect spot for them in your suitcase, minimizing wasted space.

As a basic rule, allocate a full day of packing per room—double it if you have a lot of things. So, if you have a studio apartment, assume it will take 1-2 days to pack; 2-3 days for a one-bedroom; and approximately 7-8 days for a five-bedroom.

Often, these times are consequently in the rooms that you don't use much in your home. Odds are, you don't have too much company while in the middle of the moving process, so it's safe to say that it's a good idea to pack up your spare bedrooms first, especially if you partially tend to use them for storage.