Moving Tips: What to Pack First

What Should You Pack First When Moving? Start with the things you won't need before moving day. That means storage and basement items, wall art and décor, books, and off-season or spare kitchen gear. Leave out one box of daily essentials — a few dishes, toiletries, a first aid kit, and clothes for the week — and pack that one last.

A move can be a fresh start. It's a good time to sort through your place and donate or sell what you no longer use. It can also be stressful, especially if you're staring at a full house and don't know where to begin. So here's a simple order to pack in, starting with the rooms you'll miss the least.

Prepare to pack

First, decide what's coming with you. Then make a short list of what you'll actually use between now and moving day. Include the kitchen tools you reach for, because the last thing you want is to dig through boxes for a colander the night before. Set aside enough boxes for those last-minute items. Mark those boxes clearly so they get opened first at the new place.

Pack these first

Storage and basement items

Storage is the easy starting point. Half the time it's already boxed. If it isn't, start there anyway. Moving out of a place with a basement? Begin down there. And if you find any suitcases, set them aside — they're perfect for the things you'll need right away at the new place.

Art and décor

Wall art, hangings, and knick-knacks are another easy first. They're purely decorative, so you won't need them again before the move. Bare walls also make your space feel bigger and emptier, which is oddly good for packing motivation.

Books

If you've got shelves of books, box them up early. Return anything you borrowed while you're at it. Missed a few when you decluttered? Drop them in your neighbourhood book box. Packing books early also means those heavy boxes can sit at the bottom of the stack, so nobody's lifting them twice.

Off-season and spare kitchen items

You probably won't be baking in the days before a move. Pack the muffin trays, baking sheets, and anything else you won't touch. Keep out one box of daily kitchen gear — one plate, bowl, cup, and set of cutlery per person. With a week or less to go, it's easier to wash the same plate each night than to pack a full cupboard at the last minute.

A few packing tips that save time

Keep a few first aid supplies handy for move day. It's tempting to pack the whole kit early, but cuts and scrapes happen when you're carrying boxes.

Use what you already own as padding. Wrap dishes and glassware in spare towels and bedding. Clothes work too — thick sweaters make great cushioning for the top and bottom of a box.

Booking a mover? Sort that early, along with your elevator and parking. It also pays to choose a professional, insured crew — for example, a member of the Canadian Association of Movers. If you'd rather not pack at all, BBX can pack your whole home for you.

Make the whole thing easier with BBX boxes

Our reusable plastic moving boxes save you time and supplies, so you can start packing sooner. They stack safely without collapsing, and they roll straight into the truck on wheels — no playing Tetris with odd-sized cardboard. Organize your stacks by room, and unpacking goes faster too. You can rent BBX moving boxes here.

Frequently asked questions

What should you pack first when moving?

Start with what you won't need before move day — storage and basement items, décor, books, and off-season kitchen gear. Save daily essentials for last.

What should you pack last?

One small box of daily essentials: a few dishes, toiletries, a first aid kit, chargers, and clothes for the week. Label it to open first at the new place.

What's the easiest room to pack first?

Whatever you use least — usually storage, a spare room, or the bookshelves. Clearing walls and shelves early also makes the place feel ready to pack.

How early should you start packing?

As soon as you've decluttered. Packing the low-use rooms first makes the final week far less stressful. For the bigger picture, see 5 ways to take the stress out of moving day.

Want an easier, faster move?
We'll walk your place, give you a clear plan, and handle as much of the packing as you like. BBX Moving serves Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North & West Vancouver, Delta, Langley, and New Westminster. Call 604-323-0020 or request a quote at bbxmoving.com.