What to Pack First When Moving
What to Pack First When Moving
If you’ve ever stood in the middle of your house staring into space, overwhelmed by what to pack first when moving, don’t worry—I’ve got you. This is a well-honed Order of Operations for packing up a home, refined over dozens of moves.
When people ask “what should I pack first when moving?” the real challenge isn’t choosing a single item—it’s knowing the right order of item categories. With a simple packing sequence, the stress drops and progress is easy. Whether you’re moving apartments or figuring out what to pack first when moving house, this sequence will save you time, energy, and unnecessary stress.
Before You Start Packing, Set Aside These 3 Things
There are three categories of things you should set aside before you even begin to pack so they don’t get lost in the shuffle of moving. They are:
1️⃣ Toiletries, Go Bag, and Music
Include basic hygiene essentials for teeth and hair. Pack a Go bag with:
🔸A change of clothes and footwear
🔸Essential electronics + chargers
🔸Notebook, pen, and office supplies (if needed)
🔸A towel (so you can shower on the other side of your move)
🔸Toilet paper (yep)
Also add snacks and a portable speaker or headphones because packing is easier with energy and good music.
2️⃣ Cleaning Supplies
Unless you’ve hired a cleaner, keep your cleaning kit accessible for your Move-out Clean (and maybe your Move-in Clean too):
🔸Broom, mop, trash bags
🔸Paper towels, sponges, scrub brushes
🔸Cleaning sprays and scrubs
You’ll need these right up until the final walkthrough.
3️⃣ Packing Supplies
The best moving boxes are Muvo Boxes, which stack without the need for lids, move easily with built in handles, and help you organize and store your stuff after the move. But if you need cardboard boxes immediately, you can grab free ones from grocery or liquor stores.
Other essentials:
🔸Clear recycling bags (For clothes and bedding)
🔸Mattress bags
🔸Bubble wrap or packing paper for fragile items
🔸Scotch tape for securing wrapped items
🔸Packing tape if you are using disposable boxes (Not needed with Muvo Boxes)
I always label boxes with Post-it Notes and Sharpies instead of writing directly on the boxes. They’re more visible and easy to reposition to another side of the box.
Your Answer to “What Should I Pack First When Moving?”
There is a best order for packing—and here it is. Follow this sequence and you’ll avoid the classic moving mistakes.
1. Fragile Items (Pack First)
Most fragile first:🔸Glasses🔸Dishes🔸Vases🔸Figurines🔸Ornaments
The reason to pack fragile items first is because you’re calmer, more patient, and less likely to rush your packing, which will prevent things from getting damaged. Pack breakable items into small boxes because they’re usually heavy. Line the sides of boxes with bubble wrap (unnecessary with Muvo Boxes). Sandwich plates and bowls between sheets and wrap cups individually, securing each with tape.
Less fragile next:🔸Art🔸Lamps and Lampshades🔸Decorative Items🔸Holiday Decorations🔸Candles and Holders
Pack lampshades loosely and separately from bases. Wrap fragile bases with bubble wrap.
2. Paper Goods + Office Supplies
🔸Files, Books, Photos🔸Board Games🔸Journals and Notebooks🔸Magazines and Newspapers🔸Office + Craft Supplies
These items come next because they pack quickly and create momentum. Use small boxes to keep the weight manageable.
3. Hobbies
Depending on your life:🔸 Tools and hardware🔸 Sports Gear🔸 Camping, Fishing, or Hunting gear🔸 Home Improvement Supplies
If these are already organized, you’ll fly through this step. If not, take time to donate what you don’t use. Set aside coolers now—you’ll need them later.
4. Non-Perishable Pantry Items
🔸Dry Goods🔸Canned Food🔸Spices🔸Oils🔸Jars🔸Nuts, Seeds, Dried Fruits
Emptying food first makes the kitchen easier to pack later. Start with heavy items like cans, jars, and flour. Use gallon-size bags to contain crumbs and consolidate loose packages. Use small boxes to keep weight manageable. Toss expired food and donate unopened cans when possible.
5. Shoes, Accessories, and Luggage
🔸Sneakers🔸Boots🔸Dress Shoes🔸Belts🔸Purses and Bags
Fill any luggage you own with these items and clear out closets of everything except clothing.
6. Hanging Clothing
Save time by keeping any clothes on hangers that already is. Poke a hole in the bottom of a clear recycling bag and slide 3-5 hangers through per bag to contain and protect your clothes during the move.
7. Remaining Clothes + Soft Goods
Fold remaining clothes into stacks and place them in the clear bags. Tie the tops into knots to keep the bags compact. Bag towels, bedding, and pillows as well. You don’t need labels because everything is visible.
8. Kitchen Stuff
🔸Pots and Pans🔸Kitchen Appliances🔸Big Bowls + Trays🔸Food Storage Containers + Wraps🔸Utensils and Tools🔸Misc. Kitchen Gear
This is one of the last categories for a reason. A working kitchen keeps life normal while you pack everything else. Use towels and linens to cushion items, Nest smaller items into larger ones. Use kitchen linens in between things to prevent scratches. Roll knives into kitchen towels and slide them into gaps.
9. Bathroom Stuff
🔸Bathroom Products🔸Small Appliances
Save these until the very end of your move so your hygiene routine stays undisturbed. This is a quick category, usually just one or two boxes.
10. Perishables (Pack Last)
🔸Bathroom Products🔸Small Appliances
The very last category to pack is your fridge and freezer. Load up your coolers and make them the first thing you unpack at your new home.
This is Packing 101: the order—and the method—for packing right
If you’ve ever wondered what to pack first when moving house, this is it. Follow this order and you’ll feel calmer during a time that’s naturally stressful. At Muvo, we’re here to support you during times of change and transition, giving you a sense of stability and foundation when everything else is in flux.
What to Pack First When Moving (Printable Checklist)
Get this checklist as a printable one-page PDF download. 👇🏻
