How to Pack for a Move: Tips That Will Make Unpacking So Much Easier

Packing for a move isn’t just about getting everything into boxes.

Eventually, you have to take everything back out.

And there is a huge difference between opening a box labeled KITCHEN and opening one labeled:

KITCHEN — Coffee Maker, Coffee Mugs & Morning Essentials

One leaves you searching through 14 boxes at 7 a.m.

The other gets you coffee.

That’s why the best way to pack for a move is to think about unpacking before you ever seal the first box.

A little extra organization while you’re packing can save you hours of frustration when you arrive at your new home.

Here are some of the best packing tips for moving that will make unpacking significantly easier.

Declutter Before You Start Packing

Before anything goes into a box, ask yourself:

Do I actually want this in my new home?

Moving is one of the best opportunities you’ll ever have to declutter.

Don’t spend time, money, boxes, and energy moving things you already know you don’t want.

Before packing, create categories for:

Keep
Donate
Sell
Recycle
Trash

We’ve already covered How to Declutter Before Moving Without Getting Overwhelmed and 50 Things to Get Rid of Before You Move in our Prepping to Move Series.

Do that part first.

You’ll have significantly less to pack.

Gather Your Packing Supplies Before You Begin

Nothing kills packing momentum faster than running out of tape halfway through a closet.

Gather your supplies before you start.

Depending on your move, you may want:

Small boxes
Medium boxes
Large boxes
Heavy-duty boxes
Packing tape
Permanent markers
Packing paper
Bubble wrap
Stretch wrap
Zip-top bags
Labels
Moving blankets
Mattress bags
Plastic totes
Scissors
Box cutter

Keep a small packing station somewhere in your home so you’re not constantly searching for supplies.

A basket containing tape, markers, labels, scissors, and zip-top bags can travel from room to room with you.

Pack One Room at a Time

One of the easiest ways to create unpacking chaos is to mix belongings from several rooms into the same box.

You start packing the living room.

Then you find something that belongs in the kitchen.

Then you walk into the kitchen and notice something else.

Two hours later you’re packing bathroom towels with board games and somehow there’s a toaster in the bedroom box.

Try to stay in one room.

Finish an area before moving on to another.

This makes labeling easier and helps boxes end up in the correct rooms at your new home.

Pack by Category Within Each Room

Don’t stop at labeling boxes by room.

Break things down further.

Instead of:

BEDROOM

Try:

BEDROOM — Dresser Clothes

BEDROOM — Shoes

BEDROOM — Books & Decor

Instead of:

KITCHEN

Try:

KITCHEN — Baking Supplies

KITCHEN — Pots & Pans

KITCHEN — Everyday Dishes

KITCHEN — Pantry

This makes unpacking much easier because you can prioritize boxes based on what you need first.

Label the Top AND Side of Every Box

This tiny detail makes a huge difference.

If you only label the top of your boxes, the label disappears as soon as another box gets stacked on top.

Label at least:

The top

and

One side

Even better, label two sides.

Now you’ll be able to identify boxes even when they’re stacked.

Create a Box Numbering System

If you want to take your moving organization to the next level, number your boxes.

For example:

Box 1 — Kitchen — Everyday Dishes

Box 2 — Kitchen — Baking Supplies

Box 3 — Living Room — Books

Box 4 — Main Bedroom — Bedding

Keep a simple list on your phone or in your moving folder.

You don’t need to list every spoon.

A basic description is enough.

This is particularly useful if you’re hiring movers or putting some belongings into storage.

If you’re missing something, you’ll know which box you’re looking for.

It can also help you notice if a box doesn’t arrive.

Consider Color-Coding Your Boxes

Another option is assigning each room a color.

For example:

Kitchen = Red

Living Room = Blue

Main Bedroom = Green

Bathroom = Yellow

Kids’ Rooms = Purple

You can use colored labels, tape, stickers, or markers.

Then put a matching color label on the doorway of each room in the new house.

Movers or helpers can quickly see where boxes belong without repeatedly asking:

“Where does this one go?”

Pack Based on How Soon You’ll Need Something

Not everything deserves the same unpacking priority.

Create three general levels.

OPEN FIRST

Things you’ll need immediately.

OPEN SOON

Things you’ll probably want within the first few days.

OPEN LATER

Seasonal decor, books, collectibles, extra linens, and other nonessentials.

You can even write OPEN FIRST directly on priority boxes.

When you’re exhausted after moving, you won’t have to guess.

Start With Things You Rarely Use

If you’re moving several weeks from now, don’t start by packing your everyday dishes.

Begin with things you can live without.

Good early-packing categories include:

Holiday decorations
Seasonal clothing
Books
Collectibles
Formal dishes
Extra linens
Wall decor
Photos
Craft supplies
Rarely used appliances
Off-season sports equipment

As moving day gets closer, start packing things you use more frequently.

Take Photos Before Taking Things Apart

Your phone is one of your best moving tools.

Before disconnecting electronics, take pictures of how everything is connected.

Photograph:

TV cords
Computers
Gaming systems
Routers
Entertainment centers
Complicated furniture
Shelving systems

When you’re setting everything back up, you’ll have a visual reference.

You can also photograph furniture before disassembling it if you’re worried about remembering how it goes back together.

Put Hardware in Labeled Bags

Few things are more frustrating than arriving at your new house with a bed frame but no idea where the screws are.

Whenever you disassemble furniture, place all hardware into a zip-top bag.

Label it clearly:

MAIN BEDROOM BED FRAME

DINING TABLE HARDWARE

Whenever possible, securely tape the bag to the piece of furniture.

If that’s not practical, keep all furniture hardware bags together in one clearly marked container that stays with you.

Do not casually throw screws into random moving boxes.

Future You does not deserve that.

Use Towels and Linens as Packing Material

You already have plenty of soft things that need to be moved.

Put them to work.

Use:

Towels
Washcloths
Pillowcases
Blankets
Dish towels
Sweatshirts

to cushion certain non-fragile items.

This can reduce the amount of packing material you need while also packing your linens.

For delicate or valuable items, use proper protective packing materials.

Don’t Make Large Boxes Too Heavy

Large box does not mean:

Fill entirely with books.

Your back will regret that decision.

Use smaller boxes for heavy items such as:

Books
Canned food
Dishes
Tools

Use larger boxes for lightweight bulky items such as:

Pillows
Blankets
Comforters
Towels
Lightweight decor

A good rule is that every packed box should still be reasonably safe for someone to lift.

Don’t Leave Empty Space in Boxes

Items shift during transportation.

Fill empty spaces with packing paper, towels, linens, or appropriate cushioning material.

You don’t want things bouncing around inside the box every time the truck turns.

Boxes also stack better when they’re properly filled and aren’t collapsing inward.

Pack Plates Vertically

When packing dishes, plates are generally safer when wrapped individually and packed vertically rather than stacked flat.

Think of them like records in a box.

Add cushioning around them and clearly mark the box as fragile.

Don’t overload dish boxes.

Keep Sets Together

Think about how you’ll use things when you unpack.

Keep:

Lamps with their shades
Electronics with their cords
Appliances with their accessories
Games with their pieces
Bedding sets together
Curtain hardware with curtains
Furniture pieces together

The less hunting you have to do later, the better.

Use Bags for Small Pieces

Zip-top bags are incredibly useful during a move.

Use them for:

Screws
Bolts
Remote controls
Small electronic accessories
Curtain hardware
Shelf pegs
Furniture parts
Toy pieces

Label every bag.

A mystery bag of screws isn’t much more helpful than loose mystery screws.

Keep Dresser Clothes in Drawers When Appropriate

Depending on the furniture and how it’s being moved, you may be able to leave lightweight clothing inside dresser drawers.

Talk with your moving company if you’re hiring professionals because policies can vary.

Another popular option is removing the drawers, wrapping them securely, and transporting them separately.

Either way, there’s no reason to fold and pack clothing twice if your moving setup allows a simpler solution.

Use Suitcases for Heavy Items

Your suitcases are moving too.

Use them.

Rolling suitcases are particularly useful for things like books because you can roll the weight rather than carry it.

Suitcases are also great for:

Shoes
Clothing
Toiletries
Bedding
Personal belongings

Save at least one suitcase for the clothing and essentials you’ll personally need during moving week.

Take Pictures of Valuable Items

Before movers arrive, photograph valuable furniture and belongings.

This gives you a record of their condition before the move.

You may also want to create a basic inventory of higher-value belongings.

Check your moving company’s coverage and your homeowners or renters insurance so you understand what is and isn’t protected during the move.

Don’t Pack Important Documents

Some things should never disappear into the moving truck.

Keep important documents with you, including:

Birth certificates
Passports
Social Security cards
Financial documents
Insurance paperwork
Legal documents
School records you may need
Moving contracts
Closing or lease documents

Keep them together in a secure folder or document case.

Keep Medications With You

Do not pack medications into a box that will be inaccessible during the move.

Keep prescription medications, necessary over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, and anything your household needs regularly with you.

The same applies to essential pet medications.

Pack a First-Night Box

Your first-night box deserves special treatment.

This box—or several clearly marked boxes—should contain everything you’ll need before you begin seriously unpacking.

Consider packing:

Toilet paper
Paper towels
Hand soap
Towels
Shower supplies
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Pajamas
Change of clothes
Chargers
Basic medications
Trash bags
Cleaning wipes
Paper plates
Cups
Utensils
Snacks
Bottled water
Coffee
Coffee maker
Pet supplies

Keep it somewhere easily accessible.

Better yet, transport it in your own vehicle if possible.

We’ll cover exactly what to pack in a first-night moving box later in this series.

Pack a Personal Suitcase for Each Family Member

Pretend you’re going away for a few days.

Each person should have a suitcase or bag containing:

A few outfits
Pajamas
Underwear
Socks
Toiletries
Medications
Chargers
Comfort items

This gives everyone what they need without immediately unpacking bedroom boxes.

For kids and teens, let them choose a few personal things they want to keep with them.

Moving can feel strange enough without wondering which box contains your favorite hoodie.

Create a Cleaning Box

Your new home may need some cleaning before or during unpacking.

Keep a separate cleaning kit containing things like:

All-purpose cleaner
Disinfecting wipes
Paper towels
Sponges
Dish soap
Trash bags
Broom
Dustpan
Vacuum
Cleaning cloths
Toilet cleaner
Toilet brush
Rubber gloves

Keep this box accessible.

You’ll probably want it before you want your wall decor.

Create an Unpacking Kit

This is another little trick that can make moving day easier.

Pack a small container with:

Box cutters
Scissors
Screwdrivers
Allen wrenches
Hammer
Tape
Markers
Zip-top bags
Basic tools

Do not pack your box cutter inside one of the boxes you need the box cutter to open.

It sounds ridiculous.

It happens.

Direct Boxes to the Correct Rooms Immediately

When you arrive at your new home, resist the temptation to stack everything in the garage or living room.

Put boxes in the rooms where they belong.

Kitchen boxes go into the kitchen.

Bedroom boxes go into their bedrooms.

Bathroom boxes go near the bathroom.

This is where your labeling system pays off.

You’re essentially completing the first stage of unpacking while unloading.

Unpack in the Right Order

You don’t need to unpack everything on moving day.

Start with the things that make your house functional.

A good order is:

Beds and bedding
Bathroom essentials
Medications
Pet supplies
Basic kitchen items
Everyday clothing
Work and school necessities

Then move on to less urgent items.

Books and decorative accessories can wait.

Getting a good night’s sleep cannot.

Break Down Boxes as You Go

Empty moving boxes quickly take over a room.

As you unpack, flatten boxes and move packing materials to a designated area.

Keep good boxes if you’re planning to reuse or give them away.

Recycle damaged ones according to your local recycling rules.

Keeping empty boxes under control makes the house feel much less chaotic.

Don’t Try to Unpack Everything in One Day

You moved.

That’s enough of an accomplishment for one day.

Your new home does not need to look Pinterest-perfect by bedtime.

Set up the necessities.

Eat something.

Take a shower.

Make the beds.

Get some sleep.

Tomorrow you can tackle another room.

The Secret to Easier Unpacking Is Better Packing

You don’t need an elaborate color-coded spreadsheet and a professional labeling machine to have an organized move.

A few simple habits make an enormous difference:

Label everything clearly.

Keep rooms and categories together.

Number boxes if helpful.

Protect important belongings.

Keep essentials with you.

Pack based on what you’ll need first.

Most importantly, think about the person who will eventually open each box.

Because that person is you.

And after a long moving day, you’ll be incredibly grateful when the box labeled COFFEE MAKER + COFFEE + MUGS — OPEN FIRST is sitting right there waiting for you.