How to Smartly Pack Up Your House Before You Move

Moving to a new home should be exciting—not overwhelming. Yet here you are, staring at years of accumulated belongings, wondering where to even begin! That growing pile of boxes in the corner isn’t packing itself, and your move-out date is approaching faster than you’d like to admit.

The stress of poor packing decisions can turn your fresh start into a nightmare of broken items, lost essentials, and endless unpacking chaos. 

But what if you could pack like a pro instead? This comprehensive guide reveals the smart strategies that make moving day smooth and stress-free. 

Our goal today is to transform your packing process from a chaotic scramble to an organized success. Let’s dive into the step-by-step system that gets you there.

How Do I Start Packing to Move?

The hardest part about packing? Taking the first step.

You’ve probably walked through your home multiple times, mentally cataloging everything that needs to go. Maybe you’ve even bought some boxes that are now sitting empty in your garage. 

Here’s the thing: Decision paralysis is completely normal when facing such a massive task. Your brain sees the entire project as one overwhelming mountain instead of manageable steps. What any experienced mover wants you to know is to start with the easiest wins first. 

So, head straight to your least-used spaces – that guest bedroom closet, the basement storage area, or those kitchen cabinets filled with duplicate gadgets. By starting with these areas, you see immediate progress without disrupting your daily routine.

Next, tackle one small area completely before moving on. Don’t bounce between rooms like a ping-pong ball. Instead, focus on packing your home office bookshelf or that linen closet entirely. Seeing completed sections should build your momentum and confidence.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to start imperfectly. You don’t need the perfect labeling system or premium packing materials on day one. A simple “Office Books” written in black marker gets the process moving.

How Long Before Moving Should You Start Packing?

Looking for a magic number? That would be eight weeks before your move date.

Now, before you panic thinking that sounds impossibly early, here’s why this timeline actually makes your life easier, not harder.

Starting two months ahead means you’re packing during calm moments and not on the frantic final days. You’ll have time to pack thoughtfully instead of throwing everything into boxes labeled randomly.

Here’s how the timeline breaks down:

• 8 weeks out: Begin with storage areas, seasonal items, and rarely used belongings. Think holiday decorations, books you’ve already read, and that exercise equipment gathering dust.
• 6 weeks out: Move into secondary areas, such as guest rooms, extra linens, and non-essential kitchen items. You’re still living normally while making steady progress.
• 4 weeks out: Tackle your main living spaces room by room. Start with areas you use least within each room – those kitchen gadgets you forgot you owned, bedroom closet items you haven’t worn in months…etc.
• 2 weeks out: Focus on essentials you’ll need right up until moving day, but pack everything else. Leave only the absolute necessities for your final week.

But what if you’re reading this with just a few weeks to spare?

Don’t worry. You can still pack smartly, even on a compressed timeline. The key is prioritizing ruthlessly and considering professional packing help for your most valuable or complex items. 

Create a Moving Plan & Create a Moving Checklist

A moving plan without a checklist is just wishful thinking. After all, you wouldn’t build a house without blueprints, so it makes no sense to start packing without a solid roadmap. 

Because, let’s be honest, the difference between organized movers and those pulling all-nighters before moving day? One simple document that keeps everything on track.

A moving checklist will save your sanity throughout this entire process. It transforms that overwhelming chaos into manageable daily tasks. It also ensures nothing important slips through the cracks.

Here’s another secret: Create your checklist even before you touch a single cardboard box. Such upfront planning saves hours of confusion later and prevents those dreaded “where did I put that?” moments in your new home.

Room-by-Room Checklist for Moving

Pro Tip: Check off completed areas as you go. Visual progress keeps you highly motivated when the task feels endless. Your future self will thank you for this organized approach when unpacking day arrives.

Living Room and Family Areas

• Pack books and media collections first
• Wrap electronics in bubble wrap or moving blankets
• Photograph cable setups before disconnecting
• Pack decorative items with extra padding
• Disassemble furniture that requires tools

Kitchen and Dining

• Start with rarely used appliances and gadgets
• Pack dishes between towels or packing paper
• Group similar items together (all baking supplies, all spices…etc.)
• Clean out the refrigerator and freezer completely
• Pack a “first day” box with coffee, snacks, and paper plates

Bedrooms

• Begin with out-of-season clothing
• Pack one dresser drawer at a time
• Use vacuum bags for bulky comforters and pillows
• Keep one week’s worth of clothes easily accessible
• Pack a “first night” bag for each family member

Bathrooms

• Check expiration dates and toss old medications
• Pack toiletries in leak-proof bags
• Keep essentials in a clearly labeled box
• Use towels as padding for fragile items

Garage and Storage Areas

• Sort tools and hardware into labeled containers
• Properly dispose of hazardous materials
• Pack seasonal decorations by holiday
• Create an inventory list for valuable items

Get Moving Supplies 

The right supplies make the difference between a smooth move and a complete disaster. So, never tackle your move with inadequate materials. Trust us, investing in quality supplies upfront saves money and headaches later.

Essential Moving Supplies

Your moving supply arsenal should include:

1. Moving boxes in multiple sizes: Small for books, medium for clothes, and large for lightweight, bulky items
2. Packing tape: At least 6 rolls for an average home
3. Bubble wrap or packing paper: Newspaper works, but can stain items
4. Permanent markers: For clear, detailed labeling
5. Moving blankets: Protect furniture and fill truck gaps
6. Stretch wrap: Keeps drawers closed and protects upholstered items

Where to Buy Moving Boxes

Since you’re likely either an Austin resident or new to the area, you have several excellent options available:

• U-Haul locations throughout Austin offer standardized box sizes that stack perfectly in trucks. Yes, it costs more, but uniform boxes mean no wasted space or packing puzzles.
• Budget-conscious movers should try EcoBox. They consistently offer the best prices on both new and gently used moving boxes. Their used selections are typically in excellent condition and cost significantly less.
• Free box hunting works if you have time. Hit up Central Market, Whole Foods, or HEB early morning when the staff is restocking. Apple and produce boxes from grocery stores are particularly sturdy. Costco and Sam’s Club also have excellent large boxes.
• Post on Facebook Marketplace or Austin Reddit communities. Locals frequently give away boxes after their moves.
• Liquor Stores, such as Spec’s or Twin Liquors, often have sturdy wine boxes with built-in dividers perfect for glassware.
• The Petco hack still works! Their dumpster often contains clean, collapsed boxes ready for reuse.

Bottom line: Your time has value. If running around town hunting boxes stresses you out, invest in new supplies and focus your energy on actual packing.

Declutter Before Moving

Let’s be honest, moving is often the perfect excuse to finally clear out that closet you’ve been avoiding. Plus, why pay to move items you don’t actually want or need? Every box costs money, takes up track space, and creates more work at your destination.

Smart movers treat their move as a fresh start, and not just a change of address. They know the golden rule of decluttering, which is that if you haven’t used it in a year, you probably won’t miss it.

So, start your decluttering mission in storage areas where emotional attachment runs lowest. That broken blender in the garage, for example, or the exercise bike that’s become a clothing rack. These easy decisions build courage for tougher choices ahead.

Here’s a three-prong system that we know works:

• Keep: Items you’ve used recently and genuinely love
• Donate: Good condition items someone else could enjoy
• Toss: Broken, expired, or worn-out belongings

Still, people often get stuck on the ‘maybe’ pile. Resist the temptation! Those maybes become the boxes you never unpack in your new home. They just take up valuable space for years.

Instead, focus on high-impact areas first. Your bedroom closet alone probably contains enough unused items to fill several donation bags. Kitchen cabinets also hide duplicate gadgets and expired pantry items that add unnecessary weight to your move.

Decluttering before you pack makes unpacking infinitely easier. You’ll arrive at your new home with only the belongings you actually want, making it faster to settle in and feel at home.

Quick Reminder: Moving companies often charge by weight and space. Every item you eliminate saves money and reduces stress on moving day.

Best Ways to Pack for Moving

The difference between amateur hour and expert execution? Understanding that packing is easier than it sounds. Get the fundamentals right, and everything else falls into place. Simply master these proven packing methods and you’ll move like a seasoned professional.

Best Packing Methods for Moving

The foundation rule: Heaviest items go in the smallest boxes. Books, tools, and canned goods belong in small containers you can actually lift. Reserve the large boxes for lightweight, bulky items, such as pillows, lampshades, and linens.

Additionally, pack dishes vertically. Think of them as records in a crate. This method distributes weight more evenly and reduces breakage compared to sticking plates horizontally. Be sure to wrap each dish individually and fill the gaps with packing paper.

Consider using the ‘Russian Nesting Doll’ approach for similar items, though. For instance, pack smaller pots inside larger ones, nest bowls together, and fill hollow items with smaller belongings. This maximizes space while providing much-needed protection.

For fragiles, create item sandwiches. Here’s how: Layer soft items, such as towels or clothes, place fragile items in the middle, then add another soft layer on top.

Best Way to Label Moving Boxes

We recommend using the most commonly used labelling system: “Destination Plus Contents” (i.e., “Master Bedroom: Winter Clothes + Shoes”). This system works because it tells you exactly where a box goes and what’s inside.

Color-coded labels are also a great system to follow. Assign each room a specific color for instant visual sorting.

Our favorite system, however, is numbering boxes and maintaining a master inventory list. Each box gets a number with its detailed contents logged in a notebook or a phone app. With this system, you won’t be frustratingly yelling, “I know it’s in one of these boxes!” while looking for stuff.

For fragile items, make sure to mark the boxes they’re in on multiple sides with bright colors. Don’t rely on movers noticing “FRAGILE” stickers. Instead, use neon tape or markers to make delicate boxes impossible to miss.

And here’s a pro move: Take photos of valuable items before packing, then attach the photos to their boxes with clear tape. Such visual identification speeds up both loading and unpacking.

Packing Tips for Moving House

Professional movers have perfected their techniques through thousands of moves. Why reinvent the wheel when you can steal their best secrets? 

Top 10 Quick Tips

1. Pack heavy items in small boxes:

Books belong in small containers, not large ones that become impossible to lift. Your back will thank you later.

2. Fill every inch of space:

Empty spaces let items shift and break during transport. Use towels, socks, or packing paper to fill the gaps.

3. Pack room by room, box by box:

Don’t scatter kitchen items across multiple rooms’ boxes. This simple rule saves hours during unpacking. You also won’t be spending the first months of living in your new home surrounded by boxes.

4. Create an “Open First” box for each room:

Include immediate necessities like toilet paper for bathrooms, coffee for the kitchen, and phone chargers for bedrooms.

5. Pack a survival suitcase:

Three days’ worth of clothes, medications, and essentials should travel with you if you’re moving far or across state lines. Don’t keep them in the moving truck.

6. Use your clothes as packing material:

T-shirts make excellent padding for fragile items. They also help maximize space efficiency.

7. Take photos before packing electronics:

Document cable connections and setups as you box your electronics. Future you will appreciate these digital breadcrumbs to help plug in your new home much quicker. 

8. Pack liquids in plastic bags:

Shampoo bottles and cleaning supplies can leak—we’ve all been there. So, double-bag anything liquid to protect other items packed in the same box.

9. Number your boxes and keep a master list:

Instead of labelling three or more boxes with ‘Kitchen Stuff,’ why not number them and keep a master list? Knowing that box#47 contains the utensils and coffee mugs makes finding them later much easier.

10. Pack like you’re shipping cross-country:

Even a local move involves bumps and jostling. One tricky speed bump and a beloved centerpiece breaks. So, pack like you know your boxes will take a beating.

Bonus Tip: These small details separate headache-free moves from disaster stories. Invest the extra few minutes per box since it pays dividends on unpacking day.

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned packers make costly errors that turn moving day into a nightmare. Learning from others’ mistakes saves you time, money, and serious headaches. 

Overpacking Boxes

The biggest rookie error? Thinking bigger boxes should be packed fuller.

Large boxes seem efficient until you can’t lift them off the ground. That’s why we recommend sticking to the 50-pound rule. If you can’t comfortably carry it, it’s too heavy.

Inadequate Protection for Fragiles

Wrapping dishes in newspapers isn’t enough. Ink can transfer, and thin paper provides minimal cushioning. Invest in proper packing paper instead, or use clean towels and clothing as padding.

Poor Labeling Systems

As previously agreed on, “Miscellaneous” and “Stuff” aren’t helpful labels. Be more specific: “Kitchen: Pots and Pans” beats “Kitchen Stuff” when you’re desperately searching for your coffeemaker on day three.

Procrastinating Essential Preparations

Waiting until the last week to find moving supplies guarantees stress. Stores run out of boxes during peak moving season, and rush orders cost extra. We suggest starting to gather supplies at least six weeks before your move date.

Ignoring Weight Distribution

Pro Tip: Loading all your heavy items into one corner of the truck creates dangerous instability. Instead, distribute weight evenly throughout your boxes and across the moving vehicle.

Did you notice the pattern here? Most packing mistakes stem from rushing or cutting corners. Taking time up front prevents expensive problems later.

Moving Day Prep & Packing Wrap-Up Tips

The final 48 hours before moving day can make or break your entire experience. Everything you’ve planned and packed comes together in these crucial final moments. Smart preparation during this window guarantees a smooth execution of all your hard work.

48 Hours Before

1. Confirm everything with your moving team. Double-check arrival times, contact numbers, and any special instructions you’ve discussed.
2. Pack your survival kit. Clean clothes, medications, phone chargers, snacks, and important documents should travel with you.
3. Prepare cash for tips. We say plan a $20-40 tip per mover, depending on service quality and move complexity.

24 Hours Before

4. Complete your final packing push. Everything except absolute essentials should be boxed and ready. Leave only toiletries, one change of clothes, and morning coffee supplies unpacked.
5. Disassemble remaining furniture. Take apart bed frames, remove table legs, and gather all screws in labeled bags taped to furniture pieces.
6. Clean out appliances completely. Defrost freezers, for instance, empty washing machines, and disconnect everything safely.

Moving Day Morning

7. Strip beds and pack final linens. These items can go in garbage bags for easy transport.
8. Do a final walkthrough with your camera. Document any existing damage and verify all items are accounted for.
9. Keep important documents with you. These include moving contracts, inventory lists, and new home paperwork. They should stay in your personal bag.
10. Maintain your energy! That means to eat breakfast, stay hydrated, and keep snacks handy. Moving day is tough, and you’ll need your wits about you.

Reminder: The best movers stay flexible when unexpected challenges arise. Your thorough preparation handles 90% of potential problems before they start.

Bonus Tips for Moving With Kids or Pets

Moving with little ones—whether human or furry—requires extra planning and patience.

Children and pets thrive on routine, and moving disrupts everything they know as normal. Smart preparation helps everyone adjust more smoothly to the transition.

For Moving With Kids:

• Pack a special ‘first day’ box for each child containing favorite toys, snacks, and comfort items
• Let them pack their own small suitcase with treasured belongings they’ll keep with them during the move
• Create a countdown calendar showing fun activities leading up to a moving day
• Arrange childcare for packing and moving days so they stay safe and entertained
• Take photos of their current room to help recreate familiar spaces in the new home

For Moving With Pets:

• Keep pets in a quiet, secure room away from packing chaos and strangers
• Pack pet essentials in an easily accessible box (food, medications, toys, and bedding)
• Update ID tags and microchip information with your new address immediately
• Research veterinarians and pet stores in your new neighborhood before moving there
• Pack familiar scents, such as their favorite blanket, to help them settle in

As long as you maintain some normal routines amidst the chaos, moving your kid and/or pet will be a breeze. Stick to bedtime stories, morning walks, or favorite meals, no matter how busy you get with the move.

Remember: Their stress levels often mirror yours as well, so staying calm helps everyone cope better.

Hire Packers for Moving

Sometimes the smartest move is letting professionals handle the heavy lifting. After all, packing an entire household demands serious time, energy, and expertise. 

Professional packers complete in hours what takes most people days or weeks. We bring experience, proper materials, and insurance coverage that protects your belongings. The biggest advantage is that professional packers know exactly how to protect your valuables. 

We’ve packed thousands of moves and understand which items need special attention. We also know how to maximize box space and techniques that prevent damage during transport.

With that, consider professional packing services when:

• You’re short on time before your move date
• You have valuable or fragile collections
• Physical limitations make packaging challenging
• Work or family commitments limit your availability

For Austin residents seeking reliable, local packing expertise, we at Word of Mouth Moving treat your belongings like our own. What sets us apart is our comprehensive approach. We can handle local moves, long-distance relocations, labor-only assistance, and commercial transitions.

Further, we’re committed to clear communication, so there are no surprises on moving day. From initial booking through final walkthrough, you’ll know exactly what to expect and when.

Ready for stress-free packing? Contact us at (512) 443-9673 for your free quote. You can also get in touch with our team by filling out a quick form here.

FAQs

How to move clothes on hangers?

Wardrobe boxes are your best friend for hanging clothes. These tall boxes come with metal bars that let you transfer clothes directly from your closet without removing hangers. Simply slide hung clothes right in; no folding, no wrinkles, and no hassle.

On a budget? No problem! Use garbage bags. Gather 10-15 hanged items, pull a large garbage bag up from the bottom, and tie it around the hangers. Doing this keeps clothes together and dust-free during the move.

How to pack pillows for moving?

Easy. Vacuum storage bags maximize space while protecting pillows. Suck out excess air, and these bulky items become manageable. Plus, they make excellent padding for fragile items.

Alternative method: Use pillows as a natural packing material. Wrap them around breakable items or use them to fill empty spaces in boxes. They protect your belongings while serving double duty as moving supplies.

How to pack a TV to move?

If you kept your TV’s box, use it with the original foam inserts. Don’t have it? Then, wrap the screen in moving blankets, secure with tape (avoid taping directly on the screen), and sandwich it between mattresses in the truck. Never lay flat-screen TVs flat; always transport them upright.

For valuable TVs, consider professional packing or purchase a TV moving box. The cost is minimal compared to replacing a damaged screen.