Packing Supplies You Need Before You Start

Before you tape a single box, gather everything you need so you are not running to the store mid-pack. Having the right materials prevents damaged items and wasted time.

Boxes: Small (book-sized, 1.5 cu ft), medium (16x16x18 in), large (18x18x24 in), plus wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes and dish-pack boxes for kitchenware.
Packing tape: At least 4-6 rolls. Use a tape gun to speed things up significantly.
Bubble wrap: One large roll (150-175 ft) covers a typical 2-3 bedroom home.
Packing paper: A 10-lb bundle (about 250 sheets) works for most homes. Use it instead of newspaper, which leaves ink stains on dishes and glassware.
Markers: Thick, dark markers in at least two colors for labeling.
Stretch wrap: Keeps drawers shut and protects upholstered furniture from dirt and tears.
Mattress bags and furniture pads: One bag per mattress, pads for wood furniture surfaces.

The Room-by-Room Packing Order

Packing in the right order means you are not living out of boxes for weeks or scrambling to find essentials the night before your move. Follow this sequence:

Phase 1: Rooms You Barely Use (4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day)

Start with spaces that will not disrupt your daily life. The guest room, storage closets, the attic, the basement, and the garage are ideal first targets. Pack seasonal decorations, holiday items, rarely used sporting equipment, and anything stored in bins you have not opened in months. This phase builds momentum without creating inconvenience.

Phase 2: Living and Dining Areas (2-3 Weeks Before)

Move to the living room and dining room next. Pack books, DVDs, board games, decorative items, framed photos, and wall art. Leave one set of entertainment basics if you need them, but most items in these rooms can go into boxes early. Wrap framed art in bubble wrap and pack it vertically in picture boxes or between layers of cardboard.

Phase 3: Bedrooms and Home Office (1-2 Weeks Before)

Pack out-of-season clothing, extra linens, and items from nightstand drawers. Leave a week's worth of clothes and bedding accessible. For the home office, back up your computer before disconnecting anything. Photograph the cable setup behind your desk so you can recreate it at your new home. Use original boxes for electronics if you saved them.

Phase 4: Kitchen and Bathrooms (Final 2-3 Days)

The kitchen is the hardest room to pack and the most essential to daily life, which is why it goes last. Wrap each dish individually in packing paper. Stand plates vertically in dish-pack boxes, as they are stronger on edge. Nest bowls with paper between each one. Pack glasses in cell dividers or wrap individually with extra cushioning. Pots and pans can nest together with paper between them.

For bathrooms, use zip-lock bags for anything that could leak. Pack medications in a clearly labeled bag that stays with you, not on the truck.

The Labeling System That Actually Works

A good labeling system saves hours on unpacking day. Write three things on every box:

Destination room: Kitchen, Master Bedroom, Office, etc.
Contents summary: "Pots, pans, baking sheets" is better than just "Kitchen."
Priority level: Mark boxes "Open First," "Open This Week," or "Open Later." Your movers and your future self will thank you.

Use colored tape or colored markers to assign a color to each room. This lets movers place boxes in the right rooms at a glance without reading every label.

Packing Fragile Items Without Breakage

The rule for fragile items: when in doubt, add more cushioning. Place two to three inches of crumpled packing paper at the bottom of every box containing breakables. Fill all empty space so nothing shifts during transport. If you can shake the box and hear movement, it needs more packing material inside.

For mirrors, glass tabletops, and framed artwork, create a cardboard sandwich: place the item between two pieces of cardboard taped together, then wrap the whole thing in bubble wrap. Mark these boxes "FRAGILE" on all sides and the top.

What NOT to Pack on a Moving Truck

Moving companies will refuse to transport certain items, and some things are genuinely dangerous in a hot truck. Do not pack:

Hazardous materials: Paint, paint thinner, gasoline, propane tanks, fireworks, ammunition, pool chemicals, and aerosol cans.
Perishable food: Anything from your fridge or freezer. Plan meals to use up perishables in the final week. Donate unopened pantry items you will not move.
Plants: Most movers will not transport them, and many states restrict bringing plants across borders. Consider giving them to neighbors or friends.
Valuables and documents: Jewelry, passports, birth certificates, financial records, and medications should travel with you personally, not on the truck.
Anything irreplaceable: Family photos, heirlooms, and hard drives go in your car.

Your Packing Timeline

Here is a realistic timeline that keeps the process manageable:

6 weeks out: Order supplies, start decluttering, pack storage areas.
4 weeks out: Pack guest rooms, seasonal items, garage.
2-3 weeks out: Pack living areas, dining room, home office.
1-2 weeks out: Pack bedrooms, leaving essentials.
2-3 days out: Pack kitchen, bathrooms, prepare an essentials box.
Moving day: Pack bedding from last night's sleep, toiletries, and the coffee maker.

For a complete moving timeline that covers everything beyond packing, see our ultimate moving checklist.

Packing a house does not have to be chaotic. Start early, work room by room, and label everything clearly. If the task feels overwhelming or you are short on time, licensed moving companies offer full and partial packing services that handle everything from wrapping dishes to disassembling furniture. Get free quotes from licensed movers through our platform to compare packing service rates and find the right fit for your move.

How to Pack a House for Moving: Complete Room-by-Room Guide