When to Start Packing for a Move: A Guide for Small vs. Large Homes

Packing for a move can feel overwhelming, whether you live in a small studio apartment or a sprawling multi-bedroom house. One of the biggest questions people face is “When should I start packing for a move?” The size of your home, the number of belongings, and the nature of your lifestyle all play a role in deciding the best timeline.

In this guide, we’ll break down the ideal packing schedules for small homes and large homes so you can plan efficiently, avoid last-minute stress, and make your move a smooth experience.

Factors That Determine How Early You Should Start Packing

Before jumping into timelines, it’s important to consider what might influence how early you need to start packing. Some key factors include:

• Size of Your Home: Smaller homes naturally take less time to pack, while larger homes require weeks of preparation.
• Volume of Belongings: If you have a lot of items, collectibles, or unused storage, you’ll need extra time to sort, pack, and organize.
• Lifestyle Factors: Families with kids or pets might face delays, while busy professionals need to work around their schedules.
• Distance of the Move: A long-distance move often requires more detailed packing, like labeling for easier unpacking. If you’re moving out of state, our checklist can help guide you.
• Seasonal Timing: Moving during peak seasons (spring or summer) may add stress, so starting early becomes essential.

When to Start Packing for Small Homes (Apartments, Studios, Condos)

For small homes like studios, one-bedroom apartments, or condos, packing is typically less time-consuming compared to larger houses. However, don’t underestimate the process—even in smaller spaces, it’s easy to lose track of time or become overwhelmed if you don’t plan ahead.

Why Packing Early Matters for Small Homes

Small spaces come with unique challenges. While you may not have a large number of rooms, small homes tend to accumulate clutter more easily. Closets, cabinets, and drawers may be packed to the brim with items you’ve forgotten about. Starting early ensures:

• You have enough time to declutter and get rid of unnecessary items.
• Packing stays organized without feeling chaotic in a confined space.
• You don’t end up scrambling at the last minute, surrounded by boxes in a small, crowded area.

We recommend starting 2-4 weeks before moving day to give yourself plenty of breathing room.

Suggested Packing Timeline for Small Homes

2-3 Weeks Before Moving Day

This phase is all about packing items you don’t need on a daily basis.

• Seasonal Items: Think about clothing, winter coats, or holiday decorations you won’t use before moving day. If it’s summer, pack away heavy winter gear.
• Home Decor and Books: Art, photo frames, wall hangings, and books are non-essential items that can be packed early.
• Backup Supplies: If you have duplicate dishes, extra towels, or spare linens, pack these first to reduce clutter.
• Storage Spaces: Go through closets, cabinets, and any tucked-away items like tools or unused appliances.

Pro Tip: Use this time to declutter as you go. Make three piles: keep, donate, and throw away. Downsizing your belongings in a small home will make packing much more manageable.

1-2 Weeks Before Moving Day

This is the time to focus on less frequently used areas while preparing for the final phase of packing.

• Closets and Wardrobes: Pack away clothes, shoes, and accessories that you don’t need right now. Use wardrobe boxes for convenience.
• Kitchenware: Start boxing up dishes, glassware, and small appliances. Keep a minimal set of essentials (like one pot, a couple of plates, and utensils) for daily use.
• Bathroom Items: Pack spare toiletries, unused towels, and anything you won’t need for the final week.
• Living Room: If you have decor, small furniture, or electronics you can do without for a few days, start packing these as well.

Organization Tip: Use small boxes for heavier items like books and dishes to avoid overloading. Label each box with the room and contents to make unpacking easier.

1-2 Days Before Moving Day

At this stage, it’s time to finalize everything:

• Daily Essentials: Pack the clothes, toiletries, and kitchen items you’ve been using up to this point.
• Important Documents and Valuables: Keep important items like passports, keys, and electronics in a separate box or personal bag for easy access.
• Personal Bag: Prepare an overnight bag with essentials for the first 24 hours in your new home—clothing, medications, chargers, snacks, and cleaning supplies.

Final Check: Walk through your home to make sure everything is packed. Double-check closets, cabinets, and drawers to avoid leaving anything behind.

If you want professional assistance with packing, be sure to explore our Packing Services.

When to Start Packing for Large Homes (Houses with 3+ Bedrooms)

If you’re moving from a large home with multiple bedrooms, garages, attics, and storage areas, packing can quickly become an overwhelming task. Larger spaces mean more belongings, bigger furniture, and more time spent sorting through everything. We recommend starting at least 6-8 weeks before your move date to ensure everything is packed methodically and without stress.

Why Larger Homes Require Early Planning

• More Rooms = More Time: Each additional room adds to your packing workload. Guest rooms, attics, basements, and outdoor areas often hold years of accumulated items.
• Bulky Furniture: Large homes tend to have heavier furniture that requires disassembly, careful wrapping, and labeling.
• Hidden Clutter: Garages, basements, and storage spaces often contain items you’ve forgotten about—sorting through these areas takes time.

Without a plan, packing can become chaotic. Following a structured timeline ensures that you stay organized, minimize disruptions, and avoid the stress of last-minute packing.

Suggested Packing Timeline for Large Homes

6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day

This stage focuses on clearing out the less-used spaces in your home:

• Storage Spaces: Start with attics, basements, garages, and sheds.
• Guest Rooms: Pack up guest beds, extra linens, and unused furniture.
• Home Decor and Collections: Wrap artwork, mirrors, and collectibles carefully using bubble wrap and protective materials.
• Books and Media: Box up books, DVDs, and decorative items.

Tip: Label every box carefully with the room and contents to ensure easier unpacking.

4-5 Weeks Before Moving Day

Shift your focus to frequently used rooms while leaving essentials accessible:

• Bedrooms and Closets: Pack off-season clothing, shoes, and accessories.
• Garage and Tools: Pack tools, gardening supplies, and outdoor furniture.
• Kitchen Extras: Start packing specialty items like serving platters, rarely-used appliances, and extra dishware.

2-3 Weeks Before Moving Day

At this point, it’s time to tackle main living spaces and get closer to essential items.

Final Week:

Now, you’ll focus on last-minute packing and final preparations:

• Furniture Disassembly: Take apart large pieces of furniture, such as beds and bookshelves.
• Clothing and Toiletries: Pack any remaining clothes and toiletries.
• Daily Essentials: Pack a bag with everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours in your new home.

Packing Timeline for Moving

Here’s a quick summary of what to pack and when:

• Week 1-2: Non-essentials (seasonal items, storage spaces, spare rooms).
• Week 3: Major rooms (closets, kitchens, living areas).
• Week 4: Daily-use items, essentials, and furniture disassembly.

Benefits of Professional Packing Services

Packing can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re moving from a large home. At Mustang Moving, we offer Packing Services that can help streamline the entire process. Whether you’re packing fragile items or just need an extra hand, our professional movers are here to help. We can take care of everything, so you can focus on settling into your new home.

For tips on packing clothing, check out our article on How to Pack Clothes for Moving, and learn how to protect your clothing during the move.

Conclusion

Knowing when to start packing for a move depends on the size of your home and the time available. For smaller apartments, start at least 2-4 weeks early, while larger homes require a minimum of 6-8 weeks for a stress-free move. Use the timelines shared above to stay organized and make packing manageable.

If you’re unsure how to pack for a move in a month or need help deciding what to pack first when moving apartment, Mustang Moving has you covered. With our professional Packing Services, expert packing tips, and moving resources, we’re here to make your next move simple and seamless.