Moving into a new home can feel just as exciting as it does overwhelming. Between boxes, checklists, and deadlines, one big question always comes up: Where do you even start? The right answer can save you time, energy, and a lot of stress.
Experts suggest a simple rule of thumb: begin with the items you use least often, and leave your daily essentials for the last 24–48 hours. Whether you’re moving into a house or an apartment, this approach gives you clarity and structure throughout the process.
One practical tip worth applying right from the start is to set aside two special boxes:
- one for damaged or expired items that should be thrown away
- another for things you no longer use but are still in good condition — perfect for donation
By doing this, you’ll pack more efficiently, cut down the volume you need to move, and add a meaningful touch to the whole process.
Next, we’ll walk through exactly what to pack first when moving out of a house versus moving out of an apartment, so your transition feels as smooth and organized as possible.
What to pack first when you’re moving out of a house
Moving out of a house comes with its own rhythm: more rooms, more storage spaces, and – inevitably—more items you may not have seen in years. The order you pack in can be the difference between a chaotic move and an organized one. The safest approach is to start with things you don’t use daily so life stays as comfortable as possible right up to moving day.
Where to start, step by step:
- Seasonal décor and gear — Holiday ornaments, summer garlands, or heavy winter clothing can be boxed up 6–8 weeks ahead. You won’t miss them, and you’ll free up space.
- Hidden storage areas (garage, attic, basement) — This is where forgotten boxes, bulky equipment, and sometimes items that can’t be moved (paints, chemicals, propane tanks) tend to pile up. It’s the ideal time to sort, keep, or discard.
- Seldom-used rooms — Guest rooms or a formal living room can be packed without disrupting your daily routine.
- Books and media — Because they’re heavy, use small or medium boxes and keep each one to roughly 45–50 lbs (about 20–23 kg).
- Bedding and bulky textiles — Extra comforters, duvets, and towels can go early; keep only the essentials.
- “Special-occasion” kitchen — Fine dinnerware, crystal glasses, and rarely used appliances won’t be needed in the final weeks.
- Hobbies and collections — Whether it’s sports gear or collectibles, these can be boxed ahead of time. It’s also a great decluttering moment: keep what matters and donate the rest.
- Off-season clothing and footwear — Pack the opposite-season wardrobe in wardrobe boxes or sturdy bags. You can even vacuum-seal items.
- Seldom-used electronics — Printers, speakers, or consoles. Photograph cable connections before unplugging and label cords separately.
- The essentials box — Even though it’s sealed last, plan it from the start. Include medications, toiletries, snacks, a small set of dishes, and a set of bed linens.
A larger volume of belongings also means more decisions: go DIY or bring in the pros? For many customers, the difference between an exhausting move and a worry-free one comes down to the service type you choose. To compare your options, our guide Full Service Moving vs. Self Service Moving breaks down the advantages and trade-offs of each.
What to pack first when you’re moving out of an apartment
Moving out of an apartment comes with its own challenges: limited space, elevator access (or narrow stairways), and the need to pack as compactly as possible. To keep things running smoothly, start with the items you don’t use every day and work your way toward the essentials you’ll need in the last 24–48 hours.
Recommended packing order for apartments:
- Seasonal décor and off-season clothing — Summer clothes if you’re moving in winter (or vice versa), plus holiday decorations, can be boxed up early.
- Closets and small storage areas — Emptying these first frees up space for the boxes you’ll be stacking along the way.
- Decorative items and books — Frames, figurines, and bookshelves. Pack books in small boxes to avoid excessive weight.
- Secondary kitchen items — Extra pans, mugs, or small appliances you don’t use daily. Keep only the bare minimum accessible.
- Extra linens and towels — Hold on to just one set for everyday use until moving day.
- Framed pictures and artwork — These can be packed in advance, but be sure to use protective wrapping.
- Shoes and accessories you don’t wear daily — Off-season footwear, special-occasion bags, or accessories.
- Small electronics and cables — Portable speakers, chargers, or devices you don’t use often. Label and group cables to avoid tangles.
- Backup cleaning supplies — Keep only a basic kit for the final days.
- The essentials box for the first 48 hours — Medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, some easy-to-eat snacks, and your phone chargers.
Apartments require extra attention to organization and the right choice of boxes. That’s why it helps to know ahead of time where to find the best deals — our guide Finding the Cheapest Places to Buy Moving Boxes in NYC can save you both space and money.
House vs. Apartment – Key Differences
While the basic principle stays the same—start with the items you use least and finish with the essentials—moving out of a house comes with different challenges compared to moving out of an apartment. The table below highlights these differences:
| Aspect |
Moving out of a house |
Moving out of an apartment |
| Spaces to clear | Garage, attic, basement, extra rooms | Compact closets, limited storage areas |
| Bulky items | Large furniture, sports equipment, storage boxes | Smaller-scale furniture, fewer oversized pieces |
| Logistical challenges | High volume of boxes, heavy items, staged organization | Elevator access or narrow stairs, need for compact packing |
| Time required | Longer, due to larger volume and multiple rooms | Shorter, but requires strict planning for limited space |
| Packing priorities | Storage areas + seldom-used rooms | Decorative items + secondary kitchen |
No matter the type of home, the key remains the same: plan ahead, start with what you don’t use daily, and prepare your essentials box for the final 48 hours.
Why Packing Order Matters
At first glance, moving may seem simple: put everything into boxes and move on. In reality, the order in which you pack makes the difference between a smooth, organized experience and a chaotic one.
A smart strategy comes with several advantages:
- Less stress — you stay in control of the process, always knowing what comes next without feeling overwhelmed.
- Time savings — logical packing means less time wasted when it’s time to unpack.
- Better protection for your belongings — fragile and valuable items get the care they need instead of being mixed in with daily essentials.
- Simplified unpacking — once you arrive at your new home, boxes can be placed directly in the right rooms and opened in order of priority.
The basic rule always remains the same: start with the items you use least and leave your daily essentials for last—those you’ll pack only in the final 24–48 hours.
And don’t forget the two special boxes that tie the process together: one for items that should be discarded, and another for things still in good condition that can be donated. This way, you’ll not only pack more efficiently, but you’ll also declutter your life—bringing along only what truly deserves a place in your new home.
Conclusions
Whether you’re moving out of a house or an apartment, the order in which you pack can turn a stressful experience into an organized, much simpler process. The golden rule remains the same: start with the things you don’t use every day and save the essentials for last.
If you’d like to dive deeper and cut down on stress, we also recommend reading 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Move to NYC, written especially for those relocating within the city.
For a worry-free move, consider working with professionals who provide full-service solutions:
- Full-service moves — packing, transport, and unpacking, all included.
- Moving & storage — secure short- and long-term storage options.
- White-glove service — careful handling for your most valuable items.
Smart planning makes all the difference. Start early, follow the steps above, and you’ll see that moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. And if you’d like extra support, schedule a free estimate and discover how an experienced team can turn the entire process into a smooth, stress-free experience.