How Long before Moving should You Start Packing?

Last year I shifted to a different locality within Bangalore, and I just booked a tempo for loading and unloading purposes. Hence the packing was entirely my responsibility. So, how long before you move should you start packing? I planned everything well in advance and started around 5 to 7 weeks before moving day. This early start made sure nothing was missed, kept me organised, and reduced last minute stress.

How Long Before a Move Should I Start Packing?

1. Get your packing materials five to seven weeks in advance, including sturdy boxes, packing tape, markers, and padding such as clothing or towels. For heavy objects, set up moving blankets or dollies.

2. Start decluttering four to six weeks prior by selling, donating, or securely getting rid of things you don't need.

3. Pack seasonal or rarely used items three weeks in advance, then label boxes according to room.

4. Pack the remaining stuff two weeks prior, setting aside the necessities and an "Open Me First" box.

5. One week prior to the shift, complete packing, verify labels, and make sure all boxes are sealed.

Trust me, if you follow this timeline, you will be able to keep the process manageable and stress free.

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From my experience, I can tell you how soon before moving should you start packing. You should start packing 6 weeks before the moving date. We began packing our things as soon as our landlord issued us a notice to vacate the house. I have shared the timeline I followed to pack my belongings.

How Soon Before Moving Should I Start Packing?

Here is the timeline I followed to pack my belongings before moving.

4 to 6 Weeks Before Moving

• Firstly, I looked into the belongings I have. 

• After that, I made a schedule for packing up my room step-by-step.

• I bought brand-new packing tape dispensers and packing tape. 

• I also purchased enough packing cartons and sided the clothes and papers for padding to entirely fill boxes. 

3 Weeks Before Moving

• I decluttered my belongings and organised the garage items.

• After that, I sold valuable things I no longer needed online, and gave other unused items to charity.

• Unexpectedly, my neighbour was interested in items like unused motor oil or fuel. So, I gave them to them. 

2 Weeks Before Moving

• This week, I packed up all seasonal or infrequently used things, such as china dishware, decoration items, and off-season apparel. 

• Do pack any equipment you won't need in Week 3.

• In the rooms where I packed them, I stacked the boxes. And I labelled the boxes.

1 Week Before Moving

• I began packing the kitchenware. For that, I first set aside each family member's plate, cutlery, and glass, as well as the necessary cooking supplies, such as a saucepan and utensils and then packed them in cartons.

• Following that, I packed up my bathroom items except the used soap, bucket, and shampoo.

• Now, you can choose "Open Me First" things as I did, like your children's favorite toys, supplies for organising your new house, paper towels and toilet paper, disposable dinnerware, and a single set of linens.

• After this, I packed all the clothes, bedsheets, curtains, and all the bedroom’s items except a few (which I packed a day before moving).

• I also packed up my jewelry and critical documents in my personal bag. You must decide which belongings will travel with you rather than the movers.

1 Day Before Moving

• A day before moving, I packed and labelled the "Open Me First" things I have been using until the last minute.

• I verified one last time that all of my boxes were labeled and taped properly.

This was seriously a tiring process. So, I will suggest you better take the help of professional packers as they pack all the belongings within 5 to 6 hours. I hope you understand how soon to start packing before moving.

Also read

When I was planning my recent move, the question of how long before a move should I start packing was driving me crazy. I had so much stuff and no idea where to start. Thankfully, my friend who recently shifted suggested that I start packing 4-6 weeks in advance. Let me tell you that this actually made the process smooth and stress-free. 

How Long Before You Move Should You Start Packing?

I started packing 4-6 weeks in advance. This gave enough time to pack without feeling rushed. She explained that tackling one room at a time helps keep things organised.

• Begin with Items You Don’t Use Daily: She asked me to start by packing seasonal clothes, books, and decorations first. These were things I didn’t need right away, making it easier to focus on everyday essentials closer to the move.

• Label and Organise Everything: Every box is required to be labeled clearly with its contents and destination room. This tip came in handy on moving day, as unpacking became a breeze.

• Pack Essentials Last (1 Week Before Moving): When it was closer to moving day, I was asked to pack the daily-use items like toiletries and kitchen essentials. It kept my routine undisturbed until the last moment.

I hope this helps you understand how long before moving should you start packing.

Also Read: 

It is important to be aware of how long before moving should you start packing. Due to my husband’s job change, we had to shift from one city to another thrice hence I know the process of packing. I can share a brief on this topic next. 

How Long Before a Move Should I Start Packing?

To prepare for a move, it's best to start packing about 6-8 weeks before. Here are my suggestions on how long before you move should you start packing:

• First, sort through your belongings to decide what you want to keep, donate, or throw away. Get packing supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap during this time.

• Around 4-6 weeks before moving, start packing items you don't use daily, such as clothes for different seasons, books, and decorations. Label each box clearly to know what's inside and which room it belongs in.

• About 2-4 weeks before moving day, pack things you use less often, like special kitchen gadgets and extra bedding. Also, let your utility companies and others know you're moving.

• In the last 1-2 weeks before moving, pack essential items you use every day. Keep a separate box for things you'll need right away in your new place. Double-check that all boxes are labelled correctly.

• During the moving week, finish packing up everything, including any food that could spoil. Lastly, go through each room to make sure nothing gets left behind.

You can adjust these packing suggestions as per your needs further. So best of luck with your relocation.

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