What to Pack First When Moving

Moving to a new home can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. Whether you’re moving across town or to a new area, there’s a lot to consider, and packing can often be the most stressful part of the process. However, with the right approach, you can streamline the packing process, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.

In this blog, we’ll provide practical advice on what to pack first when moving and share tips on how to make the process more manageable. If you’re in the Mid North Coast region, we’ll also highlight the benefits of professional packing services in Forster to help you move with ease.

Start with Non-Essential Items

When preparing to move, the key to getting started is to begin with items you don’t immediately need. These are the items that won’t be used in the days leading up to the move or right after you arrive at your new home. Think about items that are seasonal, rarely used, or stored away in cupboards or attics.

Examples Include:

• Seasonal décor (e.g., Christmas decorations)
• Spare bedding and towels
• Books, DVDs, and other media
• Holiday or party supplies



Packing these items first will help you reduce the clutter and make packing the more essential items later on feel less daunting.

Another area to start with is the rooms that you don’t use on a daily basis. For most people, these might be guest rooms, storage rooms, or spaces like home offices that aren't essential to daily life.

What to Pack:

• Spare furniture
• Art, wall hangings, and décor
• Items stored in closets or under the bed
• Office supplies or equipment that aren’t required for work



Packing up these rooms early ensures that you won’t have to scramble to pack items from them at the last minute, giving you more time to focus on the essentials in the final days before your move.

Focus on Specialty or Fragile Items Next

After tackling the non-essentials, it’s a good idea to move on to packing speciality or fragile items that require more care and attention. These can include items like glassware, fine china, electronics, or sentimental keepsakes.

Tips for Packing Fragile Items:

• Use sturdy boxes and protective materials such as bubble wrap, foam, or packing paper.
• Label boxes containing fragile items clearly.
• Consider professional removals in Forster for packing valuable or fragile items safely.

If you’re not sure how to safely pack delicate items, professional packing services can provide peace of mind and ensure your items are transported without damage.

Pack Your Kitchen Items Early

The kitchen is often one of the most time-consuming rooms to pack, but it's crucial to start early. Begin with items that you don't need immediately, such as extra cookware, dishes, and appliances that are not used daily.

Start with:

• Non-essential kitchen gadgets (blenders, toasters, etc.)
• Extra pots, pans, and baking trays
• Unused or duplicate utensils and serving ware
• Pantry items that are non-perishable and won’t be consumed before moving

Leave out only the essentials that you'll need until the day of the move—items like a few dishes, utensils, and maybe a couple of pots for cooking. This way, you won’t feel like you’re scrambling to pack at the last minute.

Sort Through Clothing and Accessories

Clothing can be another area that seems overwhelming to pack, but sorting through your wardrobe before the move will make the task easier. Start with off-season clothes or items you won’t need in the lead-up to your move, such as winter coats if it’s summer.

Consider Packing:

• Off-season clothing and shoes
• Extra linens and blankets
• Accessories like hats, scarves, and handbags



Donate or discard any items that you no longer need or want. This will reduce the number of items to pack and make settling into your new home simpler.