A Week-by-Week Moving Checklist from MI-BOX
Packing up your home is overwhelming. Between closets full of forgotten items and that one kitchen drawer you never open, it’s easy to underestimate how much stuff you’ve got. But the good news? A well-planned packing timeline will make the whole process smoother and far less stressful.
Whether you’re gearing up for a move across town or preparing to relocate across the state, here’s your step-by-step guide to what to pack first, what can wait, and how MI-BOX portable storage will make the transition easier.
When Should You Start Packing?
Ideally, you should start prepping at least five to six weeks before your move. If you’re selling your home, your real estate agent might suggest decluttering early to help your space show better. Even if you’re not selling, clearing out items you don’t use often will make your home feel way more organized and give you a head start.
Need a place to put those extra boxes?
Portable storage containers are delivered right to your driveway, which gives you a secure space to pack at your own pace. Think of it as an extension of your garage or storage room without the clutter inside your home.
A Week-by-Week Packing Timeline
Here’s how to break down your packing schedule so you’re not rushing at the last minute:
5+ Weeks Before the Move: Start with Storage Areas
Begin with the items you’re not using day-to-day, like holiday decorations, seasonal gear, baby clothes, or anything you’ve stored in closets, attics, basements, or the garage. These are perfect candidates for early packing and can go straight into your MI-BOX container.
4–5 Weeks Before the Move: Out-of-Season Clothing
Next up, pack clothing and accessories you won’t be wearing anytime soon. Think heavy coats in summer or sandals in winter. Vacuum-seal bulky items to save space and pack them in labeled bins or luggage for easy identification later.
3–4 Weeks Before the Move: Delicate and Rarely Used Items
This is a great time to pack up fragile items like china, crystal glassware, silverware, and other things you don’t use every day. Wrap each piece carefully and use plenty of padding to keep everything safe during the move. Don’t know how to do that? Check out
how to pack a storage container and maximize your space and your items’ safety.
3 Weeks Before the Move: Guest Rooms and Unused Spaces
If you have a spare bedroom or a home office that doesn’t get much use, go ahead and pack it up. You can also use dresser drawers in those rooms to store lightweight items like clothing or linens. Just secure the drawers with stretch wrap before loading them into your container.
2–3 Weeks Before the Move: Décor, Books, and Furniture
Now’s the time to pack up artwork, home décor, extra side tables, and books. Keep in mind that boxes of books get heavy fast, so stick to small boxes for easy lifting. Set aside one or two decorative pieces to keep your space feeling like home while the rest gets packed away.
2 Weeks Before the Move: Linens and Extra Bedding
Keep one set of sheets and towels per person but pack up the rest. Extra comforters, guest linens, and spare pillows can be boxed now. Label everything clearly so it's easy to find later.
1–2 Weeks Before the Move: Toys, Hobby Gear, and Seasonal Tools
Parents: This is your window to pack the toy bins. Sort what stays, what goes, and what needs to disappear while the kids are distracted. The same goes for crafting supplies, hobby tools, or seasonal yard gear you won’t need before moving day.
1 Week Before the Move: Clothes, Shoes, and Jewelry
At this point, most of your wardrobe can be packed. Keep out just what you’ll need for the final week and the first few days in your new place. Use a suitcase for essentials, and store the rest in labeled bins or hanging wardrobe boxes.
Packing tip: Avoid tossing shoes in a box where they’ll get bent or scuffed. Wrap each pair and pack them carefully with padding between them.
2–3 Days Before the Move: Kitchen Essentials
The kitchen is usually the last room to get packed, and for good reason. You’ll need access to it until the very end. A few days before the move, pack everything you don’t use daily: baking dishes, special appliances, extra glassware, and bulk pantry items. Save just a few essentials for your final meals at home.
What
Not to Pack in the Moving Container
While most things can safely go into a storage container or moving truck, valuables like heirloom jewelry, sensitive documents, and personal electronics are better kept with you. Always double-check what your moving company or storage provider allows in their containers, especially when it comes to flammable or hazardous materials.
Make Moving Day Easier with MI-BOX
Planning a move doesn’t have to feel chaotic. By starting early, staying organized, and following a weekly plan, you’ll avoid last-minute packing stress and maybe even enjoy the process. MI-BOX has affordable portable storage that makes the process simple and gives you the flexibility to pack and load on your schedule.
So take a deep breath. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back.
