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While moving to a new home can be exciting, there is no denying that preparing to undergo a move is one of the most stressful experiences that the average person will have during their lifetime. Perhaps, the first question you may wonder is when to start packing for a move. Whether you’ve just closed a deal on your dream home across the country or signed a lease for a new apartment on the other side of town, packing up your belongings and relocating to a new space takes a lot of preparation. No matter where you are moving, packing up your home is likely to be one of the most challenging and time-consuming aspects of your move. Many people are unsure of exactly when to start packing for a move; the short answer is as soon as you have secured a new home. Once you have closed on the home you are purchasing or signed the lease for the space you are planning to rent, it’s time to begin packing since boxing up all of your personal and household belongings will likely take longer than you think. Feeling overwhelmed by the process of knowing when to pack what? Try to follow this helpful timeline:

8 Weeks Before the Move

With just a couple of months left in your old home or apartment, it’s time to begin taking steps to make the process of packing up and moving a bit easier. Clean out cluttered spaces such as your basement, attic, and storage closet(s), and get rid of items that you no longer need or realistically see yourself using in your new home. At this time, it is also important to begin researching moving companies in your area. Be sure to read local reviews on sites like Google and Yelp, and ask your family or friends who have moved recently for recommendations. Once your move is about 6-8 weeks away, it’s a good idea to hire movers, since bookings can fill up at the last minute.

4-6 Weeks Before The Move

Once your move is a little more than a month away, it’s time to start packing up your belongings. If you have been able to declutter bonus or storage spaces in your home, this next step might be easy. Try packing rooms that contain items you will likely not need in the remaining weeks you are planning to spend in your home; this includes items that are in storage in your basement or attic, out of season decorations, clothing and shoes that are out of season or that you are unlikely to wear in the next few weeks, etc. At this time, you should also ensure that you have all of the supplies you will need to continue packing for your move, such as boxes, packing tape, and more.

2-3 Weeks Before The Move

At this time, it is a good idea to begin packing up the rest of your belongings that are not essential for everyday use. This includes home decor, kitchen appliances and utensils, some electronics, and the rest of your clothing. Try to be realistic and plan out the clothing you will wear, the meals you will eat, and the rest of the items you will actually need to keep during the next 2-3 weeks in your home and pack up the rest.

1 Week Before The Move

Begin packing up any of your belongings that remain unpacked. Try packing a separate box for items that you anticipate needing during your first week in your new home; this can include clothing, hygiene products, bedding, and more. At this time, you can begin packing up the rest of your home and preparing for your movers to collect your items.