September 29, 2025
What to Pack First (and Last) When Moving Long Distance
Moving long distance? It can feel totally overwhelming, right? But guess what – a smart packing plan can change everything! The secret to a smooth move? It’s all about timing and knowing what to prioritize! We’ll show you what to pack first and what to keep handy until the last minute. This way, you’ll stay organized, slash that stress, and have everything right when needed!
Whether you’re jet-setting across the country or just moving a few states over, our ultimate long distance moving checklist will be your best friend throughout the packing adventure! You’ll effortlessly discover which items can be packed weeks in advance and which absolute essentials should stick around until moving day. Ready to turn that packing chaos into a super organized, totally manageable system that guarantees your success? Let’s do this!
Imagine arriving at your new home feeling confident, prepared, and totally in control instead of frazzled and exhausted! This strategic approach will help you achieve that. So, are you ready to master your packing when moving long distance once and for all? Absolutely! Let’s dive right in!
Items to Pack First: 6-8 Weeks Before Moving Long Distance
Alright, let’s get that packing party started! Starting early is your secret weapon for a stress-free long distance move, trust us! These items? You won’t even miss them during your last few weeks in your current pad, so let’s get them boxed up and out of the way!
Seasonal Items and Holiday Decorations
You know those items you only pull out once a year? They’re prime targets for early packing! Christmas ornaments in July? Absolutely! Winter coats in the middle of summer? Into the boxes they go! These take up so much space, and packing them now is like a super easy win to kickstart your progress!
Books, DVDs, and Media Collections
Your digital library probably has you covered, right? So, let’s get those physical entertainment collections packed up! Books, especially, are surprisingly heavy, so tackling them now saves you from a last-minute heavy lifting struggle. Here’s a pro tip: use those books as fantastic natural padding for your more fragile treasures!
Artwork and Wall Decorations
Time to clear those walls! Taking down and packing your artwork, paintings, and decorative wall pieces early gives you ample time to properly wrap and protect them. Plus, when moving long distance it helps your current home start feeling less “lived-in” as you prepare for your grand exit!
Extra Linens and Towels
Keep a couple of essentials – one set of sheets per bed and a few towels per person – but everything else? It’s packing time! Those extra blankets, decorative pillows, and guest linens can all easily go into boxes now. Less laundry to worry about later, too! Win-win!
Non-Essential Kitchen Items
Think about it: what do you really use every single day? Keep your basics for daily cooking, but those specialty pots, extra dishes, serving pieces, and all those small appliances you only pull out for special occasions? That fondue pot and ice cream maker? Yep, when moving long distance they can totally be packed away! You’ve got this!
Items to Pack Second: 3-4 Weeks Before Moving
As your moving day gets closer, it’s a good idea to start packing up the things you don’t use every day but won’t need for a few weeks. Here are a few tips to help you get started when moving long distance:
Out-of-Season Clothing
Start with clothes for the seasons you won’t deal with before or right after your move. Keep a few versatile pieces handy just in case the weather surprises you.
Extra Shoes and Accessories
Try to stick to 2-3 pairs of shoes per person and pack the rest. Belts, scarves, jewelry, and other accessories you don’t wear often can also go into boxes now.
Games, Toys, and Hobby Supplies
Put away board games, puzzles, craft supplies, and hobby materials you won’t use in the next few weeks. Keep a couple of favourite activities nearby to help everyone unwind and stay entertained during the move.
Extra Electronics
Pack up any backup devices, older electronics, or extra cables and chargers you don’t need daily. Ensure the essentials, like your main devices and their chargers, are easy to grab when needed.
Items to Pack Third: 1-2 Weeks Before Moving
You’re almost there—moving day is just around the corner! You’ll want to pack these carefully since you might still need them until the last minute. Here’s how to handle it when moving long distance:
Furniture and Large Items
Start disassembling and packing furniture you won’t need during your final week. Keep your bed, a comfy chair, and a meal table to stay comfortable.
Kitchen Essentials
When moving long distance, go ahead and pack up most of your kitchen gear, but leave out the basics. You’ll want to keep things handy for making coffee, preparing quick meals, and washing up—just enough to get through the last few days.
Bathroom Extras
Put away extra toiletries, spare medications, and bathroom accessories you don’t use daily. Stick to the must-haves, like your everyday essentials and one towel per person, until ready.
Office and Work Stuff
Pack up any non-essential work supplies. If you’re working from home, set up a simple mobile office with only the essentials you’ll need after moving.
Almost there—just a little more packing to go!
Items to Pack Last: Final Week and Moving Day
You’re in the home stretch! Keep these items handy until the very end. You’ll need them during the move and as soon as you enter your new home!
Your “Go-To” Suitcase
Pack a suitcase for everyone in the family, just like you’re heading off on a fun vacation for 5-7 days! This way, everyone has clean clothes to wear while you’re conquering the mountain of boxes. Easy peasy!
The “Super Important” Box
Gather all your crucial paperwork, jewelry, and other valuables. Keep this box with you during the move—don’t let it out of your sight! Think birth certificates, passports, insurance papers, and financial documents. Better safe than sorry!
Daily Essentials Bag
Pack your daily toiletries and medications last, and keep them with you personally. This includes toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, and any prescriptions your family needs when moving long distance. You’ll thank yourself later!
“Open Me First!” Box
You’ll need these items right away! Grab a box and clearly label it “Open First.” Fill it with a basic toolkit, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, and light bulbs. You’ve got this!
Tech and Chargers
Don’t forget your phone chargers, laptops, and other essential electronics! Keep them somewhere you can easily grab them. You’ll need them to navigate, communicate, and set things up in your new space.
Moving Day Munchies
Moving day is hard work! To keep your energy up, pack a bag with non-perishable snacks and drinks. Think granola bars, bottled water, and anything that doesn’t need a fridge. Let’s keep that momentum going!
First-Day Survival Kit
This is your secret weapon for a smooth first night when moving long distance! Create a special box with everything you’ll need right away: fresh sheets for the beds, basic kitchen items for that first celebratory meal, a shower curtain, towels, and a change of clothes for everyone.
Special Considerations When Moving Long Distance
Ready for the big adventure? Long-distance moves are different from local ones, but don’t sweat it! With a little extra planning, you’ll totally nail it. Here are some pro strategies to ensure your long-distance move is a roaring success!
Master Your Inventory System!
This is your superpower! Number every single box and create a super detailed inventory list. Why? When boxes travel long distances, they might arrive at different times or be temporarily separated. Knowing exactly what’s in each one will save you SO much stress and keep you in control!
Pack a “Survival” Moving Day Bag!
Think of this as packing for a fantastic week-long trip! Fill a special bag with all your essentials: comfy clothes, toiletries, medications, important documents, yummy snacks, and even some entertainment for the journey. You’ll thank yourself for having these close by!
Don’t Forget the Climate!
Moving to a new climate? Be a weather wizard! Research your destination’s weather and pack appropriate clothing that’s super easy to access immediately. Imagine moving from sunny British Columbia to snowy Toronto in winter – you’ll want those warm layers immediately, right?! Be prepared and stay cozy!
Be Prepared for Anything!
Sometimes, long-distance moves throw curveballs. That’s okay! Pack a few extra essentials and have backup plans for extended travel or if your delivery takes a little longer than expected. Stay flexible and calm, and you’ll easily conquer any delay!
Your Moving Success Starts Now! Call Arctic Sunshine Movers
Long-distance moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare! With this packing timeline, you’ll stay organized and feel in control every step of the way. Remember, a successful move is all about smart planning, not just good luck!
Start by packing the things you won’t miss, then work your way to your daily must-haves. Always keep that essentials box handy. Trust us, your future self will be so grateful when you arrive at your new home with everything you need at your fingertips.
So what are you waiting for? Start sorting your belongings today and pack those first few boxes. Every box you tape up now is one less thing on your mind later. You’ve got this—let the new adventure begin.
