Moving homes is exciting—but packing? Not so much. The key to a stress-free move is knowing what to pack first, how to pack it, and what to leave for last. This blog gives you step-by-step help, covering everything from decluttering to creating an essentials box. Let’s make your move smarter, not harder.
Declutter First: Start with What You Don’t Need
Before you even touch a box, take a walk around your home. Look for items you haven’t used in months—old books, extra blankets, random kitchen tools, clothes you never wear. These things don’t need to come with you. Decluttering is the first big step.
Start in small sections. Open one cabinet, one drawer, or one closet. Decide what to keep, donate, or throw away. You’ll be surprised how much space you save by letting go of things that no longer serve you.
Items to pack first:
- Off-season clothing (winter jackets in summer, etc.)
- Holiday decorations
- Extra towels and linens
- Unused gadgets and tools
- Wall art and photo frames
Packing these early helps you feel like you’re making progress—and gives you more space to work with as the moving day gets closer.
Essentials Box: What Should Stay Unpacked Until the End
Some things you’ll need right until the final day—and even during your first night in the new home. These should stay unpacked and ready.
This is where your “Essentials Box” comes in. Think of it like a survival kit for moving day.
Include items like:
- Toothbrush, soap, and towel
- Chargers and power banks
- Basic cutlery and cups
- First-aid kit and daily medicines
- A change of clothes
- Snacks and water
- Small toolkit
- Pet food and kid toys (if needed)
Keep this box clearly labeled and close to you—not in the moving truck. On move-in night, when you’re tired and surrounded by boxes, this essentials box will save you time and stress.
Pack Room by Room: Start with Least-Used Spaces
Don’t try to pack everything at once. Instead, use the room-by-room method. Start with spaces you use the least—like the guest room, storage room, or a formal living room. These areas usually have non-essential items that can be packed early without disrupting your daily routine.
Once one room is packed, move to the next. This method helps keep your packing organized and reduces overwhelm. Always label boxes by room and include a quick list of what’s inside.
For example:
Label: Bedroom — Books & Frames
Note on box: 10 novels, 3 photo frames, 2 lamps
Want to take it further? Use color-coded tape for each room. Red for kitchen, blue for bedroom, yellow for bathroom. This helps movers know where each box belongs.
Label Everything Clearly — It Makes a Big Difference
Proper labeling saves hours later. Don’t just write “stuff” or “misc.” on a box. Be clear. Write the room and top 3–5 items inside. Always label the sides of the box, not just the top—so you can read it when boxes are stacked.
Labeling tips:
- Use a black marker for clarity
- Add fragile stickers where needed
- Number your boxes (e.g., Bedroom 1 of 5)
- Keep a notebook or phone list tracking each box
Want to be even smarter? Take photos of box contents before sealing. It helps later when you can’t find your charger or favorite mug.
Packing Fragile Items: Be Gentle and Smart
Glassware, dishes, lamps, picture frames—these need extra care.
Follow these easy tips:
- Wrap each item with towels or soft clothes
- Pack plates vertically like vinyl records
- Use small boxes for heavy items (e.g., books)
- Cushion the bottom of the box with newspaper
- Don’t leave gaps—items should fit snugly
Label these boxes as FRAGILE on all sides. If you’re unsure how to protect breakables, SuperMovers.ae also offers professional packing help with high-quality materials.
Clothes Packing Tips: Not All Clothes Go in Boxes
Clothes can be packed in many ways—but do it right, or you’ll end up ironing for hours at your new place.
Here are a few smart tips:
- Use vacuum bags for out-of-season clothes
- Pack hanging clothes in wardrobe boxes
- Use your suitcase to carry folded clothes
- Roll instead of fold to save space and avoid wrinkles
- Place socks or small items inside shoes
Also, pack a “First Week Outfit Kit” in a separate bag. It should have 2–3 sets of clothes, underwear, and your must-haves like a belt or work shoes.
Create a Packing Timeline: Don’t Leave It All for the End
Packing everything at once is overwhelming. A better way? Use a simple 4-week timeline.
4 Weeks Before Moving:
- Declutter every room
- Start packing storage, guest rooms, books, décor
3 Weeks Before:
- Pack less-used clothes, dishes, tools
- Start boxing up kids’ toys and garage items
2 Weeks Before:
- Pack kitchen extras, small furniture, and electronics
- Prepare fragile items carefully
1 Week Before:
- Final clothes, daily-use kitchen items
- Essentials box packed
- Cleaning supplies ready
Having a plan helps you avoid last-minute stress—and you’ll feel more in control.
Moving with Kids or Pets? Pack for Them Too
If you have children or pets, make a special kit just for them.
For kids:
- Favorite toys and books
- Snacks and extra clothes
- A comfort item like a blanket or stuffed animal
For pets:
- Food and water bowls
- Treats and toys
- Leash and waste bags
Moving is tough for them too. These familiar items help keep them calm on the big day.
DIY Packing vs Professional Help – What’s Better?
Doing it yourself saves money. But it takes time, effort, and good materials. Professional movers like SuperMovers bring speed, care, and packing expertise.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| DIY Packing | Low cost, full control | Time-consuming, risk of damage |
| Professional | Fast, safe, includes materials | Higher cost |
If you’re short on time or have fragile items, hiring pros may actually save you money in the long run by preventing damage.
Pack Smart, Move Easy
Packing doesn’t have to be chaotic. Start with the right items, follow a simple plan, and take care of your essentials. Label well, use good materials, and think ahead.
Want to make your move even easier? Let SuperMovers help. We offer full-service packing, moving, and unpacking in Dubai—with care, speed, and a smile.
Book Your move with moving professionals like Supermovers
FAQs
Q1: What should I pack first when moving?
Start with non-essential items like décor, off-season clothes, books, and storage items.
Q2: What is an essentials box?
A box with must-haves for moving day: toiletries, chargers, snacks, clothes, and important documents.
Q3: Should I label every box?
Yes! Label by room and contents. Use color-coded tape for easy sorting.
Q4: Is it worth hiring professional packers?
If you want speed, safety, and less stress, yes. They handle everything from materials to heavy lifting.
Q5: How early should I start packing?
Start 3–4 weeks before moving day with a weekly timeline to stay organized.
