What to Pack First and Last When Moving

Quick answer: Pack first the things you use least — out-of-season clothes, décor, books, and spare items — working room by room, and leave daily essentials, toiletries, and important documents for last. Keep a first-night box handy so you’re not unpacking everything the moment you arrive.

Last updated October 2025.

Pack first the things you rarely use — out-of-season clothing, décor, books, and spare kitchenware. Pack last the items you use daily — documents, electronics, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and basic kitchen tools — so they stay accessible. For a long-distance Canadian move, where your belongings may spend several days in transit over hundreds of kilometres, this sequencing keeps your essentials within reach from load day to unpacking.

At MTS Moving and Storage, our crews pack inter-provincial moves room by room, sealing low-use rooms first and leaving daily-use spaces for last. The summary below shows the order at a glance.

What should you pack first when moving?

Out-of-Season Items

Start by packing items you won’t need in the immediate future. These are usually stored away anyway, so boxing them up early won’t disrupt your daily routine — and it builds momentum for the rest of the move:

• Winter coats: Heavy coats, parkas, and other cold-weather outerwear can be boxed first to free up closet space. On a long-distance move, keep one warm layer out per person; crossing the country can mean leaving a mild coast and arriving somewhere well below zero.
• Holiday decorations: Lights, ornaments, garland, and tree skirts pack away easily. Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly so they’re simple to find next season.
• Seasonal sports equipment: Skis, snowboards, helmets, goggles, and other gear you won’t use soon can go early.

Packing out-of-season items first also helps you spot anything you no longer use. If clothing or gear hasn’t come out in several seasons, consider donating or selling it before it gets loaded onto the truck.

Rarely Used Items

Next, focus on items that you don’t use regularly. Books, collectibles, and extra linens fall into this category. By packing these items first, you can gradually start to clear out your home without impacting your day-to-day life.

Decluttering involves systematically organizing your space by identifying rarely used items. Create a sorting zone, categorize items into “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash.” Store keepers in designated places, donate or sell unwanted items, and dispose of trash properly. Regularly review your belongings, create a designated space for incoming items, and implement a “one-in, one-out” rule to maintain a clutter-free and functional living environment. Decluttering is an ongoing process that contributes to a well-organized and serene space.

Decorative Items

Pack decorative items early for a few reasons:

• They are often fragile and need careful wrapping to survive transit.
• Packing them well takes time, so an early start avoids a rushed job.
• Clearing décor off shelves and walls reduces visible clutter and makes the rest of the move feel less overwhelming.
• It lets you note where each piece goes, making unpacking easier in your new home.

When our crews handle fragile décor on a long-distance load, we wrap each piece individually in packing paper, cushion it with bubble wrap, and pack it upright in a box with padding on all sides so nothing shifts over hundreds of kilometres of road.

Non-Essential Kitchenware

When packing for a move, it’s crucial to declutter your kitchenware strategically. Identify unused items like specialty cookware, extra dishes, seldom-used appliances, and gadgets, and pack them away in labelled boxes. Store the boxes in a safe, dry location if you’re not moving immediately. Declutter your kitchen cabinets and drawers to make them more organized and functional. Update your kitchenware inventory after the move to track what you have and need. By following these steps, you can declutter your kitchen, streamline the moving process, and quickly settle into your new home.

What should you pack last when moving?

Essential Daily Items

Pack the items you use every day last, so they stay accessible right up to load day and on arrival. On a long-distance move, these go in the car or a clearly marked box you keep with you rather than on the truck:

• Toiletries and daily medications
• A few days of comfortable clothing for the first day or two in your new home
• Essential electronic devices and their chargers
• Snacks, water, and a kettle or basic supplies for the road

Keeping these out until the end lets you maintain your routine and makes settling into a new province far less stressful.

Vital Documents

When preparing for a move, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and accessibility of essential documents to ensure a smooth transition. Passports, birth certificates, and moving-related paperwork fall into this category and require careful handling. To safeguard these documents, it is recommended to store them in a secure location such as a waterproof and fireproof safe. This ensures that they are protected from potential damage caused by water leaks, fires, or other unforeseen events.

Keep these documents with you during the move rather than on the truck. Whether you need to present identification when setting up utilities, sign moving paperwork, or register at your new municipality, having them on hand prevents delays.

Furthermore, it is essential to create multiple copies of these documents and store them in separate locations. This provides an extra layer of security in case of loss or damage. Digital copies can be stored on a secure cloud-based platform, while physical copies can be kept with a trusted friend or family member. By taking these precautions, you can mitigate the risk of losing these vital documents and ensure peace of mind during the moving process.

Cleaning Supplies

To ensure a smooth moving experience, it’s important to prioritize cleaning both your old and new homes. Essential cleaning supplies include an all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, and garbage bags. Additionally, microfiber cloths, scrubbing sponges, disinfecting wipes, a vacuum cleaner, and a mop with a bucket can be useful for specialized cleaning tasks. Having these supplies readily accessible will make the cleaning process more efficient and effective, allowing you to transition smoothly into your new home.

Basic Kitchen Items

In the days leading up to your move, maintaining a small set of kitchen items accessible for simple meals is essential. This approach ensures you have the necessary tools to prepare basic dishes without relying solely on takeout. By keeping a few dishes, utensils, and pots and pans within reach, you can effortlessly whip up quick and easy meals, saving both time and money.

To streamline the process, consider designating a specific cabinet or countertop area in your kitchen solely for these items. This way, they’re easily accessible and won’t get mixed up with the items you’re packing for the move.

When selecting the dishes, choose versatile pieces that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a large pot can be used for both boiling pasta and simmering soups. A sauté pan can handle everything from scrambled eggs to stir-fries. And a few sturdy plates and bowls will suffice for serving meals.

As for utensils, a basic set of forks, knives, spoons, and spatulas should cover your needs. Remember to include a can opener, a bottle opener, and a few measuring cups and spoons.

By keeping your kitchen functional until the end, you’ll avoid the unnecessary expense and hassle of ordering takeout every day. Plus, cooking simple meals during this transitional period can provide a sense of normalcy and comfort amid the chaos of moving.

Personal Electronics

Pack personal electronics last so they stay easy to reach. Keep laptops in their original packaging or a sturdy laptop bag, and phones in their original box or a protective case. Roll or coil chargers neatly and secure them with rubber bands or twist ties. Carry the box or bag of electronics with you rather than loading it on the truck — and in winter, let cold devices warm up to room temperature before powering them on at your new home to avoid condensation damage.

Tips for an Efficient Packing Process

Create a Packing Schedule: Plan your packing process by creating a schedule and sticking to it. This helps you stay organized and on track.

Label Boxes Clearly: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking easier and ensures nothing gets misplaced.

First-Night Box: Pack a separate box with essentials for your first night in your new home. Include items like toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, and important documents.

Use Quality Packing Materials: Protect your belongings by using sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Quality materials prevent damage during the move.

Making Your Move Smooth and Stress-Free: Final Tips and Advice

By following these tips on what to pack first and last, you can make your move more organized and less stressful. Remember, planning ahead is crucial to a successful move. If you need any assistance, MTS Moving and Storage offers professional packing and moving services to ensure a seamless transition to your new home.

Our team of experts can handle everything from packing your belongings with care to transporting them safely to your new location. Contact us today to make your moving experience smooth and hassle-free.

Need help with your long-distance move? Contact MTS Moving and Storage for professional packing and moving services that ensure a seamless transition to your new home. Visit our website or call us today!