What should I pack first when moving house?

Knowing what to pack first can dramatically reduce the chaos of House Moving  day. The golden rule is simple: start with the things you use least and finish with the things you use every day. Our team at Swift Mover has helped thousands of Canadian families move efficiently using this exact strategy.

Start With Storage Areas: Attics, basements, and garages are the best place to begin. Items stored here — holiday decorations, old sports equipment, seasonal tools — are rarely needed and can be packed weeks in advance without disruption.

Pack One Room at a Time: Working room by room keeps things organized. Start with guest rooms and home offices, then move to the living room. Kitchens and bedrooms should be packed last since you use them daily.

Books, Art, and Decor: Bookshelves, wall art, and decorative pieces are easy to pack early. Wrap art and mirrors in bubble wrap and use wardrobe boxes for paintings.

Clothing and Linens: Out-of-season clothing can be boxed up well in advance. Use vacuum-seal bags to compress bulky duvets and blankets, saving space in the moving truck.

Pack an Essentials Box Last: The night before your move, pack a box you’ll open first at your new home. Include toiletries, phone chargers, important documents, snacks, and a change of clothes for each family member.

If packing feels overwhelming, our professional moving and packing services are available across Canada. Our trained crew will carefully wrap and pack your belongings so you don’t have to.