The Ultimate Moving Out Checklist: What to Pack, Prep & Buy (Without Losing Your Mind)

Okay, so—if you’re about to move and feeling like, “Where do I even start?”… yeah, same.

I’ve had that moment too. You know, standing in the middle of your place, half-packed boxes, random junk in every corner, and your brain’s just like: Nope.

Nobody tells you how much energy it takes to pack up a whole life.

Not just the physical stuff—but the emotional chaos too. What to keep, what to toss, what you’ll definitely forget until it’s too late.

So I made this guide.

Not some Pinterest-perfect moving list you’ll save and never use. But something that actually helps.

The kind of checklist I wish I had when I was drowning in tape rolls and takeout containers the night before moving day.

I’ll walk you through it all—what to do before you pack a single thing, what to buy, what to wear, what not to forget, and all the tiny hacks that make a big difference.

We’ll do this together. One step at a time.

Because you’re not just moving stuff—you’re starting something new. And that deserves to feel a little less overwhelming.

Pin it:

Before You Start: Organizing for a Move

Okay, before you even think about packing a single box—pause.

This is the part that makes everything else easier.

And I know, it’s tempting to just start shoving stuff into bags. But if you can slow down for one evening and get organized first, I swear it’ll save your sanity later.

Here’s how I’d do it if we were doing this together:

1. Make a “Move Master List” (Trust Me, You’ll Forget Stuff Without It)

This isn’t just a packing list.

It’s everything—calls you need to make, stuff you need to buy, things you’re scared you’ll forget until it’s 10 PM and the U-Haul is already full.

I keep mine in the Apple Notes app, but honestly, a notebook works too.

Include things like:

Cancel internet
Forward mail
Clean out fridge
Return borrowed stuff
Schedule donation pickup
Buy moving boxes + tape

Tiny things—but they stack up fast.

2. Create a Packing Kit (So You’re Not Screaming ‘Where’s the Tape?!’)

Keep all your moving supplies in one laundry basket or tote bag. Seriously.

Label maker, scissors, Sharpies, trash bags, box cutters, Post-its, measuring tape—throw it all in there.

Keep it with you at all times like it’s your emotional support box.

3. Pick Up the Essentials Before You’re in Panic Mode

Don’t wait until the last night to realize you need more tape or trash bags.

Grab these early:

Packing tape
Sharpies
Ziplock bags (for screws, remotes, etc.)
Stretch wrap
A few clear bins (for the “unpack me first” stuff)

If you’re moving out solo, I’d also grab:

A foldable dolly (saves your back)
Doorstops
Gloves (especially if you’re hauling furniture)

4. Start a ‘Moving Folder’ in Your Phone

Snap pics of everything:

Receipts
Donation drop-offs
Lease papers
Moving truck confirmation
Apartment layout

I know it sounds extra, but when you’re exhausted and need that info fast, you’ll thank yourself.

Alright. Once this stuff’s done?

You’re officially ready to start packing.

And that’s where we go next—room-by-room, no overwhelm, no chaos.

What to Pack: Room-by-Room Checklist That Actually Works

Alright, here’s where things start to feel real.

You’re looking around, thinking—how do I have this much stuff??

Don’t panic. The trick is to break it down room by room. Not perfect, not Pinterest-worthy. Just doable.

Let’s go one space at a time:

1. Bedroom

Start here. It’s usually the most straightforward.

Pack these first:

Off-season clothes
Extra bedding
Shoes you don’t wear daily
Decor you don’t really need up right now
Books, nightstand stuff, random cords

Pro tip: Use vacuum-seal bags for bedding + bulky sweaters. Label every box with what’s inside and what room it’s going to. (“Bedroom: winter clothes + boots”)

2. Closet

This one sneaks up on people.

What helps:

Use trash bags to group hanging clothes (poke hangers through the top)
Toss small accessories (jewelry, belts, socks) into labeled Ziplocks or fabric cubes
Donate anything you haven’t worn in a year (seriously—just do it)

3. Kitchen

This one’s chaotic, so start early.

Pack in this order:

Fancy dishes + things you never use
Spices (in a Ziplock!)
Pantry extras
Baking stuff
Utensils
Plates and mugs you can live without for a few days

Tip: Wrap fragile stuff in kitchen towels. It saves space and bubble wrap.

4. Living Room

Feels big, but it’s mostly decor and tech.

Pack these:

Books
Photo frames + wall art
Extra pillows and throws
Board games, candles, random electronics

And for the love of peace:

Label every remote and charger. Like… every single one. You will 100% forget what belongs to what.

5. Bathroom

Save this for last, but be ruthless.

Pack:

Backup toiletries
Extra towels
Cleaning supplies
Hair tools you don’t use every day
Nail polish, makeup, you rarely touch

Keep out in a separate, clear bin:

Daily essentials
Toilet paper
Shower stuff
Medications
Toothbrush, duh

6. Laundry / Utility Stuff

It’s boring but matters.

Pack:

Laundry supplies
Cleaning sprays
Lightbulbs, tools, batteries
Extra paper towels
Any weird drawer full of “junk you might need” (you know the one)

Once every room’s mostly packed — box by box, breath by breath — you’ll see the finish line.

Moving Out Essentials (The Stuff You’ll Regret Forgetting)

Alright. You’ve packed the rooms, labeled the boxes, and maybe cried into a slice of pizza once or twice.

But before you tape up that last box—pause.

These are the things people always forget.

Like, every single time.

1. Your “First Night” Bag (Non-Negotiable)

Think of this like a sleepover bag for yourself… but make it survival mode.

Pack this separately and keep it with you:

Pajamas
A change of clothes
Phone charger
Toiletries (yes, including deodorant)
Meds
Headphones
Snacks + water
Trash bags (you’ll need ‘em, trust me)
Toilet paper (everyone forgets this. Everyone.)
A clean towel and shower stuff

Basically: if your boxes disappear, this bag should still get you through the night.

2. Essentials Box (Label It Like Your Life Depends on It)

This is your “unpack me first” box. Put the loudest label on it. I’m talking: bright marker, washi tape, fireworks.

Include:

Paper plates + plastic cutlery
Scissors, box cutter
Lightbulbs
Cleaning wipes
Paper towels
Flashlight
Tape
Phone charger (yeah, again)
Extension cords
Coffee stuff (if you’re like me and don’t function without it)

This is the box you’ll be digging for at 11 pm when the lightbulbs are dead and your pizza’s on a napkin.

3. Last-Minute Things People Forget to Buy (But Totally Need)

You think you’re done. You’re not.

Go grab these ahead of time:

A shower curtain + rings
Batteries
A plunger (seriously)
Extra trash bags
Hand soap
A lighter (for candles, stove, whatever)
Snacks that don’t need a fridge
Pet food, if you’ve got a furry roommate

4. A Few Just-in-Case Extras (Because Real Life Isn’t Pinterest)

A fold-up chair or cushion (in case your couch isn’t ready)
Small toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, nails)
A bottle of wine or fancy soda (celebration vibes only)
Something that makes it feel like home — blanket, candle, tiny lamp, whatever

Once you’ve got this stuff covered, the panic fades a little.

You’ll still be tired. But at least you won’t be stuck rummaging through 18 boxes for toothpaste and a fork.

Moving Day Outfit (Yes, It Totally Matters)

Okay, real talk?

You do not want to be hauling boxes in tight jeans, slippery shoes, or that “cute but itchy” shirt you forgot you hate.

Moving day isn’t a fashion show — it’s a workout. A messy one.

Here’s what actually works:

1. Leggings, Joggers, or Anything That Moves With You

Pick something stretchy, comfy, and breathable.

You’re going to squat, bend, crawl, probably trip at least once.

Now’s not the time for button-up anything.

2. Closed-Toe Shoes (Preferably Ones You Can Beat Up)

You need something with grip.

Not slides. Not sandals. Not “my cute white sneakers” unless you’re cool with them turning gray.

Think: old sneakers, lightweight boots, anything with a sole that won’t betray you on the stairs.

3. T-Shirt, Tank, or Long Sleeve That Can Handle Sweat + Dust

Basically: not your fave shirt.

You’ll get dusty, sweaty, maybe even stained.

Wear something you’re okay with tossing in the wash twice.

Bonus: If it has pockets? You’ve won the game.

4. Optional But Smart Add-Ons:

Hair tied up + out of your face
Baseball cap or headband
Light gloves (especially if you’re moving furniture)
Fanny pack or crossbody to hold your phone/keys/lip balm

5. Layer Up if It’s Cold — But Make It Easy to Shed

Moving gets hot real quick.

Start with layers you can peel off as you go (zip-up hoodie > pullover sweatshirt).

Even in winter, you’ll probably be sweating by hour two.

6. One More Thing: Pack a Spare Outfit

Toss a clean set of clothes in your first-night bag.

There’s nothing better than changing out of your grimy moving clothes and into something fresh when it’s all over.

You’d be shocked how much smoother your day goes when you’re dressed for it.

Now that you’re geared up — let’s talk about how to make that first night in your new place feel less like a disaster zone and more like a soft landing.

Your First Night in the New Place (Make It Feel Like Home-ish)

Alright. You made it.

The boxes are everywhere, your legs are jelly, and your phone’s at 2%.

You’re not gonna unpack everything tonight — let’s just be real.

But there are a few simple things you can do to make that first night feel a little less like camping in chaos… and a little more like a soft, tired exhale.

1. Only Unpack the Essentials (Just for Tonight)

You don’t need to find your spice rack or candle collection.

You need your toothbrush, some clean underwear, and a fork.

Unpack these first:

Bed stuff (sheets, pillow, blanket — even if it’s just a mattress on the floor)
Toiletries + towel
Phone charger
PJs + a change of clothes
One plate, cup, and set of cutlery
Snacks or something easy to eat
Trash bag or two
Toilet paper
Shower things (bonus points if it’s a no-thought-needed all-in-one bottle)

2. Set Up One Cozy Corner (Even if the Rest is a Mess)

Light your favorite candle.

Throw a blanket on a chair.

Plug in a little lamp.

Put on background music.

You don’t need to unpack the whole house — just anchor yourself.

One cozy little spot where your nervous system can chill out.

3. Eat Something Real (Not Just Chips from a Box)

Order your favorite takeout.

Microwave leftovers.

Even cereal feels fancy when your body’s in survival mode.

Just eat. Sit down. Breathe.

4. Then, Make the Bed. Seriously.

No matter what else is going on—get your bed ready.

You’ll thank yourself at midnight when you’re half-asleep and not digging for pillowcases.

5. Optional but Magical: A Little Ritual

Write a note to your future self
Take a photo of your first night
Make tea, put on a playlist, or just sit in silence for a sec

Because this is a moment.

A fresh start. A weird, beautiful in-between.

You did it.

Packing Hacks & Moving Aesthetic (Because Chaos Can Still Be Cute)

Okay, look—moving is messy.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little magic to the madness.

These are the hacks I swear by. Not just to stay organized, but to make it feel a little better while you’re knee-deep in bubble wrap.

1. Use What You Already Have

Suitcases = heavy stuff like books
Laundry baskets = oddly shaped things
Reusable grocery bags = perfect for bathroom + kitchen odds and ends
Blankets + towels = wrap fragile stuff (no need for bubble wrap unless it’s really delicate)

Packing doesn’t need to be expensive. It just needs to work.

2. Color-Code by Room

Pick one color of tape or sticker per room.

Label every box on at least two sides.

That way, when you’re standing in your new place, like “what even IS this box,” you’ll know exactly where it goes.

3. Take Pics Before You Unplug Anything

Cables. TV setups. Router cords. Even your nightstand drawer if you’ve got a “system.”

Future you will love you for this.

4. Pack a ‘No Idea Where This Goes’ Box

There will always be random junk.

Give it a home now. Label it something like “??? Drawer” or “IDK Yet” — Elle does not judge.

5. Set the Mood While You Pack

Seriously, it helps.

Spotify playlist on loop
Iced coffee or wine in a travel cup
Comfy clothes
Diffuser or candle burning

Packing in silence makes your brain spiral. Make it vibe-y instead.

6. Tuck a Little Aesthetic Into the Chaos

Even in the mess, you can carve out a cute moment:

A framed photo leaning against the wall
Your favorite mug on the counter
A folded throw blanket in the corner

It doesn’t have to be “done” to feel good.

You just need one spot that whispers, “you live here now.”

One Last Thing Before You Go…

Moving out isn’t just about packing up your stuff.

It’s about letting go of a version of you that lived in that space.

And stepping into a new chapter you haven’t even written yet.

You’re going to feel tired.

A little messy.

Maybe even a bit lonely, even if you’re excited.

But you’re also doing something really brave.

You’re creating a space that’s yours.

Not just where your things go — but where your life grows.

So if it all feels like too much right now… pause.

You don’t have to do it all in one day.

Just unpack one box. Light one candle. Sit in one cozy corner.

That’s more than enough.

You’ve got this.

And if no one’s said it yet — I’m really proud of you.