Start too early and you'll be living out of boxes for weeks. Start too late and you'll be up at midnight before moving day. Here's the ideal packing timeline based on your property size.
Key Points
For a 3-bed house, start packing non-essentials 4-6 weeks before moving day
For a 1-2 bed flat, 2-3 weeks is usually sufficient
For a 5+ bed house, start 6-8 weeks before to avoid a last-minute rush
Start with rooms you use least — spare bedrooms, loft, garage, home office
Your kitchen and bathroom should be packed last (2-3 days before)
Allow 1 full day per bedroom as a rough guide for packing time
Recommended Start Times by Property Size
Property Size
Start Packing
Est. Packing Days
Boxes Needed (approx.)
Studio / 1-bed flat
2-3 weeks before
2-3 days
15-25 boxes
2-bed flat/house
3-4 weeks before
3-5 days
30-45 boxes
3-bed house
4-6 weeks before
5-8 days
50-75 boxes
4-bed house
5-7 weeks before
7-12 days
70-100 boxes
5+ bed house
6-8 weeks before
10-15+ days
100+ boxes
What to Pack First, Second and Last
Pack First (4-6 weeks out)
Loft and attic
Garage and shed
Spare/guest bedrooms
Seasonal items
Books and DVDs
Hobby equipment
Formal/occasion wear
Out-of-season decor
Pack Middle (1-3 weeks out)
Dining room
Home office
Living room ornaments
Extra bedding
Most kitchenware
Artwork and pictures
Most clothing
Garden ornaments
Pack Last (1-3 days out)
Kitchen essentials
Bathroom toiletries
Daily clothing
Bedding (pack morning of move)
Electronics in use
Children's daily toys
Coffee machine / kettle
Essentials box (last!)
How Long Does Packing Actually Take?
Most people massively underestimate how long packing takes. A rough rule of thumb is 1 full day per bedroom — but this varies depending on how much you own, how organised you are, and how much help you have.
Room
Estimated Packing Time (1 person)
Kitchen (fully stocked)
4-8 hours
Main bedroom
3-5 hours
Spare bedroom (minimal use)
2-3 hours
Living room
3-6 hours
Bathroom
1-2 hours
Home office
2-4 hours
Garage / loft / shed
4-12 hours (highly variable)
Tips for Packing Faster
Declutter before you pack — every item you don't move saves packing and unpacking time
Pack one room at a time to completion — don't start a room and then move to another
Leave clothes in drawers — many removal firms will move a chest of drawers with light items inside
Use wardrobe boxes — clothes stay on hangers, saving folding and ironing
Enlist help — packing with 2-3 people can cut the time by more than half
Label as you go — don't leave labelling until everything is packed
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start packing for a 3-bed house move?
For a 3-bed house, start packing non-essential rooms 4-6 weeks before your move date. Begin with loft, garage, spare bedrooms, and items you won't need before the move. Leave kitchen and bathroom essentials until 1-3 days before.
Can I start packing before exchange of contracts?
Yes — there's nothing stopping you from packing non-essential items (books, seasonal decor, garage items) before exchange. In fact, doing so takes the pressure off once exchange has happened and a completion date is confirmed. Just be aware your date could change and you'd need to continue living among boxes.
What happens if I run out of time to pack?
If you're running out of time, call your removal company and ask about their packing service — even partial packing (fragile items only) can save significant time. Alternatively, focus on fragile and specialist items yourself and let the removal team handle the rest on moving day at an additional charge.
How do I pack if I'm still living in the property?
Pack room by room, starting with the least-used spaces. Consolidate to one bathroom, one bedroom, and one living area — then pack everything else progressively. You'll likely be living out of one functioning room for the last week, which is normal and manageable.