Can You Pack a Whole House in 3 Days?

Let’s be honest. Moving is stressful. And when you’re staring at an entire house that needs to be packed in just three days, the panic can set in fast. Maybe you underestimated how much stuff you had. Maybe life happened and now you’re on a tight deadline. Either way, you’re here because you’ve got one burning question: “Can I really pack my entire house in 3 days?” The good news? Yes, you can. The better news? You don’t have to do it alone — we’ve got your back with a step-by-step plan that actually works. Whether you’re a solo mover or managing a busy household, this blog by Big Stuff Movers will guide you through how to pack quickly, efficiently, and with as little stress as possible.

The Golden Rule: Don’t Panic, Just Plan

Before you even touch a moving box, breathe. Packing a house in three days is totally doable if you approach it like a military mission — with precision, purpose, and a bit of ruthless decision-making. The key is to plan before you pack. Spend one hour making a high-level plan, and you’ll save yourself hours of confusion later. Here’s what to do first:

Quick Prep Checklist

• Notify utilities and change-of-address online.
• Arrange child/pet care if needed.
• Book a removalist or moving truck now — not later.
• Gather packing essentials: sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, labels, and markers.
• Print or write a “moving checklist” and tape it to the wall for quick access.

Day 1: Ruthless Decluttering + Pack Non-Essentials

Day 1 is all about letting go and gaining momentum. The first day sets the tone. This is where many people go wrong by trying to pack everything all at once. However, a smart approach is to sort through your items before you begin packing. Why waste time boxing up things you don’t even want?

Step 1: Ruthless Decluttering

Start in any room — preferably one with low emotional value, like the laundry or guest bedroom. Go through everything and sort into:

• Keep
• Donate/Sell
• Trash

Haven’t touched it in 12 months? Ditch it. Be ruthless—if it’s been collecting dust, it doesn’t deserve a spot in your new home. Ask yourself: “Would I actually miss this if it disappeared today?” “Do I really want this junk following me into a fresh start?” Use Facebook Marketplace or your local buy-nothing groups to offload items quickly. You could even make a little extra cash by letting go of things you no longer need.

Step 2: Start Packing Non-Essentials

Once you’ve trimmed the fat, pack everything you won’t need over the next few days:

• Books
• Decor
• Picture frames
• Extra linens and towels
• Out-of-season clothes
• Party supplies
• Spare kitchenware

Use solid, medium-sized boxes and label them well — this saves you hours of guesswork during the unpacking phase. Group items by room AND category. For example: “Living Room – Books” or “Kitchen – Baking Supplies.”

Step 3: Set Up a Command Station

Pick one central spot — your kitchen bench or dining table — and designate it as your moving HQ. Keep:

• Labels
• Markers
• Tape
• Ziplock bags
• Scissors/box cutter

Having everything in one place will save you from digging through random drawers at midnight.

Day 2: Pack Room by Room, Top to Bottom

This is where the real hustle begins.

Step 1: Prioritise Big Rooms First

Start with areas that take the most time, like:

• Kitchen
• Living Room
• Master Bedroom

These spaces usually contain breakables, electronics, and furniture — they need your early attention. Pro tip: Wrap plates vertically like vinyl records and use clothing or towels as cushioning — saves space and protects your items.

Step 2: Label with a System

Go beyond just writing “bedroom” on the box. Try this:

• Room + Contents + Priority Level (Example: Kitchen – Glassware – Fragile / Open First)

Color-coded labels or tapes can also help movers know exactly where boxes go.

Step 3: Keep a “Parts & Pieces” Box

Missing screws or cords? Nightmare. Dedicate one box or ziplock bag to:

• Screws from disassembled furniture
• Remote controls
• Power cords
• Brackets and wall mounts

Label it: “OPEN FIRST – Small Parts”

Day 3: Essentials, Final Sweep & Smart Shortcuts

Now it’s go-time. Today’s goal: finish strong and stay calm.

Step 1: Pack Your Essentials Box

This is the single most important box (or suitcase) you’ll pack. Include:

• Toiletries and medications
• Chargers and power banks
• Important documents
• Wallet, keys, glasses
• One or two outfits
• Snacks, tea/coffee, kettle or small pot
• Basic cleaning supplies

This stays with you, not in the moving truck.

Step 2: Disassemble & Wrap Furniture

If you’ve hired removalists, they can help with this. If you’re DIY-ing, break down:

• Beds and bedframes
• Desks
• Shelves
• Dining tables

Wrap parts in blankets or moving pads, and don’t forget to label each set of screws or bolts with the name of the furniture it belongs to. Pro tip: Take photos before disassembling electronics or furniture so you know how to reassemble later.

Step 3: Final Walkthrough & Clean

Room by room, do a final check:

• Closets?
• Cabinets?
• Top of the fridge?
• Under the bed?

Wipe down as you go. If you’re renting, consider booking end-of-lease cleaners so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute. Still have a few random bits lying around? Throw them in a “Misc – Open First” box. Don’t overthink it. Let’s be honest — not everyone has the time, energy, or back muscles for a 3-day packathon. Even the most organised 3-day move can drain you. Here’s how to stay sane:

• Set time limits: Work in 90-minute intervals, followed by a 15-minute break.
• Hydrate and eat real food. Don’t live on coffee and crackers.
• Swallow your pride and call in reinforcements- Friends, family, or pros—get whoever you need to keep your sanity intact. Moving solo is a one-way ticket to burnout.

And most importantly… don’t aim for perfection. You’re not packing for the Queen — just get your stuff safely from Point A to Point B.

When to Call in the Pro

Let’s be honest — not everyone has the time, energy, or back muscles for a 3-day packathon. If the thought of packing up your house makes you want to cry into a pile of bubble wrap, it might be time to bring in the experts. Professional packers can:

• Box up your house in a matter of hours
• Provide all packing supplies
• Handle fragile or bulky items with care