Moving can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time or if you're relocating long-distance in the scenic Texas Hill Country. What to pack first when moving is a question that comes to everyone’s mind. At RiverHills Moving, serving Kerrville and the surrounding areas, we understand the stress that comes with a move. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive, step-by-step packing guide to make your relocation more manageable and less stressful.
Packing isn’t just about putting things in boxes. The order in which you pack affects how smoothly your move goes—and how easy your unpacking experience will be. Starting early and with a clear plan helps prevent last-minute chaos, protects delicate items, and lets you keep daily essentials accessible until the last possible moment.
Begin by packing things you rarely use but want to take with you. These typically include:
This early packing phase is also perfect for decluttering. Donate or sell any items you no longer need to reduce volume and moving costs. Be sure to use sturdy boxes and protective materials like bubble wrap to safeguard fragile items.
Once the low-priority items are boxed, shift focus to less frequently used rooms like guest bedrooms, home offices, or formal dining areas. Pack textiles such as curtains, spare bedding, and linens. You can also pack DVDs, holiday dishes, and décor. This stage helps you box up a significant portion of your home without disrupting your day-to-day life.
Pro tip from RiverHills Moving: Protect your mattresses with encasements for 360-degree defense against dust and damage. This step will keep linens and soft goods fresh during transport.
This period is packed with action. Start boxing clothes except for a week's wardrobe, non-perishable food from your pantry, extra toiletries, and children’s toys or supplies. Keep a “do not pack” box for essentials like documents, chargers, bills, and passports.
This is a great time to coordinate with your movers and finalize your logistics. RiverHills Moving offers customizable moving plans to suit your schedule and needs in Kerrville and beyond.
Pack up your kitchen except for one pot, pan, and plate per person. Prepare your essentials box filled with toiletries, phone chargers, medications, snacks, and tools like screwdrivers or scissors. This box will be your salvation on moving day and the subsequent nights.
RiverHills Moving advises filling prescriptions ahead of time and having a first-aid kit ready for minor moving mishaps.
Disassemble furniture, take down curtains and blinds, and unplug electronics. Use reusable cable ties to keep cords neat. Pack leftover perishables into coolers and keep the freezer empty to avoid spoilage.
Move frozen goods and any remaining odds and ends. Check drawers, shelves, and cabinets one final time. Keep valuables and important documents with you to avoid loss or damage during the move.
We’re proud to be a trusted moving company deeply rooted in the Texas Hill Country community. Our comprehensive services cover packing, furniture assembly and disassembly, long-distance moves, and specialty item handling like piano transportation. We tailor each move to your unique needs and pride ourselves on consistent 5-star reviews for professionalism, safety, and care.
With RiverHills Moving, you receive:
Planning a move in Kerrville? Let RiverHills Moving remove the heavy lifting and stress from your moving day. Contact us now for a free, personalized moving quote and enjoy the smoothest move imaginable.
How early should I start packing for my move?
Starting early—up to eight weeks before moving day, is ideal. Focus on non-essentials at first and gradually move to daily-use items. This timeline lets you pack methodically without overwhelming yourself.
What items should be in my moving essentials box?
Your essentials box should include toiletries, medications, chargers, basic kitchenware, snacks, important papers, and a change of clothes. Having these items handy eases your first few days in the new home.
How can professional packing services like RiverHills Moving help?
Professional packers protect fragile belongings with high-quality materials, save you time, and reduce physical stress. They also optimize packing space and efficiency, ensuring a safer move.

Audrey Williams is the co-owner of RiverHills Moving, alongside her husband, Jackson Williams. With four years of marketing experience, Audrey specializes in promoting their company and building its presence. She is passionate about working for their family business and finds great fulfillment in seeing its growth positively impact others. Audrey’s dedication and drive come from her commitment to helping their business thrive and serve the community.