You don't need your winter coat in July or your swimsuit in January. Pack out-of-season items first and you'll free space, reduce clutter, and make the rest of packing easier. This approach fits into the room-by-room packing order—start with what you use least.

Why Pack Out-of-Season First

Out-of-season items are sitting in closets and drawers unused. Packing them early doesn't change your daily life. You won't need them before the move. Getting them into boxes clears space so you can see what's left. It also spreads the work—you're not packing everything in the final week. Start 4–6 weeks before the move for a full house.

What Counts as Out-of-Season

Clothes you won't wear before the move. If you're moving in summer: winter coats, boots, sweaters, scarves, gloves, heavy blankets. If you're moving in winter: shorts, tank tops, swimsuits, sandals, beach gear, lightweight bedding. Holiday decorations (unless you're moving right before the holiday). Sports equipment you won't use—skis in summer, camping gear in winter (unless you camp year-round). Extra bedding and linens you're not using.

Closet and Dresser

Go through your closet and pull everything you haven't worn in the last month and won't wear before the move. Fold and pack in boxes or use vacuum bags for bulkier items. Winter coats and suits can go in wardrobe boxes if you're using them. Label boxes "Winter Clothes" or "Summer Clothes" so you know what to unpack first at the new place. Keep one week of clothes plus a few extras for weather changes.

Bedding and Linens

Extra sheets, comforters, and blankets you're not using can go early. Keep one set per bed for the last days. Seasonal bedding—heavy duvets in summer, light quilts in winter—pack when you won't need it. Use vacuum bags to compress bedding and save space. Label "Bedroom – Linens" or "Guest Room – Bedding."

Seasonal Decor

Holiday decorations are classic out-of-season items. Christmas lights, Halloween props, Easter baskets—pack them as soon as you start. They live in storage most of the year anyway. Wrap fragile ornaments carefully. See our fragile items guide. Label "Storage – Holiday" so you know where they go at the new place.

Sports and Outdoor Gear

Skis, snowboards, ice skates in summer. Surfboards, kayaks, beach chairs in winter. Pack gear you won't use before the move. Some equipment is bulky—pack it early so it's out of the way. Golf clubs, bikes, and tools can go in the same wave if you're not using them. Use our supplies checklist for boxes and padding.

Moving In Summer	Moving In Winter
Winter coats, boots, sweaters	Shorts, tank tops, swimsuits
Heavy blankets, flannel sheets	Light bedding, beach towels
Holiday decorations	Holiday decorations
Skis, snow gear	Beach gear, camping equipment
Scarves, gloves, hats	Sandals, sun hats

Declutter While You Pack

When you pull out-of-season items, sort them. Donate or toss what you don't need. Moving is a good time to declutter. If you haven't worn it in two years, you probably won't at the new place. Less to pack means less to move and unpack. Use our moving cost calculator—fewer items can lower long-distance move costs.

Where to Pack First

Storage areas, the attic, garage, and guest room are ideal starting points. These spaces often hold out-of-season and rarely used items. Pack them 4–6 weeks before the move. Then move to closets and drawers. Follow the full room-by-room order for a clear timeline. Check our moving checklist for the full schedule.

Labeling and Unpacking

Label out-of-season boxes clearly. "Winter – Coats," "Holiday – Christmas," "Storage – Sports." At the new place, you can put these boxes in a closet or basement and unpack them when the season changes. No need to prioritize them on move-in day. Use a labeling system that works for your move.

Climate Considerations

If you're moving to a different climate, "out-of-season" may mean something different. Moving from Florida to Minnesota? You might need winter gear soon after arrival. Pack it last or keep it accessible. Moving from Minnesota to Florida? Winter gear can go early—you won't need it for a while. Adjust based on your destination.

Summary

Pack out-of-season clothes, bedding, decor, and gear first. Start 4–6 weeks before the move. Keep one week of clothes and essential bedding out. Declutter as you go. Label boxes clearly so you know what to unpack when. This approach frees space and spreads the packing work over time.