Moving Tips & Advice
Expert advice from our professional movers to help make your relocation smoother, more efficient, and less stressful.
Before the Move
Create a Moving Timeline
Start planning at least 8 weeks before your move date. Create a week-by-week checklist of tasks to complete, from notifying service providers to packing non-essential items.
Timeline Example:
- 8 weeks Create inventory list, research movers, begin decluttering
- 6 weeks Book movers, begin collecting packing supplies, notify landlord
- 4 weeks Start packing non-essential items, arrange for utility transfers
- 2 weeks Confirm details with movers, pack majority of items, arrange mail forwarding
- 1 week Pack essentials bag, clean current home, confirm arrival time with movers
Declutter Before Packing
Moving is the perfect opportunity to assess what you really need. Sort your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. This will reduce your moving costs and make unpacking easier.
Room-by-Room Approach:
- Start with low-use areas like storage rooms
- Focus on one room at a time
- Use the "haven't used in a year" rule
Disposal Options:
- Host a garage sale 2-3 weeks before moving
- Donate usable items to local charities
- List valuable items on marketplace websites
Collect the Right Packing Supplies
Having proper supplies makes packing much easier and protects your belongings. Start collecting boxes, tape, and other materials several weeks before your move.
Essential Supplies Checklist:
Tip: Check with us about our packing supply options - we offer complete kits that include everything you need!
Packing Tips
Room-by-Room Packing Strategy
Pack one room at a time and keep all items from the same room together. This makes unpacking much more organized and efficient.
Start With:
- Storage areas and closets
- Wall decorations and artwork
- Books and decorative items
- Out-of-season clothing
Pack Last:
- Kitchen essentials you use daily
- Toiletries and medications
- Bedding and towels
- Electronics you use regularly
Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Use color-coding for different rooms to make identification even easier. Consider taking photos of valuable or complex items before disassembly.
Proper Box Packing Technique
How you pack your boxes is just as important as what you pack in them. Properly packed boxes protect your belongings and make carrying easier.
Box Packing Steps:
- 1 Line the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper for cushioning
- 2 Place heavier items at the bottom, lighter items on top
- 3 Wrap fragile items individually with bubble wrap or packing paper
- 4 Fill gaps with packing material to prevent items from shifting
- 5 Add a layer of packing paper on top before closing
- 6 Seal with packing tape in an H-pattern for strength
- 7 Label the box clearly on at least two sides
Weight Guidelines:
- Small boxes: Books, canned goods (25-30 lbs max)
- Medium boxes: Kitchen items, toys (30-40 lbs max)
- Large boxes: Linens, pillows, light items (40-50 lbs max)
Special Items:
- Dishes: Pack vertically, not flat
- Artwork: Use corner protectors and artist/mirror boxes
- Electronics: Use original boxes if available
Create an Essentials Box
Pack a separate "essentials box" with items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Keep this box with you rather than on the moving truck.
Personal Items:
- Medications
- Toiletries & shower curtain
- Change of clothes
- Phone chargers
- Important documents
Household Items:
- Basic tools
- Paper towels & toilet paper
- Trash bags
- Hand soap & sanitizer
- Basic cleaning supplies
Food & Kitchen:
- Bottled water
- Snacks & instant meals
- Paper plates & plastic utensils
- Coffee maker & supplies
- Basic cookware (1 pot/pan)
Moving Day Tips
Prepare Your Home for the Movers
Help your movers work efficiently by preparing your home before they arrive. This will save time and help protect both your belongings and your home.
Before Movers Arrive:
- Clear walkways of obstacles
- Remove rugs that could be trip hazards
- Protect floors in high-traffic areas
- Reserve elevator if needed
- Ensure parking for moving truck
Special Considerations:
- Have cash on hand for tips
- Provide water for the moving team
- Identify items that aren't being moved
- Keep pets and small children contained
- Take photos of electronics connections
Final Walkthrough Checklist
Before leaving your old home, perform a thorough walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind and the property is in appropriate condition.
Room-by-Room Checklist:
- Check all cabinets, drawers, and closets
- Look under beds, behind doors, and on top of shelves
- Check appliances for any items left inside
- Remove any nails or hooks from walls
- Take photos of the empty property for your records
- Check basement, attic, garage, and outdoor storage areas
- Turn off all lights, water, and adjust thermostat
- Lock all windows and doors
Before departing, make sure you have all keys, garage door openers, parking permits, and any other items that need to be transferred to new occupants or your landlord.
After the Move
Efficient Unpacking Strategy
Unpacking can feel overwhelming, but with a strategic approach, you can get settled into your new home quickly and with minimal stress.
Unpacking Priority Order:
- 1 Essential Items - Unpack your essentials box first (toiletries, medication, shower curtain, basic kitchenware)
- 2 Bedroom - Set up beds and unpack bedding to ensure you have a place to sleep
- 3 Bathroom - Unpack towels, toiletries, and shower necessities
- 4 Kitchen - Focus on essential kitchenware for basic meal preparation
- 5 Living Areas - Set up furniture and electronics
- 6 Storage Areas - Unpack and organize less-used items last
New Home Checklist
Complete these important tasks within the first few days in your new home to ensure everything is functioning properly and your transition is smooth.
Day 1 Priorities:
- Verify all utilities are working
- Locate circuit breaker and water shutoff
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Change locks if necessary
- Set up Wi-Fi and internet
First Week:
- Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets
- Replace air filters
- Locate and test fire extinguishers
- Meet neighbors
- Update address with important contacts
Need Help With Your Move?
While these tips will help you plan and execute a successful move, you don't have to do it all alone. Our professional moving team can handle as much or as little of your move as you'd like.