Moving Guide
Practical packing tips to help you stay organized, grouped by category so you can find what you need at a glance.
Before You Move
About Two Weeks Before Moving
- Pick up moving and packing supplies.
- Get your car inspected and serviced.
- Schedule utilities (water, gas, electric, phone) to disconnect and reconnect. Tip: keep service on through the day after your move so you have it the whole moving day.
- Collect any utility deposits owed back to you.
- Cancel trash, newspaper, and cable service.
- Copy important records (medical, prescriptions, passports, birth certificates) and keep them with you, not on the truck.
- File a change of address with the post office and notify magazines and accounts.
One Week Before Moving
- Line up a babysitter for moving day.
- Close out bank accounts and safe deposit boxes.
- Start packing, beginning with things you won't need before the move.
- Use the packing tips below to pack the rest safely.
Appliances
Small Appliances
- Pack in the original box or a padded carton with packing paper. Don't use shredded paper, it can clog the appliance.
Major Appliances
- Check with the dealer for any special moving instructions.
- Remove loose fittings and accessories and pack them separately.
- Tie down or tape all movable parts and doors.
Gas Dryer
- Have the gas company disconnect it before moving day.
Washing Machines/Dishwashers
- Pad the exterior and stuff towels between the sides and tub so it can't rotate. Disconnect the hoses, bag them, and place them inside.
Refrigerator / Freezer
- Defrost and dry the interior well. If you plan to lay it down, check with the dealer first, and stand it upright for 24 hours before plugging it back in.
Fragile & Valuables
Dishes
- Wrap each piece and pack it in a dish pack. Stand plates and platters on edge, never flat. Nest cups and bowls and wrap them in bundles of three or four.
Glasses
- Wrap each glass separately in paper or bubble wrap and pack in a sturdy dish pack.
Kitchenware
- Stack pots and pans in a carton with packing paper between them.
Mirrors
- Wrap small mirrors in paper pads and box them. For large mirrors, build a cardboard case and mark it GLASS.
Paintings, Prints
- Wrap each piece in a paper pad, pack in a mirror carton, and stand them on edge.
Radios, TVs
- Box small sets upright and pad all sides. Move console units upright, well padded. We'll properly pad your TV if you'd like.
Furniture
Beds
- Disassemble the frame and tie the rails together, marking the pieces so they're easy to reassemble. Use a mattress bag to keep it clean. We're happy to take beds apart and put them back together for you.
Dressers / Bureaus
- Fill drawers with clothes or other unbreakables, but don't overload them with heavy items.
Tables
- For large tables, remove the legs, pad them, and tape the hardware under the top. For small tables, pad the top and wrap the legs. We can disassemble tables if needed.
Lamps
- Take lamps apart and pack the bases in cartons with packing paper. Box the shades separately with plenty of paper, and skip newspaper since it smudges.
Curtain Rod Hardware
- Bag it and tape it to the rod, or tuck it into a dresser drawer.
Rugs and Pads
- Vacuum, sprinkle with moth flakes, then roll up and tie.
Clothes & Books
Clothes
- Hanging clothes travel best in wardrobe boxes. Everything else can stay folded in the dresser drawers.
Books
- Books are heavy, so use small, sturdy cartons. Pack them flat, alternate the bindings, and fill gaps with packing paper.
Garage & Outdoor
Lawn Mowers
- Drain the fuel and oil first. On a push mower, remove the handle and label it.
Paint and Flammables
- Don't move them. Paint, solvents, lighter fluid, and oily rags are hazards, so dispose of them safely before the move.
Tools and Gardening Equipment
- Drain and coil hoses into a carton, filling the gaps with small hand tools. Tie rakes and shovels together with rope or tape.