Begin with a decluttering sweep
Go room by room and separate your items into four categories:

Keep

Donate

Sell

Throw away

This reduces the total weight of your move (which lowers costs) and makes packing more manageable. Most people take 30–40% of unnecessary items with them simply because they leave decluttering until the last minute.

Create a moving timeline
A written schedule helps you spread the workload across days instead of scrambling the night before the movers arrive. Add tasks like:

Ordering boxes, tape, and packing supplies

Separating fragile items

Packing one room per day

Notifying your building management

Arranging childcare or pet care (if needed)

Reserve elevators and loading zones
If you live in an apartment, this step is critical. Buildings often require advance notice, and failing to reserve your elevator or loading dock can delay your movers — which may add extra charges.

Confirm your moving date early
Professional movers book up quickly, especially at the end of the month and on weekends. Scheduling your move early ensures you get your preferred time slot and avoids last-minute scrambling to find an available team.

Use proper padding materials
Professionals recommend using a combination of bubble wrap, packing paper, and thick blankets. Each fragile item should be wrapped individually to avoid contact during transport. Avoid using old newspapers — the ink can transfer onto your belongings.

Protect dishes and glassware the right way
This is one area where most people unknowingly pack incorrectly. Plates should be packed vertically, like records, with thick padding between each one. Glasses should be wrapped and placed upright, not sideways.

Secure electronics
Take photos of cable setups before unplugging your devices. Wrap TVs and monitors with blankets or foam and use the original box if available. Never lay a flat-screen TV flat — always keep it upright.

Use towels and clothing as extra padding
This is an easy way to save money and maximize space. Soft items like blankets, jackets, and sweaters are excellent for filling voids in boxes, preventing items from shifting during transport.

Label every box clearly — on all sides
This step alone prevents most accidental damage. Boxes should clearly state:

Room name

Fragile or non-fragile

“This side up” arrows

A quick list of contents

When movers know exactly what’s in the box, they can handle it accordingly.

Pack essentials separately
Many people make the mistake of packing things they need the same day. Your essentials bag should include:

chargers

wallet and documents

medication

toiletries

a change of clothes

basic tools

snacks and water

This prevents you from digging through boxes the moment you arrive at your new home.

Clear pathways in your home
Move obstacles out of the way — rugs, shoes, boxes, small furniture. A clear path reduces the risk of tripping and speeds up loading significantly.

Protect floors and walls
Place doormats or cardboard sheets near entrances. This prevents dirt, scratches, and damage when movers carry heavy furniture.

Disassemble large furniture
Huge items like bed frames, desks, and bookshelves should be taken apart before the movers arrive unless your moving company includes disassembly. Keep screws and hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture.

Take photos of your furniture and electronics
This is helpful for setup and also serves as documentation in case something breaks. You’ll know exactly how everything looked before the move.

Double-check your building’s rules
Some buildings require:

move-out forms

elevator reservations

parking permits

scheduled move times
If you skip this step, movers may be forced to wait — which sometimes adds fees.

Keep pets and kids safe
Moving day can be chaotic, loud, and stressful. To prevent accidents, keep pets in one room with the door closed or ask a friend to watch them for a few hours.

Confirm the destination address — twice
You’d be surprised how often people accidentally mix up addresses or unit numbers. Send the correct address, gate code, or building instructions to your movers before the truck leaves.

Walk through your old home one last time
Check cabinets, closets, storage rooms, and behind doors. Most forgotten items are small: chargers, remotes, documents, jewelry, keys, and toiletries.