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Ready to get moving? Check out the best in moving tips, checklists, videos and more in our complete collection of all things moving! Let us help you make your move a breeze with our trusted moving advice.
What to Do Before You Pack
Preparing before your move can make the process much smoother. Here are key steps to take before you start packing:
Gather Packing Supplies
Collect packing materials early so you’re ready when it’s time to pack. Essentials include packing tape, labels, markers, and protective materials like bubble wrap, packing paper, blankets, or towels to keep your items safe.
Find Packing Boxes
Many liquor stores, grocery stores, and other retailers offer free or low-cost recycled boxes. You can also check online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. While these boxes can work, purpose-made moving boxes provide the best protection for fragile items.
Organize Your Boxes
Try to use boxes of similar size and shape, which makes packing more efficient and saves space in moving vehicles. Inspect each box for damage—torn, wet, or weak boxes should be replaced before packing.
Declutter & Clean Your Home
Before packing everything, go through your belongings to decide what you truly need. Donate, sell, or discard unwanted items. Starting with a decluttered space makes packing faster and reduces what you need to move.
Take Pictures of Complex Items
Photograph appliances, electronics, or items with intricate setups to make reassembly easier at your new home. Snap pictures of wall arrangements or artwork you want to replicate, too.
What to Do During Packing
Now that your prep work is done, it’s time to pack! Follow these tips to make the process easier and more efficient:
Use the Right Boxes for the Right Items
Pack heavy items in smaller boxes for easier lifting, and lighter items in larger boxes to move more at once. Bulky or awkward boxes are easier to handle when they contain lighter objects. Create a packing plan instead of randomly tossing items into boxes.
Protect Fragile Items
Wrap fragile items such as electronics, glass, art, and valuables carefully. Original packaging is ideal, but bubble wrap, paper towels, quilts, or blankets also work. Pack dishes vertically to reduce the risk of breakage.
Pack by Room
Keep boxes organized by room. Mixing kitchen items with living room decorations makes unpacking more complicated. Clearly label each box with its room to streamline unloading on moving day.
Pack a Little at a Time
Packing can feel overwhelming, so tackle it gradually, one room at a time. Start early to ensure you have enough boxes and supplies, especially if you know your move-in or move-out date in advance.
Secure Your Boxes
Use plenty of packing tape to seal your boxes. Depending on the distance of your move, you may need extra reinforcement. If you’re using professional movers, they may want to inspect fragile or valuable items before boxes are sealed.
Label & Organize as You Pack
Clear labeling is key to an easier unpacking process. Mark each box with its contents and the room it belongs to so you can quickly find what you need once you’re settled in.
What to Do Before You Move
With your packing complete, it’s time to focus on moving day itself. Here are steps you can take in advance to make the process smoother:
Keep Your Documentation Organized
Create a dedicated folder for all your moving paperwork, including reservations, checklists, and receipts. This helps prevent anything from getting lost.
Set the Date
Choose a moving date that works best for you and anyone helping. Give friends and family plenty of notice if they’ll assist. If hiring movers, weekday moves are often less expensive.
Map Your Route
Plan your route ahead of time, especially if you’re renting a vehicle. Consider traffic, rush hour, and local events to make your move more efficient and cost-effective.
Change Your Address
Update your address before moving to avoid missed mail, packages, or bills being sent to your old home.
Set Up Utilities
Arrange for utilities, Wi-Fi, and other services at your new home ahead of time. Also, schedule a stop date for services at your old residence to avoid paying for things you no longer use.
Pack a First Night Box
Prepare an overnight bag with clothes, toiletries, and any essentials for your first night. Include games, movies, or disposable dining ware to make your first evening easier and more comfortable.
Set Aside Cleaning Supplies
Keep a box of cleaning supplies separate so you can clean your old home or prepare your new one before unpacking.
Stop Buying Groceries
A week before your move, avoid buying perishable groceries to reduce waste. Donate what you can, and plan carefully for any food you’ll transport.
What to Do During Moving
You’re packed, organized, and ready—moving day is here! Follow these tips to make the day as smooth and stress-free as possible:
Take Pictures
If you’re moving out of or into a rental, photograph the empty space. This documents the condition of the property, showing cleanliness and any pre-existing damage.
Load the Truck with a Plan
Don’t just toss everything into your moving truck. Load large items first, then fill in with smaller boxes. Boxes of similar size stack more efficiently, keeping your load stable and organized.
Unload the Truck with a Plan
If friends or family are helping, assign tasks to speed up unloading. Labeled boxes make it easy to place items directly in the rooms where they belong.
Celebrate!
You did it! Show appreciation to your moving crew with snacks or pizza, and enjoy your first moments in your new home.
Use Our Move Planner
Take advantage of our comprehensive 8-week move planner, packed with professional moving tips. It guides you step by step from two months before your move all the way through move-in day.
From getting moving quotes to preparing for packing day, our planner covers it all. With nearly a century of experience in the moving industry, we share the insights and best practices we’ve learned to help make your move as smooth as possible.
Stay Organized with Our Moving Checklists
Positive has consolidated our expert packing and moving tips into easy-to-use checklists, helping you stay organized every step of the way.
Packing 101 Checklist
Packing for a move can feel overwhelming, but our 13-step checklist simplifies the process. These essential tips save time and money while making packing less stressful.
Non-Allowables Checklist
Before you start boxing items, know what can and cannot be moved. Hazardous materials—such as explosive, flammable, or toxic substances—pose safety risks and should never be included in your shipment.
Supplies Checklist
Plan ahead with our moving supplies checklist. Make sure you have boxes, protective materials, and all the essentials to keep your move smooth and organized.
First Night Box Checklist
Prepare a “first night” box with items you’ll need for basic unpacking, cleaning, meals, and hygiene. These expert tips help ensure your first night in your new home is comfortable and stress-free.
Tips for Getting a Moving Quote
Step 1
Click here to begin your quote.
Step 2
Schedule your move survey.
Step 3
Complete the move survey and select your services.
Step 4
Receive your moving quote and plan your move!
Other Resources To Help With Your Move
Blogs
Check out our blog, complete with how-to articles, packing videos and trusted advice from Positive.
Videos
We have compiled our collection of packing videos that show you how to pack everything from shoes and books to dishwashers and linens.
Have questions about your move? See our Moving FAQs.