Packing guide

Before you start

Two rules cover most of packing: heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes. Fill every box to the top — empty space causes contents to shift in transit. A roll of packing paper or bubble wrap is cheap insurance for fragiles.

Books, papers & files

Pack books flat (not spine-down) to protect their spines. Use small boxes only — books are heavy. Do not pack books or pictures inside dresser drawers; the weight tears the drawer joints.

Lamps, shades & rugs

Wrap lamp shades in tissue and put them in boxes labeled "Fragile: Top Load Only." Box delicate lamps; for local moves, standard lamps can be wrapped in moving pads.

Important papers, jewelry & valuables

Keep these with you. Don't leave them in dressers, nightstands, or on the truck. No mover will accept responsibility for these items — that's an industry-wide rule, not ours.

Mirrors, pictures & glass

Wrap in bubble wrap, then pack into mirror cartons (specialty flat boxes). Large glass and marble tops are pad-wrapped or crated separately. The crew can handle these on move day — leave them in place if you'd like.

Items that must be disposed of

Properly dispose of flammables and corrosives before move day: pool acid, bleach, lighter fluid, paint cans, propane tanks, spray cans, ammunition. We can't legally move these. Find disposal contacts →

Box selection

Heavy items in small boxes; light items in large boxes. Fill to the top, leaving no empty space. Use the carton guide to estimate how many boxes you'll need per room.

China, dishes, crystal & breakables

Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Nest glasses, cups, and bowls. Stand plates and platters on edge (not flat). Stand stemware upside-down or sideways — never on the stem. Crumple packing paper around everything for cushioning.

Kitchen

The slowest room to pack. Use dish-pack cartons with dividers for glassware and stemware; they're worth the extra cost. Pots and pans can nest with a layer of paper between them. Small appliances (toaster, coffee maker) box separately, padded with paper or towels.

Clothing

Hanging clothes go in wardrobe boxes — we provide these on the truck for the move at no charge. Folded clothes can stay in dresser drawers as long as the drawers aren't overloaded; lighter dressers can be moved as-is. Lock or tape drawers shut so they don't slide.

Electronics

Use original boxes if you have them. Otherwise pad with bubble wrap and pack snugly. Photograph the back of TVs and computers before unplugging so you remember which cable goes where.

Bedding & linens

Wash and pack into clearly labeled large boxes or vacuum bags. Use linens as padding inside other boxes (around mirrors, between dishes) to reduce total box count.

Plants

Local moves only. Most movers (us included) won't take plants on long-distance moves because of agricultural regulations and the heat/cold of an unconditioned truck. For local moves, water lightly, then move in your own car the morning of the move.

Pets

Not on the truck — ever. Plan a pet sitter, kennel, or moving-day plan. For long-distance moves, plan air or car transport separately.