Getting started with packing

Moving can feel overwhelming, but with Next Door Movers as your trusted partner, you’ll discover the best way to pack for a move efficiently. By following a clear plan, using quality materials, and taking advantage of full-service packing, loading, and delivery, you’ll enjoy a stress-free process from start to finish. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Create a customized packing timeline
• Select and use the right supplies
• Protect fragile items and bulkier belongings
• Disassemble and secure furniture
• Optimize loading, transport, and unpacking

Why choose full-service

Opting for a full-service moving solution means you get comprehensive support at every stage. Rather than juggling boxes and tape on your own, you can rely on professional teams to handle each task with expert local knowledge and a customer-focused approach.

Comprehensive packing services

Full-service movers provide:

• Professional packing and unpacking
• Color-coded or number-coded labeling systems
• Specialized handling for artwork, antiques, and electronics

Professional loading and transport

Your belongings are in safe hands with:

• Furniture pads and blankets to prevent scratches
• Stretch wrap to keep drawers and doors closed
• Secure tie-downs and balanced loading techniques

Reliable delivery and unpacking

On delivery day, expect:

• Careful unloading into each room
• Furniture reassembly according to your layout
• Placement of boxes where you need them

Learn more about our full-service moving solutions for a seamless relocation experience full-service moving solutions.

Plan your packing strategy

A solid strategy is the foundation of efficient packing. Start early and tackle one step at a time.

Declutter before packing

• Sort items into keep, donate, and discard piles
• Hold a garage sale or drop off donations to local charities
• Reduce volume to lower moving costs and speed up packing

Gather packing supplies

Stock up on essentials and specialty materials:

• Double-walled corrugated cardboard boxes of various sizes (My Town Movers)
• Packing paper, bubble wrap, and foam sheets
• Furniture pads, moving blankets, and stretch wrap
• High-quality packing tape and dispensers
• Colorful markers, labels, and stickers
• Wardrobe boxes and dish packs for fragile items

Create a packing timeline

1. Six weeks out: Order supplies and begin decluttering
2. One month out: Pack seldom-used items (books, seasonal decor)
3. Two weeks out: Pack nonessentials (guest linens, specialty kitchenware)
4. One week out: Pack daily necessities and essentials box
5. Moving day: Final walkthrough and last-minute items

Efficient packing techniques

Using proven techniques saves space and protects your belongings.

Pack by room

• Keep items from the same room together
• Label boxes with room name and a brief contents list
• Load similar-weight boxes together for stability

Protect fragile items

Proper care prevents damage during transit:

• Wrap each plate in bubble wrap and store vertically in dish boxes (Clutter)
• Use crumpled packing paper to fill empty spaces
• Clearly mark boxes “FRAGILE” and indicate top and sides (Move Advisor)
• Invest in specialty boxes for electronics, mirrors, and artwork

Compress linens and clothing

• Use vacuum compression bags to condense bulky items like blankets and sweaters (PODS)
• Pack hanging clothes in wardrobe boxes to prevent wrinkles
• Load heavy clothing at the bottom of small boxes and lighter items on top

Disassemble and pack furniture

Breaking down large pieces makes your move safer and more efficient.

Prepare and plan disassembly

• List all furniture requiring disassembly and prioritize by size and complexity (Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage)
• Photograph each item from multiple angles before taking it apart
• Gather tools: screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, and pliers

Disassemble and protect pieces

1. Remove legs, shelves, and detachable parts
2. Wrap each component in bubble wrap or furniture blankets
3. Place small hardware in labeled Ziploc bags
4. Secure bags to the corresponding furniture piece

(For a detailed step-by-step process, see Fit My Sofa NY’s guide to disassembly (Fit My Sofa NY).)

Organize hardware and labels

• Use durable labels to match hardware bags to furniture
• Store screws, bolts, and small parts together
• Tape labels on the underside of larger parts for easy reassembly

Loading and transport process

Expert loading ensures items arrive intact and organized.

• Lay down moving blankets to protect floors
• Load heaviest items first and distribute weight evenly
• Secure taller furniture against the walls of the truck
• Fill gaps with soft items like linens and pillows
• Tie down rows of boxes to prevent shifting

Next Door Movers also offers dedicated packing and loading assistance for added peace of mind.

Delivery and unpacking

A smooth delivery and unpacking phase sets the tone for settling into your new space.

Unloading with care

• Confirm placement of each item before movers start
• Guide movers room by room using color-coded markers
• Inspect high-value items for any transit damage

Reassemble furniture

• Follow your photo references for accurate reassembly
• Assemble larger pieces like beds and desks first to free up space
• Tighten hardware and adjust settings as needed

Place boxes in rooms

• Use your color or number code to direct each box
• Unpack essentials box first to cover immediate needs
• Leave nonessential boxes for later to avoid clutter

FAQs

Do you provide packing materials?
Yes, we supply all necessary materials, including boxes, tape, packing paper, and specialty containers.

Can you handle fragile items?
Absolutely. Our team uses custom crates, bubble wrap, and specialty boxes to protect delicate possessions.

How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least four to six weeks before your move date to ensure availability and optimal planning.

What happens if my move date changes?
We offer flexible scheduling. Simply notify us as soon as possible to adjust your booking without penalty.

How does pricing work?
Moving costs are based on the size of your home, distance, and chosen services. Request a detailed quote through our full-service moving quotes form full-service moving quotes.

Wrapping up your move

By following this comprehensive approach, you’ll master the best way to pack for a move and enjoy a stress-free process. From planning and packing to loading, transport, and delivery, Next Door Movers delivers customer-focused, comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs. Ready to get started? Reach out for a personalized estimate or find full-service movers near you full-service movers near me.