Moving to a new home brings excitement and stress in equal measure. After helping thousands of families move across New York City, we’ve learned what makes the difference between a chaotic move and a smooth one.
The secret isn’t just hiring good movers. It’s knowing how to prepare your home the right way.
This guide shares practical tips we’ve gathered from years of moving experience. You’ll learn exactly what to do before moving day arrives.
Create Your Moving Timeline
Smart planning starts two months before you move. This gives you plenty of time to handle everything without rushing.
Start by making a moving folder on your computer or phone. Save all your moving contracts, receipts, and important phone numbers there.
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Eight weeks before moving: Look for moving companies and read their reviews online. Good movers book up fast during summer months when everyone wants to move.
Call at least three companies for quotes. Ask them to visit your home or do a video call to give you an accurate price. If you’re planning a local move within the same city, many companies offer same day estimates.
Six weeks before moving: Pick your moving company and set your moving date. Now comes the fun part: getting rid of stuff you don’t need.
Go through each room and sort items into three piles. Keep, donate, and throw away. The less you move, the less you pay.
Four weeks before moving: Buy your packing supplies if you’re packing yourself. You’ll need more boxes than you think.
Start packing things you won’t use for a month. Think holiday decorations, extra blankets, and books you’ve already read.
Write what’s inside each box with a marker. Add which room it goes to in your new home.
Two weeks before moving: Call your moving company to confirm everything. Make sure they have the right address and arrival time.
Pack a special box with things you’ll need right away. Include toilet paper, soap, towels, phone chargers, and a few days of clothes.
Pack Each Room the Right Way
Different rooms need different packing methods. Here’s how to handle each one without breaking anything.
Kitchen Packing Tips
Your kitchen takes the longest to pack. Start eating the food in your freezer now so you don’t waste it.
Wrap each plate and bowl in packing paper. Stand plates up in boxes like records rather than stacking them flat.
This position keeps them safer during the move. Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper so nothing shifts around.
Pack glasses one at a time. Stuff paper inside each glass and wrap the outside too.
Keep your coffee maker and basic dishes out until the last day. You’ll want coffee on moving morning.
Bedroom Organization
Leave clothes on hangers and put them in wardrobe boxes. This saves time and keeps clothes neat.
You can leave soft items like socks in dresser drawers. Just wrap the whole drawer in plastic wrap to keep everything inside.
Take heavy items out of dressers first. This makes furniture lighter and prevents drawers from sliding out.
Pack jewelry and watches in small boxes. Keep these boxes with you instead of putting them on the truck.
Living Room Valuables
Your living room probably has your TV, artwork, and favorite decorations. These items need extra care.
Take photos of how your TV cables connect before unplugging anything. This makes setup easier later.
Put each remote control in a labeled plastic bag. Tape the bag to its matching device.
Wrap picture frames in bubble wrap. Never put them in boxes with other items that might crush them.
Use blankets to wrap mirrors and large artwork. Tape cardboard corners on for extra protection.
Bathroom Basics
Throw away old medicine and almost empty shampoo bottles. No point moving things you’ll throw away anyway.
Put tape over the tops of all bottles. Then put each bottle in a plastic bag before boxing them up.
This double protection stops leaks from ruining other boxes. Trust us, shampoo explosions happen more than you’d think.
Keep one box of bathroom supplies separate. You’ll want these as soon as you arrive at your new place.
Protect Your Furniture and Floors
Furniture costs a lot to replace. Taking time to protect it properly saves money and headaches.
Take apart any furniture you can. Bed frames, table legs, and shelving units often come apart easily.
Put all screws and bolts in labeled bags. Tape each bag to its furniture piece so nothing gets lost.
Take photos before taking complex furniture apart. You’ll thank yourself when putting it back together.
Wrap wooden furniture in moving blankets. Use tape or plastic wrap to keep blankets in place.
Pay special attention to corners and legs. These areas get bumped and scratched most often during moves.
Floor Protection Matters
Protecting floors keeps your security deposit safe when renting. It also maintains your home’s value when selling.
Put cardboard or plastic runners on floors where movers will walk. Focus on hallways and doorways.
Use furniture sliders under heavy items. These little discs prevent scratches when sliding furniture.
Check your new home’s floor rules if moving to an apartment. Some buildings require specific floor protection during moves, especially in neighborhoods like Brooklyn where many pre-war buildings have original hardwood floors.
Remove furniture legs when possible. This prevents them from scratching walls when going through doorways.
Handle Special Items Correctly
Every home has items that need special treatment. Knowing the rules prevents problems on moving day.
Valuable Items Need Special Care
Never put cash, jewelry, or important papers on the moving truck. Carry these items yourself.
Make a list of valuable items with photos. This helps with insurance claims if anything goes wrong.
Consider extra moving insurance for expensive items. Basic coverage might not be enough for that antique dresser. For high value items like fine art or antiques, consider white glove moving services that specialize in handling precious belongings.
Tell movers about fragile valuables before they start. Point out anything that needs extra careful handling.
Plants Have Special Rules
Many states won’t let moving trucks carry plants. Bugs and diseases can spread to new areas this way.
For local moves, put plants in open boxes. Water them normally until two days before moving.
Let the soil dry out a bit to prevent spills. Your car’s interior will thank you.
Give away plants you can’t take. Friends and neighbors usually love free plants.
Items Movers Won’t Touch
Professional movers can’t transport hazardous materials. This includes paint, gas cans, and cleaning chemicals.
Use up these products before moving day. Give extras to neighbors or dispose of them properly.
Check your city’s website for hazardous waste disposal sites. Most cities have special drop off days.
Don’t try to sneak banned items into boxes. Movers check, and it could cancel your whole move.
Make Moving Day Run Smoothly
All your preparation leads to this day. Being ready helps everything go faster.
Before Movers Arrive
Walk through every room one last time. Check inside all closets, cabinets, and the attic.
Take photos of empty rooms. These prove you left the place clean if questions come up later.
Clear snow or leaves from walkways. Movers need safe paths to carry your belongings.
Have cash ready for tips if you plan to tip. Most people tip $20 to $40 per mover for good service.
During the Move
Stay nearby to answer questions. Movers might need to know which boxes are most fragile.
Keep your phone charged and handy. You’ll need it for calls with your moving coordinator.
Check items off your inventory list as they load. This prevents forgetting anything important.
Offer movers water on hot days. Happy movers take better care of your belongings.
After Everything’s Loaded
Do one more walk through the empty house. Look for items hiding behind doors or in corners.
Check that windows are locked and lights are off. Turn off the main water valve if the house will be empty.
Leave garage door openers and all keys as agreed. Your real estate agent can tell you where to put them.
Take final meter readings for utilities. This prevents paying for power you didn’t use.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Preparing your home properly makes moving day easier for everyone. Start early and tackle one room at a time.
Remember that professional movers handle the heavy lifting. Your job is getting everything ready for them to work efficiently.
Good preparation saves time and money. It also protects your belongings and reduces moving day stress.
Every successful move starts with a solid plan. Use this guide to create yours and enjoy a smooth transition to your new home.
Moving marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. With the right preparation, you can focus on the excitement of your new home instead of worrying about the move itself.
