Packing and Moving Tips from the Nation’s Most Trusted Mover

Whether you’re hiring a professional moving company like Mayflower® or doing it on your own, moving is a big life moment. Either way, being prepared makes all the difference. Drawing from nearly 100 years of experience moving millions of families across the country, Mayflower’s expert tips are designed to help you stay organized, efficient and confident from start to finish. Our proven advice helps simplify every step of the process, from pre-move planning and packing to moving day logistics and even settling in. No matter where you’re headed, these insights from America’s most trusted mover can help ensure a smooth, well-managed transition.

Before You Move

Now that you’re packed up, you can focus on the move itself. We’ve gathered moving tips for things you can do in advance to help make the moving day as smooth as possible.

Keep Your Documentation Organized

Use a dedicated folder for moving paperwork such as reservations, checklists and receipts. Keeping everything in one place helps prevent confusion and misplaced items.

Decide How You Want to Move

Still choosing between DIY, hiring professional movers to do everything, or perhaps a mix of both? Use our moving options guide to weigh the pros and cons of each approach and help with your decision-making process.

Set the Date

If your move-in date is flexible, pick a move date that works for you and anyone helping. Give family and friends plenty of notice if they’ll be lending a hand. 

Map Your Route

If you’re renting a vehicle, map out your route to save time and money. Efficiency is key when it comes to moving. Even if you’re moving across town and you know the way, factor in rush hour, detours or local events that may affect your schedule.

Make Sure You Change Your Address

Changing your address before you move can save you a headache. Update your address early so mail, bills and deliveries reach your new home without a hitch.

Set Up Utilities

Arrange to have utilities, Wi-Fi and trash pickup set up before moving day. Also, stop service at your old address so you’re not paying for both homes.

Pack a First Night Box

Include clothes, toiletries, snacks and anything else you’d like to access on your first few days at your new place. Games, movies, and disposable plates and utensils are also good to have right away.

Set Aside Cleaning Supplies

Keep cleaning products separate for a quick final tidy-up at your old place. You’ll also have the supplies ready to clean your new place before you move everything in.

Stop Buying Groceries

It’s best to stop buying groceries about a week before you move so you’re not wasting a lot of food. Some food will be easy to transport, but the rest can be donated to a local food pantry or thrown out if needed.

Before You Pack

A well-prepared move starts long before the first box is sealed. Mayflower makes it easy to plan your move, your way. We offer full, partial, specialty, and custom crating packing services, all of which can be added to your long-distance, full-service moving package. Our experienced movers handle the packing so you can skip the supplies, the heavy lifting, and the stress. 

Gather Packing Supplies

It’s best to gather packing materials early so you have everything you need once you’re ready to start. Supplies like packing tape, labels and markers help organize and secure your boxes. Materials like packing paper, bubble wrap, blankets and towels help protect your items. 

Find Packing Boxes

Many liquor stores, grocery stores and other retailers usually have empty boxes they recycle. You could also call around to find out if any places will set some aside, or you can look on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to find some in your area.

If you want to better protect your breakable items while moving, buy or source used cardboard boxes designed specifically for moving.

Organizing Your Packing Boxes

If you’ve gathered a variety of boxes, you’ll want to make sure you have consistency. Similar shaped boxes are easier to pack and save space. Check for damage and replace boxes that are torn, wet or structurally weak.

Declutter and Clean Your Home

Before you start packing every item in your house, see if there’s anything you don’t need. Clean your house and see if you have items you can throw out, donate or gift. It’s more efficient to go through items before you pack so you move less and start fresh.

Take Pictures of Your Intricate Items

Take pictures of any appliances or electronics that have a complicated setup so you’ll know how to plug cords back in at your new place. If you like the layout of your art and pictures on the wall, take a picture of that, too. 

During Packing

You’ve finished your packing prep and you’re ready to actually start moving! Read on for tips on how to make this task a breeze.

Use the Right Boxes for the Right Stuff

Pack heavy items like books in small boxes and lighter items in larger ones. A bulkier or more awkward box is always easier to carry if lighter objects are inside. Balance the load and avoid overfilling. Create a packing plan to keep boxes well organized.

Care for Your Fragile Items

Wrap glassware, electronics and art carefully. If you have the original boxes the items came in, it’s the ideal way to move them. Wrap breakables well in bubble wrap, paper towels, quilts or blankets. Fragile items like dishes are best packed vertically.

Pack by Room

Keep boxes separated by room designation. If you have dishes and utensils mixed in with your living room decorations, it will be more complicated when you’re unpacking. Keeping each room’s items to their own box will create a more streamlined process. Be sure to label your boxes so you know where to unload on moving day.

Pack a Little at a Time

When you’re ready to start packing, try to pack a little at a time, one room at a time. If you know when you’re moving out or in, pack in advance to ensure you have enough boxes and other supplies.

Securing Your Boxes

Put your supplies to use and secure your boxes with plenty of packing tape. You might need more sealing depending on how far your move is, but too much tape is never a bad thing.

If you use professional movers, they may ask to see how you packed your fragile or valuable items before you secure and seal the boxes.

Label and Organize as You Pack

If you want an easier unpacking process, organization is key. Clearly label and mark your boxes so you know exactly where to find your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and other items once you’re moved in.

During Moving

You’re packed, organized and have everything squared away. It’s moving day! Learn how to make this move-out day as stress-free as possible.

Take Pictures

If you’re moving out of or into a rental, taking pictures of the empty space is important. This can serve as documentation of the condition you left it in, and proof of any damage that is already there.

Load the Truck with a Plan

It’s best not to throw everything into your moving truck or other vehicles. Pack large items first and fill in the space with small boxes. Boxes of similar size will stack and fit together nicer than haphazardly throwing things in the truck.

Unload the Truck with a Plan

If friends and family are helping you, it will make things easier and move quicker if you delegate tasks. Since your boxes have nice labels, that helps with taking boxes into the room where they belong. If you do a full-service move with Mayflower, our professionals handle the heavy lifting — loading, unloading and everything in between.