Start with the stuff you don’t use
Pack seasonal items, extra linens, books, and occasional-use kitchen gear first. Leave daily essentials until the last stretch. If something hasn’t been used in years and you don’t want to pay to move it, now is a reasonable time to donate, sell, recycle, or dispose of it safely.
Work one small area at a time. A whole room can feel endless; one cabinet is a finish line you can actually see. Make a keep / donate / recycle / pack decision while the item is in your hand. “I’ll decide later” is how a box of mystery cables gets a cross-country vacation.
Use labels that answer two questions
Write the destination room in large letters on at least two sides. Add a short contents note and a simple priority mark such as “open first,” “later,” or “fragile.” If you use numbers, keep a matching list in your move folder. Avoid writing a detailed list of valuables on the outside of the box.
Keep heavy items in smaller boxes and lighter bulky items in larger ones. Books, dishes, and tools become deceptively heavy fast. Don’t overfill a carton, and don’t rely on a soft or damaged box to hold weight. Use packing material to limit movement, especially around breakable items, and ask your mover how they want fragile or high-value belongings handled.
Take photos before you disconnect things
Photograph the back of your TV or router before unplugging cables. Take pictures of furniture condition, delicate items, and any appliance or electronics setup you may want to recreate. Keep high-value item information in your own records, and tell the mover about items that need special handling before the move.
Pack room by room, but think about the new place
Use the room names that make sense at the destination, not just where the item used to live. If the old office becomes a guest room, label for the guest room. Put hardware in a small labeled bag and tape it to the related furniture or keep it in a clearly marked parts box. A “first open” box for each major room can make the first evening less scavenger-hunt-ish.
Estimate volume with actual boxes where you can
For an early estimate, a room count can be a quick starting point. As packing progresses, it’s more helpful to track the number and sizes of boxes plus large items. Our volume planner shows its assumptions and adds a planning buffer; compare that number with the mover’s own inspection and capacity guidance.
Be careful with things that shouldn’t ride along
Ask your mover about items they will not transport, including certain hazardous materials, perishable foods, plants, or valuables you should keep with you. Rules and policies vary by provider and route. Do not pack medications, passports, important documents, keys, or essential electronics into the shipment if you need access to them during transit.
FMCSA’s moving checklist includes steps for inventory, estimates, and delivery. For interstate moves, read the consumer booklet your mover provides and keep a copy of your paperwork.
Updated November 2026 · Packaging needs vary by item and mover. Follow manufacturer and mover handling instructions for delicate, valuable, or hazardous items.