City Creek Moving Blog

Packing and Moving Tips

Our goal is to make your moving day go as smoothly as possible. While we offer packing help as one of our services, you may want to pack on your own. These tips may help you save time and money as you prepare for your move.

Moving and Packing Prep 

Change your address at least two weeks before moving.  - For same-city moves, consider hiring a sitter to take care of your kids and/or pets during the move. 

Labeling 

Label boxes on their sides so that you can identify them even if they're stacked.  - Number your boxes to ensure none get lost.  - Label your boxes by the room in which they should be unpacked as well as the contents.  - Color code box labels according to where they should be dropped off in your new home.  

Packing: Before Moving Day 

Pack least-used items first, and begin packing 2–3 weeks before the move.  - Pack breakable and non-breakable items separately. - As you dismantle furniture, place hardware in labeled zip-lock bags, and securely tape the bags to the furniture.  -Use wheeled luggage for heavy items like books.  - Pack books on their sides, alternating spine and open sides. Place a clean piece of paper between book covers to prevent them from sticking together.  - Firmly seal boxes and cartons.  - Don't use boxes without tops as this makes stacking them more difficult.  - Vacuum-seal fluffy clothes, blankets, and pillows.  

Electronics 

Take a photo of how your electronics are connected so you can remember how and where all the wires go.  - Use masking tape to label cables and keep them coiled.  - Use the original packaging whenever possible for electronics.  

Packing: Day of Move 

Keep important papers with you such as birth certificates, social security cards, etc.  - Pack the items you'll need first in a clear plastic bin so they'll be easy to find when you get to your new place. (box cutter, phone chargers, tools, toilet paper, etc.)  (Or) write "open first" on boxes containing essentials.  - Pack an over-night bag for each person which includes the essentials in case everyone is too tired to unpack upon arrival.  - Pack the clothes hanging in your closet by putting them in a drawstring garbage bag. Pull the drawstring tight around the base of the hanger hooks.  - Make sure everything is packed before the moving service arrives.   

Breakables

 Plates packed vertically will be less likely to break.  - Seal toiletry bottles (soap, perfume, oil, etc) by unscrewing the bottle top, placing plastic wrap over the opening, and screwing the bottle top back on.  - Place cotton balls or pads into powder cosmetics to keep the powder from breaking.  - Pack your glasses and stemware in clean socks for extra padding.  - Wrap breakable items in clothing and blankets to save on packaging supplies.  - Use plastic grocery bags to cushion breakable items.  - Use blankets to protect large pictures and mirrors.  - Fill boxes completely to prevent items from being jostled around and possibly breaking.  ​  

Moving in

  Pre-clean the bathroom and kitchen before you move your stuff in.  - If you color-code boxes according to the room, use colored sticky notes on door frames to label the rooms.