Packing & Moving Tips from America’s #1 Mover^®

Moving comes with a lot of questions. Our expert packing and moving tips help you plan, pack and settle in with confidence. Whether you’re handling a local move, coordinating a long-distance relocation or managing your first big move, you’ll find simple moving strategies, clear timelines and practical advice for moving day. We cover how to pack efficiently, which supplies you need, how to protect fragile items and ways to keep stress low from start to finish. Do you prefer to have help packing for a move or want the easiest way to pack and move? We offer customizable packing and unpacking services, plus tools and checklists that guide every step. Wherever you’re headed, United Van Lines makes moving manageable.

Planning Stage

Set Your Move Date

Good planning keeps your move on track. Set your date, choose how you’ll move, organize paperwork and map your route. Update your address and utilities early. Stock only essentials before packing to reduce waste and speed up your settling-in phase.

Sometimes you can’t plan your move-in date. If you have flexibility, book a mover as early as possible, especially during peak season May through September. Moving without pros? Coordinate around helpers’ schedules and give family or friends plenty of notice to clear their calendars.

Decide How You Want to Move

Not sure whether to move yourself, hire pros or mix both options? Compare costs, time and effort, and consider the potential for damaged belongings and injury if you opt to DIY. Full-service movers save labor and reduce risk. DIY offers control if you have time, help and the right gear. Hybrid approaches balance budget and convenience. Learn more.

Document Everything

Use a dedicated folder for reservations, checklists, receipts and key contacts. If you’re moving with United Van Lines, the MyUnited Move Portal centralizes details and simplifies prep so you can track tasks and stay on schedule.

Figure Out How You're Getting There

Whether driving or flying, plan travel early. For long road trips, schedule overnight stops. If you won’t drive, research airfares and car shipping services. Want to avoid extra miles on your vehicle? Consider a rental car. During peak season, reserve transportation as soon as possible.

Remember to Change Your Address

Submit a change of address so mail follows you to your new home. The USPS recommends allowing up to two weeks for forwarding to begin.

Remember to Update Your Utility Accounts

Notify current utility providers of your move-out date to prevent extra charges. Ask about prorated billing. Schedule utilities at your new home so power, water, gas and internet work on move-in day. Early scheduling can secure preferred appointment times.

Shop Necessary Groceries

Buy only what you can eat before moving. Packing nights leave little time to cook, and fresh or frozen foods travel poorly. Unopened pantry items can move with you. If you expect extras, plan a donation to a local food bank.

Pre-Packing Tips

Give yourself a head start with the right supplies and a plan. Use these packing and moving tips to streamline the process. Want hands-off help? United Van Lines offers optional professional packing and unpacking services to remove the hassle when moving full-service with us.

Gather and Catalog Your Packaging Supplies

Boxes are not the only items you need. To secure and label boxes, have: 

• Packing tape 
• Permanent markers

To cushion belongings, gather: 

• Paper towels 
• Bubble wrap or plastic wrap 
• Blankets,towels or extra t-shirts

Some items, like flat-screen TVs, travel best in their original boxes. Keep an inventory spreadsheet and store it in a safe place until you start packing.

Start Sourcing Boxes

Use sturdy moving boxes, padding, wrap and tape to protect valuables. Avoid torn or damp boxes that can fail under weight. Review our  moving supply checklist  to help estimate the quantities and sizes you’ll need.

Prep Your Current Home by Decluttering

Decluttering speeds up packing. Clean room by room and sort items to toss, donate or sell. Less to move means lower moving cost and faster unpacking.

Take Pictures of Your Intricate Items

Photograph appliance hookups and electronics so reassembly takes minutes, not hours. Snap your wall art layout if you want the same look in your new place.

Tips for Packing Efficiently for a Move

Once you’ve decluttered, gathered supplies and set your plan, start packing room by room. These packing tips and tricks help protect belongings and save time.

Use Right Boxes for The Right Items

Pack heavy items in small boxes for easier lifting. Reserve large boxes for lighter items like linens. Bulky boxes carry better when the contents are light. 

Mark Fragile Boxes and Handle with Care

Label boxes with fragile items so helpers treat them gently. Use original TV boxes when possible. Otherwise, wrap items with bubble wrap, paper towels, quilts or blankets. Pack dishes vertically to prevent crushing.

Pack Room by Room

Keep kitchen items with kitchen items and label by room. Mixing rooms increases the potential for breakage and complicates unpacking. Dedicated room boxes streamline loading and setup.

Make Sure Your Boxes Are Secure

Seal seams with ample packing tape. Reinforce heavy boxes along the bottom to prevent splits in transit.

Pack Cleaning Supplies Separately

Set aside a clearly labeled cleaning box. You’ll need it for last-minute touchups and for day one in your new home.

Pack a First Night Box

Create a "First Night Box" with clothes, toiletries, meds and chargers. Add easy meals, paper goods and entertainment. This way you’ll skip digging through boxes after a long day.

Don't Overdo It — And Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Packing takes longer than expected. Work in short sessions and track box counts and supplies. Replenish materials before you run out.

Tips for Moving Day

Moving day can run smoothly with a plan, clear roles and smart loading.

Take Pictures of Your Old Place

If you rent, photograph the empty space to document cleanliness and preexisting damage. Protecting your security deposit starts with clear records.

Moving Yourself? Load the Moving Truck with a Plan

Load large items first. Fill gaps with smaller boxes. Stack similarly sized boxes to keep the load stable and speed unloading.

Have a Plan for Unloading the Truck

Load and label by room so boxes land where they belong. Share a quick room map with helpers or movers to reduce questions and backtracking.

Celebrate Once Your Move Is Complete

When the last box is in place, take a breather. Order pizza, raise a glass and invite nearby friends for a quick day-one housewarming. You’ve earned it.