You may have your stuff in boxes and things out of the closet, but that doesn’t really mean you’re ready to move.
When the movers show up, things can’t just be in their boxes. They’ve got to be labeled, organized in batches, and out of the hallways so everyone can get through efficiently. Until everything is actually packed up and labeled, you’re not quite ready to go.
However, that’s okay! We’re here to help you wrap your head around it and get everything done. It just takes some know-how. We do this every day, so we’re freshly prepared with the right advice, so you don’t waste any time.
This article provides really helpful tips on getting everything ready to go for your next move.
Makes Labels Clear for Everyone, Not Just Yourself
You know what’s in each box.
Your movers don’t.
The best thing you can do is label every box clearly:
- Room it belongs to (e.g. “Primary Bedroom” or “Kids’ Bathroom”)
- Contents (e.g. “Linens + Towels” or “Plates + Mugs”)
- Priority (e.g. “Open First,” “Fragile,” “Heavy”)
Avoiding labels, like “miscellaneous,” really helps the future you. Having all labels clearly labeled with what they are and where they go will significantly improve the first few days of unpacking, not to mention it’ll help the movers get everything done and out of your way right away.
If you’ve got an organization bug, that’s great! Try taking it further and grouping your boxes by room, indicated by different colored tape. Different colored markers work great too!
The more you do to organize beforehand, the less you’ll have to do when you get to your new, beautiful home.
Pack Everything Up Tight, But Ensure The Box is Liftable
Trek’s team is trained and equipped to move safely. But even so, how you pack makes a big difference.
Here’s how to pack like a pro:
- Heavy items go in small boxes (books, dishes, files)
- Light items go in larger boxes (bedding, clothes, pillows)
- Don’t overload — if it takes two people to lift, it needs to be repacked
Make sure to mark anything that’s over 50 pounds so the movers know where and when to move that box. We’re trained to do the heavy lifting, but your help identifying what’s inside the boxes is great, so we can ensure any delicate items are properly placed on the truck.
We also recommend retaping any boxes that are a bit older, and to use some heavy duty tape; great tape goes a long way!
Group, Stage, and Clear a Path
Once your items are boxed up, where you put them matters.
Best practice:
- Group boxes by room near the exit (if you have space)
- Stack safely (not too high, no leaning towers)
- Clear hallways, stairwells, and entry paths — this speeds up loading and prevents accidents
There are little things you can look out for that can make a big difference like removing little wall hooks you may have put up for art or hanging coats.
If you have things like a bed fram that needs to be disassembled, that should be your priority. If you can get those things ready by the time we show up, the whole process will be sped up.
Separate What Stays With You
Every move has a set of items you don’t want on the truck.
Set aside:
- Personal documents
- Jewelry or irreplaceables
- Medications
- Daily-use items (chargers, change of clothes, toiletries)
- A “first night” kit: towels, bedding, paper plates, trash bags
Put these in a bag or box marked “Do Not Load” and keep it separate from the rest — ideally by the door or in your vehicle.
If there’s anything you’re unsure about — like high-value electronics, sensitive equipment, or a few plants — just let us know ahead of time. We’ll work with you to pack it safely or set it aside.
Getting Us Ready With Necessary Debriefing Ahead of Time
Even if everything’s labeled, it helps to walk your Trek crew through the layout when they arrive.
Show us:
- What goes and what doesn’t
- Fragile or high-priority boxes
- Items that stay upright or need special handling
- Which bedroom is “Office” or “Jake’s Room,” so the labels make sense
Taking 5 minutes to get us on the same page will make for a far more efficient process. No guessing, just instructions taken directly from you!
If you have things to look out for, such as an abundance of narrow stairways or the lack of an elevator, it’s best to know ahead of time so we can arrive prepared and ready to go.
Load Order: Getting The Boxes You Need Most Right Away
If you want to make your unloading easier, think of what you’ll need on your very first day and label those items as such.
Flag those boxes “Open First” and let us know.
We’ll load them last — so they’re the first ones off.
That usually includes:
- Bedding
- Kitchen basics
- Towels + shower stuff
- Kids’ or pets’ essentials
- Coffee gear (trust us)
Just a few well-labeled priority boxes can turn a chaotic first night into a surprisingly calm one.
Organization Pays You Back
Packing carefully and organizing with intention isn’t just about feeling in control.
It can:
- Cut down on move time (less confusion = faster load)
- Prevent damage (better prep = safer transport)
- Make unpacking easier (because everything’s in the right room)
- Lower your stress (you’re not searching for toothbrushes at midnight)
All the heavy lifting is easy for us, but when you’ve organized it in advance, it only makes things faster and more efficient, so you can get to your new place and relax when the time comes.
Let Us Handle the Rest
We’re not expecting a professionally organized moving setup, but putting in some effort goes a long way, and being clear about what you really need help with will always pay off because we love to make your life easier!
When we show up, it will be with an experienced crew who know how to do everything safely and efficiently, a truck we know we can rely on, gear that’s industrial grade, and a plan tailored to our clients so there’s no surprises.
If you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed and want some help packing up, planning things out, or just have general questions, we’ll walk you through it so you’re ready for moving day without any added stress.
Book your next move with us and make it the easiest move you’ve ever made!