So, you’ve booked your professional movers and signed the contract. A huge weight has been lifted! Now, a different kind of question might be popping into your head: “Okay, what do I do now?” That feeling of being in the "in-between" is completely normal. At Pick and Pack Moving, we've helped thousands of New Jersey families transition to their new home, and we know this preparation period is the secret to a smooth moving day.
Think of us as your local mover partners. We handle the heavy lifting on the big day, but the work you do beforehand makes the entire moving process flow seamlessly. This guide is designed to walk you through every step, from that post-booking sigh of relief to the moment you confidently welcome our moving truck crew. Let’s turn that pre-move anxiety into excited anticipation!
Get Organized: Create Your Command Center for the Move
Before you even pick up a packing tape roll, your first task is to get organized. A little bit of planning now will save you from a world of confusion later. Think of this as creating your mission control for the move.
Your Moving Binder: Don't Leave Home Without It
A simple binder of a moving checklist or a dedicated digital folder will be your best assistant. This is where every important piece of paper and note lives, so it’s easy to find when you need it most.
- Moving Company Details: Store a copy of your contract, our contact info, the estimated moving costs, and your point person's name. Having this on hand is crucial if you have a quick question.
- Important Documents: Keep passports, birth certificates, mortgage/lease papers, and medical records in a separate, clearly marked folder inside the binder. This is one thing you should move yourself.
- Inventory Lists: As you pack, you can store your box index (more on that later!) and a running list of high-value items here for moving insurance purposes.
We can't describe how essential this step is. With more than a decade of experience in moving and packing, we've seen countless families fumble with last-minute packing and run through rooms, thinking, "Where did I put the documents?" Avoid this classic confusion and plan your move from the get-go.
Craft Your Personal Moving Timeline
A moving timeline breaks down the monumental task of moving into manageable, bite-sized pieces. It’s the ultimate one of our moving tips and tricks to prevent last-minute panic.
- 8 Weeks Out: Focus on decluttering. Start going through rooms, creating "Keep," "Donate," and "Sell" piles.
- 4 Weeks Out: Begin packing non-essential items (like off-season clothes, books, and decor). Start gathering packing supplies.
- 4 Weeks Out: Confirm arrangements with us, your professional NJ movers. Schedule your utility transfers. Keep in mind that summer is the most demanding period for moving, so if you want to get lower rates and more flexibility, book your move earlier.
- 1 Week Out: Pack a majority of your belongings, leaving out only essentials. Prepare your "Open First" box.
- Moving Day Eve: Pack your personal overnight bag and confirm the game plan with our team.
Keep in mind that the moving timeline is essential for especially large and intricate moves. If you're moving your wine cellar, for example, you'll need to consult with the professionals at Pick and Pack moving.
Tackle Packing Like a Pro
Packing is more than just putting things in moving boxes. A thoughtful approach not only protects your belongings but also makes unpacking in your new home a joy.
Declutter First, Pack Second
This is the golden rule. There’s no point in paying to move things you don’t want or need. A thorough declutter is a surefire way to simplify your life and even reduce your moving costs.
- The Four-Pile System: As you go through each room, sort items into: Keep, Donate/Sell, Recycle, and Trash.
- Tackle One Room at a Time: This prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. Start with the least-used spaces, like the attic or guest room.
- Be Ruthless: If you haven't used it in a year, you probably don't need it. Letting go of old items makes space for new memories.
Decluttering can be therapeutic. Find the best approach to decluttering so you can get ready for the move and have fun.
Smart Packing is an Unpacking Strategy in Disguise
Random packing leads to chaotic unpacking. By organizing your packing boxes logically, you’re setting your future self up for success.
- Pack by Room: Keep items from the same room together in the same boxes. Never mix the kitchen with the bedroom.
- Create an "Open First" Box: This is your survival kit. Include toilet paper, a shower curtain, towels, basic tools, snacks, and chargers for your electronic devices.
Don't forget about the proper moving supplies and labeling boxes. Professional movers like Pick and Pack use high-quality supplies and expert labeling techniques, so when you're unpacking in your new home, nothing goes missing.
Master the Move with Simple Labeling Hacks
A labeled box is good. A brilliantly labeled box is a game-changer. These moving hacks will help our crew help you, making the unloading process incredibly efficient.
Color-Coding is Your Best Friend
This is a visual system that works instantly. You can use colored stickers or moving label sheets to assign a color to each room in your new home.
- How it Works: Put a green sticker on every box that goes in the kitchen, a blue sticker for the master bedroom, etc.
- Pro Tip: Place a matching colored piece of paper on the door of each room in your new home. Our movers will know exactly where to place every box without asking you a single question.
Create a Master Box Index
For the ultra-organized, a box index or moving legend takes labeling to the next level. It’s a numbered list that corresponds to your boxes.
- The System: Number every box (e.g., Box 1, Box 2, etc.). In a notebook or digital document, write a brief contents list for each number.
- The Benefit: You’ll know that "Box 24" has your photo albums and important files, making it easy to track down specific items without rummaging. This is also invaluable if you ever need to file an insurance claim.
Finalize the Important Details
With the packing underway, it’s time to handle the logistical backbone of your move. Crossing these tasks off your list ensures a smooth transition between homes.
Confirm All Moving Day Logistics
Even though you’ve already booked us, it’s always a good idea to touch base as your moving day approaches.
- Reconfirm the Schedule: A quick call or email a few days before to confirm arrival times and the game plan is always welcome.
- Discuss Special Items: Let us know about any extra-fragile heirlooms, that heavy safe, or your grand piano, or a grandfather clock, so we can bring the right moving equipment and furniture pads.
Set Up Your New Life's Utilities
You don’t want to arrive at your new house without power or water. Schedule the start of utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet for the day before you move in.
- Change Your Address: File an official change of address with the USPS and notify banks, subscription services, and other important contacts.
- Update Your Insurance: Contact your renters' insurance or homeowner's insurance provider to ensure coverage transfers to your new address.
Safeguard Your Valuables
Your belongings are precious. Taking a few extra steps to protect them will give you total peace of mind when the moving truck is loaded up.
Don't Skimp on Packing Supplies
Flimsy boxes and a single roll of tape are a recipe for disaster. Investing in quality moving boxes, strong packing tape, and plenty of bubble wrap is non-negotiable.
- Use the Right Box for the Job: Small boxes for books and heavy items, medium boxes for most things, and large boxes for light, bulky items like linens.
- Protect Your Furniture: We’ll bring professional furniture pads, but if you’re pre-packing, using your own blankets and pads can provide extra protection for wood finishes.
Give Fragile Items Extra Love
Fragile items need a special touch. When in doubt, use more cushioning than you think you need.
- Wrap Individually: Wrap each glass, plate, and vase in bubble wrap or packing paper before placing it in the box.
- Cushion and Fill: Place a layer of crumpled paper at the bottom of the box. Pack items snugly so they can’t shift, and fill any empty spaces with more paper or padding.
- Mark Clearly: Label these boxes FRAGILE on all sides with a bold marker.
Prepare for Moving Day Itself
The big day is here! A little preparation will make it run like a well-oiled machine for you and our professional movers.
Your Essentials Box is Key
This is the most important box you’ll pack. This should include everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours in your new home without having to search through a mountain of boxes.
- What to Include: Medications, a change of clothes, basic toiletries, phone chargers, snacks, drinks, pet food, a toolkit, and cleaning supplies.
- Keep it Separate: This box and any personal suitcases should be kept in a separate room or your car, so they don’t get loaded onto the moving truck by accident.
Be Ready for the Moving Crew
A clear plan helps our team work efficiently and safely.
- Point of Contact: Designate one person in the household to be the main point of contact for the moving crew chief.
- Do a Final Walkthrough: Before we start loading, walk through each room and closet with the crew chief to ensure nothing is missed.
- Provide Clear Access: Make sure pathways are clear of debris and rugs are secured or rolled up.
Let’s Make Your Move the Easy Part of Your New Beginning
Moving should be about excitement, not exhaustion. But let’s be honest: between deciding what to keep, protecting your favorite things, and figuring out how to move that awkward couch, the whole process can feel overwhelming before you even start. That’s exactly why we exist.
At Pick and Pack Moving, we handle the heavy stuff so you can focus on the good stuff - like starting your next chapter.
We’re your local NJ movers who actually care about making this easy for you. Here’s what our full-service moving experience brings to your move:
Why You’ll Love Moving With Us:
- We do the hard part: Packing, loading, driving, unloading - consider it done.
- No budget surprises: Honest quotes that fit your moving budget.
- Moving pros: We know how to protect your grandma’s china AND your oversized sectional.
- Car moving too: Your vehicle arrives when you do.
- Actual customer service: Real people answering your questions, not a robot.
How We Make This Happen:
- Free personalized estimate: We look at what you’re moving, then give you a real price.
- Custom game plan: Your move, your way.
- Packing like we care: Because we actually do, using high-quality packing supplies.
- Careful transport: Your stuff rides safely with our experienced team.
- Unpacking help: Want us to set up your kitchen? Just say the word.
Here’s the real deal: We get that you’ve got enough to worry about with new jobs, new schools, or just figuring out where the grocery store is. Our job? To make sure your belongings arrive safely, on time, and without you having to break a sweat. No gimmicks, no hidden fees - just great service from people who treat your home like it’s ours.
Ready to Cross “Stressful Move” Off Your List?
The best part about your new beginning? It starts with one easy decision - letting us handle the move. Get your free, no-pressure quote today, and let’s make your move the easiest part of this adventure.
