Resources
After hundreds of moves across the region, the Box Truck Boys team has learned a thing or two. Here are our best expert tips to make your next move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Most people underestimate how long packing takes. A 3-bedroom home can take 3–5 full days to pack properly. Start at least 6–8 weeks out and pack a little every day rather than cramming it all in the night before.
Keep all your moving documents in one place — quotes, contracts, utility transfer confirmations, and your new home's lease or closing documents. A physical binder or a dedicated folder on your phone works great.
Walk through every room and photograph your belongings before boxing them up. This creates a record for insurance purposes and helps you keep track of what you own as you unpack.
There's no point paying to move things you don't need. Go room by room and sort items into Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash piles. Box Truck Boys can even take your donation items directly to our partner, Round The Block Resale!
Books, tools, and canned goods are dense — pack them in small boxes so they stay manageable. Large boxes should be reserved for lighter items like pillows, linens, and lampshades.
When boxes are stacked, you can't see the top. Label all four sides with the room destination and a brief contents description (e.g., 'Kitchen – Pots & Pans'). Color-coded tape by room is even better.
Towels, blankets, clothing, and linens make excellent padding for fragile items. Pack dishes vertically like records rather than flat — they're far less likely to break that way.
Boxes with empty space collapse under weight. Fill gaps with crumpled packing paper, clothing, or bubble wrap to keep everything snug and protected during transport.
Pack a bag or box with everything you'll need for the first 24–48 hours: phone charger, toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, snacks, important documents, and your kids' or pets' essentials. Keep this with you, not on the truck.
Lay down cardboard or moving blankets on hardwood floors and wrap doorframes to prevent scuffs and dings. Your movers will appreciate it and so will your security deposit.
Take apart bed frames, desks, and large shelving units the evening before your move. Keep all hardware (screws, bolts, brackets) in labeled zip-lock bags taped directly to the furniture piece they belong to.
Stay on-site and accessible during your move. Your movers will have questions about where things go and how to handle specific items. Clear communication leads to a faster, smoother move.
After a long moving day, you'll want a functional bedroom and bathroom more than anything. Prioritize making your bed and setting up the bathroom before tackling the kitchen or living areas.
It's tempting to unpack everything at once, but taking it room by room over a few days leads to better organization. Living out of boxes for a day or two is far better than a chaotic, disorganized home.
Make a list of every account, subscription, and institution that has your address: bank, DMV, voter registration, IRS, insurance, Amazon, doctor, dentist, and any subscriptions. Update them all within the first week.
A simple knock on the door and a friendly hello goes a long way. Neighbors can be invaluable resources — they know the area, the best local spots, and can keep an eye on your home when you're away.
Put these tips to work and let Box Truck Boys take care of the rest. Get your free quote today.