Being prepared to move by the time your bellhops arrive enables them to work as safely and efficiently as possible—and also saves you time and money. To help with this, we’ve gathered the most helpful practices we’ve learned over the course of 200,000 moves.

• Begin by packing off-season clothes, books, and other items you won’t be using in the days prior to your move.
• Make sure all boxes are sealed with packing tape and clearly marked with their destination (and the term “fragile” when appropriate).
• Place paper plates between your glass or porcelain plates to keep them protected. For other delicate items, use towels or pillows to safeguard them in their boxes.

• Maybe your dog will even move off the couch for you. Probably not.
• Disassemble furniture that will be too large to fit through doorways, down staircases, or inside elevators.
• Disconnect and drain all appliances.
• Empty your refrigerator and freezer, and then wipe everything dry. Keep the doors open overnight, with a towel underneath to contain any dripping.
• Box TVs: If you do not have the original TV boxes, we can get some shipped to your door in two days or you can order moving boxes directly. Note: If electronics are not in boxes on the day of your move, we will refuse to move them or ask that you sign a waiver of liability.