What should I do before a full packing crew arrives?
If our team is packing your whole home, the only thing David asks you to pack yourself is your valuables and important documents. The crew takes care of everything else. A few small preparations do make the day go smoother, and they are listed below. None of them involve buying boxes or tape; the truck brings every supply the team needs.
The longer answer
Your short to-do list
- Valuables and papers: jewelry, passports, birth certificates, cash, medications, laptops and keys. Keep them with you, not in the truck.
- Things that are not moving: set them in one room or mark them clearly so they do not get packed by mistake.
- Fridge and freezer: use up or give away the food; we do not move perishables or frozen items.
- Parking: the truck needs about 40 feet of curb for itself and the ramp.
- Building paperwork: reserve the elevator, and request a certificate of insurance if your building asks for one.
Packing day and moving day
A large or china-heavy home can be packed the day before the move, so the crew is not racing the clock on moving day. It also gives you an evening to look around and spot anything that was missed. Keep out a small box of essentials for that night: toothbrushes, chargers, a change of clothes and any medication. Ask about it when you book. Our packing and storage page covers longer projects, and packing services explains how the crew works through each room.
Who handles what
| Task | You | Crew |
|---|---|---|
| Valuables, documents | Yes | |
| Kitchen, closets, shelves | Yes | |
| Supplies and boxes | Yes | |
| Furniture disassembly | Yes | |
| Parking space, elevator, COI request | Yes |
For a broader timeline, see the moving checklist.
More questions people ask
Do I need to empty the drawers if the crew is packing?
With full packing, the crew packs the contents, so you can leave them. Just remove valuables first.
Should I defrost the freezer?
Empty it of food ahead of time. Food from the fridge and freezer does not go on the truck.
How do I get a COI for my building?
Send us the HOA or management company name, mailing address and email. The certificate is free.