The No-Stress Guide for Packing Up an Apartment 

Moving day looming on the horizon? Take a deep breath – we’ve got you covered. After helping thousands of people move across town and across the country, we at Brown Box Movers know exactly what it takes when packing up an apartment without losing your mind (or your favorite coffee mug).

Start With the Right Timeline

Let’s be real – nobody wants to be throwing random items into boxes at 2 AM the night before moving day. The secret to a stress-free move is starting early. From our experience, you’ll want to begin packing up an apartment about three weeks before your move. Trust me, Future You will be incredibly grateful for this foresight.

Gathering Your Packing Arsenal

Before you even think about wrapping that first plate, make sure you’re armed with the right supplies. You’ll need:

Strong moving boxes in various sizes (pro tip: liquor stores often give away sturdy boxes for free) Quality packing tape – don’t skimp here, the cheap stuff will haunt you later Bubble wrap and packing paper (old newspapers work too, but watch out for ink stains) Markers for labeling (thick, dark ones that won’t fade) A box cutter for assembly and unpacking

The Room-by-Room Battle Plan: Kitchen Kickoff

The kitchen is usually the most time-consuming room to pack, so start here. Begin with those fancy serving dishes and seasonal items you rarely use. Keep one set of everyday dishes, a pan, and basic cooking tools accessible until moving day.

Here’s a genius hack we’ve learned: pack spices in your pots and use clean socks as padding for glasses. And please, for the love of all things breakable, double-box your dishes!

Bathroom Basics

Contrary to popular belief, bathrooms aren’t as simple as throwing everything in a box. Create a “last week” kit with essential toiletries, medications, and enough toilet paper to get you through. Pack everything else, but remember to wrap bottles tightly – no one wants shampoo exploding all over their towels.

Bedroom Breakdown

Start with out-of-season clothes and rarely worn items. Use vacuum bags to compress bulky bedding and winter clothes. Your clothes on hangers? Leave them on! Group them together, slip a garbage bag over them from bottom to top, and tie the handles around the hangers. Instant garment bag!

Living Room Logic

This room is tricky because we use it until the last minute. Start with books, decorative items, and wall art. For electronics, take photos of how everything is connected – future you will be eternally grateful. And here’s a pro tip: pack a “First Night” box with essentials like chargers, remote controls, and basic tools.

The Final Countdown

In the last few days before the move, focus on dismantling furniture (keep those screws and bolts in labeled zip-lock bags), packing remaining items, and doing a final sweep of each room. Don’t forget to check inside the oven – you’d be surprised how many people forget to check there!

Expert Tips from Years in the Field

Having helped countless residents move, we’ve learned that labeling boxes with both the room AND specific contents makes unpacking infinitely easier. Write on multiple sides of the box – you’ll thank us later when they’re all stacked up.

Create a “command center” box with important documents, basic tools, and cleaning supplies. This box should travel with you, not in the moving truck.

The Last Walk-Through

Before you hand over those keys, do one final sweep. Check all drawers, closets, and yes, even that weird space above the kitchen cabinets. You’d be amazed at what people forget – we once found a family photo album that had been tucked away in an air vent!

Remember, packing up an apartment isn’t just about throwing things in boxes – it’s about creating a system that makes unpacking in your new place as painless as possible. At Brown Box Movers, we’ve seen it all, and we know that a well-planned packing strategy can make all the difference between a stressful move and a smooth transition to your new home.

Need help with your move? Brown Box Movers has been helping people just like you transition to their new homes for years. We’re just a call away, ready to make your move as smooth as possible!