Whether you’re moving into your first apartment, upsizing to a larger home, or relocating your office across the city, the process can feel daunting. There are logistics to coordinate, emotions to manage, and a million tiny details to handle.
But here’s the truth: a well-planned move can be a smooth, even enjoyable experience—especially with the right guidance.
At Muraway Moving, we’ve helped thousands of clients throughout Los Angeles and Southern California move safely and efficiently. We’ve seen the most common pitfalls and know exactly how to avoid them. So we’ve compiled this ultimate moving guide to help you make your move organized, stress-free, and successful from start to finish.
Let’s dive into the 10 most important tips every person should know before moving.
1. Start Planning Early The Sooner, the Better
The earlier you start planning, the better control you’ll have over your move. Ideally, begin at least 6–8 weeks before your moving date.
Here’s why starting early matters:
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You’ll have time to research moving companies, compare services, and book your preferred date.
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You can handle administrative tasks like changing your address, notifying utilities, and updating subscriptions gradually.
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It gives you breathing room to pack thoughtfully and avoid the last-minute “throw-everything-in-a-box” panic.
Real-Life Example:
One of our clients in Glendale started packing just three days before their move. They ended up overpacking, labeling incorrectly, and running out of supplies—turning moving day into an exhausting 14-hour ordeal. If they had started even a week earlier, the entire process could’ve been completed more smoothly and cost them less in time and stress.
2. Declutter Before You Pack – Don’t Move What You Don’t Need
One of the biggest mistakes people make is packing and moving items they no longer use.
Think about it: every item you move costs you time, effort, and possibly money (especially for long-distance moves). Why pay to move old clothes, broken electronics, or unused kitchen gadgets?
How to declutter effectively:
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Go room by room and sort items into: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Discard.
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Use the “1-year rule”: if you haven’t used it in the past year, consider letting it go.
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Don’t forget to sort through your garage, attic, and storage units—those are clutter hotspots!
Added Value:
Host a pre-move yard sale to earn extra cash and lighten your load. Alternatively, donate to local charities or shelters in LA.
3. Use a System for Packing and Labeling – Stay Organized from Day One
Packing is more than just putting stuff into boxes—it’s about creating an organized system that saves you hours of unpacking and searching later.
Our recommended system:
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Label each box with room + brief contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Dishes and Mugs”).
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Use colored stickers or tape for each room to speed up unloading.
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Number your boxes and track them on a spreadsheet or inventory app.
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Mark clearly if a box contains fragile items or priority items.
Bonus Tip:
Label sides and top of boxes so they’re visible no matter how they’re stacked.
4. Pack a “First Night” Essentials Box – Settle in Comfortably
After a long day of moving, the last thing you’ll want to do is rummage through dozens of boxes to find your toothbrush or pajamas.
Your “First Night” box should include:
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Toiletries, medications, toilet paper, towels
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Chargers, laptops, keys, batteries
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Pajamas, clothes for the next day, shoes
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Non-perishable snacks, utensils, paper plates
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Bedding and a pillow
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Pet food, leashes, litter (if applicable)
Pro tip:
Keep this box with you—not in the moving truck. If there’s a delay, you’ll still have everything you need.
5. Pack Fragile Items With Care – Protect What Matters
Nothing’s worse than opening a box to find your favorite glassware shattered. Breakable items require special attention and the right materials.
What to use:
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Bubble wrap for glass and ceramics
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Packing paper for plates and mugs
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Towels or linens to cushion larger fragile items
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Dish boxes with dividers for maximum safety
Be sure to:
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Fill all gaps with cushioning material to prevent shifting
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Label boxes as FRAGILE and place them upright in the truck
At Muraway Moving, our packing experts are trained in handling fragile and high-value items—everything from mirrors and artwork to wine collections and electronics.
6. Don’t Overpack Boxes – Balance Weight and Safety
One of the most common packing mistakes? Overloading boxes. While it might seem like a time-saver, it increases the risk of injury and breakage.
Rules of thumb:
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Keep boxes under 50 lbs if possible
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Use small boxes for heavy items like books and tools
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Use larger boxes for lightweight items like clothes, pillows, and plasticware
Improper packing can damage both your belongings and your back—something we take seriously at Muraway.
7. Hire Licensed and Insured Professionals – Don’t Risk It
Choosing the right moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your move.
You should always verify:
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The company is licensed by the state of California (CPUC) and fully insured
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They provide a clear, written estimate avoid vague quotes
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They have positive online reviews and a reputation for customer care
Muraway Moving is proud to be: ✅ Fully licensed and insured
✅ Highly rated on Google, Yelp, and Angi
✅ Transparent in pricing no hidden fees
✅ Equipped to handle residential, commercial, and long-distance moves
You don’t want to leave your valuables in the hands of untrained or uninsured movers.
8. Use High-Quality Moving Supplies – Invest in Peace of Mind
While it’s tempting to grab free boxes from the grocery store, using low-quality supplies can result in damaged belongings and unnecessary stress.
Essentials:
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Double-walled boxes in multiple sizes
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Strong packing tape
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Bubble wrap and foam sheets
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Stretch wrap for furniture
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Mattress bags to protect from dust and dirt
Need materials? We offer professional grade supplies and full packing services to take care of everything for you.
9. Plan Ahead for Parking and Access Especially in Busy LA
In a city like Los Angeles, parking is a crucial but often forgotten part of moving.
Things to consider:
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Is there enough space for a moving truck near your home?
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Will you need to reserve an elevator or loading dock?
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Does your HOA or apartment require move-in/move-out notifications?
For example, a move in downtown LA could be delayed significantly if parking isn’t pre-arranged. We recommend scouting both locations and reserving space in advance.
At Muraway, we’ll work with you to plan around local regulations, narrow driveways, or tricky logistics.
10. Take Care of Yourself Don’t Burn Out
Moving is physically demanding and emotionally draining. It’s easy to forget to care for yourself in the middle of the chaos.
Here are some simple reminders:
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Drink plenty of water throughout moving day
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Schedule rest breaks and don’t skip meals
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Get enough sleep the night before
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Ask for help—friends, family, or professionals
Hiring a professional mover gives you peace of mind and physical relief so you can focus on what really matters—getting settled into your new home.
Why Muraway Moving?
With years of experience serving the greater Los Angeles area, Muraway Moving brings professionalism, precision, and care to every move. We treat your belongings like our own and handle every move big or small with honesty and excellence.
We offer:
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Local and long-distance moving
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Residential and commercial relocations
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Packing and unpacking services
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Short- and long-term storage solutions
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Friendly, uniformed, background-checked movers
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Transparent pricing and personalized quotes
Whether you’re moving a studio apartment in West Hollywood or an entire office in Culver City, Muraway Moving is here to help you every step of the way.