How To Declutter Your Home Before Moving

Posted on 05/04/202605/05/2026 by BigApple

Decluttering your home before moving is the process of sorting belongings into keep, donate, sell, and discard categories, ideally completed 3 to 4 weeks before move day. Done correctly, it cuts moving costs by reducing weight and volume, shortens packing time, and prevents you from paying to transport items you will throw out within the first month in your new home.

The 4-step process at a glance:

Set up a 4-bin sorting system: keep, donate/sell, trash, storage
Start with low-emotion rooms first, such as the bathroom, garage, and storage closets
Work room by room, top to bottom, never mix areas
Schedule donation pickups and junk removal before packing day

Since 1979, Big Apple Moving has handled tens of thousands of NYC moves, from Manhattan studios to Hamptons estates, and the single biggest mistake we see is people packing first and decluttering later. That mistake costs the average long-distance customer hundreds of dollars in wasted transport on items they discard within weeks of arrival.

This guide walks through the exact room-by-room process our team recommends, plus how to handle high-value items like fine art, antiques, and pianos that should never go through standard decluttering.

Top Tips for Decluttering Your Home

We have highlighted the top tips for decluttering your home before moving, room by room, so you arrive at your new space with only what you truly need.

Creating a Sorting System

The first step in decluttering your home before moving is setting up a clear sorting system. Grab a few bins or boxes and label them into four categories:
Keep — Items going to your new home
Donate or Sell — Items with value for others
Trash or Recycle — Items that serve no purpose
Storage — Items you are not ready to decide on yet
Carry these bins from room to room and be honest. If you have not used something in over a year, it is probably not worth the cost of moving it. Every item you cut is one less item you pay to move.

Once you finish each room, deal with the bins straight away. Donate, sell, or schedule a Junk Removal pickup with Big Apple Moving so unwanted items are gone well before packing day.

Decluttering Your Bathroom Before a Move

The bathroom is the easiest room to start with and the best way to build momentum before tackling bigger spaces.

Where to start:

Begin with the medicine cabinet
Move to the drawers
Then, clear everything under the sink

Take everything out completely before making any decisions. Once it is all in front of you, deciding what stays and what goes becomes much easier.

Things to get rid of in your bathroom before moving:

Expired medications – Drop these off at a pharmacy disposal box
Worn towels and bathmats – If they are fraying or stained, leave them behind
Unused toiletries – Anything untouched for months is not worth packing
Old makeup – Check expiry dates and discard anything past them
Broken cleaning supplies – No need to bring these to your new home
Worn-out toilet plungers – A fresh start means fresh basics, too

Clearing your bathroom before moving simplifies your packing and ensures your new bathroom is organized and clutter-free from the moment you arrive.

Decluttering Your Bedrooms Before a Move

To declutter your bedroom before moving, start at the top and work down. Clear nightstands, wardrobes, and dressers first. Then the floor, the bed, and finally every drawer.

The order to declutter your bedroom:

Nightstand and dresser tops
Wardrobe and closet surfaces
Floor and under the bed
The bed itself
Every drawer, one at a time

Sort every item into 1 of 4 categories:

Keep: Coming with you to your new home
Donate or Sell: Still in good condition, but no longer needed
Trash: Damaged, broken, or past its use-by date
Storage: Not needed now, but not ready to let go

The rule: Do not put anything back until you have decided on it. Returning items to their original place without deciding is how clutter gets packed and moved by accident.

The 12-month test: If you have not used something in the last 12 months, ask honestly whether it deserves a place in your new home.

Clothing May be the Hardest Part

Decluttering clothes before a move is the hardest part for most people because of emotional attachment. The fix is to compare clothes as a group, not item by item.

Sort clothes by type first:

All jeans together
All shirts together
All dresses together
All jackets together

When similar items sit side by side, decisions get easier. You may love a pair of jeans until you see them next to 4 better pairs.

Ask 3 questions for every item:

Have I worn this in the last 12 months?
Does it fit my current lifestyle?
Would I buy this again today?

The rule: If the answer is no to any of these 3 questions, it does not make the move.

Try the reverse hanger method 4 to 6 weeks before moving:

Turn every hanger in your closet backward
After you wear an item, return the hanger facing the correct direction
On move day, any hanger still backward shows what you never wear
Donate or sell those items before packing

Declutter Your Kitchen

Decluttering your kitchen before moving is the most underestimated room because of the sheer volume of small items. Pick one of 2 approaches and stick to it.

Choose your decluttering method:

Sort by item type: Group all plates, all glassware, and all utensils together. Easy to spot duplicates and decide what stays.
Sort by kitchen area: Work zone by zone. Cabinets first, then drawers, then pantry. Empty completely before deciding.

The rule: Be honest about what you truly need in your new home.

Items to get rid of in your kitchen before moving:

Duplicate utensils and gadgets: Keep the best version, donate the rest
Appliances unused for a year: If it has not been plugged in, it goes
Expired pantry goods and spices: Check every shelf before packing
Damaged cookware: Scratched pans and worn surfaces are not worth moving
Containers without lids: No purpose in your new home
Chipped or incomplete dish sets: A fresh start deserves fresh kitchenware

Kitchen items are the most fragile things you own. Always use quality packing materials so nothing breaks in transit.

Want a hands-off move? Big Apple Moving’s Full Service Packing includes professional wrapping and custom crating for delicate kitchen items, so everything arrives in perfect condition.

Declutter Living Room

The living room collects clutter quietly because it has the least dedicated storage in the home. Start with the largest surfaces and work your way down.

Where to start, in order:

Bookshelves and TV consoles
Entertainment units and media collections
Side tables and coffee tables
Smaller surfaces where items pile up

Items to get rid of in your living room before moving:

Old books and magazines: Keep only what you will genuinely reread
Unused decor and ornaments: If it does not suit your new space, leave it behind
Outdated electronics and cables: If it is not connected to your TV or used daily, it goes
Duplicate remote controls and forgotten gadgets: No purpose in your new home

The downsizing rule: If you are moving to a smaller space, measure your new rooms before moving day. This avoids paying to move furniture that will not fit.

For larger furniture you are leaving behind, such as a sofa, bookcase, or dining table, Big Apple Moving’s Junk Removal service can dispose of your couch, old furniture, and unwanted items quickly so your home is completely clear before the moving crew arrives.

Use the Power of Piles

The 5 pile system is the most effective way to declutter before moving because it gives every item a clear destination and stops you from making the same decision twice.

Sort every item in every room into 1 of 5 piles:

Keep: Moving with you to your new home
Donate: For charities or community groups
Sell: List on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp before moving day
Trash: Straight to the bin
Store: For items not immediately needed at the new place

The labeling rule: Always label your moving boxes with the room name and contents. This one habit saves hours of unpacking confusion at your new home.

Once every room is decluttered and sorted, it is time to start packing an apartment. A decluttered home makes packing significantly faster and easier.

Book a portable moving and storage container

A portable moving container is a smart option when your move-out and move-in dates do not line up perfectly. It gives you a secure place to hold items until you are ready, without the pressure of rushing decisions on moving day. It is also useful during the decluttering process itself. As you sort through each room, use the container to store packed boxes so they are out of your way without being out of reach.

Big Apple Moving offers short-term and long-term storage in NYC. Your belongings stay safe and climate-controlled until your new home is ready. If your closing date gets delayed or your new lease does not start on time, your belongings are fully protected and waiting for you whenever you need them. Get a Free Estimate today and ask about our storage options.

Hire a Moving Professional to Move Your Belongings

Not all moving companies are the same, and that difference matters more than most people realise. Many so-called movers are actually brokers. They take your booking and hand it off to a subcontracted crew you have never vetted. You have no idea who will show up at your door on moving day.

Big Apple Moving is a fully licensed and insured Carrier. We own our trucks and directly employ every mover on our team. You know exactly who is handling your belongings from the first box to the last delivery. Trusted by New York families and businesses since 1979, we have built our reputation one move at a time.

Our team is highly rated across Google and Yelp for delivering a stress-free moving experience every single time. From Junk Removal to Full Service Packing to eco-friendly Plastic Bin Rentals we handle every part of your move so you do not have to. Request a Free Quote today.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to declutter your home before moving is not just about owning less. It is about moving smarter. Start early, work room by room, use the sorting system, and make clear decisions about what comes with you and what gets left behind. A lighter load means lower costs, faster packing, easier unpacking, and a genuinely fresh start in your new space. Contact Big Apple Moving today and let our team make your move a stress-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest decluttering mistakes?

Starting too late, keeping items out of guilt, creating maybe piles, and trying to declutter and pack at the same time. Always declutter first, then pack.

What should I remove first when decluttering?

Start with expired products, broken items, and duplicates. These are easy decisions that build momentum before tackling harder ones.

How long does it take to declutter a house?

A studio or one bedroom takes one to two weekends. A larger family home takes four to eight weeks, working room by room.

What room should I declutter first?

Start with the room you use the least. The garage, attic, or storage closets are the best place to begin. Least emotional, biggest volume.

How do I get rid of unwanted household items before a move?

Sell on Facebook Marketplace, donate to local charities, recycle, or schedule a Junk Removal pickup with Big Apple Moving, and we will haul everything away before moving day.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Successful and Eco-Friendly Move

Posted on 11/25/202511/27/2025 by BigApple

Moving creates a lot of waste. Cardboard boxes, packing materials, and fuel from trucks add up fast. But you can move without trashing the planet. This guide shows you eco friendly moving tips that work. From planning to packing to settling in, we’ll cover what actually helps.

Plan Your Move with Sustainability in Mind

Planning ahead makes everything easier. When you think about eco-friendly moving early, you save money and reduce waste. Here’s where to start.

Research Eco-Friendly Moving Companies

Not all movers care about the environment. Some eco-friendly moving companies use trucks that run on biodiesel. Others use recycled packing materials or donate their unwanted stuff. Call around and ask questions. What kind of trucks do they have? How do they handle waste? Finding eco-friendly movers who actually practice what they preach makes a difference.

Create a Detailed Moving Timeline

Give yourself time. Two months is good if you can swing it. Rush moves create waste because you don’t have time to sort things properly. You end up throwing away stuff you could’ve donated. A timeline keeps you on track without the panic.

Declutter and Donate Unwanted Items

Go through your stuff, room by room. Be honest about what you actually use. Donate clothes, furniture, and household items to local charities. Sell valuable things online. The less you move, the less fuel you burn. And someone else gets things that would otherwise sit in a landfill.

Use Sustainable Packing Materials

Packing creates waste if you’re not careful. But sustainable moving doesn’t require special skills. Here’s how to pack smart.

Use Recycled or Biodegradable Packing Materials

Skip bubble wrap. Use old newspapers, towels, or t-shirts to wrap breakable stuff. Biodegradable packing peanuts made from cornstarch work great too. They protect your things and break down naturally. Need help with delicate items? Check how to pack fragile items the right way.

Opt for Reusable Storage Containers

Cardboard is okay, but plastic bins are better for zero-waste moving. You can use them forever. Some companies rent plastic moving crates if buying isn’t your thing. Ask if moving companies provide boxes that are reusable boxes. If you do use cardboard, pass it on to someone else or recycle it.

Pack Efficiently to Minimize Boxes

Fill every box. Use suitcases for clothes and bedding. Put heavy things in small boxes, light things in big ones. This saves space and makes carrying easier. Fewer boxes mean less waste and cheaper moving costs.

Transportation

How you move matters most for your carbon footprint. Transportation burns the most fuel. Here’s how to cut it down.

Carpool with Friends or Family

Doing a DIY move? Get friends to help. Load one truck instead of making trips in different cars. Split the gas money. It’s cheaper, better for the environment, and honestly more fun.

Hire a Professional Moving Company

Professionals pack trucks better than you can. They make fewer trips and waste less fuel. Look for an eco-friendly moving company with newer trucks. Get a quote and ask about their green practices before you decide.

Rent a Moving Truck

Rent the right size. Too big wastes fuel. Too small means extra trips. Ask for a newer truck since they get better mileage. Drive smart too; no speeding or hard stops. Small stuff adds up when you’re burning gas.

Cleaning and Disposal

Clean your old place without harsh chemicals. It’s possible and, honestly, easier than you think.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Regular cleaners have chemicals that mess up the water and air. Vinegar and baking soda clean almost everything. Lemon juice handles stains and bad smells. These cost less and work better anyway.

Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials

Paint, batteries, and harsh cleaners can’t go in regular trash. Take them to a hazardous waste facility. Most cities have free drop-off days. Electronics need special recycling too. Check your city’s waste management site for details.

Recycle or Donate Items That Cannot Be Reused

Some stuff can’t be donated but shouldn’t be trashed. Recycle metal, glass, and paper. Break down cardboard and put it in recycling. Damaged furniture might have parts you can salvage Wood, metal, and fabric can often be recycled separately.

Moving into Your New Home

Moving in is your fresh start. Make your new place sustainable from the beginning.

Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting

Buying new appliances? Look for Energy Star ratings. They use less power and save money over time. Switch to LED bulbs; they last for years and use way less energy. These changes cut your carbon footprint right away.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat adjusts temperature when you’re gone. Set it to dial back heating or cooling while you’re at work. Simple change, real impact on energy bills.

Create a Sustainable Home Design with Eco-Friendly Materials

Choose sustainable stuff as you decorate. Bamboo and reclaimed wood beat new hardwood. Buy secondhand furniture when you can. Use low-VOC paint on walls. These create a healthier home and reduce environmental damage.

Conclusion

Eco-friendly moving isn’t hard. Plan ahead, pack with sustainable materials, and pick efficient transportation. Clean naturally and recycle what you can’t use. Set up your new home with energy efficiency in mind. Every choice matters. You don’t need to be perfect; just do what you can. Start with one or two tips and go from there.

FAQs

What is eco-friendly packing for moving?

Eco-friendly packing uses materials that don’t create waste. Reusable plastic bins, biodegradable packing peanuts, and recycled newspapers. You can wrap breakable stuff in towels and clothes instead of buying bubble wrap.

What are some eco-friendly ways to travel?

Hire professional movers with fuel-efficient trucks. If you’re doing it yourself, carpool with friends and rent the right-size truck. Plan your route to avoid extra trips. These cut fuel use and emissions.

How can I be 100% eco-friendly?

Being completely eco-friendly is tough, but you can get close. Use all reusable packing materials, hire green movers, donate everything you don’t need, and offset your carbon emissions. Focus on cutting waste at every step.

What are five eco-friendly habits?

Declutter before you move. Use reusable packing materials. Choose energy-efficient appliances for your new place. Recycle and donate instead of throwing things away. Plan your move to reduce transportation emissions.

What Services Do Moving Companies Offer

Posted on 07/09/202512/01/2025 by BigApple

In order to alleviate the challenges associated with relocating, a majority of individuals opt to enlist the services of professional movers. Undoubtedly, a moving specialist will mitigate the stress associated with the process.

However, it is imperative to ascertain the specific measures they will undertake and the extent of coverage provided by the moving invoice. Continue perusing to gain insight into the array of services proffered by moving firms.

Packing Services

The majority of relocation experts provide packing services to accompany your residential move. To furnish you with an estimate, the movers will conduct an assessment of your residence. This entails verifying the number of bedrooms and the quantity of items you intend to transport.

Based on this information, they will determine the duration required to pack your entire household and the number of personnel necessary for the task. Moving firms typically offer a complete or partial packing service, allowing you to entrust them with the packing of all your possessions or only a portion thereof. Alternatively, if you prefer to pack your belongings yourself, you may opt for the removal service only.

Removal Services

House Removals

One may economize and undertake a portion of their relocation independently. Specifically, one may opt to pack their belongings themselves and enlist the services of movers solely for transportation. Moving companies possess their own fleet of vehicles and drivers, thereby ensuring the secure conveyance of one’s possessions to their new abode.

This is the most prevalent service offered by movers, sparing one the inconvenience of driving and the expense of professional packing services. The cost of this service is typically determined by the size of the shipment or the duration of the task.

Distance also plays an important role. Local movers NYC usually charge an hourly rate while long-distance movers NYC form a price based on the overall size or weight of your shipment. If you’re planning an overseas move, international movers NYC typically offer custom quotes based on destination, volume, and services required. Keep in mind that packing is the most time-consuming part of any relocation. It can also be downright boring.

So, many people prefer to pay for the full service moving than lose time packing. However, if you have enough time and you decide to pack by yourself, moving companies also offer packing materials for moving house.

Office Removals

Besides helping you move house, movers can usually help you move your office too, or any other type of business. To complete the job safely and efficiently, they use specialized moving vehicles. They also have certain procedures and practices for transporting fragile items or confidential documents.

They will likely be able to prepare and transport your electronic equipment and other office equipment safely. So if you’re planning commercial relocation, it’s a good idea to reach out to several movers in your area and inquire about the price of office removal.

Providing Packing Materials

Go ahead and check some of the best places to find packing supplies and use them to make sure your items are well-protected. Your local mover will likely be able to provide packing materials such as moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing tape, etc. But maybe the most important thing is that movers also have professional moving equipment for rent which is greatly beneficial. Consider asking about a moving dolly, furniture sliders, furniture straps, etc.

Additional Services

Moving companies offer special services for heavy, bulky, fragile, or valuable items. If you need to move a piano, bathtub, or pool table, you will need to pay extra for these services. Some items may need to be taken apart and put back together, which will also cost more.

If movers have to carry items up or down stairs or over long distances, there will be additional charges. Movers will also charge extra to disconnect and reconnect appliances. There are many other additional services available, but they all cost more money. It’s important to ask questions and understand the costs before agreeing to any services.

Storage Services

Sometimes, your move-out date is a bit earlier than your move-in date, so you have to wait for a while until you move into your new home, having nowhere to store your household items. Other times, you’ll decide to downsize and you’ll wonder what to do with all the things you’re not ready to get rid of yet.

Or there may be a completely different reason why you can’t move our items to your new home so you’ll need a safe place to keep your things. Whatever the reason may be, storage units will be a solution.

Moving companies offer storage services too so go ahead and find an affordable moving and storage company. These facilities let you keep your belongings for any length of time and they can be of the traditional type or more advanced, such as a climate-controlled storage unit.

This is, of course, charged additionally, so don’t expect this service to be included in your standard removal cost. The price is calculated depending on the size and type of storage you need, and also the length of time you plan to store your items.

As a licensed and insured moving company NYC, Big Apple provides professional service, top-quality materials, and efficient removals. Our moving crew has the experience and skills necessary to complete the job safely and have your possessions handled with the utmost care. Make sure you get your free moving quotes Brooklyn while planning a house move. Reach out to us to create a personalized moving plan together!

How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving

Posted on 07/09/202507/31/2025 by BigApple

Moving to a new place can be exciting, but packing fragile items for the journey is often a nerve-wracking task. Whether it’s delicate glassware, cherished antiques, or electronic gadgets, protecting these items during transit is crucial. With the right techniques in terms of packing fragile items when moving, you can ensure your valuables arrive in perfect condition. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best practices for packing delicate items and why hiring professionals might be the safest option.

Tips for Packing Fragile Items When Moving

How to pack fragile items for moving requires more than just tossing them into a box. It involves meticulous planning, careful wrapping, and strategic placement. Here are the best tips for packing fragile items ensuring your breakables are well-protected –

Use the Right Packaging Material

The first step in packing the breakable items when moving is to gather suitable supplies. Keep the essential packing material handy like bubble wrap, containers, stretch wraps, and packing tape while packing your fragile items. Also, the right techniques should be used to pack the things as different things require different packing approaches. For instance – the method of packing electronic items differs from packing fragile items.

Never Use Flimsy Boxes

The foundation of secure packing lies in how strong your packaging materials are and what kind of boxes you have used to pack your belongings. Don’t use flimsy or worn-out boxes, as they can collapse under pressure. Use reinforced boxes to safely hold your fragile items because it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Secure the Bottom of the Box

Reinforce the bottom of the box with extra strips of heavy-duty packing tape. Now secure it with a layer of soft material before placing any items inside. You can use packing peanuts, foam sheets, or crumpled paper to secure it. Start by placing heavier items at the bottom and lighter and fragile ones at the top.

Put Glasses in Small Boxes

When following the steps of packing fragile items for moving, keep glassware in the small boxes. These small boxes are ideal for keeping plates, fragile glassware, and vases. You must pack the glassware properly with bubble wrap or packing paper before putting it into a small box. Fill the box tightly because the tighter you fill it, the less extra space will be there for the items to move during the transit.

Wrap Each Individual Item

For every fragile item you are packing, starting from glassware to plates to any decorative items, you must wrap them individually. Remove their loose pieces, like lids, if any, and wrap them up separately. Use towels and blankets to cover things like picture frames. What to do to be extra safe? Use bungee cords or tape to secure more oversized items. Doing this will keep everything at place.

Disassemble Bulky Furniture

Do you have bulky furniture at your home? If yes, disassemble it before you move. It is easier to transport the detachable piece on and off the moving truck. For more guidance on handling larger items, you can refer to our furniture moving service. Once you have disassembled the furniture components, wrap each piece separately and label them for easy reassembly.

This makes furniture reassembly easier when you shift to your new home. When handling and packing the mirror, add a large piece of cardboard in the inner and outer layers and secure it with bubble wrap in the middle. Follow the same rule for fragile paintings and artwork. Protect them with padded covers for protection. If you’re dealing with valuable art pieces, consider working with fine art movers NYC to ensure delicate handling and transportation of your artwork.

Use Plenty of Packing Tape

Have a lot of packing tape with you to keep the wrapping intact and secure the fragile items. You don’t want to experience the things that can go wrong when moving, right? So, use the tape generously to seal boxes, secure wrapping, and reinforce weak points. Properly taped boxes reduce the risk of items shifting or falling out during the move.

Fill Hollow Items with Packing Paper

Hollow items like bowls, glasses, and jars should be filled with crumpled packing paper. This is done to prevent them from collapsing or any breakage due to vibrations. After packing them up with the packing paper, put these items in boxes and fill the empty spaces with towels or packing peanuts to stop your belongings from moving.

Label Fragile Items

You cannot forget to label your belongings when packaging for fragile items. Clearly label all the moving boxes in big letters with “FRAGILE” or “HANDLE WITH CARE.” Make sure you write with bright-colored markers or pre-made labels so that they stand out and movers notice them. Also, indicate which side of the box should face up.

Hire a Professionals to Pack & Move your Fragile Items

Hiring professionals for packing fragile items for moving is one of the best choices you can make to save your time as well as money in the long run. Why is this so? Professionals come with their expertise and equipment when it comes to how to pack fragile items and move them to minimize the risk. Most moving companies also offer insurance options, providing you with peace of mind in case of unforeseen accidents. And who can deny the efficiency of the movers in packing and transporting the items quickly and safely? So, when you hand over your packing and moving tasks to the professionals, you are sure to be in safe hands.

Conclusion

The process of packing fragile items for moving requires careful planning, the right materials, and meticulous execution. From using sturdy boxes and ample padding to labeling and securing every item, these tips can help ensure your valuables arrive safely at your new home. For an extra layer of assurance, hire professional movers from Big Apple Moving and let your move be like a breeze.

Make the move of fragile items stress-free with Big Apple Moving. Contact us today and let our experts handle your fragile items with care and precision!

How to Pack Photos For Moving: A Step by Step Guide

Posted on 07/03/202512/02/2025 by BigApple

Moving day is approaching, and you’re staring at your walls, wondering—how to pack photos for moving without damaging them. Whether it’s family portraits, vintage movie posters, or cherished art prints, your pictures hold both emotional and financial value. That’s why packing them the right way is non-negotiable.

Unlike furniture or clothing, pictures—especially large framed ones—are fragile, oddly shaped, and prone to shattering if not packed with care. But worry not! With the right packing supplies and a step-by-step method of moving photo frame pictures, you can protect your artwork like a pro.

Let’s break down the best way to pack pictures, framed artwork, and posters for a safe and secure move.

Packing Supplies Which Are Required To Pack Pictures For Moving?

Gather all the packing supplies before proceeding with packing pictures for moving. Large pictures or fine art moving requires more tender loving care as compared to everyday items. Here is the list of correct materials to save you time and keep unnecessary damage at bay –

Packing Paper
Bubble Wrap
Corner Protectors
Cardboard Sheets
Permanent Markers
Thick Moving Blankets and Towel

All these materials create a buffer and keep your pictures intact during the move—especially crucial during interstate relocations where boxes may be stacked or jostled multiple times over longer distances.

How to Pack Large Pictures For Moving: 7 Easy Steps

How to pack photos for moving requires some care and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide that ensures your art, mirrors, or photographs reach their new destination without a scratch.

Lay down a thick blanket on a flat surface

The first step in how to pack photos for moving is to find a clean, flat surface to fit your photos, frames, and packing materials. The flat surface could be a dining table or floor. Lay down a thick blanket, towel, or padded surface. This acts as a cushioning layer to avoid direct contact with hard surfaces. Place your framed picture face down to prevent damage to the glass or print surface.

Close One End Of The Mirror Box

To pack pictures for moving, use a telescoping mirror box or picture box that’s slightly bigger than your frame. Tape one end securely to create the bottom of the box. These boxes are specifically designed to hold artwork and for the purpose of antique moving, so don’t skimp on quality here. The tighter and sturdier the fit, the better the protection.

Wrap The Large Picture Frame With Packing Paper

When it comes to how to pack large pictures for moving, wrap the large picture frame with packing paper or bubble wrap, making sure to cover the entire surface. This will provide extra protection against scratches and damage and if it is a long-distance move, consider wrapping again with a moving blanket for extra security.

Insert It Into The Box

The next step in packing pictures for moving is inserting your photos inside the box. Carefully slide the wrapped picture into the box. If you’re using a telescoping box, adjust the top half so it snugly fits over the bottom. Avoid forcing it—if it doesn’t fit, use a larger box to prevent pressure and cracks.

Stuff The Empty Space in The Box With Packing Paper

Use crumpled packing paper or soft foam sheets to fill any empty space around the frame. This prevents the picture from shifting during transit. Make sure all sides—especially the corners—are cushioned to absorb shocks and vibrations.

Pack The Box By Taping It

Once the picture is securely inside and the gaps are stuffed, seal the top of the box with high-quality packing tape. Reinforce all seams, including corners, with extra tape. This ensures the box doesn’t open or weaken during the move.

Don’t Forget To Label the Box As Fragile

The final step is labeling the moving boxes. Label the boxes on all sides with “FRAGILE: PICTURE INSIDE” using a permanent marker. Also, note which side is up, especially if there’s a specific orientation. This alert will help movers handle the box with extra care.

How To Pack Unframed Posters and Pictures?

Not all artwork comes in bulky frames. If you’re moving picture frame boxes, posters, prints, or unframed photos, you’ll need a slightly different approach. These materials are thinner and more prone to creasing or tearing, so extra attention is key.

When you pack pictures for moving, start by laying the poster or unframed picture flat on a clean surface. Place a protective sheet—like a piece of acid-free tissue paper or parchment—on top of the print to prevent smudges or scratches. Then, roll it gently from one end, ensuring you’re not creasing the material.

Slip the rolled poster into a sturdy cardboard tube, available at most office supply or shipping stores. Make sure the tube caps are secure on both ends. For added protection, tape the ends and label the outside with “Poster: Do Not Crush.”

If you’d rather not roll it (especially for high-value prints), consider placing the poster between two sheets of cardboard and taping around the edges to create a sandwich. This flat-pack method works best when the poster is being transported short distances or handled by professionals.

Final Thoughts

Packing pictures for moving isn’t just about keeping them safe—it’s about preserving your memories, your investment, and your personal style. Whether it’s an oversized canvas or a delicate art print, the right technique and tools can make all the difference in “how to pack large pictures for moving.”

And here’s the best part—you don’t have to do it alone.

Big Apple Moving has years of experience in helping families, professionals, and businesses relocate safely—especially when fragile items like art, mirrors, and pictures are involved. From full-service packing to professional-grade materials, we ensure every piece arrives just the way you remember it.

Get a free quote today and leave the heavy lifting—and careful packing—to us!

How To Disassemble Furniture While Moving

Posted on 05/16/202505/21/2025 by BigApple

Knowing how to disassemble furniture can make moving day a whole lot easier. That oversized sectional won’t squeeze through the hallway, the bed frame looks like a puzzle waiting to be solved, and your trusty bookshelf suddenly feels more like a monument than something mobile. Disassembling furniture might not be the most thrilling part of your move, but it’s a game-changer when done right. It protects your pieces, makes transportation easier, and ensures reassembly is far more manageable in your new space.

But before you grab the toolbox and start unscrewing everything in sight, there’s a method to the madness. From saving tiny screws to labeling legs and panels, smart disassembly can save you hours of frustration later. Here, we will walk you through how to disassemble furniture like a pro—no panic, no guesswork, just smooth moves ahead. Let’s get started.

Things To Keep Handy Before You Take Out The Tool Box

Before you start the process of disassembling furniture pieces, check if you have the needed tools to perform the tasks. See if your doors are large enough to pass the big furniture pieces. Consider these additional steps –

Measure the furniture pieces before disassembling them to find out if they can pass through the doorways easily.
Keep the important tools handy, like screwdrivers and wrenches, ziplock bags, plastic wraps, power drills, masking tape, moving blankets, and labels.
Your furniture manuals can help you disassemble its pieces
Maintain a track of the pieces you are disassembling and keep them labeled. It will further help in the furniture assembly process.

Tips To Remember While Disassembling Different Types Of Furniture

How do you disassemble the furniture of each type? The following steps will give you a general idea about the same.

Couches, Sofas, or Loveseats

Detach the legs of the couch and unscrew them to make moving easier.
Gather unattached cushions and covers and pack them in a box.
Some couches have hidden brackets that keep sections together.
Wrap all the parts with moving blankets to protect the delicate upholstery.

China or Display Cabinets

Pack fragile items like glassware and dishes by wrapping them up with packing paper or bubble wrap.
Wear gloves and detach all the glass panels with care.
Remove glass or wooden shelves, take them out, and wrap them up separately.
Label doors and hinges using painter’s tape.

Desks or Tables

Unscrew the leg joints of the desk or tables. Before doing that, empty out all the drawers.
Secure drawers by removing them to prevent any kind of sliding or damage.
Remove glass elements and cover them up with packing paper or bubble wrap.
Store screws and washers in a ziplock bag by clearly labeling them to avoid confusion later.

Beds

Disassembling the bed starts with removing all the bedding, comforters, pillows, and mattresses and packing them separately.
Disassemble any drawer from the bed and place its contents in a separate packing box.
Use an Allen wrench to unscrew slats and side rails from the headboard/footboard.
Secure the slats together using plastic wrap or string.
Beds often have multiple identical-looking parts. Labeling helps avoid mix-ups.

Dressers and Wardrobes

When it comes to disassembling dressers and wardrobes, empty and take out drawers to make the main body lighter.
Detach mirrors and wrap them up using bubble wrap.
Tape doors shut or remove them entirely if possible.
For heavy wooden pieces, use lifting straps or sliders when moving.

Should You Hire A Moving Company That Disassemble Furniture

Absolutely—and here’s why.

While disassembling furniture can be a rewarding DIY task, it’s also time-consuming and potentially risky. If not done properly, you could end up damaging expensive pieces or injuring yourself. A professional moving company that offers furniture moving and disassembly services that can save you from all the hassle.

They bring the expertise, the right tools, and the manpower. More importantly, experienced movers know how to disassemble furniture without compromising its structure or integrity. They can also reassemble everything at your new location, so you’re not left fumbling with screws and mismatched pieces.

Consider hiring a full-service moving company if –

You have large or delicate items like pianos, canopy beds, or antiques.
You’re short on time or moving on a tight schedule.
You want to avoid the heavy lifting and logistical headaches.
Hiring a full-service mover might cost a bit more upfront, but the peace of mind and time saved can be well worth it.

Final Thoughts

How to disassemble a bed and furniture may not be the most glamorous part of moving, but it’s definitely one of the most crucial. With a little planning, the right tools, and a calm, methodical approach, you can prevent last-minute chaos and make moving day a lot easier.

Big Apple Moving makes the moving transition easier at every step. We have extensive experience in the New York moving industry and built a reputation of professionalism, flexibility, and care. From packing and disassembly to secure storage and reassembly, we handle it all—so you don’t have to lift a finger (or a wrench!). Get a free quote from Big Apple Moving and contact us for any assistance.