Preparing for Your Move

Below are our Move Preparation Guidelines, which outline the preparation and packing standards for customers who are packing their own boxes and containers. Following these guidelines helps ensure a smooth and efficient move day, keeps everything on schedule, and helps the job stay within estimate.

Sealed moving boxes prepared for transport

Boxes & Containers

All household goods being transferred during your move should be securely packed in sealed boxes or containers and ready for transport. Heavy items should be placed in small containers, while light items should be packed in larger containers. We recommend labeling each box or container with a room or area description on its side.

If you need consultation during the packing process or prefer that we pack certain items, just let us know.

Table lamps and lampshades ready to be packed

Lamps & Lampshades

Lamps and lampshades are required to be in a sealed box or container.
The average table lamp (shade, harp, and light bulb removed) will fit horizontally in a 4.5-cubic-foot (large) box. The average lampshade will fit vertically in a 3.0-cubic-foot (medium) box.
When packing larger table lamps or shades, it may be necessary to combine two boxes. We provide specialty cartons for tall pole lamp bases; just let us know the height and quantity.

For a helpful demonstration, watch our external video guide.

Watch the Packing Demonstration

Furniture drawer that should be emptied before moving

Items in Drawers

When furniture is being transported, it is often tilted to its side. To prevent any damage or loss of items inside the drawers, we require that you empty them prior to handling. In addition, this will reduce the weight of the furniture, thus minimizing the stress exerted on it during the move process. Please note that removing all items, including clothing, helps prevent structural damage to the furniture itself, especially when it is being carried or maneuvered.

Hanging Clothes

We require hanging clothes to be in either a wardrobe box or a durable bag for transport. If you’d like us to provide wardrobe boxes, just let us know.

Bedding

Before our crew can disassemble beds for transport, we require bedspreads, bed sheets, bedskirts, and pillows to be removed. These items can be packed in large moving boxes or tubs, or they can also be placed in durable bags. In addition to bed pillows, don't forget to pack any decorative throw pillows from sofas, chairs, or other seating areas.

Washing machine water, drain, and electrical connections prepared for a move

Appliance Connections

Before our crew arrives, all appliance connections must be disconnected. Styles Moving is unable to disconnect them at the origin or reconnect them at the destination. This applies to washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, and other connected appliances. Connections include water lines, gas lines, hardwired electrical connections, and dryer ductwork. If needed, we can provide a qualified third-party contractor to perform these services when given sufficient advance notice.

Flammable and combustible household products that movers cannot transport

Liquids & Combustibles

Liquids and non-flammable chemicals must be packed upright in sealed plastic containers or totes, not cardboard boxes. We are not permitted to transport any chemicals or gases that are flammable or combustible, such as gas cans and propane tanks.

Fine Jewelry

For liability reasons, we are unable to transport fine jewelry, precious metals, or artifacts of high value.

We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.