What you need to know

1.5 cubic ft boxes are the smallest industry standard moving boxes. They are perfect for packing and transporting heavier small items such as tools, books, canned goods, and small appliances and other similar items.

3.0 cubic ft boxes are medium sized and the most common moving boxes. They are the ideal boxes for linens, clothing, kitchen items, office supplies, records, toys and other similar items.

4.5 cubic ft boxes are large moving boxes. They are good for packing large, lightweight items like clothing and pillows, comforters, blankets, lamp shades, stereo speakers and other similar items.

Wardrobe boxes are moving boxes specially designed for your hanging clothes. These boxes contain a metal hanging bar to help you easily pack and transport your shirts, jackets, coats and pants.

Dishpack boxes make packing dishes for your move fast and easy. They are perfect for packing your kitchen essentials. These boxes can get heavy because they should be packed to the brim with packing paper to keep your fragile glass and china safe and secure while moving, shipping or storing them.

Once you’ve found suitable boxes for your move, make sure you buy packing paper too.  Packing paper is used to protect your fragile items and valuables during moving, storage and shipping. There are two main types of paper used for packing goods: regular packing paper and padded packing paper.

Regular Packing Paper

This paper is commonly used for packing kitchen essentials. But can be used to fill open spaces in moving boxes to prevent items from shifting. To ensure your items safety during transport, use generous amount of this type of packing paper when packing fragile items such as dishes, glassware, valuables, collectibles, home décor and similar items

Use extra care when packing your glassware or breakables to ensure these fragile items are moved safely. These items should be packed in their own box (ideally a small 1.5 cubic ft box) and should be labeled “fragile” on all sides and be placed on top of the heavier boxes which is called “Top Load Only.” Don't use regular printed newspaper for packing glasswareand breakables because the ink can stain your glassware.

Moving can be a very time-consuming and labor-intensive process and there are so many factors that can impact the total moving time. Moving time is best calculated on the common factors below with a few exceptions:

Total Moving Time  = (Accessibility to location x Number of items) + Travel Time/Distance + Packing /Loading + Unloading/Placement

Items that impact the total moving time are:

• Availability and Access to parking at location (i.e., ability to park the truck at location or will the crew have to double parking)
• Availability and Access to building loading docks (i.e., does the loading dock require a reservation or will the crew have to wait to use it, etc.)
• Availability and Access to building freight elevators (i.e., are the elevators locked, etc.)
• Clearance or checkpoints (i.e., does the location require special covid or security clearances or checkpoints beforehand and/or onsite etc.)
• The distance between the location and the truck (i.e., long hallways/ long carry, staircases, elevators etc.)
• The total number of furniture, boxes and unpacked items
• The size of the elevator or the door entry size (i.e. will the furniture fit it the elevator, will the furniture fit it through the door, will the crew have to use windows etc.)
• The distance between the old and new location
• The number of items that need to be disassembled and reassembled

Household size

Crew size

Total time

Studio/1 Bedroom (600sqft)

2 movers

2.5-3.5hrs

2 Bedrooms (800sqft)

2 movers

3.5-5hrs

3 Bedrooms (1300sqft)

2-3 movers

5-6hrs 

4 Bedrooms (1800sqft)

3-4 movers

6-7hrs 

5 Bedrooms (2000+sqft)

4-5 movers

7-9hrs 

After you decide what kind of move you need, look for a professional mover that offers the services you need.  When looking for a professional moving company, consider the following to protect yourself from scams:

• Professionalism: Search for a reliable company with a good reputation and make sure the company is licensed and insured.
• Price: Call different companies to compare moving quotes, cost estimates, deposits and hourly rates.
• Performance: Research companies that have an online presence with good customer reviews that showcase how safe they are on the job and their work quality.

Movers will generally begin with moving boxes first. When prepping for your move day it is advisable to organize all boxes/ bins / luggage together in front of furniture items or closest to the exit way without obstruction.

To avoid delays and ensure timely arrival of your belongings please be sure to:

• Have all drawers/ cabinets/ and fluid containing items emptied;

• Entry - exit ways free of objects;

• Items to be disassembled cleared off

• elevators reserved and locked for movers only

• Remove lamp shades and light bulbs

• Disconnect all appliances and devices including: propane tanks for outdoor grilles; peloton monitors

Our movers will provide as much or as little help as you need. If the customer wishes to assist in the movement of any item they may, however, if that item is damaged while being moved it would be exempt from coverage.

The general consensus is that at the very least, you are expected to provide your movers with cold, bottled water.

IMPORTANT: Never offer alcoholic beverages to movers!

If your move takes longer than 4 hours we recommend providing food.: pizza, chips or sandwiches are perfect. Or, allowing your movers to go off an grab a bite to eat is great and they may very well need the break.

There is no industry standard for tipping movers. However, we suggest following a $10 - $15 per hour per mover rule of thumb.