Before the week starts
Gather supplies: boxes in a few standard sizes, packing paper, strong tape, markers and a few wardrobe boxes. It is easy to underestimate how many boxes you need, especially for the kitchen and books. Set up a packing station in one room with everything in reach, and decide on a labeling system before you seal the first box.
Confirm your bookings: the movers, the elevator and loading dock at both buildings, and any time off work you need. Tell your building management the moving date if you have not already.
Seven days out: the easy rooms
Start with the things you will not miss this week: books, decor, framed photos, off-season clothes, spare bedding, hobby supplies and anything in a guest room or storage closet. Pack heavy items like books in small boxes and light items like linens in larger ones. Label each box with the room it goes to in the new home and a short note about what is inside.
Six days out: closets and storage
Go through hall closets, under-bed storage and cupboards. This is a good day to donate what you do not want to move. Every box you do not pack is a box nobody has to carry, and on hourly moves that saves money directly.
Five days out: the garage
Box small tools, sort sports gear and bag loose items. Drain fuel from lawn mowers and other equipment, and set aside paint, propane, cleaning chemicals and anything flammable, because those cannot go on a moving truck. Plan how to use them up or dispose of them safely.
Four days out: most of the kitchen
Pack everything except a few plates, cups, a pan and basic utensils. Wrap plates and pack them on edge, wrap glasses one by one and fill gaps with paper so nothing moves. Small appliances go in their own boxes with cords tucked inside. Use up food in the freezer and pantry rather than moving it.
Three days out: bedrooms and electronics
Pack clothes you will not need, keeping a few days' worth aside. Photograph the cable setup behind the television and computer before unplugging, and put cables in labeled bags. Back up computers and pack monitors in padded boxes.
Two days out: the refrigerator and furniture
Empty and defrost the refrigerator and freezer, and leave the doors open to dry. Take apart small furniture you are comfortable with, and tape bags of screws to the piece they belong to. Empty dresser drawers of anything heavy or fragile.
The night before: the open-first boxes and the bag
Pack one or two boxes marked open first: bedding, towels, a kettle, a few dishes, toilet paper and basic tools. Then pack the bag that rides with you, not on the truck: medication, documents, keys, chargers, a change of clothes and anything valuable. Sleep in the last set of sheets and pack them in the morning.
Moving morning
Clear a path from the door to the street, put pets and young children somewhere safe and quiet, and be ready to walk the crew lead through the home. Point out what is not moving and anything that needs extra care.
Summer moves in San Jose
Do not leave candles, vinyl records, photos or electronics in a hot car or garage on a summer day. If you would rather hand off the hard parts, our packing services cover full or partial packing, and our local movers handle the rest.
Labeling that saves hours
Label each box on the top and on two sides, with the room it goes to in the new home and a short list of contents. Number the boxes and keep a list on your phone if you want to be thorough. Mark fragile boxes clearly. When the truck is unloaded, the crew reads the label and takes each box to the right room without asking.
Hazardous items in Santa Clara County
Paint, solvents, pool chemicals, propane cylinders and household batteries cannot ride on a moving truck. Santa Clara County runs a household hazardous waste program with drop-off appointments, so book a slot early in move week rather than leaving these items for the new owners or tenants. If you live in another county, check that county's program.
Flattened boxes and recycling
Moving creates more cardboard than a normal recycling cart can take in one week. Flatten boxes as you unpack, put what fits in your recycling cart each week, and offer the rest to neighbors who are moving. Clean boxes in good condition are easy to give away and save someone else a trip to the store.
Garage sale timing
If you plan a garage sale, hold it at least a week before move day. Anything unsold the following week can go to a donation center instead of onto the truck, and the garage is clear in time for packing what stays.
Utility transfers in the South Bay
Most South Bay cities split electricity between PG&E, which delivers it, and a local clean-energy provider, while Santa Clara and Palo Alto run their own city utilities. Schedule the stop at the old address and the start at the new one in move week, so the lights are on when the truck arrives.