HOW TO PACK FOR A
NYC APARTMENT MOVE:
ROOM BY ROOM

Packing for an NYC apartment move is a skill. Between limited square footage, awkward stairwells, and fragile belongings, there's a right way and a stressful way to approach it. Here's how the professionals at The Moving Genie do it.

Start Early: The 6-Week Rule

Most people underestimate how long packing takes. For a typical NYC apartment, start packing non-essentials at least 3–4 weeks before moving day. This keeps you from scrambling at the end and gives you time to donate or discard items you no longer need.

Kitchen: The Toughest Room

The kitchen has the most fragile and awkward items. Use dish pack boxes (double-walled) for plates, glasses, and ceramics. Wrap each item individually in packing paper — not newspaper, which transfers ink.

• Plates: pack vertically like records, not flat
• Glasses: wrap each in paper, then place upright
• Pots and pans: nest together with paper between each
• Appliances: use original boxes when possible

Bedroom Packing Tips

Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes so they arrive wrinkle-free. Dresser drawers can often stay filled if the dresser is light enough to safely lift — ask your mover first.

NYC-Specific Packing Considerations

New York City buildings often have specific rules: elevator reservations, COI requirements, time windows for moving. Pack a separate "first night" bag with essentials so you're not digging through boxes on night one. Label every box clearly with both the room it goes in and a brief description of contents.

If packing feels overwhelming, our professional packing and unpacking service handles every room with care — including full wrapping and box supply. This is especially popular for NYC apartment moves where time and space are both limited.

What to Do With Things You Don't Want to Move

Moving is a great time to declutter. Items you no longer need don't have to go to the trash — and some shouldn't. Old furniture, appliances, and electronics can be hauled away cleanly. See our guide on junk removal in Queens to learn what can and can't be disposed of at the curb.