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

In NYC apartments, consider how items will fit through doorways and stairwells. Measure your large furniture against your hallway and doorway dimensions before moving day to avoid problems.

For walk-up apartments, disassemble large items (bed frames, sectionals) before moving day to make the job faster and protect both your belongings and the building.

Label Everything

Label every box on the top and two sides with the destination room and a brief description of contents. Color-coded labels by room are even better. The Moving Genie team will place boxes exactly where you want them at your new home.