Packing and Unpacking

Simplify your move with expert packing and unpacking tips that help keep you organized and on schedule.

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All Packing and Unpacking

  • Packing recycling old electronics before moving - United Van Lines

    The “Four W’s” of Recycling Electronics

    Check out our “Four W’s” for recycling your electronics.

  • a woman putting books in a box for donation - downsizing for a move - United Van Lines

    Downsizing for a Move

    Whether moving to a smaller home or a retirement community, you may have to part with some of your belongings. Learn how to downsize with United Van Lines.

  • moving boxes in a living room - How to prevent damage during a move _ United Van Lines

    Seven Tips to Prevent Damage When Moving

    Check out seven tips and tricks for prepping, packing and moving your items safely.

  • A couple unpacking a box - Tips for unpacking - United Van Lines

    Tips for Unpacking After Your Move

    Feeling boxed in? Check out our tips for taking charge of your unpacking process.

  • What to Take When You’re Moving and What to Leave Behind 

    How do you decide what goes on the van and what stays behind? Check out our tips.

  • A woman sitting next to moving boxes - House Key Spring 2024 Magazine - United Van Lines

    Spring 2024 House Key

    Get pro-level advice on moving, packing, settling in and exploring your new neighborhood in United Van Lines’ digital magazine. 

  • heirloom clutter

    Separating Heirlooms From Clutter

    Dust collector or rare collectible?

  • how a move works

    How a Long-distance Move Works

    Let’s go beyond pick-up and delivery for a glimpse into the careful planning behind every United Van Lines move.

  • Pack Your Car for Your Long-Distance Move

    Does your long-distance move involve a road trip? Know what you need to keep with you when you hit the road.

  • Real Estate - Nice upscale homes on suburban street - United Van Lines®

    New Home Moving Day Tips

    Congratulations on your new home! Moving into a new house can be an exciting time, but it can also bring its share of challenges if you don’t stay organized.

  • Decluttering before a move - United Van Lines

    Top Decluttering Tips Before Your Move From America’s #1 Mover®

    If you are planning a move, now is the perfect time to declutter. Check out the top tips from our professional movers so that you can declutter efficiently before your move.

  • The Recommended Moving Supplies List From America’s #1 Mover®

    Before you start packing, it’s important to prepare proper supplies. Check out this moving supplies checklist from professional movers at United!

  • United Van Lines truck driving out of a residential neighborhood - United Van Lines®

    Top 9 Tips For Moving Safely During COVID-19

    As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, if you are planning a move with a professional moving company, check out some practical tips designed to assist you with the move process. 

  • united mover packing up a customer's kitchen - United Van Lines

    How to Pack Small Appliances for Moving

    Items such as clocks, small radios and other small appliances need to be packed with plenty of padding to keep their delicate electronic components safe from damage.

  • How To Pack Dishes & Fine China - two men United movers packing dishes in a kitchen- United Van Lines

    How to Pack Kitchen Items for Moving

    Prepare your kitchen for moving day with packing tips from United Van Lines. Follow our helpful guide to make your move as smooth as possible.

  • How To Pack Books - Tips From Packing Experts - Books collection in pile on background - United Van Lines

    How to Pack Books – Expert Packing Tips

    Packing and moving books seems like an easy task, but there is definitely a right way to get the job done.

  • How To Pack Dishes & Fine China - two men United movers packing dishes in a kitchen- United Van Lines

    How to Pack Dishes and Glasses for Moving

    Chances are your kitchen will wind up being the last room you pack up before moving since you’ll be using it up to and including your last day at your

  • How to Pack Your Bedroom - modern wooden wardrobe with women clothes hanging on rail in walk in closet design interior, 3d rendering- United Van Lines

    Step-By-Step Guide to Packing Bedrooms for Moving

    Need help with how to pack a bedroom? Use the professional movers’ guide to pack your bedrooms.

  • How to Pack the Living Room for Moving - young couple taking a break from packing their living room, using a box as a table for their breakfast muffins - United Van Lines

    How to Pack a Living Room: Moving Your Furniture, Lamps & More

    Living rooms are filled with difficult-to-move items such as large furniture, lamps and more. Learn how to pack a room to move from America’s #1 Mover®.

  • How to Move Wine - Storing bottles of wine in fridge. Alcoholic card in restaurant. Cooling and preserving wine. - United Van Lines

    How to Move Wine

    Fine wines require special handling and storage when transporting. Their delicate character and chemistry can be affected by movement, temperature and exposure to light.

  • How to Move Appliances - modern laundry room- United Van Lines

    How to Move Appliances

    Moving appliances from one home to another requires technical know-how and a great deal of planning. Ask your United Move Coordinator if you need help preparing appliances for your move.

  • How to Pack Lampshades for Moving - Horizontal composition showing a detail of a minimalist sofa with living room setup around it. There is a table with decorative pieces, pillows, a carpet, a lampa and a curtain. Design is modern and minimalist. Gray wall behind makes it feel intimate. 3D render- United Van Lines

    How to Pack Lampshades for Moving

    Lamps and shades should be packed separately. How to Pack Lamp Bases: After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint.

  • How to Pack Food for Moving - Picture showing jars with spices in the kitchen - United Van Lines

    How to Pack Food for Moving

    Food and perishables are only allowed on some local moves. Be sure to check with your Moving Coordinator to see which items you are allowed to pack.

  • How To Pack Bedding & More - Modern Gray tone bedding and bedside table and lamp in black - United Van Lines

    How to Pack Bedding and More

    Packing your linens and bedding is not a complicated task. However, there are a few fundamental things you will need to know to help streamline the process.

  • How to Pack a Mirror for Moving - close-up of a woman hanging picture on a wall - United Van Lines

    How to Pack a Mirror for Moving

    For fine art, we recommend custom crating. Use glassine paper to protect the surface of oil paintings.

  • How to Pack a Computer for Moving - Modern Home Theater Room Interior with Flat Screen TV angled perspective view - United Van Lines

    How to Pack a Computer for Moving

    How to Pack Televisions & Electronics: If possible, use the original box and packing materials when packing a television.

  • How to Plan a Garage Sale - A group of dishes at a yard sale. - United Van Lines

    How to Plan a Garage Sale

    Lighten Your Load and Raise Some Extra Cash.

  • How to Pack Silverware for Moving - close up of drawer with cutlery in modern kitchen - United Van Lines

    How to Pack Silverware for Moving

    Your silverware deserves special care when packing. You’ll want to carefully pack silver to protect precious metals and ensure sharp knives and forks don’t injure movers during handling.

  • How to Pack Shoes for Moving - High hilles, sneaker shoes, cool youth colorful shoes standing in circle on white background. Top view, flatlay, flat lay, woman, femine- United Van Lines

    How to Pack Shoes for Moving

    Packing shoes might seem like a no-brainer, but there’s more to it than just stuffing them into a box and hoping for the best.

  • How to Move Antiques - European and chinese antique vase on wooden table- United Van Lines

    How to Move Antiques

    How to Pack Collectables: 1. Wrap fragile items in bubble pack, then packing paper. Wrap small items in brightly colored tissue so they don’t get lost in the box.

Recent State Guides

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  • A couple taking a walk - Best places to retire - United Van Lines

    Best Places to Retire in the U.S. 

    Check out our tips for finding the retirement destination that fits you best.

  • View of Bellingham, WA

    Your Ultimate Guide to Moving to Washington

    Wondering if Washington is for you? Whether you’re moving for a job opportunity or for family, this guide has all insights you need before moving to the Evergreen State.

  • Devils Tower National Monument Wyoming

    What You Need to Know Before Moving to Wyoming

    Is moving to Wyoming right for you? Check out Wyoming’s complete moving guide with the latest cost of living, job market info and more from our professional movers.

  • Badlands National Park - Moving to South Dakota - United Van Lines

    Moving to South Dakota – 2024 Relocation Guide

    Wondering if moving to South Dakota is for you, your next career chapter, your lifestyle or your family? Check out our complete guide for relocating to Mount Rushmore State.

Recent City Guides

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  • Aerial View of Jackson Square in New Orleans Louisiana

    Moving to New Orleans, LA: Your Complete Relocation Guide

    Thinking about moving to New Orleans, LA? Known for its culture, food and music, the city also offers quite an affordable cost of living and a diverse job market — making it a vibrant place to call home.

  • Shreveport Louisiana skyline over the Red River at dusk

    Pros and Cons of Moving to Shreveport, Louisiana

    Considering a move to Shreveport, Louisiana? This guide breaks down real benefits and drawbacks, including lifestyle, cost of living, job market and culture. Get the facts before making your move!

  • Aerial drone photo State Capitol Park Baton Rouge Louisiana

    Pros and Cons of Moving to Baton Rouge

    Find out if moving to Baton Rouge is for you. Discover the positives and negatives of living here, from the economy to culture, and decide for yourself.

  • Aerial shot of Lafayette, Louisiana

    Moving to Lafayette, LA: Complete Guide

    Thinking of moving to Lafayette, LA? Explore cost of living, jobs, schools, safety, culture and top things to do in this vibrant Southern city.

National Park Guides

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  • national park in winter

    Top National Parks to Visit This Winter

    Want to make the most of your cross-country winter move? How about stopping and stretching your legs at one of these stunning national parks?

  • national parks in fall

    Top National Parks to Visit This Fall

    As you embark on your cross-country move or start settling in your new home, keep your hiking boots and flannel shirt handy — it’s time for an adventure!  

  • Moving Canoes

    Moving Bulky, Hard-to-Handle Outdoor Gear

    Moving bulky outdoor gear? Leave it to us so you can adventure enroute to your new home, hassle-free.

  • family on the road through the mountains

    Take a Vacation From Your Move

    The drive to your new place doesn’t have to be a slog. Use our new National Parks guides — and stuff you’re transporting anyway — to turn it into an adventure.

Ready to Get Moving?

Choose United Van Lines — America’s #1 Mover®