Moving Guide · Nashville, TN · Updated October 2026
Nashville packing checklist (room-by-room)
Pack room by room, finish the things you use least first, and leave a clear path for the crew on move day. Use the timeline below, then check off each room. Want help? Call or text (615) 258-6469 and we can pack some or all of it for you.
- A simple timeline from one week out to move morning
- Room-by-room checklists you can print
- What to keep with you, and what to ask your mover about
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How to use this checklist
Start with the timeline, then work through the room lists. The goal is simple: every box packed, sealed, and labeled with its room before the truck arrives, and a clear walkway from each room to the door. This page prints cleanly if you want a paper copy.
7 days out
- Walk each room and decide what is not coming. Donate, sell, or schedule junk removal for the rest. Fewer things means fewer hours on move day.
- Get supplies: boxes in a few sizes, packing paper, tape, a marker, and stretch wrap. If you book packing services, we bring the supplies.
- Pick a labeling system. Room name plus a short note on two sides of each box works well.
- Plan for kids and pets on move day so they are safe and out of the walkways.
- Confirm your move date, arrival window, and both addresses with your mover.
- Start packing what you rarely use: books, off-season clothes, decor, extra linens, and keepsakes.
3 days out
- Pack the kitchen except what you need daily: one plate, cup, and set of utensils per person, plus a pan.
- Pack closets. Keep a few outfits out for the last days.
- Pack the garage, shed, and storage areas. Drain gas and oil from mowers and tools before they move, or ask your mover how they want them handled.
- Take down wall art and mirrors. Wrap them well and mark the boxes fragile.
- Set aside anything fragile or high-value so the crew can give it extra care.
- If you live in an apartment or condo, confirm your elevator or loading dock reservation. See our Nashville apartment move guide.
Night before
- Pack an essentials bag for each person: medications, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, and important papers.
- Empty, defrost, and dry the fridge and freezer if it is moving. Leave the doors propped open.
- Strip the beds. Keep bedding for the first night in an easy-to-find box.
- Empty dresser drawers of anything loose, heavy, or breakable.
- Seal and label the last boxes. Stack them near the door, out of the main walkway.
- Clear hallways, stairs, and doorways so the crew has a straight path.
Move morning
- Keep valuables with you in the car: jewelry, cash, important documents, laptops, and medication.
- Reserve or hold a close parking spot for the truck if you can.
- Do a final pass of every room, closet, cabinet, and the attic.
- Take photos of utility meters, and confirm utility shut-off and start dates for both homes.
- Walk the crew through the home. Point out fragile pieces and anything that is not moving.
- At the new home, tell the crew which room is which so boxes land in the right place.
Room-by-room checklist
Kitchen
- Wrap dishes and glasses one at a time in packing paper.
- Pack plates standing on edge, not flat, with paper between each one.
- Put heavy items like pans and small appliances in small boxes.
- Seal open pantry items, or use them up before the move.
- Mark every box of dishes or glass as fragile.
Bathroom
- Tape or bag anything that could leak, and pack liquids upright.
- Keep medications in your essentials bag, not in a box.
- Pack towels and bath mats last, or use them as padding.
Bedroom
- Use wardrobe boxes or keep clothes on hangers in bags.
- Bag mattresses to keep them clean.
- Keep screws and hardware from bed frames in a labeled bag taped to the frame. Our crews take beds apart and set them back up on local moves.
Living room
- Pack TVs in their original box if you still have it, or ask your mover to wrap them.
- Coil and label cables. A photo of the back of your TV setup helps at the new place.
- Pack books in small boxes so they stay liftable.
- Remove glass shelves and pack them separately.
Garage and outdoor
- Drain fuel and oil from lawn equipment.
- Bundle long-handled tools together with tape.
- Clean and dry patio furniture and grills.
- Set aside anything hazardous and ask your mover before packing it.
What not to pack
Some things should stay with you, and some things movers may not be able to carry. Rules vary, so ask your mover about anything on this list before move day.
- Keep with you: medications, important papers, jewelry, cash, keys, laptops, and phone chargers.
- Ask your mover first: propane tanks, gasoline, paint, cleaning chemicals, aerosols, ammunition, and anything flammable or corrosive.
- Plan separately: plants, perishable food, and pets.
Want us to pack for you?
Giga Moving offers full or partial packing. We bring boxes, paper, tape and wrap, and we label every box by room. Many people have us pack only the kitchen and fragile items and do the rest themselves. See packing services.
Wondering what packing adds to the bill? Our Nashville moving cost guide explains what changes the price of a local move.
Packing after water or fire damage is a different job. See contents pack-outs.
Ready to plan your move?
Tell us your two addresses, home size, and move date, plus anything you want packed. We will explain the price before moving day.
Giant Strength, Gentle Care.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I start packing for a local Nashville move?
About a week out is a good start for most homes. Begin with things you rarely use, then work toward the kitchen and daily items in the last few days. Larger homes, or homes with a lot of decor or books, benefit from starting earlier.
Can movers pack for me?
Yes. Giga Moving offers full or partial packing. We bring boxes, paper, tape and wrap, and label every box by room. See packing services or call or text (615) 258-6469.
What should stay with me in the car?
Keep medications, important documents, jewelry, cash, keys, laptops, chargers, and your essentials bag with you. Anything you would be upset to lose, or need the first night, should ride with you.
More answers on our FAQ page.