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Moving to a new apartment in Cary, NC is an exciting step, one that brings a fresh start, new surroundings, and the chance to make a space your own. At Novel Cary, we understand that while this transition can be thrilling, it also comes with its fair share of stress. From choosing the right floor plan to packing up your life, there’s a lot to juggle. That’s why having a reliable guide can make all the difference.
This blog post is here to help you navigate one of the most time-consuming parts of relocating: packing. Whether you’re upgrading to a bigger space, moving closer to work, or transitioning into your first solo apartment, the way you approach packing will set the tone for your entire move. A thoughtful plan reduces stress, saves money, and makes settling into your new place a whole lot smoother.
To make it easier, we’ve created a practical, renter-focused apartment moving checklist with 10 essential packing tips for your move. Each tip is designed to help you pack smarter, stay organized, and feel confident throughout your move.
Tip #1. Start early and create a game plan
The number one mistake renters make when planning how to pack for a move? Waiting too long. Give yourself at least 3-4 weeks to pack gradually and avoid last-minute chaos.
- Break your packing into phases: non-essentials first, daily items last
- Create a moving timeline with daily or weekly goals
- Build a checklist of supplies you’ll need like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape
Having a plan reduces stress and gives you time to declutter and organize as you go.
Tip #2. Declutter before you pack a single box
Before you tape up your first box, take a moment to look around and ask yourself: Do I really want to move all of this? Packing is a lot easier, and cheaper, when you have less stuff. That’s why decluttering is one of the most powerful steps in your apartment moving checklist. It doesn’t just lighten your load physically, it can also give you a mental boost and a sense of control over your move.
Start with one room at a time and sort your belongings into four clear categories: keep, donate, sell, and toss. Be honest with yourself about what you use regularly versus what’s just taking up space. Haven’t worn that sweater in two years? Probably time to let it go. Still holding onto kitchen gadgets you forgot you owned? Consider whether they’re worth the box space.
Decluttering is also a great opportunity to give your items a second life. Donate gently used clothes, books, and housewares to local charities in Cary. Host a weekend garage sale or list items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Ebay. Not only will you be minimizing what you pack, but you might make a little extra money to offset moving expenses. Anything that’s broken, stained, or unusable? Recycle it if possible, or toss it out guilt-free. Your future apartment will feel so much fresher without the clutter.
Tip #3. Gather your moving supplies
Once you’ve decluttered and have a better idea of what’s actually making the move with you, it’s time to gather the supplies that will help you get everything packed safely and efficiently. This step might seem simple, but having the right materials on hand can make or break your packing process. The last thing you want is to run out of boxes mid-pack or realize you don’t have enough tape when you're sealing everything up the night before your move.
Start with boxes, and don’t underestimate how many you’ll need. A good rule of thumb is 10–15 boxes per room, depending on how much you own. You’ll want a mix of sizes:
- Small boxes for heavy items like books, canned goods, or tools
- Medium boxes for kitchenware, decor, or small appliances
- Large boxes for light, bulky items like bedding, pillows, and clothing
- Specialty boxes, such as wardrobe boxes, for things you want to hang or move without folding
In addition to boxes, grab plenty of strong packing tape, permanent markers, and labels. For fragile items, stock up on bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam sheets. You can also use your own linens, towels, and clothes to pad delicate items, which cuts down on waste and saves space. A box cutter or scissors will come in handy for opening and breaking down boxes on both ends of the move.
If you’re on a budget, check with local businesses or neighbors in Cary, many will happily give away used boxes that are still in good condition. Some apartment communities, including Novel Cary, may also offer a moving box exchange or recommendations for local packing supply stores.
Tip #4. Label everything clearly
Labeling is one of the most overlooked packing tips for moving, but it makes a world of difference on move-in day.
- Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in
- Use color-coded labels or tape for easy sorting
- Mark fragile boxes clearly and indicate which side should face up
Pro tip: Number your boxes and keep a corresponding list with details of what’s inside each.
Tip #5. Pack one room at a time
Packing can feel overwhelming if you try to tackle your whole apartment at once. The key to making real progress without chaos? Focus on one room at a time. This method keeps your boxes organized, reduces stress, and helps you stay motivated by giving you a clear sense of completion along the way.
Start with the least-used spaces, often that’s the guest room, hall closet, or any extra storage areas. These rooms usually hold non-essential items like seasonal decor, extra bedding, or luggage. Knocking those out first gives you momentum without disrupting your day-to-day routine. Once those are done, move on to rooms that require more careful packing like the kitchen or living room.
As you go, label boxes by room (see Tip #4!), and try to keep items from the same space together. That way, when you’re unpacking in your new apartment, each box will be in the right place, and you won’t end up finding your blender in the bathroom or your slippers in a box marked “Pantry.”
Don't forget to pack an "essentials box" for your first night or two in your new apartment. This should include things like toilet paper, paper towels, phone chargers, a few dishes, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, and toiletries. You’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to dig through 20 boxes just to find your toothbrush after a long day of moving.
Taking it room by room makes the process feel more manageable, and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
Tip #6. Protect breakables the smart way
No one wants to open a box of shattered glassware. Use thoughtful wrapping strategies to protect delicate items.
- Wrap dishes individually in bubble wrap or packing paper
- Stack plates vertically like records
- Cushion boxes with towels or clothing for extra padding
- Tape boxes securely and don’t overpack
Label these boxes as “fragile” and load them on top when stacking.
Tip #7. Use what you already have
You don’t have to break the bank on moving supplies, chances are, you already have plenty of items around your apartment that can double as packing tools. Thinking creatively about what you own isn’t just budget-friendly, it’s also more eco-conscious and efficient. Instead of buying more, use what’s already in your drawers and closets to get the job done.
Start with suitcases and duffel bags, these are ideal for heavy items like books, shoes, or small electronics. Their sturdy handles and wheels make them easy to transport, and they’re much stronger than cardboard. Next, look at your laundry baskets, plastic storage bins, and reusable grocery bags. These are perfect for oddly shaped or last-minute items you might need to pack on moving day, like cleaning supplies or pet gear.
Towels, blankets, sweaters, and t-shirts can also be your best friends when packing fragile items. Use them to wrap dishes, cushion picture frames, or fill empty box space to prevent shifting. This not only saves you money on packing paper and bubble wrap, but it also keeps everything compact, you’re moving these items anyway, so why not make them multitask?
Even your dresser drawers can work in your favor. For shorter moves, leave lightweight clothing in the drawers and simply wrap the entire drawer in plastic wrap or a large garbage bag (just make sure they’re easy to lift). That way, when you move into your new apartment at Novel Cary, you can slide them right back in, no need to unpack and refold everything.
Smart packing isn’t just about having the right tools, it’s about using what you already have wisely. It reduces waste, cuts down on packing time, and keeps your move both practical and affordable.
Tip #8. Take photos before unplugging electronics
Before you start disconnecting your electronics, take a few minutes to make your setup foolproof. With all the cords, remotes, and power adapters involved in modern living, it’s surprisingly easy to forget where everything goes once it’s unplugged. A little preparation now can save you serious time and frustration later.
Grab your phone and snap clear photos of the back of each device—your TV, router, gaming console, soundbar, or anything else that has multiple cables. These photos will serve as your visual guide when you're reconnecting things in your new apartment.
As you unplug, bundle cables neatly and label them so you know what belongs to what. Keeping everything organized now will make reassembly quick and stress-free when you’re ready to settle in.
Here’s how to make your electronic setup easy to reassemble:
- Take photos of how each device is wired before unplugging anything
- Label each cord with tape or tags to identify its purpose
- Bundle cables using twist ties or Velcro straps to prevent tangling
- Group accessories like remotes, batteries, and power bricks together
- Pack everything into a single, labeled “Electronics Setup” box
- Keep this box handy during the move for quick access on day one
With your electronics packed smartly, you’ll be back online and unwinding in your new apartment faster, and with way less hassle.
Tip #9. Clean as you go
Packing can get messy fast, and leaving all the cleaning for the end only adds stress to your move. A smarter approach? Clean as you go. Wiping down cabinets, shelves, and drawers as you empty them saves time later—and helps you stay organized throughout the process.
Keep a small cleaning kit nearby with essentials like multi-surface spray, microfiber cloths, and a handheld vacuum. Once the furniture is out, do a final sweep, mop, and check easy-to-miss spots like baseboards and windowsills. If needed, remove nails and touch up the walls.
Short on time? Consider hiring a move-out cleaning service in Cary. Whether you DIY or call in help, staying on top of cleaning as you pack gives you a better shot at getting your full security deposit back—and makes saying goodbye a lot easier.
Tip #10. Don’t forget to update your address
In the middle of packing chaos, it’s easy to forget to update your address, but skipping this step can lead to missed bills, lost packages, or important documents never reaching you. Thankfully, it’s quick and simple to do if you plan ahead.
Start by submitting a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service at USPS.com. You can set the start date for your move-in day to make sure your mail gets forwarded right away.
Then, update your address with:
- Banks and credit card companies
- Subscription services (streaming, meal kits, magazines)
- Insurance providers and medical offices
- Utility providers and internet services
- Your employer, DMV, voter registration, and pet microchip registry
It may not be the most exciting task on your apartment moving checklist, but handling your address change early means fewer disruptions and a smoother start in your new home.
Get ready to move with confidence!
Moving can feel like a huge task, but with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These 10 practical tips on how to pack for a move are designed to help you stay organized, reduce stress, and feel confident every step of the way. From decluttering and labeling to protecting your breakables and updating your address, every small effort adds up to a much smoother transition.
At Novel Cary, we understand that your apartment is more than just a place to live, it’s your home base for everything ahead. Whether you’re relocating across town or just a few blocks away, we’re here to help you start strong in a space you’ll love coming home to.
Take a look at our Floor Plans to find the layout that fits your lifestyle, or explore our Amenities to see all the thoughtful features that make living here feel effortless. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a personalized visit through our Book a Tour page. You can also reach out directly at (919) 467-1268. Our team is always happy to help make your move-in process smooth, simple, and exciting.
Let’s get you home.