Moving & Packing Tips

A successful Houston move requires early planning to beat the heat and traffic. Start by decluttering your home 4-6 weeks in advance, securing a licensed local mover like Ameritex, and preparing a "survival kit" for moving day. Planning around Houston’s peak traffic hours and weather patterns is essential for a seamless experience.

Estimating moving time depends on inventory volume, the distance to the truck, and Houston traffic. Typically, a 1-bedroom apartment takes 3-5 hours, while a 3-bedroom house can take 7-10 hours. Factors like elevator wait times in Downtown high-rises or long walkways in gated communities will influence the final duration.

For moves larger than a small studio, we strongly recommend scheduling professional packing and moving on separate days. This prevents "moving fatigue" and ensures our crew can meticulously wrap your fragile items on day one, followed by a fresh start for loading and transport on day two.

To protect belongings from Houston's humidity, use professional-grade corrugated boxes, avoid plastic bags for clothing (which can trap moisture), and use silica gel packets for electronics. Ensure all cardboard is kept off the ground in garages or storage units to prevent moisture wicking from concrete.

The safest way to move a flat-screen TV is in its original packaging or a specialized heavy-duty TV box. Always keep the TV upright; laying it flat can cause the screen to crack under its own weight during transport over Houston’s bumps and highway joints.

For safety and legal reasons, Ameritex Movers cannot transport hazardous, flammable, or explosive materials. This includes propane tanks (common for Houston BBQs), gasoline, paint thinners, ammunition, and aerosol cans. Perishables and live plants are also typically excluded from the moving truck to prevent damage or spoilage.

The best way to save money is to declutter before your estimate and move mid-week during the "off-peak" middle of the month. Additionally, being 100% packed and having furniture disassembled before our crew arrives will significantly reduce the billable hours for your Houston relocation.

You may leave lightweight, non-fragile clothing in dresser drawers, but all heavy, breakable, or valuable items must be removed. This keeps the furniture's weight manageable and prevents the frame from warping during transport across Houston’s uneven road surfaces.

To protect hardwood or tile flooring, use "floor runners," Masonite sheets, or cardboard paths in high-traffic areas. Ameritex Movers uses professional floor protection as part of our service to prevent scratches and scuffs while moving heavy furniture through your Houston home.

Use "dish-barrel" boxes for fragile items and wrap every plate and glass individually in packing paper. Pack plates vertically (like records) rather than stacking them flat to prevent breakage from pressure. Clearly label these boxes as "Fragile" and "Kitchen" for priority handling by our Houston crew.

Back up all digital files before packing. Use anti-static bubble wrap for monitors and CPUs, and pack cables in labeled bags alongside their respective devices. For those moving into Downtown lofts, ensure your office boxes are organized to help you get back to work immediately.

While plastic bins are great for moisture protection, cardboard boxes are easier to stack and secure in a moving truck. If you use plastic bins, ensure they are high-quality and not over-packed, as they can crack under pressure during a drive on the I-10 or Beltway 8.

Clean and dry all appliances 24-48 hours before the move. Refrigerators must be defrosted, and washing machines should have "shipping bolts" installed to protect the drum. Ensure all gas and water lines are disconnected by a professional before our Houston movers arrive.

Sort tools by size and weight. Use heavy-duty small boxes for hand tools and wrap sharp edges in old towels or thick cardboard. Group garden tools together and secure them with zip ties or tape. Remember to drain all fuel from lawnmowers before the move.

Use specialized "telescoping" mirror boxes and wrap the glass in glass-masking tape to prevent shattering. Pad the front and back with bubble wrap or foam. Mirrors and art should always be stored and moved on their side (vertically), never flat, to withstand road vibrations.

Use small, sturdy boxes only. Books are surprisingly heavy; a large box full of books is likely to break or cause injury. Pack books either flat or with the spine facing down to protect the binding during your move across the Houston metro.

Don't just dump drawers into a box! Group small items in Ziploc bags or small containers first. This prevents hardware, chargers, and small tools from getting lost and makes the "unpacking phase" in your new Houston home much faster.

Pack a bag with snacks, water, phone chargers, basic toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents (like your moving contract). Keep this bag in your personal vehicle so it’s accessible throughout your Houston moving day.

Remove the bulb and the "harp" (the wire frame holding the shade). Wrap the base in bubble wrap and pack it in a tall box. Pack the lampshade separately in its own box with clean tissue paper—never stack items on top of a lampshade box.

Use a color-coded labeling system. Assign a color to each room in your new Houston home and place a corresponding sticker on the box and the doorframe of the room. This allows our crew to unload with "surgical precision," saving time and effort.