Let’s be honest, one of the worst things about moving is figuring out how to (safely) pack every item you own in just a few weeks. How do you ensure your fragile items don’t get broken or lost? How many boxes do you need?
Don’t worry! As a full-service moving company, we know a thing or two about getting your things from Point A to Point B. In this guide, we’ll show you how to pack for a move room by room.
How to Pack for a Move: Basic Packing Tips
Before you get started, it’s helpful to brush up on some basic packing tips for moving.
- Declutter your home. Removing items you no longer want, need, or use will create less work for you and your movers.
- Start packing early, about 6-8 weeks ahead of your move. Start with lesser used items, working your way up to the things you use everyday.
- Use brand new moving boxes and proper moving supplies. Used boxes, old newspapers and cheap packing tape simply do not hold up as well during a strenuous move.
- Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in large boxes. This will make things easier on you and your movers come moving day!
- Label boxes clearly on all sides with their location in your new home. For boxes containing fragile items, use specially made stickers, as they’re more visible than handwriting.
- Furniture should be disassembled before moving. Keep all hardware in a labeled plastic bag. However, if you’re choosing Cento Moving, we’ll take care of disassembling and reassembling all furniture!
Remember, packing properly takes time, but it’s worth it to save your items from being damaged.
How To Pack Bedrooms
Pack clothes in suitcases or a cardboard box lined with ink-free packing paper. (Don’t use newspaper for packing, as the ink may transfer onto your things.) If you prefer not to fold everything, wardrobe boxes allow you to hang your clothing up yet still be protected.
Here in Florida, most people don’t have expensive furs or leather jackets, but if you do, consider moving those in your own vehicle. Moving trucks are not climate controlled. Any expensive jewelry should also be kept in your possession.
If you still have the boxes your shoes came in, these are the best option for keeping your footwear safe. But if not, stuff the toes with tissue paper to prevent crushing, then wrap shoes individually and in pairs with some packing or tissue paper.
Stuff purses and handbags with tissue to prevent creasing. Then close all zippers, buttons, and other closures and wrap in paper again.
Pillows and linens are less likely to be damaged during a move, so your main concern is keeping them clean. We recommend lining a cardboard box with paper and using pillows and linens as padding.
How To Pack the Bathroom
There are certain items—such as aerosol cans, nail polish, and remover—that are legally prohibited from going on a moving truck, so keep this in mind as you pack the bathrooms.
Toiletries that you use every day should go into a special moving kit so you can easily access them without having to unpack every box first.
Remaining products should be packed carefully to avoid spillage during transit. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the mouth of each container before replacing the cap or use a large plastic bag.
Razors and glass containers should be wrapped well with packing paper and/or bubble wrap and securely taped. Carefully wrap and secure the cords of curling irons, hair dryers, and other small appliances, then wrap in bubble wrap.
If you have fancy guest towels, roll them to preserve space and wrap in packing paper so they don’t get stained. Regular towels can be used as padding in another box.
How To Pack Home Décor
Decorative items are what make a house a home, so take precautions to protect them when you move.
Wrap mirrors and picture frames with packing paper, then cushion them with a layer or two of bubble wrap, paying close attention to any corners. Moving boxes designed for artwork provide protection for any size piece.
Breakable knick knacks should be carefully wrapped in plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap. Fill any voids in the box with some crumpled paper or tissue to prevent items from moving too much.
Curtains can be easily moved in a wardrobe box. Simply fold them over a padded hanger and pin so they don’t fall off on the truck.
Pack your book collection either flat or vertically, but not with the spine facing up as this weakens it. Most books tend to be heavy, so pick your smaller boxes for this.
How To Pack Electronics
Whether you love movies, gaming, or music, those living room electronics should be packed carefully to avoid damaging sensitive technology.
Before you start unplugging everything, backup files on your computer and take a picture or draw a diagram of where things are plugged in. Trust us, this will save you a lot of hassle when you’re unpacking! Label each cord as well, so you know what goes where.
Next, remove batteries from remotes and other systems, as they aren’t allowed on the moving truck.
Wrap electronics—such as TVs, gaming systems, DVD players—in bubble wrap or foam and place them in a heavily padded moving box along with their cords. TVs are best transported in a box specially designed for them.
If you have a collection of CDs, DVDs, or vinyl records, put a layer of crushed packing paper at the bottom of a box and pack your collections upright. To make them extra crush proof, sandwich them with some hardback books or thick pieces of cardboard at either end.
How To Pack the Kitchen & Dining Room
Wrap plates in packing paper or paper towels, then tape a layer of bubble wrap over it to prevent cracking. Line a box with more crushed paper and store plates vertically (this makes damage less likely).
For bowls, nestle them together with a layer of bubble wrap between each dish. Store them upside in a cushioned box.
Cups should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap and stored upside down with a piece of cardboard between each layer.
Fill any voids and top all boxes with a layer of crumpled packing paper.
Cutlery isn’t as prone to breakage, so you can simply wrap them in sets (forks, spoons, butter knives, etc.) with plastic wrap. Wrap real silver pieces individually so they don’t tarnish. If they come in a chest, however, you can simply place some crumpled packing paper inside to prevent things from shifting and wrap the entire chest.
Pots and pans can be nestled like bowls, and you can also use them to store smaller items. Wrap any lids separately and store them vertically. Knives and scissors should be thoroughly padded with paper and bubble wrap so they don’t harm anything (or anyone).
For blenders, toaster ovens, and other small appliances, wrap the cords well and secure with masking tape or a twist tie. Then, wrap them in bubble wrap and place in an appropriately sized box.
Remember, when items are allowed to shift, they are more likely to break.
How to Pack the Garage
There are a lot of chemicals that professional movers are not allowed to load onto the truck, so if you plan on keeping those items, you will have to move them yourself.
This includes things like:
- ammonia,
- charcoal,
- fertilizer,
- motor oil,
- paint,
- pesticides,
- pool chemicals,
- propane tanks and
- weed killer.
Tools should be wrapped very carefully so you don’t injure yourself during the move.
How to Pack Kids’ Rooms
Young children might have a hard time if their favorite toys are packed away for weeks, so save kids’ rooms for last.
When you finally start packing, start with their least-used items. If they have a favorite toy or comfort item, it’s often best to leave these out of the moving truck entirely. Your child will probably enjoy having a friend during the ride to the new home.
Finally, to make packing with a child more fun, let them decorate the box!
At Cento Moving, We Know How to Pack for A Move
It takes time, but packing properly for a move will help keep your items safe on the journey from your old home to your new one.
And if you don’t think you can find the time to do it yourself, why not let the pros handle it for you?
At Cento Moving, we are a full-service moving company, which means we can take care of your packing services too, giving you extra time to tackle everything else on your moving checklist.
Call today for a free quote!
