The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move

Packing is one of the most important parts of a successful move. When done correctly, it helps protect your belongings, keeps everything organized, and makes unpacking less stressful. At Carey Moving and Storage, we know that preparing for a move can feel stressful, but with the right packing strategies for your move, you can protect your belongings and make the process smooth and efficient.

General Guidelines for Packing a Home

No matter the size of your home, having a solid plan can make packing easier. Consider these important tips before getting into room-specific packing:

• Declutter Before Packing – Sort out belongings you don't use to reduce moving costs and space.
• Gather High-Quality Packing Supplies – Use sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
• Label Everything Clearly – Write room names and details on boxes to simplify unpacking.
• Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This makes boxes more stable and prevents damage.
• Use Padding for Fragile Items – Protect breakables with soft padding for extra protection.
• Create a First-Night Box – Pack essentials like toiletries, chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes.

Now, let's dive into how to pack each room efficiently.

How to Pack a Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to pack due to delicate items and large kitchen appliances. Use these steps:

• Choose compact boxes for heavy things – Pots, pans, and canned goods should be placed in smaller boxes for easy lifting.
• Individually cushion glassware – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
• Pack knives safely – Wrap knives in towels or rags and hold them in place with rubber bands before packing.
• Pack Appliances in Their Original Boxes – If you can, use the manufacturer’s packaging for safety.
• Seal Food Items Properly – Avoid spills by packing opened food in sealed freezer bags.

Packing Supplies for a Kitchen:

• Dish boxes (for plates and fragile items)
• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Packing tape
• Small and medium boxes
• Plastic bins or bags for pantry items

How to Pack a Living Room

The living room often contains a combination of different furniture and expensive electronics. Try these methods for smooth packing:

• Break down oversized items – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
• Safeguard electronics – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if possible, or use thick blankets to wrap them.
• Wrap Picture Frames and Artwork – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to avoid damage.
• Pack lamps and shades carefully – Remove bulbs, wrap bases separately, and pack shades in individual boxes.
• Cover sofas with stretch wrap – Cover fabric furniture with plastic to prevent dust and dirt.

Packing Supplies for a Living Room:

• Protective blankets and plastic film
• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Large and extra-large boxes
• Specialty boxes for TVs and artwork

How to Pack a Bedroom

Bedrooms require thoughtful preparation of clothes, furniture, and personal possessions. Try these steps for smooth bedroom packing:

• Transfer Hanging Clothes to Wardrobe Boxes – Keep clothing wrinkle-free by Packing them in hanging boxes.
• Vacuum Seal Seasonal Clothes – Use less space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t be using right away.
• Protect Mattresses with Covers – Avoid moisture damage and dirt with mattress bags.
• Keep Jewelry in Individual Containers – Keep valuables in a personal bag or jewelry organizer.
• Use Extra Padding for Mirrors and Frames – Use cardboard, bubble wrap, and secure them in flat boxes.

Packing Supplies for a Bedroom:

• Wardrobe boxes
• Mattress bags
• Jewelry organizers
• Medium and large moving boxes
• Packing paper and bubble wrap

How to Pack a Bathroom

Bathrooms contain many small items, liquids, and breakable toiletries. Follow these steps for efficient bathroom packing:

• Remove Old Expired Products – Dispose of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
• Seal Liquids in Plastic Bags – Avoid leaks by placing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
• Wrap Breakable Items – Use towels to wrap perfume bottles and glass containers.
• Pack Towels and Linens in Boxes or Bags – Use them to pad other fragile items.
• Pack bathroom essentials in a handy bag – Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other necessities should be within easy reach.

Packing Supplies for a Bathroom:

• Resealable plastic bags for toiletries
• Small and medium moving boxes
• Towels and soft padding materials
• Bubble wrap for glass items

How to Pack a Home Office

A home office contains important tech gear and paperwork. Follow these tips to protect your office:

• Create Backups of All Digital Information – Save all digital files to the cloud or an external hard drive before packing.
• Wrap and Box Up Computer Equipment Properly – Wrap screens in foam and pack in sturdy boxes.
• Sort and Store Essential Paperwork – Store legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof lockbox.
• Bundle Wires and Cables – Label cords and store them in individual bags to prevent tangles.
• Pack Books in Small Boxes – Books get heavy quickly, so use small boxes to make lifting easier.

Packing Supplies for a Home Office:

• Computer boxes or moving blankets
• Cable organizers and zip ties
• Small boxes for books
• Fireproof document storage

How to Pack a Garage

The garage often holds various tools, equipment and storage containers. Use these tips for efficient garage packing:

• Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals should be disposed of properly because movers cannot transport them.
• Empty Fuel from Gas-Powered Tools – Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools need to be emptied before transport.
• Organize Nails, Screws, and Small Tools in Labeled Bins – Keep nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Wrap Sharp Objects Securely – Protect blades and sharp tools with bubble wrap or cloth.
• Coil up Hoses and Cords Neatly – Coil and tie them neatly to save space.

Packing Supplies for a Garage:

• Heavy-duty plastic bins
• Zip ties and rope
• Bubble wrap for sharp tools
• Large moving boxes

Extra Packing Advice for an Easier Move

To ensure a hassle-free move, consider these extra ideas:

• Prepare a Must-Have Items Box – Include items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and a change of clothes.
• Snap Pictures of Cable Setups Before Packing – This will help you reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
• Protect Fragile Items with Soft Materials – Blankets, clothing, and towels can be used to cushion breakable items.
• Complete One Room Before Moving to the Next – Stay organized by focusing on one room before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing?

Packing is a time-consuming process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Carey Moving and Storage, we offer professional packing and unpacking services to make your move effortless. Whether you need full-service packing or just help with fragile items, our team is here to assist. Contact us today at 888-972-0909 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let us handle the hard work for you!