The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Move: Professional Tips and Techniques

Packing Guidelines for Your Professional Move

Strategic packing is crucial for a stress-free move. With enough preparation, the right materials, and reliable wrapping techniques, you can rest easy knowing your belongings will be safely transported to your new home. Follow these guidelines to ensure an efficient moving experience.

Essential Packing Tips

When packing for a move, it’s important to be well-prepared and organized before the movers arrive. Pack all boxes by the evening before and have them ready to be loaded onto the truck. Other ways to prepare for moving day include:

• Leave out only the items you’ll need for the first few days in your new home. Pack and unpack these items at the last minute. 
• Ensure your boxes meet packing standards. A reputable company will inspect your boxes and may refuse to load poorly packed items.
• Avoid using cartons or boxes that are torn, ripped, soiled, or won’t close.
• Use fresh supplies to re-pack boxed items, such as holiday decorations and sentimental items, from garages, attics, and storage spaces.

Of course, you can’t fit everything into boxes. Your moving company will often professionally wrap and pad furniture and major appliances. They can also disassemble and/or crate large items such as slate pool tables, chandeliers, or glass table tops.

Best Packing Materials and Supplies for Moving

Always use new, high-quality packing materials to transport your possessions safely. Professional moving cartons are available in all sizes and shapes. You can find boxes designed specifically for household items such as TVs, clothing, and dishware. Barrels are also great for fitting items that may not fit well into regular boxes.

In addition to cartons and boxes, stock up on the following moving supplies:

• Bundles of packing paper or unprinted newsprint paper
• Bubble wrap, tissue paper, or paper towels to wrap delicate items
• Several rolls of PVC tape (stronger and easier to use than masking tape or cellophane tape)
• Tape dispenser
• Broad-tipped markers for labeling
• Box cutter or scissors for cutting cartons
• Notebook for listing contents of cartons while packing
• Labels or stickers for identifying boxes

How To Pack Fragile Items

Proper packing helps prevent fragile items from breaking during transport. Before placing delicate items in a box, wrap them in bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and/or tissues. Many moving professionals use clean, unprinted newsprint paper, which you can find at your local moving supply store.

When wrapping smaller items, such as glasses and jars, follow these steps:

• Use two or three sheets of paper per item. 
• Place the paper on a flat surface. 
• Begin from one corner of the sheet and fold the sides as you roll. 
• Place the item in the center of the sheet and bring the corners together. Flip the item open and wrap it from the other side if needed. Use more paper if necessary — the more, the better. 
• When the corners come together, secure them with tape. This technique will also work for larger or oddly shaped items.

Before boxing fragile items, pad the bottom with a few inches of wadded paper. You can also use towels or lightweight blankets for cushioning. Place larger and heavier items on the bottom first for the most stability. Then, build up the layers, stacking lighter or more fragile items on top. Items such as books or plates, which are the same shape, can be loaded vertically. 

As you complete each layer, use crushed paper to fill empty spaces. Once full, tape the carton securely to avoid items shifting inside the box while in transit. If possible, keep all fragile items separate from heavy or bulky items to reduce the risk of damage.

Stay Organized While Moving

After packing your items safely and securely, you’ll want to know what each box contains. To avoid confusion and save time, use the following organizational tips:

• Clearly label each box using a broad, felt-tipped marker.
• Label each box with your name, the room it belongs in, and the contents.
• Include details such as “FRAGILE” or “THIS END UP” where appropriate.
• Pack similar items together, grouped by room, use, shape, and fragility. 
• List all items in a notebook for reference. You can use numbers or codes for tracking.
• Tape a sign on the door of each room to direct movers. 
• Label boxes alphabetically or numerically to know what to unpack when you reach your new home.
• Include your bill of lading (or invoice) number on each box if available.

Tips From the Pros

Most professional movers recommend packing out-of-season items first and gradually moving to items you use less frequently. Generally, the closer you get to moving day, the longer you should keep essential items accessible. Here are some additional helpful hints from the pros:

• Empty your drawers of breakables, spillables, or anything that has the potential to puncture or damage other items.
• Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, place curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts, and other small hardware items in labeled plastic bags. Tape or tie them securely to the article to which they belong. 
• Wind up and fasten electrical cords so they don’t dangle.
• Limit carton weight to about 50 pounds and distribute items evenly. The cover of each box should close easily without force or the flaps falling inward. 
• Ensure your cushioning packs the items firmly and prevents them from shifting.
• Seal all cartons tightly with tape (except for those containing items the van operator will need to inspect).

More Self Storage and Moving Related Resources

• How to Purchase the Right Moving Supplies
• Moving Out of a Rental Checklist
• Tips to Make Moving Easier
• Should You Rent a Self-Storage Unit or a Portable Moving Container?
• How a Storage Unit Makes for a Stress-Free Move