The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move

Packing is one of the most essential parts of a successful move. When done the right way, it helps protect your belongings, helps you stay organized, and prevents last-minute unpacking stress. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we know that preparing for a move can feel overwhelming, but with the right packing strategies for your Move, you can protect your belongings and keep your move on track.

Tips and Tricks for Packing a Home

No matter how big your home, having a strategic plan can make packing easier. Consider these essential tips before getting into room-specific packing:

• Declutter Before Packing – Remove anything you no longer want to reduce moving costs and space.
• Gather High-Quality Packing Supplies – Find strong moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
• Label Everything Clearly – Mark boxes by room and contents to make unpacking easier.
• Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This helps prevent items shifting and prevents damage.
• Use Padding for Fragile Items – Protect breakables with soft padding for extra protection.
• Create a First-Night Box – Put together your first-night must-haves like personal hygiene items, chargers, snacks and a fresh set of clothes.

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

How to Pack a Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to pack due to fragile glassware and bulky appliances. Follow these steps:

• Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should be placed in smaller boxes for easier lifting.
• Protect each glass separately – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
• Pack knives safely – Wrap knives in towels and secure them with rubber bands before packing.
• Pack Appliances in Their Original Boxes – If possible, use the manufacturer’s packaging for safety.
• Seal Food Items Properly – Avoid leaks 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:

• Take apart bigger furniture pieces – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
• Keep electronics safe – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if available, or wrap with blankets.
• Wrap Picture Frames and Artwork – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to avoid damage.
• Wrap lamps and lampshades individually – 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 organized packing of clothes, furniture, and personal belongings. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Move Hanging Garments Using Wardrobe Boxes – Avoid wrinkling clothes by transferring them straight to hanging boxes.
• Vacuum Seal Seasonal Clothes – Free-up space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t immediately need.
• Protect Mattresses with Protective Covers – Prevent moisture damage and dirt with mattress bags.
• Keep Jewelry in Individual Containers – Keep valuables in a personal bag or jewelry organizer.
• Wrap Mirrors and Frames with Care – 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 a lot of toiletries, small items, and fragile containers. Use these tips for efficient packing:

• Remove Old Expired Products – Dispose of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
• Place Liquids in Sealable Bags – Prevent leaks by placing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
• Wrap Delicate Items – Use towels to protect glass bottles and containers.
• Place towels and linens in moving boxes – Use them to pad other fragile items.
• Set aside a toiletry kit – Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other necessities should be within easy reach.

Packing Supplies for a Bathroom:

• Plastic bags for liquids
• 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 valuable electronics, documents, and furniture. Use these tips to pack your home office securely:

• Create Backups of All Digital Information – Save personal data to the cloud or an external hard drive prior to packing.
• Wrap and Box Up Computer Equipment Properly – Wrap screens in foam and pack in sturdy boxes.
• Organize Important Documents – Store legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof lockbox.
• Keep Cords Organized – Label cords and pack them in separate bags to avoid tangling.
• Use Small Boxes for Heavy Books – Books get heavy fast, 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 a range of gear, seasonal items, tools, equipment, and supplies. Keep these tips in mind:

• Get Rid 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 should be emptied before transport.
• Store Small Tools in Plastic Containers – Store nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Protect Sharp Tools Carefully – Protect blades and sharp tools with bubble wrap or cloth.
• Bundle Garden Hoses and Cords – Coil and tie them neatly to save space.

Packing Supplies for a Garage:

• Rugged storage containers
• Zip ties and rope
• Bubble wrap for sharp tools
• Large moving boxes

Additional Packing Tips for an Easier Move

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

• Pack an Essentials Box – Pack items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and a change of clothes.
• Take Photos Before Packing Electronics – This helps you reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
• Use Soft Items as Padding – Clothing, blankets, and towels can be used to protect fragile items.
• Focus on Packing One Room at a Time – Stay organized by focusing on one area before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing?

Packing is a labor-intensive process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we offer professional packing and unpacking services to make your move simple. Whether you need complete packing assistance or just help with breakable items, our team is here to assist. Reach out now at 888-487-1920 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and relax while we do the heavy lifting!