Professional Packing Guide
Expert packing techniques and tips to protect your belongings during your move.
Why Proper Packing Matters
Proper packing is one of the most important aspects of a successful move. It protects your belongings from damage, makes loading and unloading more efficient, and helps you stay organized during the unpacking process.
At LiftNHaul, we've helped thousands of families and businesses pack and move their belongings safely. This comprehensive guide shares our professional techniques and insider tips to ensure your items arrive at your new home in perfect condition.
Essential Packing Supplies
Having the right supplies makes packing faster, easier, and more effective. Here's what you'll need:
Basic Supplies
- Moving Boxes: Various sizes (small for heavy items, medium for most items, large for lightweight items)
- Packing Tape: Heavy-duty shipping tape with dispenser
- Bubble Wrap: For fragile items
- Packing Paper: Unprinted newsprint for wrapping items
- Markers: For labeling boxes
Specialty Items
- Wardrobe Boxes: For hanging clothes
- Dish Pack Kits: With cell dividers for glasses and dishes
- Mattress Bags: To protect mattresses from dirt and damage
- Furniture Pads: To protect furniture during transit
- Plastic Wrap: For securing drawers and protecting furniture
Pro Tip
Don't skimp on quality packing materials. Professional-grade supplies provide better protection and are more cost-effective in the long run. LiftNHaul offers high-quality packing supplies that can be delivered directly to your door.
Room-by-Room Packing Guide
Breaking down your packing by room helps make the process more manageable and keeps your items organized.
Kitchen
The kitchen often contains the most fragile items and requires special attention:
Dishes & Glassware
- Wrap each dish individually in packing paper
- Stack plates vertically (like records) for better protection
- Use cell dividers for glasses and stemware
- Mark these boxes as "FRAGILE" on all sides
Pots, Pans & Appliances
- Nest pots and pans together with paper between them
- Wrap lids separately and tape to corresponding pots
- Remove glass components from appliances and wrap separately
- Tape appliance cords to the appliance body
Important
Pack a separate "First Day" box with essential kitchen items you'll need immediately: coffee maker, a few dishes, utensils, paper towels, and cleaning supplies.
Living Room
Living rooms often contain a mix of furniture, electronics, and decorative items:
Electronics
- Take photos of wire connections before disconnecting
- Label all cords and components
- Use original boxes if available, or wrap in bubble wrap
- Keep accessories with their devices
Artwork & Decor
- Wrap framed art in bubble wrap and place between flat items
- Use specialty boxes for mirrors and large artwork
- Fill vases and hollow items with packing paper
- Wrap lamp bases and pack shades separately
Pro Tip
For furniture, remove legs when possible and keep hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture. Use furniture pads and plastic wrap to protect upholstery.
Bedroom
Bedrooms contain a mix of clothing, furniture, and personal items:
Clothing
- Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- Fold non-hanging clothes and pack in medium boxes
- Use vacuum bags for bulky items like comforters
- Keep a few days' worth of clothes separate
Furniture & Bedding
- Disassemble bed frames and keep hardware together
- Use mattress bags to protect mattresses
- Empty and secure dresser drawers
- Pack bedding in large boxes, labeled for easy access
Bathroom
Bathrooms contain many small items and potential leakage concerns:
- Pack toiletries in sealable plastic bags to prevent leaks
- Keep a separate box of essential toiletries for immediate use
- Wrap glass items in bubble wrap
- Use small boxes for heavy items like toiletries
Important
Do not pack flammable, corrosive, or pressurized items like aerosols, nail polish remover, or cleaning chemicals. These should be properly disposed of or transported separately.
Packing Special Items
Some belongings require extra care and special packing techniques:
Fragile & Valuable Items
- Antiques: Consider professional crating for extremely valuable items
- China & Crystal: Double-wrap each piece and use dish pack boxes with dividers
- Artwork: Use mirror boxes and corner protectors; transport artwork upright
- Musical Instruments: Use instrument-specific cases and climate-controlled transport
Electronics & Technology
- Computers: Back up data, remove batteries if possible, and pack in anti-static materials
- TVs: Use original boxes or TV-specific moving boxes; never lay flat
- Small Electronics: Wrap in anti-static bubble wrap and pack in sturdy boxes with padding
Awkward & Heavy Items
- Lamps: Remove bulbs and shades; wrap bases in bubble wrap
- Plants: Consider giving away or transporting personally; most movers won't move plants
- Books: Pack in small boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy
- Tools: Drain fuel from power tools; wrap sharp edges; use small sturdy boxes
Packing Timeline
Start early and follow this timeline for a stress-free packing experience:
4-6 Weeks Before
- Sort through belongings and declutter
- Donate, sell, or dispose of unwanted items
- Begin gathering packing supplies
- Start packing seasonal items and things you won't need
2-3 Weeks Before
- Pack non-essential items from each room
- Label boxes with contents and destination room
- Take photos of valuable items for insurance
- Pack decorative items, books, and extra linens
1 Week Before
- Pack most of your household items
- Leave out only what you'll need for the final week
- Disassemble furniture that requires it
- Create an "essentials box" for your first day
1-2 Days Before
- Pack suitcases with clothes and toiletries for a few days
- Pack remaining items except for absolute essentials
- Prepare a cooler for refrigerated items
- Double-check all areas to ensure nothing is left behind
Box Labeling System
A good labeling system makes unpacking much easier and helps movers place boxes in the correct rooms:
Effective Box Labeling
- Room Name: Clearly mark which room the box belongs in
- Contents: List key items inside the box
- Priority: Mark boxes as "Open First," "Open Soon," or "Open Later"
- Special Handling: Mark "FRAGILE," "THIS SIDE UP," or "HEAVY" as needed
- Numbering System: Number boxes (e.g., "Kitchen 1 of 10") to track if any are missing
Pro Tip
Consider using colored labels or tape for each room (e.g., blue for bathroom, yellow for kitchen). This makes it easy to identify where boxes should go at a glance.
Professional Packing Services
While many people choose to pack themselves, professional packing services can save you time and stress while ensuring your belongings are properly protected.
LiftNHaul offers full and partial packing services:
- Full-Service Packing: We pack everything in your home with professional materials and techniques
- Partial Packing: We pack only specific items or rooms that you select
- Specialty Item Packing: We provide expert packing for valuable, fragile, or unusual items
- Unpacking Services: We can also unpack at your new home and remove packing materials
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boxes will I need for my move?
The number of boxes depends on your home size and belongings. As a general guideline:
- Studio/1-bedroom: 30-40 boxes
- 2-bedroom: 40-60 boxes
- 3-bedroom: 60-80 boxes
- 4+ bedroom: 80+ boxes
What items should I not pack in a moving truck?
Do not pack hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, propane), perishable food, plants, important documents, valuables (jewelry, cash), or irreplaceable items. These should be transported separately or properly disposed of.
How do I pack electronics safely?
Take photos of wire connections before disconnecting. Use original boxes if available, or wrap in anti-static bubble wrap. Label all cords and keep them with their devices. Transport electronics in climate-controlled environments when possible.
Should I empty dresser drawers before moving?
Yes, it's best to empty drawers to reduce weight and prevent damage to the furniture. However, lightweight items like clothing can sometimes remain in drawers if they're secured with plastic wrap and the dresser isn't too heavy.
Need Help With Packing?
Let our professional packers handle the hard work. We offer full-service and partial packing options to fit your needs and budget.
Get a Free Packing Quote