Moving can be stressful, to say the least. From moving boxes to disassembling furniture, transporting your belongings is not an easy feat. To help make your next experience trouble-free, AAA Movers put together a detailed guide on how to pack for a move. Check it out below!

How to Pack Like a Pro

Want efficient ways to pack for moving? The key is to get organized and start with the right supplies and tools. 

Supplies

• Boxes—Assemble boxes in various sizes for items of different weights and measurements. Specialty boxes are also helpful for dishes or clothes. 
• Bubble Wrap—Bubble wrap can make all the difference in protecting fragile belongings.
• Packing Tape—Quality tape is needed to secure boxes. We recommend heavy-duty tape.
• Packing Paper—Packing paper can help wrap and protect breakable items made from glass or ceramic. (Newspaper is a great alternative!)
• Plastic Wrap—Plastic wrap protects big furniture like couches and TVs.

Labeling and Organizing

• Markers—To label boxes based on room and what’s inside.
• Labels—Using labels can make unpacking easier!
• Checklist—A checklist or an inventory app can help you track what’s in each box.

Tools

• Scissors—A good pair of heavy-duty scissors can help you cut tape, packing paper, or bubble wrap.
• Box Cutter—A box cutter is necessary for opening and breaking down boxes once you’re in your new space.
• Dolly—A wheeled dolly can make the job easier when it comes to big items.
• Screwdriver—Some items may require disassembly, so having a screwdriver on hand is good. 

Other Helpful Supplies

• Ziploc Bags—To avoid losing important nails and screws, keep extra ziplock bags around.
• Cable Ties:—Cables and cords can be a pest during a move, so keep them organized with cable or zip ties.
• Mattress Bags—A mattress bag can help protect the mattresses from getting dirty or damaged in transit.
• Bungee Cords—Use bungee cords to keep your items in place
• Vacuum Seal Bags—Vacuum seal bags are great for packing items such as blankets, clothes, and pillows.

How to Pack for a Move

Now that you have all your supplies and tools ready, here are efficient ways to pack for moving, broken down room-by-room!

The Kitchen

• Food—When you’re loading up your pantry and refrigerator, get rid of any expired food. It is also important to leave your refrigerated items to the end so they don’t go bad during the move. 
• Wrap-Up Items—Wrapping up items such as plates, bowls, glasses, and mugs will prevent damage. To avoid damage, wrap each item individually. Don’t forget to label these boxes as fragile!
• Pots and Pans—Nesting your pots and pans allows for more space. Just don’t forget to place packing paper between each one! Wrap lids separately and put them in the same box as the pots and pans.
• Appliances—If possible, put appliances in their original boxes. If the original boxes aren’t available, an appropriately sized box will do the trick.

Want more tips? Read our blog about packing your kitchen! 

The Bedroom

• Clothes—For clothes on hangers, transfer them directly to a box without removing the hangers. This will make for an easier transfer.
• Shoes—Keep pairs of shoes together to avoid trouble when unpacking. Shoes should be packed in multiple small boxes since they can get heavy.
• Accessories—Put belts, hats, and scarves into small boxes.
• Bedding—For comforters, blankets, or pillows, vacuum-sealed bags will give you more space and keep the items clean during transit. You’ll also want to use a mattress bag for your mattress.

The Living Room

• Electronics—If possible, pack electronics in their original boxes. If you can’t, wrap them with bubble wrap and place them in durable boxes.
• Decorations—To prevent damage, decorations like artwork and mirrors should be wrapped securely with bubble wrap or covered with a blanket. Small knickknacks should be wrapped with packing paper before being put into a box.
• Rugs and Curtains—Rugs should be rolled up before loading into the moving truck. Wrapping them with plastic wrap can ensure they stay secure. Curtains can be folded neatly and placed in a box or plastic bag to keep them safe and clean.
• Media—When packing books, use multiple small boxes to avoid making any one box too heavy. Games should be placed vertically inside the box to prevent crushing or cracking. 

The Outdoor/Garage

•  Sharp Items—Sharp items like saws, garden equipment, and power tools should go in their original boxes or be protected with towels.
• Grill/Fire Pit Items—Before packing up your grill or fire pit, remove any burnt wood, propane tanks, or charcoal.
• Holiday Decorations—Put holiday decorations in bins to keep them organized and damage-free. 

Furniture

• Use Covers—A plastic cover can prevent damage to couches, recliners, tables, dressers, bookshelves, mattresses, and chairs.
• Disassemble—Disassemble items such as chairs and bed frames. You can also remove dresser drawers and shelves from the bookshelf.
• Loading—When loading the moving truck, always load the heavy furniture first. Distributing weight evenly among boxes and furniture will also make the transit and unpacking easier.

Tips for Packing Like a Pro

Here are a few helpful tips from our years of experience: 

• Get Rid of Unwanted Items Beforehand—Moving is the best way to realize what you no longer need. So, before you pack, take time to sort and downsize your belongings.
• Heavy Furniture First—To simplify unpacking, put the large items (e.g., furniture and appliances) in the back of the moving van.
• Utilize Space—Put small items like clothes, shoes, and trinkets in suitcases, baskets, and bins to reduce the need for more boxes.
• Label Everything—Label your boxes by room and by their contents. To keep everything organized, you can use an inventory app. 
• Keep Smaller Pieces Together—If you’ve disassembled furniture or decorations, tape the bag of nails or screws to the piece so you don’t lose them!

Leave the Packing to AAA Movers

Don’t want to handle packing for your upcoming move? Leave it to our ProMover-certified team. With care and attention to detail, AAA Movers ensures your prized possessions arrive in their new space safely and securely. 

Learn more about our commercial and residential packing services, and reach out for a free quote today!