General Packing Strategies

Begin with a plan to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure nothing is overlooked.

• Create an Inventory List: Before packing, catalog your items room by room. This helps track belongings, estimate box needs, and simplify insurance claims if needed. Use apps or spreadsheets for digital organization.
• Declutter First: Sort through possessions and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This reduces volume, lowers costs, and makes unpacking simpler. Donate usable items to charities for a feel-good start.
• Label Everything Clearly: Mark boxes with contents, destination room, and handling instructions (e.g., “Fragile – Kitchen Glassware”). Color-code by room for quick identification during unloading.
• Pack an Essentials Kit: Prepare a box or bag with immediate needs like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic tools. Keep it with you for easy access on moving day.

Kitchen Items

The kitchen often has fragile and perishable goods, so pack carefully.

• Wrap breakables like plates and glasses individually in paper or bubble wrap, stacking vertically in boxes with dividers. Use dish barrels for added protection.
• Bundle utensils and wrap sharp knives in towels or cardboard sheaths. Pack pots and pans with paper between to prevent scratches.
• Empty and clean appliances; tape cords and doors shut. Discard perishables or donate unopened non-perishables to avoid spills.

Bedroom and Clothing

Clothing is bulky but straightforward—focus on wrinkle prevention.

• Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes to keep them on hangers. Roll non-hanging items to save space and reduce creases.
• Stuff shoes with socks or paper to maintain shape; pack pairs in original boxes or bags.
• Fold bedding and linens neatly; use them as padding for fragile items in other boxes.

Living Room and Electronics

Handle delicate electronics and decor with extra caution.

• Wrap furniture in blankets or shrink wrap to protect surfaces; disassemble if possible and bag hardware.
• Use original boxes for TVs and devices, or custom crates; coil cords and label them.
• Pack books spine-down in small boxes to avoid damage; wrap fragile decor like vases in bubble wrap.

Bathroom and Miscellaneous

These areas have small, easily lost items—organize them tightly.

• Seal liquids in plastic bags to prevent leaks; pack toiletries in a waterproof container.
• Group small items like hardware or office supplies in zip-lock bags, labeling each.
• For valuables or documents, carry them personally in a secure folder or safe.

Ready to pack like a pro for your next adventure? Download our free PDF with essential tips for an organized relocation now and streamline your packing process!