How to Pack for Your Move

Packing and moving is a daunting task. To prevent overwhelm, start packing early. To make packing easier, follow these few simple techniques.

Getting Started: Gather Packing Materials

Using proper packing materials pays off in the long run. You can purchase sturdy boxes, specialty boxes and packing materials at local moving or shipping companies. Some wholesale companies and large stores will have free boxes available after a shipment. Wadded up newspaper, old pillows and blankets make inexpensive padding materials.

The following tools and materials will make your packing go more smoothly:

• utility knife and/or scissors


• note pad and pen


• dark, water resistant marker


• boxes of differing sizes


• packing tape


• bubble wrap


• newspapers

Packing Up

Wrap items individually and always place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the carton for cushioning. Fill empty spaces with additional crushed paper.

Make sure cartons are firmly packed with heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top.

Put heavy items in small boxes so that they are easier to carry.

Pack one room at a time numbering and labeling each box on the top and side with a description of its contents and which room the box belongs in. Label boxes containing breakable or sentimental items as “Fragile.” Keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box to make unpacking easier.

Plan ahead for what you'll need the first day after your move. Packing a separate bag with your toiletries, a change of clothes, etc., will avoid unnecessary scrambling or a run to the local store. Also pack a box of necessities such as toilet paper, towel, soap, dish cloth, broom and dust pan, trash bags, telephone, etc.

Breakable Items

Empty all drawers of breakable or spillable items.

Pack all breakable items with lots of padding: line the bottom of the box with crushed newspaper. Mark boxes “Fragile” so they are handled with care.

To prevent unnecessary damage, put all furniture knobs, feet, screws, etc., in a container that you can keep with you so the parts won't get lost.

Flammable and Heat Sensitive Items

Do not pack flammable goods or heat sensitive items like candles, audio and video tapes, computer disks, propane tanks, aerosol cans, oil based paints and certain cleaning fluids.

Items Going into Storage

For boxes going into storage, pack items together according to the seasons in which you will use them. Mark the boxes accordingly.

Packing the Van

When packing the truck, make sure the items you'll need first are loaded in last (e.g., kids toys, kitchen items, bathroom items, telephone and radio) so you can find them easily.

Use common sense when loading your truck by keeping in mind the size, sturdiness and weight of your boxes.