Packing your entire home might be the most time-consuming, mentally draining, and labor-intensive task on your moving to-do list. However, you don’t have to dread breaking out the cardboard boxes. You can streamline the process by breaking it down into manageable steps to complete over several weeks. With plenty of prep time and a plan, packing becomes a lot less of an insurmountable chore.
The best way to get your belongings from point A to point B safely is by packing well, and we're here to make sure you have everything necessary to make that happen. We've already created a detailed moving checklist to serve as your master plan to stay organized. However, this guide lists the finer details and collects all our packing guides into one source. When you're done reading, you'll know exactly how to pack most common items in your home.
Melanie Morris is an editor and writer at HireAHelper, where she uses observational skills honed from over 7 years of experience (and too much detective fiction) to demystify moving and make sure typos remain at a minimum.
Moving from the southwest up and down the west coast and back again has also given her plenty of firsthand moving experience. Now, she makes sure that even if you're just moving down the block, you have the accurate tips and know-how to make your relocation a breeze.
Moving an entire home is a big ask, especially if you go in blindly. Take the time to plan everything before starting. Create a master packing checklist for moving to outline the entire process. You'll know exactly what to do and when.
Make sure your plan accounts for essential steps, including:
Any labor you plan to outsource. You don't have to handle the move yourself if you don't mind paying for some extra help. Many people pay movers to load, transport, and unload their packed belongings. However, you can also hire laborers to help with packing, unpacking, and even furniture assembly. Typically, you provide the packing supplies, and they do the rest.
Using the right moving supplies can make the difference between a successful move and all your packed boxes and bags falling apart. You can find cheaper alternatives, such as getting free used boxes or tossing your belongings in trash bags to haul to your new home. However, this isn’t always the best choice. An old, used moving box that's survived three moves might not withstand having other boxes stacked on it in the truck, and those bags full of plushies and clothes won't stack nicely either.
"While professional movers handle most items, they can't do everything. Generally, if something is considered potentially hazardous or perishable, movers won't touch it, and you'll have to make plans for it yourself."
Buying new, high-quality supplies means you know they're more likely to withstand the move. Old boxes can lose structural integrity with use. The wrong types of tape may not adhere well to boxes. Nonstandard box sizes, bags, and plastic bins are also harder to organize neatly into the moving truck, meaning you might be wasting valuable space if you use them.
Plus, moving boxes come in an assortment of sizes, shapes, and functions. When you buy new, you can pick up TV boxes, lamp boxes, dish boxes, and other specific types to keep your most fragile items safe on moving day.
As you prepare to start packing, gather these supplies:
Packing like a pro means setting yourself up for an easier unpacking process. High-priority items should be packed together for easy access later on, so consider what you need immediately after your move.
These tips will help keep your packing organized and efficient:
Because you spend a lot of time in this room, expect to pack your bedroom in waves. Start with items you don't currently need and leave out essentials until the final week.
Kitchens are full of items that require special planning to avoid breaks, spills, or spoilage. It’s also typically where your most expensive and heaviest appliances are. Ensure you have plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap on hand and consider using specialty boxes for your dishes. Don't forget to add fragile labels as needed.
You probably have plenty of items in your garage and garden that movers won't help with, like gasoline-powered tools, other flammables, and living things like plants. So it’s important to take careful inventory of what you have to move yourself and plan accordingly.
Packing an office takes careful planning, especially if you work from home. You can start packing decorative and less-used items without disrupting work activities, leaving essential equipment for the last few days.
If your living room has fragile items like a TV, electronics, or lamps, it'll likely take some time to get everything packed carefully. Prioritize specialized boxes for electronics and framed photos or artwork. If you have sentimental items, like family photo albums or heirlooms, consider moving them yourself to ensure their safety.
Not everything can be tossed into moving boxes. Hobby items, especially strangely shaped equipment like fishing poles or large items like aquariums, require special care. Check out our master list of specialty packing guides to avoid damaging your beloved hobby gear.
While professional movers handle most items, they can't do everything. Generally, if something is considered potentially hazardous or perishable, movers won't touch it, and you'll have to make plans for it yourself.
If you'd be heartbroken to lose it, don't put it on the truck, even if movers will accept it. This includes high-value, irreplaceable items. It's better to keep those with you during the move.
Common items to avoid putting on a moving truck include:
Keep in mind that some companies have their own policies about accepted and prohibited items. When you schedule your services, ask for a more comprehensive list and double-check that you aren't packing anything they won't touch.
Unpacking your home after moving is equal parts exhilarating and exhausting. While you might be looking forward to getting your new home all set up and decorated, unpacking comes with just as much work as packing. However, you can learn to unpack like the pros and simplify the process.
Thoughtful planning and packing take a lot of the stress out of moving. Following our guides on how to pack for moving various items makes it easier than ever to protect your belongings. Just take your time, follow your master plan, and confirm you've packed your items carefully. With these guides, you have everything you need to orchestrate a smooth move from start to finish. Once you unpack that final box, you can breathe easily and enjoy the beginning of your new chapter.
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