Packing Tips

---

🧹 The first step to a smooth move is decluttering. The fewer items you pack, the less time, effort, and money you’ll spend on moving things you don’t need!

• Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer use.
• Sort through closets, storage rooms, and kitchen cabinets before packing.
• Ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I love this? Does this belong in my next home?

💡 Decluttering first means fewer boxes, lower moving costs, and an easier unpacking process!

✅ Color-Code Your Boxes & Rooms

• Use large color-coded stickers for each box and match them with a corresponding sign in the new home. This saves time and confusion.
• Example: Green = Kitchen, Blue = Office, Red = Master Bedroom.
• Pre-label each room or zone in the new home with the same colored stickers so movers know exactly where to place the boxes.

🚨 Mark Fragile Items Clearly

• Label both the tops AND sides of fragile boxes for visibility when stacked.

📦 Use the Right Boxes for the Right Items

• Small boxes: Books, dishes, and heavy items.
• Medium boxes: Most household items, including kitchenware, small appliances, decor, and shoes.
• Large boxes: Linens, pillows, and other lightweight items.

This helps balance weight and makes carrying and stacking much easier!

🚚 Move Certain Items Yourself

• Laptops, jewelry, important documents, refrigerated food, medications, and sentimental items should stay with you.
• Use a cooler for perishable food—movers may load it last so it comes off first, but food can spoil quickly in a hot truck.

💡 Secure Your Dressers

• Dressers are rotated in the truck, so small items inside (loose change, jewelry, papers) can slip behind drawers or fall out.
• It’s okay to leave clothes inside but remove heavy items like jeans to prevent excessive weight.

🛑 Move Your Own Alcohol & Plants

• Movers cannot legally transport alcohol or live plants due to damage risks and liability.
• Keep houseplants in your personal vehicle to prevent shock from heat or cold.

💡 Remove Light Bulbs & Lamp Shades

• Transport lamp shades separately to prevent crushing.

For safety reasons, movers CANNOT transport:
🚫 Hazardous Materials (Propane, gas, bleach, paint, aerosols, fire extinguishers)
🚫 Liquids (Anything that can spill and damage other items)
🚫 Perishable Food
🚫 Plants

📌 Tip: If an item isn’t boxed or crated, movers CAN’T insure it for damage.

🍽️ Packing Plates & Fragile Items

• Stack plates vertically (on their rims), NOT flat to prevent breakage.
• Place a foam plate, bubble wrap, or a layer of packing paper between each one for extra protection.
• Wrap the entire stack in packing paper or bubble wrap and secure with tape.
• Pack plates in a small or medium-sized box to keep weight manageable.
• Fill any gaps in the box with crumpled paper or soft towels to prevent shifting during the move.

📦 Other Helpful Packing Tips

• Roll clothes instead of folding to maximize suitcase space.
• Use plastic wrap to cover openings of toiletries before screwing the cap back on to prevent leaks.
• Wrap silverware in kitchen towels before placing it in a box to keep sets together.
• Use socks or washcloths to cushion glassware inside boxes.
• Wrap cords and cables neatly and label them to avoid tangles.

🍽️ Pack a Lunch & Snacks

• Moving is a long day! Bring snacks, sandwiches, or easy meals so you’re fueled up.

📌 Pack an "Open First" Box

• Include toilet paper, hand soap, trash bags, scissors/box cutter, basic tools, phone chargers, and a fresh set of clothes so you don’t have to dig through boxes on day one.
• Pack one for the kitchen (coffee maker, mugs, snacks, dish soap) and one for the bathroom (shower curtain, toiletries, towels).

🧳 Pack an Overnight Bag

• Even if you plan to unpack right away, have essentials like medications, toiletries, pajamas, and a fresh outfit on hand.

📦 Use Suitcases & Bins for Miscellaneous Items

• Depending on the suitcase, great for clothes, toiletries, snacks, chargers, and personal effects.
• Laundry baskets & storage bins work well for last-minute items.

🛑 Protect Your Floors & Walls

• Place mats or cardboard at entryways and hallways to avoid damage from heavy foot traffic.
• Use felt pads on furniture being slid across hardwood floors.

🔑 Change Locks Immediately After Moving In

• You never know who still has a key (or door code).

📸 Document the Condition of Your Home & Belongings

• It’s a good idea to take before and after photos of floors, walls, door jams, and boxes in the event of any damages.

🛋️ Final Walkthroughs

• Check the old home to make sure no furniture or personal items are left behind.
• Inspect the moving truck after unloading to confirm nothing was forgotten and that all items were placed in their proper rooms.

Decluttering before you pack is the best way to avoid moving and paying for items you no longer need or want. A little planning and organization will make a huge difference in how smoothly your move goes.