How to Pack for a Move: A Complete Checklist

One of the most stressful aspects of moving is packing. When considering how to pack for a move, a smart approach is first to gather the moving supplies you’ll need and then systematically go room-by-room until the job is done. Follow MYMOVE’s checklist for moving to make the process more manageable and creates less stress.

General packing tips

Packing is one of the most crucial phases of moving. By organizing items based on common functions, room use, or other factors, it makes it easier to keep track of your belongings during transport and unpack at your new place.

Here are some easy packing guidelines: 

• Pack like items together. Start packing each box with a layer of padding – it can be newspapers, bubble wrap, or household goods, like blankets or towels. Then, put the heaviest items into the box first.

• Label each box by room and by its contents.

• Pack a box of essentials. Must-have items like: screwdrivers, hammers, snacks, drinks, toothbrushes, a change of clothes, paper plates, plastic utensils and cups, a first-aid kit, medications, etc.

• Refrain from filling boxes to the brim. This prevents boxes from becoming super heavy and reduces the likelihood that they break or are dropped during transit.

That settled, let’s move from room to room with packing checklists and tips.

Start by gathering your moving supplies

To ensure a successful move, you’ll need the following moving supplies:

1. Gather cheap or free packing and moving boxes: Use websites like NextDoor Neighbor to search for used boxes or ask your friends and family. Gather a variety of sizes and make sure the packing boxes are in good condition.

2. Buy bubble wrap (or try to find it for free): Bubble wrap keeps your items protected during the move. And best of all, you can buy it at office supply or department stores inexpensively or find it free on Facebook Marketplace.

3. Rent a dolly: Carrying boxes between places becomes taxing and could lead to drops. To prevent them from happening, rent a dolly from a home improvement store or moving company as it makes moving much easier.

Go room-by-room with a packing checklist

Start by making an inventory of the items you plan to take. Do this based on each room — this will help you organize faster and keep track of your valuable possessions. From there, gather moving supplies such as packing and moving boxes, padding, tape, and blankets — everything you’d need to protect your things during transit.

When you go to pack your items, try to combine them based on function — for example, pack kitchen supplies together.

Lastly, don’t forget to mark your moving boxes so you know exactly where it goes in your new home. On the top and sides of your box note the room name, the contents of the box, and whether or not items inside of the box are fragile. For example, a box you packed from the kitchen could say: “kitchen/everyday dishes/fragile.”

Here are some additional packing checklist items for each room of the house:

The kitchen

1. Defrost the refrigerator: At least 48 hours prior to moving out.

2. Organize dishes: Packing dishes for moving isn’t as hard as you might think. Just make sure to pack them carefully by wrapping them in bubble wrap. And refrain from overpacking boxes. Overpacking will make it more difficult to move the boxes and if a box incurs damage, you could lose a whole grouping of plates.

3. Use sectioned boxes for your glasses: It’s a simple, secure way to transport them.

4. Pack small appliances: Start by removing any blades or loose components. Tape the cord around the appliance, tape any additional parts to it, and be sure to include the instructions.

5. Pack dry goods: Tape paper or bubble wrap around seasonings and pack jars containing spices or food on the bottom so they don’t move around during transit.

6. For refrigerated goods: Store them in coolers with ice.

The dining room

1. Roll up the rug: Secure in plastic or use a rope.

2. Pack chairs: By removing the legs and placing them in moving boxes with the nails/casters in a labeled plastic bag.

3. Secure kitchen table: By wrapping it in a blanket and placing it in an area where it doesn’t slide around.

4. Pack decorations (this includes lamps, pictures, artwork, etc.): By wrapping any items containing glass or ceramics in paper or bubble wrap.

The living room and den

1. Secure electronics: For TVs and computers, secure the screens using a blanket and unscrew the base (if the device has one). Tape the screws and base to the back of the TV.

2. Pack furniture: Place furniture into the moving truck before packing moving boxes. Remove the legs off couch and chairs to make them easier to maneuver into your new home.

3. Keep electronic components organized: Tape the power cables to each electronic component along with the HDMI or audio auxiliary cables and remote control.

4. Handle artwork and mirrors carefully: Wrap them in blankets or bubble wrap.

5. Prepare your coffee table for transport: Put furniture sliders under the legs so you don’t scratch the floors when you move it. Cover the top of the table with a blanket to prevent scratching.

6. Remove bulbs and lampshades from lamps: Store in boxes, and cushion carefully. Wrap the base of the lamp in bubble wrap if it’s fragile.

7. Pack your books, CDs, and DVDs in separate boxes: Don’t make boxes too heavy or they’ll break.

The bedrooms

1. Pack casual clothing: Fold them and place them in moving boxes. For formal wear, consider buying wardrobe boxes that allow you to keep the clothing on hangers during transport.

2. Organize jewelry: Put all valuables in a container you keep on you at all times during the move.

3. Pack mattresses: Put them in bed bags that will keep the mattress protected from the elements during the move.

4. Keep all bedding and pillows clean: Put them in trash bags to keep out dust and place them in labeled moving boxes.

5. Pack your home office: For crucial files, keep them in a safe or locked file box.

The bathroom

1. Pack toiletries together: Make sure to have easy access to them for your new home. The bathroom will likely be the first room you unpack.

2. Organize towels: Pack towels, toilet paper, soap, and more in one box for each bathroom your new home has.

The laundry room

1. Move appliances: First, unplug the washer and dryer. Next, disconnect all components including the dryer vent and washer hose, and tape the power cords to each appliance.

2. Throw away detergents and fabric softener: They’re dangerous to transport.

3. Use laundry hampers/baskets as moving boxes: Pack hampers with socks, T-shirts, and more for an easy move.

The garage/storage shed

1. Pack lawn furniture cushions: Put them in boxes or trash bags.

2. Dispose of hazardous materials: Get rid of any paint, fertilizer, or weed killer — these are hazardous to move.

3. Pack tools: Put them in a tool chest. For items like a saw or hammer, wrap them in towels then pack them in boxes.

4. Drain the items requiring gas: For your grill or mower, drain the gas before transporting the item. Remove the gas tank from the grill (if applicable) and turn it in before moving.

5. Deflate pool toys: This will make it easier to pack them in boxes. s.

6. Take your bike with you: Use a bike rack on your car or SUV for safe transport.

Frequently asked questions

What packing supplies do I need for moving?

When considering how to pack for a move, you’ll need to buy or find items such as boxes, tape, blankets, a moving truck or trailer, and rope for securing loose items.

Where can I get free packing and moving boxes and supplies?

Moving is a common reality for many of us, which means once someone completes their move, they won’t need their supplies any longer. Websites such as Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle are filled with people giving away free moving supplies. Make sure to check these out a few weeks before Moving Day.

How do you pack dishes for a move?

Layer the bottom of the boxes with packing peanuts or paper. From there, wrap each plate in a layer of bubble wrap then stand the dishes up in the box. This is the best way to keep them secure. And once tightly packed, don’t forget to write “FRAGILE” on the box.

How do I organize items before moving?

A great tip is to go room by room and organize items in each into three categories: Items you plan to keep, items you plan to donate, and stuff that goes into the garbage. Organizing before a move makes it much more manageable, as you only take the items you need.

How should I pack a moving truck?

You’ll want to pack the heaviest items such as furniture and appliances into the truck first. Secure them with fasteners so they don’t slide around. Next, add in the bulkiest remaining items before filling the truck with boxes. And for luxury/fragile items or electronics, it’s ideal to pack them into your vehicle where they remain more secure.

Contributor: MyMove.com