Good packing is the foundation of a successful move. After 20+ years of moving families across Pennsylvania, we've seen it all - and the difference almost always comes down to how things were packed.
This guide shares the packing secrets our professional crews use every day. Whether you're packing yourself or just want to prep before the movers arrive, these tips will help protect your belongings and make your move smoother.
Pro Tip
Start packing 2-3 weeks before your move. Most people underestimate how long packing takes. Give yourself more time than you think you need - rushing leads to forgotten boxes and rushed wrapping.
Essential Packing Supplies
Before you start packing, gather the right supplies. Using proper materials makes a huge difference in protecting your belongings.
Packing Supply Checklist
- Small boxes (1.5 cu ft) - for books, heavy items, small kitchen items
- Medium boxes (3 cu ft) - for most household items, toys, linens
- Large boxes (4.5 cu ft) - for lightweight items like pillows, lampshades, linens
- Wardrobe boxes - for hanging clothes (keeps them wrinkle-free)
- Dish pack boxes - extra-sturdy for fragile kitchen items
- Packing paper (unprinted newsprint) - better than newspaper, won't leave ink
- Bubble wrap - for fragile items and extra protection
- Packing tape (2" wide) - don't skimp, get quality tape
- Tape dispenser - saves time
- Permanent markers - for labeling every box
- Labels or colored tape - for color-coding by room
- Stretch wrap - for furniture, securing drawers
- Mattress bags - protect mattresses from dirt and damage
- Furniture pads/blankets - if packing yourself
How Many Boxes Do You Need?
As a general rule: 10-15 boxes per room. For a 3-bedroom home, plan on 30-50 boxes total. It's better to have extra boxes than to run out mid-packing. Most moving companies sell supplies and will buy back unused boxes.
Golden Rules of Packing
These principles apply to packing every room in your home:
Packing Fundamentals
- Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes
- Fill boxes completely - half-empty boxes collapse and contents shift
- Tape the bottom of every box (even "self-locking" ones)
- Don't exceed 50 lbs per box - you have to lift it!
- Wrap items individually - nothing should touch another item directly
- Label all sides of boxes (top AND sides) with contents and destination room
- Pack one room at a time - don't mix rooms in boxes
- Pack a "first night" essentials box last (so it's unloaded first)
Room-by-Room Packing Guide
Kitchen
The kitchen is typically the hardest room to pack - lots of fragile items, odd shapes, and heavy stuff. Start here and give yourself extra time.
Kitchen Packing Tips
- Dishes: Wrap each dish individually in packing paper. Stack plates vertically (like records) - they're stronger on edge
- Glasses: Stuff paper inside each glass, wrap outside, place upside down in box
- Pots & pans: Nest smaller into larger, put paper between them
- Knives: Wrap blade in cardboard, tape securely, and mark "SHARP"
- Small appliances: Original boxes are ideal. Otherwise wrap cords, pack upright
- Food: Toss open items. Seal closed items in plastic bags in case they leak
- Spices: Put in ziplock bag, then in box (they can leak under pressure)
- Pack a kitchen essentials box: paper plates, cups, coffee maker, snacks for moving day
Pro Tip
Line the bottom of dish boxes with crumpled paper (2-3 inches). Add a layer of paper between each layer of items. Fill all gaps. The box should feel solid when closed - nothing should shift when shaken.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are usually straightforward - mostly clothes and linens. Here's how to pack efficiently:
Bedroom Packing Tips
- Clothes in drawers: Leave them! Dresser drawers can stay full if you remove and wrap drawers
- Hanging clothes: Use wardrobe boxes - just transfer hangers directly
- Off-season clothes: Vacuum storage bags save space
- Shoes: Pack in original boxes or stuff with paper to keep shape
- Jewelry: Carry valuable jewelry with you, don't put it on the truck
- Mattresses: Use mattress bags - they protect from dirt and tearing
- Bedding: Great for padding fragile items in other boxes!
- Nightstand items: Small box, don't forget chargers and medications
Living Room
The living room often has your most valuable and fragile items. Take extra care here:
Living Room Packing Tips
- TV: Original box is best. Otherwise, buy a TV box or have movers use blankets
- Electronics: Take photos of wire connections before unplugging
- Books: Use small boxes only (books get HEAVY fast)
- Lamps: Remove bulbs and shades separately. Wrap shades in paper, not bubble wrap
- Pictures/mirrors: Use picture boxes or make cardboard sandwiches. Mark "FRAGILE - GLASS"
- Artwork: Never lay flat. Stand upright or use custom crating for valuable pieces
- Remotes: Put in a labeled ziplock bag with the device name
- Coffee table items: Don't forget coasters, candles, decorative items
Electronics Warning
Before packing ANY electronic device, take photos of all wire/cable connections. You'll thank yourself when setting up at your new home. Keep all remotes, power cords, and cables with their devices.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are quick to pack but have potential leak hazards:
Bathroom Packing Tips
- Liquids: Put in ziplock bags, then in waterproof bin
- Medications: Keep essential meds with you, not on the truck
- Toiletries: Pack a toiletry bag for moving day (you'll need to shower!)
- Towels: Great for wrapping fragile items from other rooms
- Toilet paper: Pack an accessible roll - you'll need it at both locations!
- Cleaning supplies: Seal well. Consider tossing partially used and buying new
- Medicine cabinet: Check expiration dates - toss old medications properly
Home Office
Protect your important documents and expensive equipment:
Home Office Packing Tips
- Computer: Backup all files before the move. Transport yourself if possible
- Files/documents: Use banker boxes - they have handles and stack well
- Important papers: Keep passports, birth certificates, financial docs with you
- Printer: Secure toner/ink, tape moving parts
- Cords: Bundle with velcro ties, label which device they belong to
- Office supplies: Tape drawers of desk organizers closed
- Books: Small boxes only!
Need Packing Help?
Our professional packers can handle your entire home, just your fragile items, or anything in between. Get a free estimate for packing services.
Get Packing QuoteGarage & Outdoor Items
Don't forget about the garage, shed, and outdoor items:
Garage & Outdoor Packing Tips
- Power tools: Remove batteries, wrap cords
- Hand tools: Box together, heavy boxes
- Lawn equipment: Drain gas (required by movers), clean off dirt
- Garden tools: Wrap sharp ends with cardboard
- Propane tanks: Must be emptied - movers cannot transport
- Paint & chemicals: Many movers won't move these (check with your company)
- Sports equipment: Deflate balls, break down large items
- Patio furniture: Clean, stack chairs
Items Movers Cannot Transport
Professional movers cannot transport: propane tanks, gasoline, kerosene, fireworks, ammunition, paint thinners, pesticides, car batteries, and other hazardous materials. Dispose of these properly before your move.
Packing Fragile Items Like a Pro
Fragile items need extra attention. Here's how professional packers protect delicate belongings:
Protecting Fragile Items
- Use dish pack (dish barrel) boxes - they're double-walled and stronger
- Wrap every item individually - no item should touch another
- Use packing paper first, then bubble wrap for extra fragile items
- Create a "nest" of crumpled paper on box bottom (2-3 inches)
- Heavy items on bottom, lighter on top (within each box)
- Fill ALL empty spaces - items shift if there's room to move
- Shake test: Gently shake the sealed box. Hear shifting? Add more padding
- Label "FRAGILE" on all sides, including the top
- Don't over-pack - fragile boxes shouldn't be too heavy
Labeling System That Actually Works
A good labeling system makes unpacking 10x easier. Here's what we recommend:
Smart Labeling Tips
- Label on multiple sides (top + at least 2 sides)
- Include: destination room + brief contents + priority level
- Example: "KITCHEN - Pots, Pans - Open 2nd"
- Color-code by room (colored tape or markers)
- Mark "FRAGILE" on fragile boxes (all sides)
- Mark "OPEN FIRST" on essential boxes
- Create a master list: number each box and note contents
- Give movers a copy of your room color-coding system
Pro Tip
Take a photo of the contents of each box before sealing it. Create an album called "Moving Boxes" on your phone. If you need to find something before fully unpacking, you can search your photos instead of opening every box.
What NOT to Pack
Some items should never go in the moving truck:
Keep These With You (Don't Pack)
- Important documents: IDs, passports, birth certificates, house closing papers
- Medications: Keep prescription meds accessible
- Valuables: Jewelry, cash, irreplaceable items
- Electronics: Laptops, tablets (carry these yourself)
- Photo albums and family heirlooms
- Car keys and house keys (old and new)
- Cell phone chargers
- Moving day essentials: snacks, water, phone charger, toilet paper
Packing Timeline
When should you pack what? Here's a timeline to keep you on track:
Packing Timeline
- 3 weeks before: Gather supplies, start packing items you rarely use (seasonal, storage, spare bedrooms)
- 2 weeks before: Pack room by room - guest rooms, offices, garage
- 1 week before: Pack most of the house, leave out only essentials
- 2-3 days before: Pack remaining items except absolute essentials
- 1 day before: Pack toiletries, bedding, last kitchen items
- Moving day: Pack suitcase/overnight bag, chargers, last items
Frequently Asked Questions
Packing FAQs
Final Packing Tips from Our Crews
After thousands of moves, here are the tips our movers share most often:
Don't overpack boxes. If you can't lift it, neither can we (safely). 50 lbs max.
Tape the bottom of every box. Even "self-locking" boxes. Especially heavy boxes.
Use the right size box. Heavy items in small boxes. Light items in large boxes.
Pack a first-night box. Toilet paper, paper towels, phone chargers, snacks, basic tools, sheets, towels. Load it last, unload it first.
Label everything. Future you will be grateful.
Let Us Handle the Packing
Our professional packers use the same techniques outlined in this guide - but faster and with 20+ years of experience. Full-service packing, partial packing, or fragile-only - we customize to your needs.
Get Free Packing Estimate
