How to Pack for Moving

Quick Answer: Start packing 2-4 weeks before moving day, beginning with non-essentials like books, decor, and off-season items. Use sturdy boxes, wrap fragile items individually, and fill empty spaces to prevent shifting. Label every box with room and contents. Pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes. Keep weight under 50 pounds per box. Leave essentials for last and pack a separate "first night" box.



Effective packing protects your belongings, speeds up loading and unloading, and reduces moving costs. Proper packing reduces damage significantly compared to rushed or haphazard packing. Strategic packing also maximizes box space, reducing the number of trips and overall moving expenses. Follow our Moving Checklist to coordinate packing with other moving tasks.

Packing Supplies You'll Need

Source packing supplies from U-Haul, Home Depot, or local moving companies. Free boxes from grocery stores work for sturdy items but may not support heavy loads. Invest in quality boxes for valuable items.

Packing Timeline

Kitchen: Most Time-Intensive Room

Kitchens require the most packing time due to fragile items and volume. Start 2-3 weeks before moving day. Wrap each dish individually and pack vertically like records—not stacked flat.



Kitchen packing method:

• Wrap plates individually, pack vertically in medium boxes
• Nest bowls with paper between each, pack in medium boxes
• Wrap glasses in bubble wrap, use cell dividers if available
• Pack heavy items (canned goods, small appliances) in small boxes
• Label "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" on all kitchen boxes
• Keep one set of dishes, utensils, and cookware until moving day

Bedrooms: Systematic Approach

Pack bedrooms 1-2 weeks before moving, starting with off-season clothing. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes—transfer directly from closet to box maintaining hangers. Fold other clothing or leave in dressers if movers allow (confirm first—some companies prohibit this).

Bedroom packing tips:

• Use large boxes for bedding, pillows, stuffed animals
• Pack shoes in original boxes or wrap in paper
• Remove items from under bed and nightstand drawers
• Wrap jewelry separately, transport personally
• Disassemble bed frames, save hardware in labeled bags

Living Room: Protect Electronics

Living rooms contain valuable electronics and furniture requiring special handling. Use original boxes for TVs and computers when possible. Take photos of cable connections before disconnecting to make setup easier at your new home.

Living room essentials:

• Pack books in small boxes to control weight
• Wrap TV in bubble wrap, mark "FRAGILE TV"
• Bundle cables and label which device they connect to
• Remove batteries from remotes and pack separately
• Wrap artwork in bubble wrap, use specialty boxes

Bathroom: Quick and Simple

Bathrooms pack quickly—1-2 days before moving. Check for leaky bottles and seal lids with plastic wrap under caps. Movers cannot transport certain hazardous materials—review What Do Movers Not Move for prohibited items.

Bathroom packing:

• Place plastic wrap under caps to prevent leaks
• Pack medicines separately, transport personally
• Dispose of expired products rather than moving them
• Keep essentials unpacked until morning of move
• Pack cleaning supplies in separate, labeled box

Special Items Requiring Extra Care

Artwork and mirrors: Use bubble wrap and specialty boxes, mark "FRAGILE GLASS." Consider professional art movers for valuable pieces.

Lamps: Remove bulbs, wrap base and shade separately. Keep bulbs with lamp and note wattage for reassembly.

Electronics: Use original boxes if available, wrap in bubble wrap, and label all cables. Back up computer data before packing according to FBI moving safety guidelines.

Plants: Water 2-3 days before, pack in open boxes. Many movers won't transport plants—check company policy.

Jewelry and valuables: Pack in small boxes and transport personally. Never pack these items in the moving truck.

Labeling System That Works

Clear labeling reduces unpacking time significantly. Write on multiple sides of boxes so labels are visible no matter how boxes are stacked. Use color-coded labels or markers for different rooms if preferred.

Effective label information:

• Destination room (be specific: "Master Bedroom" not just "Bedroom")
• General contents ("Kitchen - Pots/Pans" not just "Kitchen")
• Fragile warnings clearly marked on all sides
• "OPEN FIRST" for essentials needed immediately
• Your name and phone number if moving into shared building
• Box number for inventory tracking (optional but helpful)

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

• Overpacking boxes—keep weight under 50 pounds
• Using damaged or weak boxes for heavy items
• Failing to fill empty space (items shift and break)
• Packing liquids upright without securing lids
• Mixing items from different rooms in one box
• Not labeling boxes on multiple sides
• Waiting until last minute (causes rushed, poor packing)
• Packing prohibited items movers won't transport

Packing Efficiency Tips

• Pack one room at a time for better organization
• Use towels and linens to wrap fragile items (saves paper)
• Fill gaps with clothing, socks, or packing paper
• Pack plates on edge like records, not flat
• Photograph furniture assembly before disassembling
• Tape hardware bags directly to furniture piece
• Color-code boxes by room for faster unloading
• Pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes

First Night Essentials Box

Pack a clearly labeled "OPEN FIRST" box with items needed for your first 24-48 hours. Treat this like an overnight bag. Transport it personally—don't pack it in the truck. Understand How Long Does Moving Take to plan when you'll need these items.

Essentials box contents:

• Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, toilet paper, towels)
• Change of clothes for everyone
• Phone chargers and important electronics
• Medications and first aid supplies
• Snacks and bottled water
• Paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels
• Trash bags and cleaning supplies
• Bed sheets and pillows for first night
• Important documents (contracts, IDs, insurance papers)
• Pet supplies if applicable

DIY Packing vs. Professional Packing

DIY packing costs $200-$400 in supplies and requires 20-40 hours for a 3-bedroom home. Best for budget moves and simple households. You pack on your schedule with complete control, but damage risk is higher if you're inexperienced.

Professional packing costs $500-$2,000+ depending on home size but only takes 4-8 hours since movers do the work. Best for valuable items, time constraints, or when you need comprehensive insurance coverage. Lower damage risk with professional expertise.

Hybrid approach: Pack everyday items yourself and hire professionals for fragile or valuable items. Understand your moving company's insurance coverage differences between self-packed and professionally-packed items according to FMCSA regulations. Check Do You Tip Movers for guidance if using professional packing services.

Final Tips

Start packing early—rushing leads to mistakes, damage, and stress. Use quality supplies for valuable items even if it costs more upfront. Label every box clearly with room and contents. Keep essential items separate and easily accessible. Take photos of electronics setup before disconnecting to simplify reassembly.

For information on preparing large items like appliances and furniture, check the Department of Energy appliance guidelines. For interstate moves, review USA.gov moving resources for additional federal requirements and consumer protections.

Our Complete Moving Guide provides comprehensive strategies for all moving phases including packing, preparation, moving day, and settling in. Start early, stay organized, and your move will go smoothly.

Packing information based on moving industry standards and best practices. Supply recommendations from Apartment Therapy moving guides. Safety guidelines from National Safety Council home safety resources.