How to Pack for a Move: The Room-by-Room Guide

Packing is the most time-consuming part of any move — and doing it well can mean the difference between a smooth move day and a stressful one. This room-by-room guide will help you pack efficiently, protect your belongings, and make unpacking painless.

Before You Start: Supplies You'll Need

• Boxes: Small (books, heavy items), medium (most items), large (lightweight bulky items), wardrobe boxes
• Packing tape: At least 3-4 rolls. Don't cheap out — weak tape means box failures
• Bubble wrap: For fragile items. Packing paper works for most dishes and glasses
• Packing paper: Unprinted newsprint (regular newspaper can transfer ink)
• Markers: Bold markers for labelling every box with room and contents
• Stretch wrap: For securing drawers, bundling items, and protecting upholstery

Kitchen

The kitchen is the hardest room to pack — start here first, ideally 2 weeks before your move.

• Plates: Wrap each plate individually in packing paper. Stack vertically (on edge, like records) in a medium box with crumpled paper on the bottom and top
• Glasses: Stuff the inside with packing paper, then wrap the outside. Use cell dividers if available, or nest wrapped glasses in medium boxes
• Pots and pans: Stack with packing paper between them. Place lids in a separate box or wrap and tape them to their pots
• Small appliances: Original boxes are ideal. Otherwise, wrap in packing paper and use a large box with padding
• Knives: Use blade guards or roll knives in a dish towel secured with rubber bands
• Spices and pantry: Small boxes are best — these get heavy fast. Tape lids on loose containers

Bedrooms

• Clothing: Use wardrobe boxes for hanging items — they arrive wrinkle-free. Folded clothes can stay in dresser drawers for local moves
• Bedding: Use large garbage bags or vacuum bags. Bedding makes excellent padding for fragile items in boxes
• Mattress: Use mattress bags to protect from dirt and moisture. Your movers should have these available
• Jewellery and valuables: Keep these with you, not on the truck

Living Room

• Electronics: Original boxes are best. Photograph cable connections before disconnecting. Bundle and label all cords
• Books: Small boxes only — books in large boxes become impossibly heavy. Fill remaining space with packing paper
• Artwork and frames: Wrap in bubble wrap and use picture boxes or create cardboard sandwiches. Never lay glass-framed items flat — store vertically
• Lamps: Remove shades and bulbs. Wrap shades in packing paper. Pack bases upright in boxes

Bathroom

• Toiletries: Place open containers in zip-lock bags to prevent leaks. Pack upright in small boxes
• Medications: Keep these with you on moving day, not in a box on the truck
• Towels: Use as padding for fragile items or pack in large bags

Garage and Storage

• Tools: Small hand tools in a toolbox or small box. Wrap sharp edges in cardboard or tape
• Garden items: Empty and clean pots. Drain gas from mowers and power tools
• Hazardous materials: Movers cannot transport paint, propane, gasoline, or chemicals. Dispose of these properly before the move

The Golden Rules of Packing

1. Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes. This is the most important rule — it prevents back injuries and box failures
2. Label every box with the destination room and a brief description of contents
3. Don't leave empty space in boxes — fill gaps with packing paper or clothing. Empty space means shifting and breakage
4. Tape the bottom of every box with at least two strips of packing tape in an H pattern
5. Pack a "first night" box with essentials: toiletries, phone chargers, medications, snacks, a change of clothes, and basic tools