How To Pack For A Move

Packing for a move doesn’t have to be stressful—it’s all about finding the method that works best for you. Whether you prefer packing room by room or grouping items by category, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. For instance, someone moving out of a cozy one-bedroom apartment will likely have a very different packing experience than someone relocating from a two-storey house. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful tips to guide you through the process. These strategies will not only make packing more manageable but also help ensure that your belongings—and your peace of mind—arrive safely at your new home.

Where to Start

A great way to kick off your packing process is by going through your home, one room at a time, and creating a checklist of everything you’ll need to pack in each space. This simple step can make a big difference—it helps you stay organized, keeps track of your belongings throughout the move, and reduces the chances of leaving anything behind. Plus, it gives you a clear picture of what you’re working with, so you can plan your packing more efficiently.

To stay extra organized and make your move smoother, here are some smart packing tips to keep in mind:

• Declutter first.Before you start packing, go through your belongings and set aside anything you no longer need or want. Sort these into categories: donate, sell, or toss (for anything that can’t be donated). Places like The Salvation Army and Goodwill make donating easy with their convenient drop-off locations.
• Group similar items together.You can organize your packing by room, by item type, or a mix of both. The goal is to keep like items with like so unpacking is much easier later.
• Clear out as you go.Once you’ve sorted and organized a room, take the time to throw out any trash or items you’re not keeping. It helps create a cleaner space and keeps you focused.
• Label every box clearly.Be specific and label the sides of your boxes (not just the top) so you can still read the labels when they’re stacked. If a box needs to stay upright, mark it with arrows on all sides so movers know how to handle it.
• Pack a first-night essentials box.Set aside a separate box or overnight bag with must-haves like a change of clothes, toiletries, chargers, snacks, paper plates, utensils, basic cleaning supplies, and a small toolkit. You’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to dig through boxes on your first night.
• Use the right packing supplies.Stock up on sturdy, appropriately sized boxes, packing paper or bubble wrap for fragile items, strong packing tape, scissors, and markers for labeling.
• Avoid overpacking boxes.Keep each box under 50 pounds to ensure they’re safe to lift and won’t fall apart or crush items inside. It’s especially important for fragile items—lighter boxes mean fewer accidents.

We’ve created a handy list of common household items that most people will need to pack—plus practical tips on the best ways to pack each one. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, this guide will help make sure nothing gets left behind or damaged along the way.

How to Pack Jewelry & Accessories

Jewelry and accessories are some of the easiest things to lose or damage during a move—chains tangle, earrings separate, and small pieces seem to vanish into thin air. But with the right packing methods, you can keep everything safe, organized, and easy to find when you unpack. Here are some tried-and-true tips:

• Use pill organizers, tackle boxes, or craft organizers. These small, sectioned containers are perfect for packing rings, earrings, and tiny charms. They keep each piece separated and easy to sort through later.
• Secure earrings with small backing tricks. For earrings without backings, use buttons, foam blocks, or small pieces of cork—just push the post through to keep pairs together and prevent them from getting lost.
• Wrap each item individually. Always wrap jewelry in tissue paper or soft packing paper to prevent scratches, tangles, or discoloration. It’s especially important for silver jewelry, which can tarnish if stored too close to costume or copper pieces.
• Protect high-end items. If you own luxury pieces or heirloom jewelry, use a jewelry roll or a professional travel case. These offer padded compartments and extra protection—definitely a step up from tossing your watch into a newspaper-wrapped box.
• Use straws to prevent necklace tangles. A clever DIY trick: thread one end of the necklace through a plastic straw, then clasp it shut. This keeps the chain straight and tangle-free.
• Label with care and keep it close. Label jewelry boxes discreetly (to avoid attracting attention during the move), and consider keeping valuable items with you rather than in the moving truck.

How to Pack Your Clothes

When it comes to packing clothes, you’ll want to think about two main types: folded clothes from your drawers and hanging clothes from your closet.

• For folded clothes, sturdy moving boxes or plastic bins work great. If you’re planning to store these long term, consider using wardrobe boxes—they offer extra protection and keep your clothes in great shape.
• For hanging clothes, you’ve got a couple of options:
  • The easiest and most budget-friendly method is to use large contractor trash bags. Simply poke a small hole in the bottom of the bag, slip the hangers through the hole so the hooks stick out the top, and pull the bag down over the clothes. Tie the bag at the bottom to keep everything secure and clean.
  • To keep the hangers together, try using a zip tie or rubber band around the hooks—this prevents them from getting tangled or falling apart during the move.

This way, your clothes stay organized, wrinkle-free, and easy to unpack when you arrive at your new home.

How to Pack Toiletries & Medicines

Toiletries and medications are small but important items—and when packed incorrectly, they can cause big messes. Here’s how to keep everything clean, organized, and easy to find during your move:

• Always use leak-proof bags. Liquids like shampoo, lotion, and mouthwash have a way of leaking no matter how tightly you think they’re sealed. Pack them in zip-top bags or leak-proof containers to protect the rest of your belongings from spills and stains.
• Double-check caps and lids. Before packing any bottles or tubes, make sure they’re tightly closed, and consider using tape or plastic wrap under the cap for added protection.
• Group items by type. Pack similar items together (e.g., haircare, skincare, dental products) so you can easily unpack what you need when you arrive.
• Set aside a first-night bag. Keep essential items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, prescription medications, face wash, and other daily necessities in an overnight bag. That way, you won’t have to dig through boxes after a long day of moving just to get ready for bed.
• Be cautious with temperature-sensitive medications. If any medications require refrigeration or specific temperatures, plan ahead with a cooler or insulated bag and move them yourself to ensure they stay safe.

 How to Pack Pictures & Artwork

Art and photos add a personal touch to any space, so it’s important to make sure they arrive at your new home safe and damage-free. Whether it’s a framed photo collage or a valuable painting, here are some tips to keep your pictures protected during the move:

• Wrap with care. Start by covering each picture with protective padding—bubble wrap, foam sheets, or packing paper all work well. For extra protection, especially with glass frames, place a piece of cardboard or corner protectors over the glass before wrapping.
• Use specialty boxes. For larger or more valuable artwork, consider using picture or TV boxes. These are adjustable and designed to protect flat, fragile items. You can find them at most moving supply retailers or big-box home improvement stores.
• Label as fragile. Clearly mark your artwork boxes with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” so anyone handling them knows to treat them with extra care.
• Let movers handle big pieces on moving day. If you’re hiring professional movers, they typically pad and secure large paintings or artwork on the day of the move. That said, you can still prep smaller pieces ahead of time to save time.
• Store upright, not flat. Always pack framed artwork standing up, like records or books. It reduces the chance of cracking or pressure damage during transit.

How to Pack Dishes Safely in 8 Simple Steps

Packing dishes can feel intimidating, but with the right method, you can protect even your most fragile pieces. Here’s our tried-and-true, step-by-step process to keep your dishes intact from kitchen to kitchen:

Step 1: Set up a packing station.
Find a large, flat surface like a kitchen table, counter, or island. Lay out your packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, boxes, and, of course, your dishes. Give yourself room to work comfortably.

Step 2: Prep your boxes.
Use sturdy boxes—preferably medium-sized. Reinforce the bottom with extra tape to prevent collapse. You can also use dish pack boxes (aka dish barrels), which are made from thicker cardboard and offer extra protection, though they can be pricier.

Step 3: Cushion the bottom.
Line the bottom of each box with a thick layer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to absorb shocks during the move.

Step 4: Wrap each dish individually.
Always start with heavier items like serving plates or bowls. Wrap each item separately—don’t just roll them in paper. Crumple the paper around the dish to create cushioning.

Step 5: Pack dishes vertically, not flat.
Place dishes on their sides (like records) rather than stacked flat. This reduces the pressure on each dish and helps prevent breakage. The same goes for glasses and stemware—pack them upright rather than sideways.

Step 6: Fill every gap.
To avoid shifting during transport (especially important if you’re moving in hilly areas like Austin!), fill any empty space at the top or between dishes with extra crumpled paper or bubble wrap.

Step 7: Use dividers when stacking.
If you stack items (like mugs or bowls), separate each layer with a soft divider, such as foam, packing paper, or even dish towels.

Step 8: Double wrap delicate items.
For fine china or fragile dishes, start with a layer of bubble wrap, then add an extra layer of packing paper. Avoid newspaper on delicate or porous surfaces—ink can transfer and may stain.

Bonus Tip:
When you’re done packing, give the box a very gentle shake. If you hear anything clinking or shifting, add more padding!

How to Pack Electronics

Electronics are often some of the most valuable—and delicate—items you’ll move, so packing them properly is key to avoiding damage or frustration later. Follow these tips to keep your gadgets safe and make setup a breeze once you’re in your new home:

• Remove and label all cables. Before you unplug anything, take a photo of how everything is connected. Then remove the cables, wrap them neatly, and tape them to the corresponding device or label them clearly. This helps you avoid the post-move cable confusion—especially when setting up your TV or sound system.
• Use original boxes if you have them. The best protection for electronics is their original packaging, which is often molded to fit. If you don’t have the boxes, use sturdy, snug-fitting boxes with plenty of padding.
• Secure transit screws and fragile components. If your device (like a turntable or desktop computer) has transit screws or parts that lock during moving, make sure they’re tightened or secured before packing.
• Protect screens with soft padding. Flat-screen TVs and monitors need extra care. Wrap screens with a soft blanket, microfiber cloth, or foam padding, and secure the wrapping with packing tape (avoid placing tape directly on the screen!). Place the TV upright in a padded box or specialty TV box, never flat.
• Add extra padding. Use bubble wrap, foam, or towels to cushion smaller electronics like laptops, game consoles, or smart speakers. Fill empty spaces in the box to keep items from shifting during transit.
• Keep small parts safe. Bag up remotes, chargers, batteries, and accessories and either label them clearly or pack them in a designated electronics accessory box.

Additional Packing Tips

As you get deeper into packing, a few simple techniques can make a big difference in keeping your belongings safe and your move efficient. Here are some extra tips to help everything go smoothly: