How to Pack for a Move | Move and Care

Packing things up? It's not an easy task, but it's a key one when moving. What needs to be done? Just pack your stuff? Wrap it in plastic wrap and throw it in a box? Deceptively simple until you are faced with reality. In this packing guide, we'll try to break it down and make your move simple.

Step 1 – Gather All Necessary Packing Supplies

Before the storm, there's calm-the calm of preparation. You need to gather all the necessary items to make the packing. Here is a table with all the basic items for packing:

Packing Supply	Purpose
Sturdy moving boxes	For packing different-sized items
Packing tape	To seal boxes
Bubble wrap	To protect fragile items
Packing paper	To wrap breakable items like dishes and glasses
Markers	To label boxes
Box cutters	To open and close boxes
Furniture blankets	To cover large items
Stretch wrap	To secure furniture and drawers

Never underestimate the power of high-quality supplies. Strong boxes, secure tape, and maybe even eco-friendly options if you want to save the planet while you pack.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t hoard just enough—extra tape and markers can save your sanity in the eleventh hour.

Step 2 – Declutter Before You Pack

Here’s the truth: you don’t need half the stuff you own. But realizing that? That’s the real struggle. However, if you do - not only will it save you time when packing and moving, but it will also save you money.

Here’s how to declutter effectively:

Keep: For the essentials, the sentimental, the irreplaceable.
Donate: For what serves no purpose but could in someone else’s life.
Sell: Some items (like an extra guitar) can be tried and sold off.
Discard: The rest? Goodbye.

Start with forgotten corners of guest rooms or closets. The easier you feel now, the easier you will feel later.

💡 Pro Tip: Begin early—weeks, not days. Let the slow burn of decluttering ignite change.

Step 3 – Pack Room by Room

It's much easier to work one room at a time. Think of each room as a chapter, each box as a sentence.

As you collect things, clearly label each box to which room it belongs. And categorize it. For example: “kitchen - dishes”; “bedroom - clothes”.

To further organize your move, use a color-coded system. Assign a different color to each room (red for kitchen, blue for bedroom, etc.). Label each box with a different color using a marker or label. Trust me, it's not only beautiful, but also convenient

💡 Pro Tip: Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes to avoid overloading.

Step 4 – Protect Fragile Items

Glass? Electronics? Care must be taken when packing any fragile items.

Each item must be packed separately. Bubble wrap, blankets or towels. Wrap each item like this. Cover the fragile items with crumpled packing paper or foam nuts on the bottom of the box and on the sides.

There should be no empty space in the boxes so that the items stay in place during the move and don't break.

Boxes with fragile items should be labeled “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” on each side.

💡 Pro Tip: Small boxes minimize movement. Less movement, less breaking.

Step 5 – Optimize Space in Boxes

Heavy on the bottom, light on top. It’s a simple rule, yet so often forgotten in the heat of packing. Under 50 pounds per box, ideally—let’s not overdo it.

Packing Tips:

Heavier down low, lighter above: Gravity’s law still applies.
Avoid overstuffing: A bulging box is just waiting to spill.
Use small boxes for heavy items like books or tools.

💡 Pro Tip: Towels double as both cushion and filler. Be smart about your space.

Step 6 – Label Everything Clearly

Label it in a big way. Let no side of the box remain untouched by your markers. Room, contents, fragility - color the box with information. And if you really want to make an impression, make a master list. Keep track of every box or even every item.

💡 Pro Tip: Use large, bold markers for labeling to make it easy to read from a distance.

Step 7 – Preparing an Essentials Box

A box of essentials, packed with the things you’ll need the moment you step through your new door. Toiletries, clothes, documents—anything you can’t afford to lose or delay.

Step 8 – Packing Tips for Last-Minute Moves

If the clock’s running out, prioritize. Essentials first—clothes, toiletries, documents. The rest can wait. Speed doesn’t mean sloppiness; even in haste, you can pack with precision.

Conclusion

The beauty of packing lies in its simplicity and its complexity. If you follow the steps, piece by piece, box by box, the chaos becomes manageable.

Of course, if you suddenly find it too difficult, Move and Care is here to help. Don't forget to take our moving checklist to keep you sane.