Proper packing is the foundation of a successful move. Whether you're moving across town or across Canada, how you pack your belongings can mean the difference between items arriving safely or sustaining damage during transport. As professional movers, we've seen the consequences of both excellent and poor packing techniques. This comprehensive guide will teach you the professional methods we use to ensure your belongings arrive at your new home in perfect condition.
Essential Packing Supplies: Building Your Arsenal
Before you pack a single item, you need the right supplies. Using quality materials is an investment in protecting your belongings. Here's what every successful packing operation requires:
Boxes and Containers
- Small boxes (1.5 cubic feet): Perfect for books, canned goods, and heavy items
- Medium boxes (3.0 cubic feet): Ideal for kitchen items, toys, and electronics
- Large boxes (4.5 cubic feet): Best for lightweight, bulky items like linens and pillows
- Extra-large boxes (6.0 cubic feet): For very light items like lampshades and pillows only
- Wardrobe boxes: Keep hanging clothes wrinkle-free during transport
- Dish pack boxes: Double-walled protection for fragile kitchen items
- Picture/mirror boxes: Adjustable sizing for artwork and mirrors
Protective Materials
- Bubble wrap: Premier protection for fragile items
- Packing paper: Clean newsprint for wrapping and filling space
- Foam peanuts: Excellent void fill for irregular shaped items
- Moving blankets: Professional-grade protection for furniture
- Stretch wrap: Keeps furniture doors and drawers secure
- Foam pouches: Pre-formed protection for dishes and glassware
Tools and Accessories
- Packing tape: Use only high-quality 2-inch wide tape
- Tape dispenser: Makes the job faster and more efficient
- Box cutter: Sharp blade for clean cuts and opening boxes
- Permanent markers: For clear, detailed labeling
- Colored labels or stickers: Room identification system
- Ziploc bags: For small parts, screws, and hardware
The Golden Rules of Packing
Professional packers follow specific principles that ensure efficiency and protection. Master these fundamentals before you begin:
Rule 1: Heavy Items in Small Boxes
Never put heavy items in large boxes. Books, tools, and canned goods should go in small boxes to prevent the bottom from breaking out and to make boxes manageable to lift. A properly packed box should weigh no more than 50 pounds.
Rule 2: Fill Every Space
Empty space in boxes allows items to shift during transport, leading to damage. Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or other padding to fill all voids. Boxes should be full but not overpacked to the point where they bulge.
Rule 3: Wrap Everything Individually
Each item should be wrapped separately to prevent items from knocking against each other. This is especially crucial for fragile items, but even sturdy items benefit from individual wrapping.
Rule 4: Pack Like Items Together
Keep similar items in the same box when possible. This makes unpacking easier and ensures items are treated with appropriate care. Kitchen items with kitchen items, books with books, and so on.
Rule 5: Label Everything Clearly
Every box should be labeled with its contents and destination room. Include "FRAGILE" markings where appropriate and indicate which side should be kept up.
Room-by-Room Packing Strategies
Different rooms present unique packing challenges. Here's how to tackle each area of your home professionally:
Kitchen: The Most Complex Room
Kitchens contain the most fragile and irregularly shaped items in your home. Start packing the kitchen early, as it takes longer than most people expect.
Dishes and Glassware
- Use dish pack boxes with extra padding on the bottom
- Wrap each plate individually in packing paper
- Pack plates vertically, not horizontally (like records in a crate)
- Wrap glasses individually and pack in specialized glass dividers
- Fill hollow items like glasses and bowls with packing paper
- Never pack glasses upside down
Pots, Pans, and Appliances
- Nest pots and pans together with paper between each piece
- Remove glass lids and pack them separately like dishes
- Pack small appliances in their original boxes when possible
- Secure cords with twist ties and pack separately or tape to appliance
- Remove any loose or removable parts and pack separately
Food Items
- Use up perishables before moving day
- Pack canned goods in small boxes due to weight
- Transfer open dry goods to sealed containers or bags
- Avoid packing cleaning supplies with food items
Living Room: Protecting Electronics and Furniture
Living rooms typically contain valuable electronics and large furniture pieces that require special attention.
Electronics
- Use original packaging when available
- Take photos of wire connections before disconnecting
- Remove batteries from remotes and devices
- Pack components in anti-static bubble wrap
- Label all cables and store in labeled bags
- Pack TVs in specialized TV boxes or between mattresses
Books and Media
- Pack books in small boxes to manage weight
- Lay books flat or pack spine down
- Fill space with paper to prevent shifting
- Pack CDs and DVDs in their cases, then in boxes
Bedrooms: Clothing and Personal Items
Bedrooms contain a mix of delicate and sturdy items that require different packing approaches.
Clothing
- Use wardrobe boxes for hanging items to prevent wrinkles
- Pack folded clothes in suitcases and dresser drawers
- Vacuum-seal bulky items like comforters and pillows
- Pack shoes in their original boxes or wrap in paper
- Stuff shoes with paper to maintain shape
Jewelry and Valuables
- Pack jewelry in small boxes with lots of padding
- Use egg cartons for small jewelry organization
- Keep valuable items with you during the move
- Consider a safety deposit box for extremely valuable items
Bathroom: Liquids and Toiletries
Bathrooms present unique challenges due to liquids and various container shapes.
- Check that all bottles are tightly sealed
- Place plastic wrap over bottle openings before replacing caps
- Pack liquids in waterproof bags
- Use towels as padding around bottles
- Pack medicine separately and keep with you
- Dispose of expired medications and old cosmetics
Advanced Packing Techniques for Fragile Items
Some items require specialized packing techniques to ensure they survive the moving process intact.
Artwork and Pictures
- Use picture boxes or create custom packaging with cardboard
- Wrap frames in bubble wrap with extra attention to corners
- Place cardboard corners on frame edges for extra protection
- Pack multiple pictures together with cardboard between each piece
- Mark boxes clearly as "FRAGILE - THIS SIDE UP"
- For valuable artwork, consider professional crating services
Mirrors
- Apply tape in an "X" pattern across the mirror surface
- This prevents dangerous scattering if the mirror breaks
- Wrap in bubble wrap and pack in mirror boxes
- Never lay mirrors flat - always pack on edge
Lamps and Light Fixtures
- Remove lampshades and pack separately
- Wrap lampshades in tissue paper and place in large boxes
- Remove bulbs and pack separately or store for later use
- Wrap lamp bases in bubble wrap, paying attention to any decorative elements
- For chandeliers, remove crystals and pack individually
Furniture Preparation and Protection
Large furniture items require disassembly and protection to move safely and efficiently.
Disassembly Guidelines
- Take photos before disassembling to aid in reassembly
- Keep all hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture piece
- Remove legs from tables and chairs when possible
- Take apart bed frames and headboards
- Remove shelves from bookcases and entertainment centers
- Empty and remove drawers from dressers and desks
Protection Methods
- Wrap furniture in moving blankets secured with stretch wrap
- Use furniture pads for extra protection on corners and edges
- Protect glass surfaces with cardboard and tape
- Cover upholstery with plastic to prevent stains and tears
- Remove or secure any removable parts like knobs or handles
Special Considerations for Canadian Climate
Moving in Canada presents unique challenges due to our varied climate conditions throughout the year.
Winter Moving Precautions
- Allow electronics to acclimate to room temperature before use
- Protect wooden furniture from moisture with plastic wrap
- Be extra careful with liquids that could freeze and expand
- Use waterproof protection for all boxes and furniture
- Plan for longer loading times due to weather conditions
Summer Moving Considerations
- Protect heat-sensitive items like candles and chocolates
- Consider climate-controlled storage for sensitive electronics
- Pack aerosol cans carefully to prevent pressure buildup
- Ensure proper ventilation for the moving truck
Labeling System for Success
A good labeling system is crucial for efficient unpacking and ensuring fragile items receive proper care.
Essential Information for Every Box
- Destination room (use consistent names)
- General contents description
- Box number (1 of 45, 2 of 45, etc.)
- Special handling instructions (FRAGILE, THIS SIDE UP, etc.)
- Priority level (OPEN FIRST for essentials)
Color-Coding System
Consider using colored labels or tape for different rooms:
- Red: Kitchen
- Blue: Master Bedroom
- Green: Living Room
- Yellow: Children's Rooms
- Orange: Bathroom
- Purple: Office/Study
Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from the mistakes we see most often to protect your belongings and save time.
Weight-Related Errors
- Overpacking boxes beyond safe lifting weight
- Putting heavy items in large boxes
- Underpacking boxes so items shift during transport
- Not distributing weight evenly across multiple boxes
Protection Failures
- Not wrapping items individually
- Using newspaper that can stain items
- Leaving empty space in boxes
- Packing fragile items with heavy items
- Not marking fragile boxes clearly
Organization Problems
- Inadequate labeling leading to confusion
- Mixing items from different rooms
- Not keeping essentials easily accessible
- Forgetting to pack an "open first" box
When to Consider Professional Packing Services
While this guide equips you to pack like a professional, there are situations where hiring professional packers is the wise choice.
Consider Professional Packing When:
- You have valuable artwork, antiques, or collectibles
- You're short on time before your moving date
- You have physical limitations that make packing difficult
- You're moving long-distance and want maximum protection
- You have specialty items like pianos or pool tables
- You want insurance coverage for professionally packed items
Benefits of Professional Packing
- Expert handling of fragile and valuable items
- Professional-grade materials and techniques
- Faster packing with experienced teams
- Enhanced insurance coverage for packed items
- Reduced stress on moving day
Final Packing Day Preparation
As your moving day approaches, these final steps will ensure everything goes smoothly.
One Week Before
- Finish packing all non-essential rooms
- Confirm you have adequate packing supplies
- Begin using up perishable foods
- Pack a "first day" box with essentials
Day Before Moving
- Pack everything except absolute necessities
- Prepare cleaning supplies for final cleanup
- Pack a suitcase as if for a short trip
- Confirm all boxes are properly labeled and sealed
Moving Day Morning
- Pack remaining toiletries and medications
- Disassemble any remaining furniture
- Do a final walkthrough to catch forgotten items
- Keep important documents and valuables with you
Conclusion: Packing for Peace of Mind
Proper packing is an investment in the safety of your belongings and your peace of mind during the moving process. While it requires time and effort upfront, the protection it provides is invaluable. Remember that every item in your home has value - whether monetary or sentimental - and deserves to be treated with care.
By following these professional techniques, you'll ensure your belongings arrive at your new home in the same condition they left your old one. However, if the task seems overwhelming or you have particularly valuable items, don't hesitate to call in the professionals. At Parot Condu Moving Services, our experienced packing teams use these same techniques every day to protect our customers' precious belongings.
Ready to start your move with confidence? Contact us for a free consultation and let our professionals help make your relocation smooth and stress-free.