Your complete guide to packing every room efficiently and nothing gets left behind.
PACKING ESSENTIALS & TIPS
What You’ll Need:
- Small, medium, and large boxes
- Packing tape and dispenser
- Bubble wrap and packing paper
- Markers for labeling
- Scissors and box cutter
- Plastic bags for hardware and small items
- Stretch wrap for drawers and furniture
Golden Packing Rules:
- Pack one room at a time
- Keep items from the same room together
- Label every box on multiple sides (room + contents)
- Pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes
- Fill empty spaces so nothing shifts
- Don’t over-pack boxes (max 50 lbs each)
- Pack a “First Night” box for each family member
KITCHEN
Items to Pack:
Cabinets & Pantry ☐ Dishes and bowls (wrap individually, pack vertically) ☐ Glassware and stemware (stuff insides, wrap carefully) ☐ Mugs and cups ☐ Serving dishes and platters ☐ Pots, pans, and lids ☐ Baking dishes and sheets ☐ Tupperware and food storage containers ☐ Small appliances (toaster, blender, mixer, coffee maker) ☐ Non-perishable food items ☐ Cookbooks and recipes
Drawers ☐ Silverware (pack in original tray or bundle sets together) ☐ Cooking utensils (spatulas, spoons, whisks) ☐ Knives (wrap blade in towel, tape securely) ☐ Kitchen gadgets (can opener, peeler, grater) ☐ Dish towels and oven mitts ☐ Batteries, rubber bands, twist ties
Under Sink ☐ Cleaning supplies (check if movers will take chemicals) ☐ Sponges and scrub brushes
☐ Dish soap and detergent ☐ Trash bags ☐ Recycling bags
Counters & Walls ☐ Microwave (clean thoroughly first) ☐ Toaster, coffee maker (pack cords with appliances) ☐ Knife block ☐ Fruit bowls, decorative items ☐ Wall art and clocks ☐ Window treatments
Refrigerator & Freezer ☐ Use up or donate perishable food week before move ☐ Discard expired items ☐ Pack non-perishables in cooler if needed ☐ Clean and defrost 48 hours before move ☐ Remove shelves and pack separately
Special Notes:
- Drain coffee maker and let dry before packing
- Wrap knives separately – never pack loose
- Use dish pack boxes for fragile items
- Save heavy items like canned goods for small boxes
- Take photos of how appliances are set up
LIVING ROOM
Items to Pack:
Furniture ☐ Remove cushions from sofa/chairs ☐ Disassemble furniture if needed (save hardware in labeled bags) ☐ Protect furniture with blankets or shrink wrap
Electronics ☐ TV (original box if possible, or wrap in blankets) ☐ Cable box, streaming devices ☐ DVD/Blu-ray player ☐ Gaming consoles and controllers ☐ All cords and remotes (label what goes with what) ☐ Sound system/speakers
Shelving & Storage ☐ Books (pack spine-down in small boxes, they’re heavy!) ☐ DVDs, video games, CDs ☐ Photo frames and albums ☐ Decorative items ☐ Vases and knick-knacks ☐ Candles and candle holders
Walls ☐ Wall art and mirrors (sandwich method for protection) ☐ Curtains and curtain rods ☐ Wall clocks ☐ Shelves and brackets
Other ☐ Lamps and light fixtures ☐ Throw pillows and blankets ☐ Area rugs (roll and secure with tape) ☐ Plants (most movers won’t take these – transport yourself) ☐ Magazines you’re keeping
Special Notes:
- Take photos of electronics before unplugging
- Tape remotes to their devices or put in labeled bags
- Pack books flat or spine-down, never fore-edge down
- Use towels/linens to wrap fragile decor
- Lampshades pack separately from bases
BEDROOM(S)
Items to Pack:
Closet ☐ Hanging clothes (use wardrobe boxes or leave on hangers) ☐ Folded clothes (pack in suitcases or boxes) ☐ Shoes (pair together in boxes or shoe boxes) ☐ Belts, scarves, ties, hats ☐ Handbags and luggage (pack small items inside) ☐ Out-of-season clothing ☐ Jewelry (transport valuables yourself)
Dresser ☐ Underwear and socks ☐ T-shirts and casual wear ☐ Workout clothes ☐ Pajamas (keep some out for moving week) ☐ Remove all items from drawers or shrink-wrap dresser with items inside
Bed ☐ Bedding, sheets, pillowcases (pack or use to wrap fragile items) ☐ Comforters, blankets, throws ☐ Pillows (use in boxes for cushioning) ☐ Mattress cover/protector ☐ Disassemble bed frame (keep hardware together)
Nightstands ☐ Alarm clock ☐ Lamps ☐ Books and magazines ☐ Chargers and electronics ☐ Medications (transport valuables yourself)
Other ☐ Mirrors ☐ Wall art and photos ☐ Curtains and blinds ☐ Decorative items ☐ Hamper and laundry
Special Notes:
- Wardrobe boxes are worth it for nice clothes
- Use suitcases for heavy items like shoes or books
- Keep one outfit per person accessible for moving day
- Put jewelry in your car, not the moving truck
- Label clothing boxes by family member
BATHROOM(S)
Items to Pack:
Medicine Cabinet ☐ Medications (keep in car, not moving truck) ☐ First aid supplies ☐ Vitamins and supplements ☐ Thermometer ☐ Nail clippers, tweezers, scissors
Under Sink ☐ Cleaning supplies ☐ Extra toilet paper ☐ Extra toiletries ☐ Hair dryer, straightener, electric razor ☐ Plunger (clean before packing) ☐ Scale
Shower/Tub ☐ Shampoo and conditioner ☐ Body wash and soap ☐ Razors and shaving cream ☐ Loofahs and washcloths ☐ Shower curtain and liner ☐ Bath mats and rugs
Counters & Drawers ☐ Toothbrushes and toothpaste (pack these last!) ☐ Makeup and cosmetics ☐ Skincare products ☐ Hair products and styling tools ☐ Cotton balls, Q-tips ☐ Tissues ☐ Contact lenses and solution
Linen Closet ☐ Towels (use as packing material!) ☐ Extra sheets ☐ Beach towels ☐ Washcloths
Other ☐ Wall art and mirrors ☐ Trash can ☐ Toilet brush and holder ☐ Bathroom organizers
Special Notes:
- Pack one bathroom box last with essentials for first night
- Use towels to wrap fragile bathroom items
- Check expiration dates – toss old medications
- Clean all items before packing
- Keep toiletries for moving week in a separate bag
HOME OFFICE
Items to Pack:
Desk ☐ Computer/laptop (back up data first!) ☐ Monitor(s) ☐ Keyboard and mouse ☐ Printer/scanner ☐ External hard drives (keep with you) ☐ Desk accessories (stapler, tape, pens) ☐ Desk lamp ☐ Charging cables and adapters
Filing & Papers ☐ Important documents (transport these yourself!) ☐ Files and folders ☐ Binders and notebooks ☐ Tax documents ☐ Receipts and records ☐ Business cards
Office Supplies ☐ Pens, pencils, markers ☐ Paper (printer, notebook, sticky notes) ☐ Envelopes and stamps ☐ Scissors, tape, staples ☐ Calculator ☐ Paper clips, binder clips
Shelving ☐ Books and reference materials ☐ Binders and manuals ☐ Decorative items ☐ Awards and certificates
Other ☐ Office chair (may need to remove wheels) ☐ Shredder ☐ Wall calendar and planner ☐ Wall art ☐ Plants
Special Notes:
- Back up all computer data before moving
- Take photos of computer cable setup
- Keep important documents in your car
- Pack computer in original box if possible
- Clearly label all tech items and their cords
KIDS’ ROOMS
Items to Pack:
Bedroom Basics ☐ Clothing (involve kids in packing their favorites) ☐ Shoes ☐ Bedding and stuffed animals ☐ Books ☐ School supplies and backpack
Toys ☐ Action figures and dolls ☐ Building sets (Legos, blocks) ☐ Board games and puzzles ☐ Outdoor toys (bikes, sports equipment) ☐ Electronic toys and tablets ☐ Art supplies
Furniture ☐ Desk ☐ Toy boxes and organizers ☐ Bookshelf ☐ Bed (disassemble if needed)
Other ☐ Wall decorations and posters ☐ Curtains ☐ Trophies and awards ☐ Collections or hobby items ☐ Night light
Special Notes:
- Let kids pack a special “favorite things” box
- Label boxes with child’s name and room
- Pack comfort items last (favorite blanket, stuffed animal)
- Involve kids age-appropriately in packing
- Keep some toys accessible during move for entertainment
GARAGE/BASEMENT/STORAGE
Items to Pack:
Tools & Hardware ☐ Toolbox and hand tools ☐ Power tools ☐ Nails, screws, hardware (sort and label) ☐ Extension cords ☐ Ladder ☐ Workbench items
Outdoor & Garden ☐ Lawn mower (drain fuel completely!) ☐ Garden tools (rake, shovel, hoe) ☐ Hoses and sprinklers ☐ Fertilizer and seeds ☐ Plant pots and planters ☐ Grill (clean, drain propane tank – can’t be moved)
Sports & Recreation ☐ Bicycles ☐ Sports equipment (balls, bats, rackets) ☐ Camping gear ☐ Fishing equipment ☐ Seasonal items (sleds, pool toys)
Automotive ☐ Car care items (wash soap, wax) ☐ Motor oil and fluids (most can’t be moved – dispose properly) ☐ Windshield washer fluid ☐ Car emergency kit ☐ Jumper cables
Seasonal & Holiday ☐ Christmas decorations ☐ Halloween costumes and decor ☐ Holiday lights and inflatables ☐ Seasonal wreaths ☐ Storage bins
Other ☐ Paint cans (can’t be moved – dispose or use) ☐ Cleaning chemicals (dispose if necessary) ☐ Recycling bins ☐ Trash cans ☐ Brooms, mops, vacuum ☐ Miscellaneous storage boxes
Special Notes:
- DRAIN ALL FUEL from lawn equipment
- Dispose of hazardous materials properly (paint, chemicals)
- Empty and clean grill before moving
- Organize hardware in labeled containers
- Take bike wheels off to save space
LAUNDRY ROOM
Items to Pack:
☐ Detergent and fabric softener ☐ Dryer sheets ☐ Stain removers and bleach ☐ Iron and ironing board ☐ Clothespins and hangers ☐ Laundry baskets ☐ Drying rack ☐ Lint roller
Special Notes:
- Run washer and dryer one last time with cleaning cycle
- Unhook washer drain hose
- Secure washer drum for moving
- Clean lint trap thoroughly
ITEMS THAT TRAVEL IN YOUR CAR (NOT MOVING TRUCK)
Must Keep With You: ☐ Important documents (passports, birth certificates, social security cards) ☐ Jewelry and valuables ☐ Cash, checkbooks, credit cards ☐ Medications and prescriptions ☐ Laptop and external hard drives ☐ House keys and garage remotes for new place ☐ Family photos and albums (irreplaceable items) ☐ Kids’ comfort items ☐ Pet supplies and pet carriers
First Night Essentials Box: ☐ Toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap ☐ Toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries for everyone ☐ Change of clothes for each person ☐ Pajamas ☐ Phone chargers ☐ Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer) ☐ Trash bags ☐ Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils ☐ Snacks and bottled water ☐ Medications and first aid kit ☐ Towels and washcloths ☐ Sheets and blankets for first night ☐ Pet food and supplies
PACKING TIMELINE
6-8 Weeks Before: ☐ Start with storage areas, garage, basement ☐ Pack seasonal items ☐ Pack rarely-used rooms (guest room, office)
4 Weeks Before: ☐ Pack remaining non-essential rooms ☐ Pack books, decor, extra dishes ☐ Pack out-of-season clothes
2 Weeks Before: ☐ Pack most of kitchen (leave essentials) ☐ Pack most of bathrooms (leave essentials) ☐ Pack bedroom items (leave one week of clothes)
1 Week Before: ☐ Pack remaining items except absolute essentials ☐ Pack cleaning supplies (save some for final clean) ☐ Prepare first night boxes
Day Before Move: ☐ Pack remaining toiletries ☐ Pack remaining kitchen items ☐ Pack bedding (except what you’ll use moving night) ☐ Set aside items for your car
PACKING HACKS
Save Money:
- Get free boxes from liquor stores, grocery stores
- Use towels, blankets, and clothing as packing material
- Newspapers work for packing but ink may transfer
- Use suitcases for heavy items like books
Stay Organized:
- Number every box and keep a master list
- Color-code by room (use colored markers or tape)
- Photo items before disassembling
- Tape hardware bags to furniture pieces
- Pack a room completely before moving to the next
Fragile Items:
- Use “dish pack” boxes with extra padding
- Mark “FRAGILE” on multiple sides
- Add “THIS SIDE UP” arrows
- Pack dishes vertically (less likely to break)
- Crumple paper between layers
Quick Tips:
- Fill boxes to the top (prevents crushing)
- Use plastic bags for items that might leak
- Keep pairs together (shoes, curtains)
- Pack books spine-down in small boxes
- Don’t pack food that can spill or spoil
NOTES & SPECIAL ITEMS TO REMEMBER:
Don’t forget: You don’t have to do this alone! Professional packers can save you time and stress.
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