Pack Like a Pro: Practical Tips for an Organized Move

Packing smart saves time, prevents damage, and makes unpacking easy. Use this client‑friendly guide from Benny And The Moving to plan, pack, and label efficiently—room by room—with clear instructions and pro tactics.

Start With a Plan

Make a packing schedule by room, starting with low‑use spaces (guest room, storage, seasonal items).
Create a “Do Not Pack” zone for documents, medications, keys, chargers, daily toiletries, and a few changes of clothes.
Build a simple inventory: number boxes per room and note priority (Open First, Week One, Later).

Get the Right Supplies

Boxes: small for heavy items (books, dishes), medium for mixed items, large for light/bulky (bedding, pillows).
Protection: packing paper, bubble wrap, furniture pads, stretch wrap, corner guards, mattress bags.
Specialty: dish barrels and cell kits, wardrobe boxes, TV/mirror cartons, picture boxes.
Tools: heavy‑duty tape, tape gun, markers, colored room tape/labels, zip bags for hardware.

Core Packing Principles

Heavier items go in smaller boxes; lighter items in larger boxes.
Pad the bottom of every box, fill voids, and top off to prevent crushing and shifting.
Keep boxes under 35–45 lb; if it’s hard to lift, split the load.
Use the H‑tape method (center seam + two edges) on top and bottom for strength.

Labeling That Works

Three-part label on two sides and top: Room, Contents, Priority.
Color‑code by room for fast placement at delivery.
Number boxes; snap a quick photo of contents before sealing.

Rooms

Kitchen: Maximum Protection

Plates on edge like records; wrap glassware individually and use cell kits for stemware.
Layer bowls with paper between; fill gaps with towels or paper.
Bag and tape appliance cords to the unit; original boxes are best when available.
Separate a “First‑Night Kitchen” box: kettle/coffee maker, 2–4 place settings, basic pan, utensils, dish soap, towels.

Living Areas: TVs, Art, Décor

Use a TV carton; remove stands, protect the screen, and pack remotes/cables in a labeled zip bag.
Picture/mirror boxes with corner guards; mark “Fragile – Glass.”
Roll rugs pile‑inward; wrap with stretch film and bag to keep clean.

Bedroom: Clothing and Bedding

Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes; place shoes at the bottom toe‑to‑heel.
Bag mattresses/box springs; tape hardware for beds in a zip bag to the frame.
Pack a personal “First‑Night” suitcase with outfits, toiletries, and sleep essentials.

Bathroom and Laundry

Tape lids; place liquids in sealable bags; line the box with a trash bag to catch leaks.
Towels double as padding for fragile items; label clearly for fast access.
Disconnect and drain washer hoses; clean and air‑dry appliances before moving.

Office and Electronics

Photograph cable setups; color‑tag cords and ports.
Use original boxes or double‑box with ample padding for computers and monitors.
Keep external drives, passwords, and critical documents with you.

Garage, Tools, and Fitness Gear

Empty fuel from mowers and tools; run engines after draining to clear vapors.
Wrap sharp edges in cardboard and tape; use sturdy totes for hand tools and hardware.
Pack weights in small boxes with padding; keep boxes comfortably liftable.

Essentials Boxes (Load Last, Unload First)

One per key room with high‑use items, basic tools, light bulbs, batteries, and multi‑outlet power strips.
Household: utility knife, tape, scissors, screwdriver set, hex keys, small hammer, picture hooks.
Family: medications, chargers, snacks, water bottles, basic cleaning supplies, paper goods.

Safety and Non‑Transportables

Do not pack on the truck: fuels, propane, aerosols, paints/solvents, bleach/ammonia, fireworks, ammunition, oxygen tanks.
Avoid perishables and open food; transport houseplants and alcohol personally where permitted.
Carry irreplaceables yourself: documents, jewelry, cash, small electronics, heirlooms, and daily medical devices.

Speed Boosters for Move Day

Stage boxes by room near exits; keep stairs and hallways clear.
Reserve elevators/parking; place door and floor protection before the crew arrives.
Pre‑assemble a “Setup Kit” with bed hardware, tools, and felt pads for furniture.

Unpacking Strategy

Place boxes directly in their labeled rooms; open “Open First” boxes first.
Make beds immediately; set up bathrooms and the kitchen basics next.
Flatten and stack used packing materials for pickup or recycling.

Optional Help from Benny And The Moving

Full or partial packing (kitchen, closets, decor) to save time and reduce damage risk.
Specialty crating for art, mirrors, glass, and high‑value items.
Unpacking and setup: room‑to‑room placement, debris haul‑away, and furniture reassembly.

Want a tailored packing checklist and supply count by room size? Share your home layout and timeline, and Benny And The Moving will customize a packing plan that keeps your move on schedule, on budget, and stress‑free.