The three rules
Almost all packing advice comes down to three rules. Heavy things go in small boxes. Every box is full, with no empty space for things to shift. And fragile things are cushioned from each other and from the sides of the box. A box that rattles when you shake it isn't ready.
Choose the right box
- Small boxes for heavy things: books, records, canned food, tools and files.
- Medium boxes for kitchen items, toys, small appliances and decor.
- Large boxes for light, bulky things: bedding, pillows, lampshades and towels.
- Dish packs with dividers for glasses and dishes.
- Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes.
Use sturdy boxes. Grocery boxes that once held produce may be weak or damp.
Keep boxes liftable
A box should be something one person can lift comfortably. Overloaded boxes break, get dropped and injure people. If a box is too heavy, split it, or fill the top with light items like linens.
Tape properly
Tape the bottom of every box with several strips across the seam and around the edges. Don't fold the flaps under each other instead of taping; they open under weight.
Cushion and fill
Line the bottom of each box with crumpled packing paper. Wrap fragile items individually. Fill every gap with crumpled paper, towels or clothing, so nothing moves. Finish with a layer on top before closing.
Dishes
Wrap each plate in packing paper and stand plates on edge, like records, rather than stacking them flat. Edges are stronger than faces. Put heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
Glasses and stemware
Wrap each glass individually, stuffing paper inside as well. Stemware needs extra wrapping around the stem. Pack glasses upright in dish packs with dividers, with paper above and below.
Art and mirrors
Put tape in an X across glass to help hold it together if it cracks, though it won't stop a crack. Wrap the piece in paper or bubble wrap, add cardboard corners, and pack it on edge in a picture carton. For valuable art, ask the mover about custom crating.
Lamps
Remove shades and bulbs. Pack shades on their own, nested if they fit without crushing, and pack bases wrapped and cushioned in a box sized to fit.
Electronics
Use original boxes if you kept them. Otherwise wrap each item in a moving pad or bubble wrap and pack it in a snug box with plenty of cushioning. Photograph the cables before you unplug them, and bag and label the cables and remotes.
Clothes and linens
Hanging clothes can go straight into wardrobe boxes on their hangers. Folded clothes can stay in dresser drawers if the mover agrees and the dresser isn't too heavy, but take out anything fragile or heavy. Linens, towels and pillows are useful as padding around fragile items in other boxes.
Books and files
Books are heavy; pack them flat or spine-down in small boxes. Keep important papers, passports and anything you'd struggle to replace with you rather than in the truck.
Liquids
Seal the lids of liquids with tape, put them in plastic bags, and pack them upright. Better still, use them up or give them away. Don't pack flammable or hazardous liquids at all; movers generally won't carry them.
Label everything
Write the room and a short list of contents on the side of the box, not just the top, so it can be read when boxes are stacked. Mark fragile boxes clearly and mark which way is up.
What to leave to the movers
Pianos, safes, large mirrors, glass tabletops, marble and valuable art are often better packed by the moving company, which has the materials and experience. And if you pack something yourself, the mover may not be responsible for damage inside the box unless it was mishandled. Ask before move day.