Introduction
Packing isn’t just tossing items into boxes and hoping they survive the trip. It’s an art—strategic, careful, and absolutely essential for a stress-free move. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the state, packing properly can make the difference between a chaotic nightmare and a smooth relocation. At Express Troy Movers, we’ve packed everything from baby grand pianos to fine china, and now we’re spilling our secrets.
1. Start Early—Like, Way Early
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until the last week to start packing. Trust us—packing always takes longer than you think. Begin at least 3–4 weeks before your move date. Start with seasonal items, books, and decor—anything you won’t need immediately.
2. Declutter Like a Minimalist
Before a single box is taped, declutter. Go room by room and be honest with yourself. Haven’t used that waffle maker in two years? Donate it. Clothes you “might fit into again”? Time to let them go. Not only will you save time, but you’ll save money—less stuff means fewer boxes and less time loading and unloading.
3. Get the Right Packing Supplies
Forget using old liquor store boxes and duct tape. You need:
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Sturdy moving boxes in multiple sizes
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Heavy-duty packing tape
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Bubble wrap and packing paper
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Scissors and markers
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Stretch wrap (great for drawers or securing furniture)
Professional-quality supplies aren’t just a flex—they’re protection for your valuables.
4. Label Everything
Each box should be clearly labeled with the room it belongs in and a quick note on its contents. Don’t just write “Kitchen.” Write “Kitchen – Pots & Pans.” It saves you hours when it’s time to unpack. Bonus tip: color-code your boxes using colored markers or tape. Red for the kitchen, blue for bedroom, etc.
5. Tackle One Room at a Time
Stay focused. Jumping between rooms leads to mixed boxes and confusion later. Start and finish one room before moving to the next. It helps keep things logical and lowers the chances of missing something.
6. Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Overloaded boxes are a recipe for disaster. Pack heavier items (books, dishes) in small boxes and lighter items (pillows, blankets) in large boxes. If you’re struggling to lift a box, your movers definitely will too.
Distribute weight evenly and avoid leaving empty space in boxes. Fill gaps with towels, socks, or packing paper to prevent items from shifting during the move.
7. Wrap Breakables Like a Burrito
Glassware, dishes, vases—all need TLC. Wrap each item individually using bubble wrap or packing paper. Stack plates vertically (like records) and cushion the bottom of the box. For extra fragile pieces, double-box them with extra padding between boxes.
Pro tip: wrap liquids (like cleaning supplies or toiletries) in plastic bags to catch leaks before they cause chaos.
8. Don’t Empty the Dresser
If the drawers aren’t too heavy, leave clothes inside and just secure them with stretch wrap or painter’s tape. It saves on boxes and makes unloading quicker. Just be sure nothing fragile or spillable is inside.
9. Pack an “Open First” Box
There’s nothing worse than digging through a mountain of boxes for your toothbrush or phone charger. Prepare one or two “Essentials” boxes with:
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Toiletries
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Medications
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Chargers and electronics
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Important documents
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Basic kitchenware (knife, mug, plate)
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A change of clothes and towels
This is the box you’ll unpack first, so label it clearly and keep it with you if possible.
10. Create an Inventory List
Especially for larger homes or long-distance moves, create an inventory sheet. Number each box and list its contents. Not only does this keep you organized, but it also helps with insurance claims if something gets lost or damaged.
Bonus tip: snap a photo of the contents of each box before sealing it. You’ll thank yourself later.
11. Secure Your Tech
Laptops, gaming consoles, speakers—they all require extra care. Whenever possible, use original packaging. If that’s long gone, wrap tech in bubble wrap and pack them snugly in boxes with soft padding. Never stack heavy items on top of electronics.
12. Don’t Forget the Furniture
Disassemble large furniture if possible. Remove table legs, headboards, or shelving units. Store screws and bolts in labeled zip-lock bags and tape them to the furniture piece. Use blankets, pads, or shrink wrap to protect surfaces from scratches.
13. Avoid These Rookie Mistakes
Let’s quickly recap some things not to do:
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Don’t mix items from different rooms in the same box
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Don’t overstuff boxes to the point they bulge
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Don’t forget to label fragile boxes
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Don’t wait until the last day to pack everything
Conclusion
Packing like a pro takes planning, patience, and a little bit of hustle. But the reward? A smoother, faster, less stressful move—and fewer broken dishes. Whether you’re hiring movers or DIYing it, these packing tips can save you time, money, and a ton of post-move headaches.
If all this still feels overwhelming, remember—you don’t have to do it alone. Professional movers like Express Troy Movers offer full packing services to handle it all for you, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your new home.
