Packing for a long-distance move is both an art and a science. Do it well, and you'll save money, protect your belongings, and make unpacking a breeze. Do it poorly, and you'll arrive with damaged items, disorganized chaos, and hours of frustration ahead.
This guide shares professional packing strategies used by movers, along with smart hacks to make your cross-country move as smooth as possible.
Packing Timeline: When to Start
6-8 Weeks Before Move
- Gather packing supplies
- Start packing seasonal items, decorations, and rarely-used belongings
- Pack books, extra linens, out-of-season clothes
- Sell or donate items you're not taking
3-4 Weeks Before
- Pack non-essential items from each room
- Label boxes clearly by room and contents
- Pack artwork, photos, collectibles
- Disassemble furniture you're moving
1-2 Weeks Before
- Pack most remaining items
- Keep only essentials unpacked
- Drain gas/oil from lawn equipment
- Pack jewelry and valuables to take with you
Final Days
- Pack remaining kitchen items
- Pack toiletries (except what you need the last morning)
- Prepare "first night" and "essentials" boxes
- Pack cleaning supplies for final cleanup
Essential Packing Supplies
Must-Have Materials
- Boxes: Small (books, heavy items), medium (most items), large (lightweight bulky items)
- Packing tape: Heavy-duty, minimum 2 rolls per 10 boxes
- Bubble wrap: Fragile items protection
- Packing paper: Wrapping dishes, glassware, filling voids
- Markers: Label boxes on multiple sides
- Stretch wrap: Keep drawers closed, bundle items
- Furniture pads/blankets: Protect furniture surfaces
- Mattress bags: Keep mattresses clean during transport
Where to Get Boxes Cheap or Free
- USPS provides free Priority Mail boxes (good for shipping items separately)
- Liquor stores have sturdy boxes with dividers (great for glasses)
- Grocery stores, especially early morning
- U-Haul Box Exchange (buy/sell used boxes)
- Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor free section
- Friends who recently moved
Room-by-Room Packing Strategies
Kitchen (Most Time-Consuming Room)
Dishes and Glassware:
- Wrap each piece individually in packing paper
- Pack plates vertically (like records) not stacked flat
- Fill wine glasses with crumpled paper before wrapping
- Use dish pack boxes with cell dividers for glasses
- Fill empty spaces with towels or linens
- Mark boxes "FRAGILE" on all sides
Pots and Pans:
- Nest smaller pots inside larger ones
- Wrap lids separately or place towels between nested pieces
- Pack in large boxes
Small Appliances:
- Pack in original boxes if you have them
- Otherwise, wrap in bubble wrap and pack snugly
- Group similar items (all baking items together)
Pantry:
- Use up or donate opened food before moving
- Pack unopened items in small boxes (food is heavy)
- Place plastic wrap under lids to prevent leaks
- Don't pack expired or refrigerated items
Bedroom
Clothes:
- Keep hanging clothes on hangers—use wardrobe boxes or large garbage bags
- Fold and pack off-season clothes in suitcases or boxes
- Use dresser drawers to pack soft items (socks, underwear, t-shirts)
- Vacuum-seal bags save space for bulky items like winter coats
Bedding:
- Use large boxes or vacuum storage bags
- Pack sheets and pillowcases together by set
- Protect mattress with mattress bag
Living Room
Electronics:
- Take photos of cable connections before unplugging
- Use original boxes if available
- Wrap TVs in blankets and pack vertically
- Label all cables and remotes
- Pack remotes with corresponding devices
Books:
- Use small boxes only (books are extremely heavy)
- Pack books spine-down or flat
- Fill boxes completely but don't overpack
- Consider shipping books via USPS Media Mail separately (much cheaper)
Artwork and Mirrors:
- Use mirror boxes or picture boxes
- Tape an "X" across glass to prevent shattering
- Wrap in bubble wrap
- Pack vertically, never flat under other items
- Label "FRAGILE - GLASS"
Bathroom
- Secure lids with plastic wrap under cap
- Place bottles in plastic bags to contain spills
- Pack medicines and first aid separately for easy access
- Dispose of expired medications
Home Office
- Back up computer files before packing
- Pack computer equipment in original boxes if possible
- Label cables
- Pack important documents in a file box you transport yourself
Professional Packing Techniques
The Weight Distribution Rule
- Heavy items (books) in small boxes
- Medium-weight items in medium boxes
- Light, bulky items (pillows, linens) in large boxes
- No box should exceed 50 lbs if you can help it
Fill Every Void
- Empty space causes items to shift and break
- Use clothing, towels, linens as packing material
- Crumpled packing paper fills small gaps
- Boxes should be full enough that you can't press down the top
The Tetris Principle
- Pack boxes tightly with no wasted space
- Put heavier items on bottom, lighter on top
- Pack box walls first, then fill center
- Think 3D when loading moving truck
Box Reinforcement
- Tape box bottom with 3 strips: one down the center seam, one on each side
- For heavy boxes, add extra tape in an "H" pattern
- Never use damaged boxes for fragile or heavy items
Labeling System
Minimum Information on Each Box
- Destination room (KITCHEN, BEDROOM 1, etc.)
- General contents (Pots & Pans, Winter Clothes)
- Fragile designation if applicable
- Which side is up (especially for fragile items)
Advanced Labeling
- Color coding: Assign each room a color, use colored tape or stickers
- Numbering system: Number each box and keep inventory list
- Priority labels: "OPEN FIRST" for essentials
- Label 2-3 sides: You can see labels when boxes are stacked
Special Item Packing
Lamps
- Remove bulbs and pack separately
- Wrap base in bubble wrap
- Pack lampshades separately or remove and nestle inside larger shades
Plants
- Water 2-3 days before move (not right before)
- Place plastic bag over pot to contain soil
- Small plants can go in boxes with holes punched for air
- Large plants move as-is in your car
- Note: Many moving companies won't transport plants
Jewelry and Valuables
- Transport with you personally, never in moving truck
- Use small jewelry boxes or egg cartons for organization
- Photograph valuable items for insurance
Important Documents
- Passport, birth certificates, social security cards
- Financial documents, insurance policies
- Medical records
- Car titles, lease agreements
- Keep in a file box or folder you transport yourself
Furniture
- Disassemble what you can (legs off tables, etc.)
- Keep screws/hardware in labeled plastic bags taped to furniture
- Wrap wooden furniture in moving blankets
- Use stretch wrap to secure blankets and protect upholstery
- Remove/secure drawers or use stretch wrap to keep them closed
The "Essentials" Boxes
First Night Box (Open Immediately)
- Bedding for each bed (sheets, pillows, blanket)
- Towels
- Change of clothes for everyone
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toilet paper)
- Phone chargers
- Basic tools (scissors, box cutter, screwdriver)
- Paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels
- Snacks and drinks
- Pet food and bowls if applicable
- Medications
First Week Box
- Coffee maker and coffee
- Basic dishes and silverware
- Pot and pan
- Cleaning supplies
- Trash bags
- Light bulbs
- Extension cords/power strips
What NOT to Pack in Moving Truck
Prohibited Items
- Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, aerosols)
- Propane tanks
- Firearms and ammunition
- Perishable food
- Plants (many companies won't transport)
- Gasoline or other flammables
Transport Yourself
- Valuables (jewelry, important documents)
- Medications
- Laptop and phone
- Car keys, checkbook, credit cards
- Sentimental items you can't replace
Loading the Moving Truck
Loading Order
- Heavy furniture and appliances first (back of truck)
- Heavy boxes on bottom
- Lighter boxes on top
- Fragile boxes last, on top, clearly visible
- Fill gaps with soft items (pillows, blankets)
Loading Strategy
- Distribute weight evenly side-to-side
- Place heaviest items over axles
- Stand mattresses and sofas on end along truck walls
- Use tie-downs and straps to secure items
- Pack tightly—items shouldn't shift during transport
Money-Saving Packing Hacks
- Use suitcases and duffel bags for heavy items like books
- Laundry baskets can be packed and don't need boxes
- Towels and linens serve as packing material and padding
- Socks stuff into shoes to save space and maintain shoe shape
- Trash bags work for hanging clothes (pull up over hangers)
- Egg cartons protect small fragile items
- Wine boxes with dividers are perfect for glassware
- Don't buy new clothes hampers—use them to move soft items
Common Packing Mistakes
- Starting too late: Packing takes longer than you think
- Overpacking boxes: Makes them too heavy and prone to breaking
- Under-packing boxes: Items shift and break
- Poor labeling: Can't find essentials when you need them
- Packing dirty items: Clean everything before packing
- Not using enough tape: Boxes break open
- Mixing room items: Makes unpacking chaotic
- Not protecting fragile items properly: Leads to breakage
Unpacking Strategy
Day One Priority
- Set up beds first (you'll need to sleep)
- Unpack bathroom essentials
- Set up basic kitchen (coffee maker is priority!)
- Unpack clothes for the next few days
First Week
- Unpack kitchen completely
- Set up home office if working from home
- Unpack living room
- Hang curtains for privacy
Take Your Time
- No need to unpack everything in one weekend
- Unpack one room at a time
- Use unpacking as opportunity to organize
- Donate items you realize you don't need
Final Thoughts
Packing for a long-distance move is one of the most labor-intensive parts of relocating, but doing it right protects your belongings and makes settling into your new home much easier.
Start early, stay organized, and don't rush. Your future self will thank you when you arrive at your new home with everything intact and clearly labeled.
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