How to Pack Your Home Like a Pro

Good packing is the secret to a fast, damage-free move. Our crews pack homes every day, and these are the techniques they rely on — room by room.

Get the right supplies first

• Boxes in three sizes: small for books and heavy items, medium for kitchen and décor, large for linens and light items.
• Quality packing tape and a tape gun
• Packing paper (unprinted, so ink doesn’t transfer)
• Bubble wrap for fragile items
• Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
• Mattress bags and stretch wrap
• Thick markers and coloured labels

The golden rules of packing

1. Heavy items in small boxes, light items in big boxes. No box should be too heavy to lift comfortably.
2. Fill every gap. Items that shift in a box are items that break. Use paper, towels or clothing to fill empty space.
3. Label two sides and the top with the room and a short description.
4. Pack one room at a time and finish it before moving on.
5. Tape the bottom of every box in an “H” pattern for extra strength.

Room-by-room packing tips

Kitchen

Wrap plates individually and stand them on their edge, like records — they’re much stronger that way. Nest bowls with paper between them, and wrap glasses one at a time, stuffing paper inside. Mark these boxes “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP”.

Bedroom

Leave clothes on hangers and move them in wardrobe boxes. Keep light items in dresser drawers if the dresser is sturdy, and remove heavy or breakable items. Bag mattresses to keep them clean.

Living room

Photograph the back of your TV and electronics before unplugging so reconnecting is easy. Put cables in labelled bags. Pack the TV in its original box if you still have it — otherwise, let your movers wrap it.

Bathroom

Tighten caps and wrap liquids in plastic bags to prevent leaks. Keep medication and daily toiletries in your essentials bag, not in the truck.

Books and documents

Books get heavy fast — use small boxes only. Keep passports, leases, contracts and other important documents with you on moving day.

What not to pack in the truck

• Propane tanks, paint, solvents and other flammable products
• Perishable food
• Jewellery, cash and important documents (keep these with you)
• Plants on long-distance moves (check with your movers first)

Short on time? Let us pack for you

Our full and partial packing services include all materials, and our crew can pack most homes in a single day. You can also pack the basics yourself and let us handle the fragile items. See our packing services.