Pro Packing Tips for Moving Cross Country

You’ve crammed stuff into closets, stashed it in spare rooms, and hidden it in the crannies of the cupboards. Things have collected over the years like dust bunnies.

Where to begin? The moving date looms like a dark cloud on the horizon.

Pack the Things You Don’t Need First

Start by packing the things you don’t use every day — items pushed to the rear of closets or kept loose in the garage. You can pack these well before your move without affecting your lifestyle.

• Sort through your closets and storage spaces to identify items you haven’t used in a while. These can include clothes, shoes, kitchen appliances, or sports equipment.
• Pack the “keepers” carefully and label the boxes clearly for easier unpacking later.

Declutter: Keep Bins & Boxes for Charity

One of the more agonizing aspects of moving is deciding what makes the cut. What to take with you and what to leave behind.

After all, there’s only so much space in a moving truck, and everything has sentimental value. That’s why you kept it, right? Even the ketchup packets from Dodger Stadium the year The Blue Crew won the World Series.

But this is your big opportunity to declutter! Do you really need three complete sets of saucepans? Textbooks from college? Bottles of lotion that date back to high school?

Set aside any items you no longer need or want (or have an impartial party do this for you), and donate them to charity. Let’s rip off the Bandaid.

It’ll make your move more manageable and might just change someone else’s life for the better. It might even change your life for the better! And who knows, you might even end up with extra space in your new home — extra space for more stuff.

Label Boxes Clearly

Label each box in a language everyone understands, indicating its contents and the room where it needs to go. Instead of prying open each box to figure out what goes where, you’ll be able to unpack fast with everything in its rightful place.

• This will make it easier for movers to place the boxes in the correct room.
• Clearly labeled boxes can also help you keep track of your belongings and prevent items from getting lost.
• Use labels or markings that stand out and won’t smear or fade during transportation.

Properly Pack Fragile Items

Fragile items require extra care when packing to arrive safely at your new home. Follow these tips for packing delicate belongings:

• Wrap each item individually with plenty of padding material such as bubble wrap or packing paper.
• Place heavier items on the bottom of the box, followed by lighter items on top.
• Fill empty spaces in the box with additional padding to prevent movement during transit.
• Clearly label the boxes as fragile and indicate which side should be facing up.
• Consider using a double-boxing method for extra protection. Place the padded item in a smaller box, then place that box inside a larger box with additional padding.
• Use proper packing tape to seal the boxes securely.

Fragile Items Checklist

Have these supplies on hand to pack fragile items:

• Boxes of various sizes
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Packing peanuts or other cushioning material
• Packing tape
• Scissors or box cutter

Tips for Packing Specific Types of Fragile Items

Glassware & Dishes

• Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap or packing paper.
• Place cushioning material at the bottom of the box before adding items.
• Stack dishes and glassware vertically rather than on top of each other.
• Fill empty spaces in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper to prevent shifting during transit.

Electronics

• Use original packaging if available; otherwise, use a box slightly larger than the electronic device.
• Swaddle the item in bubble wrap or packing paper and secure it with tape.
• Fill any empty spaces in the box with additional cushioning material.

Artwork & Mirrors

• Protect corners with cardboard or foam corner protectors.
• Wrap the item in bubble wrap or packing paper and secure it with tape.
• Use a box slightly larger than the item to allow for extra cushioning material.
• Place fragile items between layers of cardboard or foam sheets for added protection.

Furniture

• Disassemble furniture if possible. This will make it easier to pack and transport.
• Use bubble wrap or moving blankets to protect corners and delicate areas.
• Wrap furniture in plastic wrap to keep drawers and doors from opening during transit.

Use Your Clothes as Padding

Put your clothes to work if you’re running out of packing materials!

• Roll up t-shirts and socks to fill gaps between items in boxes.
• Use hoodies, sweaters, or jackets as cushioning for fragile items.
• Wrap breakables like glasses or vases in soft clothing items like scarves or blankets.

Pack an Essentials Bag

Remember to pack a bag of essential items — things you’ll need on the trip and your first night in your new home. Include items like toiletries, pajamas, a change of clothes, and medications.

Other essentials:

• Clothing for a few days
• Linens
• Food and snacks
• Coffee maker and cups
• Dishes and silverware
• Important paperwork
• Chargers for electronics

Invest in Quality Packing Materials

Any experienced mover will tell you that quality packing materials are worth the extra cost. Flimsy boxes will collapse under the weight of other packages during transit, potentially damaging your possessions.

• Purchase sturdy moving boxes of various sizes.
• Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect fragile items.
• Tape all boxes shut with packing tape.

Pack Separate Boxes for Each Room

If you’re packing a box for the kitchen, include only kitchen items. Don’t mix in things from other rooms, as this will make unpacking a nightmare.

The same goes for your other belongings. Pack each box by room of origin, and you’ll be glad you did when it’s time to unpack.

Pack a Separate Box for Valuables

Pack your most valuable items — jewelry, family heirlooms, important documents, electronics, etc. — in a “special” box you’ll keep with you during the move.

Do not include valuables in the “tourist-class” truckload with kitchen pans and pet supplies.

Use a Spare Room to Stack Boxes

If you have a spare room, use it to store packed boxes until it’s time to load them onto the moving truck. This will help keep your living space tidy during packing and make it easier to find things when needed.

Start Packing Early

The sooner you start packing, the better. Packing is a time-consuming process, and it’s easy to underestimate the time it takes.

So start packing as soon as possible, and you’ll be glad you did when moving day arrives.

Ask Walsh Moving & Storage for Help

Look no further than Walsh Moving & Storage for a reliable, long-haul mover. We serve all 48 contiguous states and offer competitive pricing by the weight and miles of your shipment.

Unlike many other movers, we have a 1,000-lb minimum—most companies require a 4,000-lb minimum. And if you’re moving out of the Los Angeles area, we can pick your things up any day.

Delivery is typically 3–15 days after pick up, depending on your destination. So, no matter where you’re going in the USA, Walsh Moving & Storage can handle your move!

FAQs: Packing Tips for Moving Cross Country

Q: How can I save money on packing supplies?

One way is to use items you already have in your home. For example, towels, blankets, and linens can serve as padding for fragile possessions instead of bubble wrap or packing paper.

Q: What are the best boxes to use for packing?

A: Use sturdy, high-quality moving boxes to protect your belongings. You can often find these at home improvement stores or moving supply companies. If you reuse boxes, make sure they are in good condition and free from damage.

Q: How do I keep my items organized during the move?

Label each box clearly with its contents and the room to which it belongs. Consider creating an inventory list to track everything during the move.

Q: Should I pack heavy items in large boxes?

No, it’s best to pack heavy items, like books or tools, in smaller boxes to make them easier to carry. Reserve larger boxes for lighter items like pillows, linens, or clothing.

Q: What’s the best way to pack fragile items?

Wrap fragile items individually in packing paper or bubble wrap, and place them in a sturdy box with plenty of cushioning. Fill empty spaces in the box to prevent items from shifting during transport.

Q: How far in advance should I start packing?

Start packing non-essential items a few weeks in advance to ease the stress of last-minute packing. Save essential daily items for the final days before your move.

Q: What should I do with hazardous materials?

Hazardous materials like flammable liquids, cleaning chemicals, or aerosols shouldn’t be packed for transport. Check with your moving company on how to safely dispose of or transport these items.