Getting ready for moving day? Pack, pack, pack! Here are some do-it-yourself packing tips to prepare your precious belongings for the big day. Click for printable PDF.

  1. Go through your belongings and separate the items to donate from what you are going to keep. Box these items up and deliver to a charity of your choice before packing for your move. This will save you time and money later.
  2. Acquire the packing supplies you need:
    1. Newspaper, blankets/pillows, bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam peanuts for padding
    2. Box cutter or utility knife
    3. Permanent marker
    4. Packing tape
    5. Sturdy boxes of varying sizes
  3. Be sure to fold the bottom flaps of each box and tape the bottom seam as well as crossways to secure the contents. Once filled, tape the top of the box closed.
  4. Always place heavier items on the bottom, less heavy, then lightest on top.
  5. Clearly label each box on multiple sides of the box. You can write ‘bedroom/books’ or ‘kitchen/spices.’ Mark boxes with breakables as ‘FRAGILE.’

Specific Items:

  • Books: Pack books standing upright in small boxes. Be sure to place heavier boxes on the bottom. And place the books spine to spine so pages are not touching and fill in empty spaces with packing paper.
  • Breakables and Electronics: Always leave a 2- to 4-inch layer of crumpled paper along the bottom, sides, and top of the box. Wrap items in bubble wrap or packing paper.
  • Clothing: Wardrobe boxes can be used to move hanging clothing. All other clothing, blankets, and household linens can be packed in medium size boxes. It is recommended to empty chests and dressers since the additional weight can make the furniture more difficult to move and more likely to get damaged.
  • Dishes & China: Wrap each piece separately in packing paper. Place them in the box standing on edge.
  • Bowls: Wrap them individually, stack 2 to 4 together, and wrap them all again, and place them standing on edge in the box.
  • Cups and Glassware: Wrap cup handles in paper, and then wrap the entire cup. Place cups in the boxes with all handles pointing the same direction. Wrap regular glasses individually.
  • Pots and Pans: Stack them on top of each other with a few pieces of paper between them. Fill all empty spaces with newspaper.
  • Lamps and Lampshades: Remove shades and bulbs. Wrap lamp stands in layers of paper and place in boxes standing upright. Wrap lampshades lightly in paper, nest them one inside the other and pack in separate boxes.
  • Paintings, Mirrors and Glass: Use picture boxes and bubble wrap. Leave a 2 to 4-inch layer of crumpled paper at the bottom, sides and top of each box. Do not use bubble wrap for oil paintings. Use corrugated corners for extra protection.