The Complete
Packing Guide
Step-by-step instructions from professional movers. Learn how to pack your items safely, room by room.
Moving + Storage under one roof, one company, one point of contact Plus complimentary moving blankets, wardrobe boxes, and floor protection with every move.
Packing Guide Quick Facts
- Start Date: 6-8 weeks before moving day
- Boxes Needed: ~10 boxes per room (30-80 total)
- Supply Cost (DIY):
- Studio / 1BR: $150-$250
- 2-bedroom: $250-$400
- 3-bedroom (typical): $350-$600
- 4-bedroom or more: $600-$900
- Hardest Room: Kitchen (allow 2+ weeks)
- Pro Tip: Pack heavy items in small boxes
- Source: Based on 25,000+ moves by Ontrack Moving
The Professional Approach to Packing
Packing is the most time-consuming part of any move. Our crews have packed everything from studio apartments to 10,000 sq ft estates. This guide shares the techniques we use every day to pack items safely and make unpacking easier.
Packing Timeline: When to Pack What
A structured timeline prevents last-minute chaos. Here is the schedule our professional packers recommend.
6-8 Weeks Before
4-6 Weeks Before
2-4 Weeks Before
Final Week
Room-by-Room Packing Guide
Each room has unique challenges. Follow these techniques used by professional packers.
Kitchen (Allow 2+ Weeks)
The kitchen takes the longest to pack. Dishes, glassware, and appliances all need individual attention.
How to Pack Dishes
- Wrap each plate individually in packing paper
- Stack plates vertically like records, not flat
- Use dish pack boxes with extra cushioning
- Fill gaps with crumpled paper
How to Pack Glasses
- Stuff paper inside each glass
- Wrap outside with packing paper
- Use cell boxes (divided boxes) when possible
- Place heaviest glasses at bottom
Bedroom
Bedrooms contain clothing, bedding, and often fragile items like lamps and mirrors.
Clothing
- Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- Fold casual clothes into medium boxes
- Keep dresser drawers filled with soft items
- Use vacuum bags for bulky bedding
Furniture
- Disassemble bed frames; keep hardware in labeled bags
- Use mattress bags to protect from dirt and tears
- Wrap mirrors and artwork in blankets
- Remove lightbulbs from lamps before packing
Living Room
Electronics, books, and decorative items require careful handling.
Electronics
- Photograph cable connections before unplugging
- Use original boxes if available
- Wrap TVs in blankets, transport upright
- Label all cords and store in zip bags
Books and Media
- Use small boxes (books are heavy)
- Pack spine-down to protect bindings
- Fill gaps with paper, not more books
- Limit boxes to 30-40 lbs each
Bathroom
Bathrooms contain liquids and breakables that need special attention.
- Place toiletries in sealed plastic bags to prevent leaks
- Discard old medications properly; do not pack them
- Wrap mirrors and glass shelves in bubble wrap
- Pack towels last; use them as padding for fragile items
How to Pack Special Items
Certain items need extra care. Here is how to pack the trickiest belongings.
Artwork and Mirrors
- Use picture boxes or custom crating
- Tape an X on glass to prevent shattering
- Wrap in glassine paper, then bubble wrap
- Transport upright, never flat
TVs and Monitors
- Use original box if possible
- Wrap screen in soft blanket
- Never lay flat; transport upright
- Remove wall mounts separately
Houseplants
- Water 2-3 days before, not day-of
- Place in open boxes to stabilize
- Transport in your personal vehicle when possible
- Note: Interstate moves may prohibit plants
Packing Supplies Checklist
Gather these supplies before you start. Having everything ready prevents delays.
Boxes
- Small boxes (books, heavy items)
- Medium boxes (general items)
- Large boxes (bedding, pillows)
- Dish pack boxes (kitchen)
- Wardrobe boxes (hanging clothes)
- Picture boxes (artwork, mirrors)
Packing Materials
- Packing tape (2-3 rolls minimum)
- Tape dispenser
- Packing paper (unprinted)
- Bubble wrap
- Stretch wrap (for furniture)
- Mattress bags
Tools
- Permanent markers (multiple colors)
- Box cutter or scissors
- Screwdriver set
- Zip-lock bags (for hardware)
- Labels or colored tape
- Furniture blankets
Estimate: For a 2-bedroom apartment, expect to spend $250-400 on supplies. For a 4-bedroom house, budget $600-900.
Your Essentials Box: Pack This Last, Unpack First
This box stays with you, not on the moving truck. It contains everything you need for your first 24 hours.
Personal Items
- Toiletries and medications
- Change of clothes for each person
- Phone chargers and cables
- Important documents (IDs, lease, contracts)
- Cash and credit cards
- Glasses, contacts, hearing aids
Household Items
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Trash bags
- Sheets, pillows, blankets (first night bedding)
- Snacks and bottled water
- Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer)
What NOT to Pack: Items Movers Cannot Transport
For safety and legal reasons, these items should not go on the moving truck.
Hazardous Materials
- Propane tanks
- Gasoline, kerosene
- Paints and solvents
- Aerosol cans
- Ammunition, fireworks
- Cleaning chemicals
Perishables
- Frozen or refrigerated food
- Open food containers
- Plants (interstate moves)
- Produce and dairy
- Pet food (opened bags)
Keep With You
- Jewelry and watches
- Cash and checkbooks
- Important documents
- Passports and IDs
- Prescription medications
- Laptop and hard drives
10 Pro Packing Tips from 25,000+ Moves
-
1
Heavy items in small boxes
Books, tools, and canned goods should go in small boxes. Large boxes packed heavy will break and are difficult to carry safely.
-
2
Label on multiple sides
Write the contents and destination room on the top AND at least one side of each box. This makes stacked boxes easier to identify.
-
3
Use color-coded tape
Assign each room a tape color. Movers can quickly place boxes in the right rooms without reading every label.
-
4
Pack plates vertically
Plates are less likely to break when packed on their edge like records. Flat stacks put pressure on the bottom plates.
-
5
Fill every gap
Items shift during transport. Fill empty spaces with packing paper, towels, or clothing to prevent movement and breakage.
-
6
Take photos of electronics
Before unplugging TVs, routers, and entertainment systems, photograph the cable connections. You will thank yourself later.
-
7
Keep hardware with furniture
Put screws, bolts, and assembly hardware in labeled zip bags. Tape the bag directly to the furniture piece it belongs to.
-
8
Wrap drawers with stretch wrap
Instead of emptying dresser drawers, wrap the entire dresser in stretch wrap. Keeps drawers closed and contents secure.
-
9
Use suitcases for heavy items
Rolling suitcases are perfect for books and other heavy items. The wheels make them easy to move.
-
10
Number your boxes
Keep a master list: "Box 1: Kitchen - pots and pans." At delivery, you can quickly verify all boxes arrived.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing
Start packing 6-8 weeks before your move date for a typical 3-bedroom home. Begin with non-essential items like seasonal decorations and books. Leave daily-use items for the final week. Professional movers recommend spending at least 2 weeks on kitchen items alone, as they require careful wrapping.
A general estimate is 10 boxes per room. For a 2-bedroom apartment, plan for 30-40 boxes. A 3-bedroom house typically requires 60-80 boxes. Kitchens need the most boxes due to fragile items. Order 10-15% more than you think you need to avoid last-minute trips to the store.
Wrap each dish and glass individually in packing paper. Place dishes vertically like records, not stacked flat. Use cell boxes (divided boxes) for glasses and stemware. Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper. Mark boxes as FRAGILE and indicate which side is up. A dish pack box with proper padding can protect even delicate china.
For local moves, you can leave soft items like clothes in dresser drawers. Remove heavy items, breakables, and anything that could shift and damage the dresser. For long-distance moves or if the dresser is antique or fragile, empty all drawers. Wrap drawers with stretch wrap to keep them closed during transport.
Your essentials box should include: toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, basic tools (screwdriver, hammer), paper towels, toilet paper, snacks, water bottles, important documents, and pet supplies if applicable. Also include sheets and towels for your first night. Keep this box with you, not on the moving truck.
Movers cannot transport hazardous materials including: propane tanks, gasoline, paints, aerosol cans, ammunition, fireworks, and cleaning chemicals. Perishable food, plants (for interstate moves), and valuable items like jewelry, cash, and important documents should stay with you. Check with your mover for a complete list of prohibited items.
DIY packing saves on labor costs but requires buying your own supplies ($350-$600 for a typical home). Professional packing services include labor and materials. Many clients choose a "Partial Pack" for just the kitchen and breakables, which balances cost and convenience. Contact (888) 914-8787 for packing service quotes.
Download Our Free Packing Guide PDF
Keep this guide handy during your move. Print-friendly, 12 pages of pro tips.
Let Ontrack Handle Your Packing
Do not have time to pack? Our professional packing crews can pack your entire home in a day. We bring all supplies and handle everything from china to chandeliers.
Get a Free Packing QuoteOr call (888) 914-8787
