Packing your belongings on your own for a move is a big task, whether you’re moving locally, long-distance or to another country. One major advantage of DIY packing is the money you can save but doing it properly can feel overwhelming. Keeping that in mind, below are some helpful checklists and packing tips to guide you through the process, so unpacking and getting organized in your new home becomes easier and faster.
Preparing for Your DIY Packing
Since you’ll need strong packing boxes in different sizes, relying only on boxes from friends or family may not be enough. It’s a good idea to invest in proper packing materials, such as:
- Professional quality moving boxes in different sizes
- 2” packing tape
- Masking tape
- Tissue paper
- Scissors
- Packing paper — this should be plain newsprint paper, because ink from regular newspapers can transfer onto your items.
- A utility knife
- Permanent markers
After gathering all these supplies, you’re ready to move on to the next step: Packing according to a schedule.
Packing Tip #2: Pace Yourself
One common mistake people make when packing on their own is waiting until the last moment, either right before the moving truck arrives or even after loading has started. Try to finish all your packing by the night before moving day. Only keep out the essential items you’ll need in the morning and immediately at your new home, and pack those separately in luggage, just like you would for an overnight stay.
Use these tips to make sure everything gets done on time:
- Use a calendar to plan what you’ll pack and when, because packing usually takes more time than expected.
- Start with items stored in places like the attic, as they are often already packed and easy to move. Then pack items that are not currently in use, such as winter clothing.
- Pack one room at a time to stay organized and work more efficiently.
- Set up a packing area in each room so you always know where your supplies are.
- Organize packed boxes by room and also by weight to make loading the moving truck easier.
- Keep each packed carton under 50 lbs. While it may be tempting to add more items, the box should still be safe and easy to lift.
For some items, it’s better to let professional movers handle the packing. This is especially true for valuable, heavy or delicate belongings, such as:
- Glass tabletops, large wall decorations or shelves
- Wall mirrors that are 40” x 60” or bigger
- Pianos and pool tables
- Large statues, trophies, chandeliers and similar items
- Major household appliances
Boxes and Packing Materials from STI Moving & Storage
We have already talked about how important it is to use the right boxes and packing materials, even when you are doing a DIY move. The supplies you choose play a big role in keeping your items safe and well organized. STI provides all the packing boxes and cartons you may need, including:
- Dishpack or China Barrels for fine china, glassware and crystal
- Wardrobe cartons – These make moving clothes easier and include a built-in hanging bar for garments on hangers.
- Mirror cartons – These adjustable cartons come in different sizes and help protect framed pictures, certificates, mirrors and other flat glass items.
- Mattress cartons – Available for king/queen, double, twin (single) and crib mattresses, with separate cartons for box springs.
- Double-wall cartons that provide extra protection for fragile items such as china, pottery and crystal.
- 5 cu. ft. cartons – Best for small but heavy items like books and DVDs.
- 0 cu. ft. cartons – A useful medium-size carton for toys, cookware and small appliances.
- 5 cu. ft. cartons – Ideal for bulky yet lightweight items such as towels and bed linens.
- 0 cu. ft. cartons – Suitable for large, lightweight items like lampshades and pillows.
- Stretch wrap – A clear plastic wrap used to cover furniture and protect it from stains, scratches and surface damage.
DIY Packing Techniques
Our Packing Guide explains packing methods for each room but these basic tips apply no matter what you’re packing:
- Place loosely crumpled plain newsprint paper at the top and bottom of boxes for extra cushioning.
- Pack larger and heavier items first, then add smaller items and fill empty spaces with loosely crumpled packing paper.
- Wrap fragile items in tissue paper or plain newsprint before placing them in boxes.
- Clearly label each box with your name, the room it belongs to and its contents.
- While plastic bins may look strong, cardboard moving boxes taped securely at the top work better.
- Do not overfill the boxes.
To make sure your belongings stay safe during transport, STI moving professionals will inspect your packed boxes to check for any risk of damage. If a box is not packed correctly, they may ask you to repack it, just to be safe.
DIY Electronics Packing
If you still have the original boxes for your computer parts or flat-screen TV, that’s ideal. If not, follow these steps:
- Place the item in a strong box lined with styrofoam peanuts or crumpled plain newsprint. Seal the box well and clearly mark it as “Extremely Fragile.”
- Label all wires and cables so you remember where they belong when setting everything back up.
- Take out ink and toner cartridges from printers.
- Remove loose parts like paper trays and feeders from printers.
- Back up your computer files to the cloud or on DVDs before the move.
Don’t Pack That!
Just because you own an item doesn’t mean it should be moved with you. Some materials are dangerous and can put your belongings or other people at risk. Do not pack flammable items, gases, explosive materials, corrosive substances, poisons or radioactive items. Common examples include:
- Nail polish remover
- Automotive repair and maintenance chemicals
- Radio-pharmaceuticals
- Matches
- Paints and paint thinners
- Lighter fluid
- Gasoline
- Fireworks
- Oxygen bottles
- Propane cylinders
It’s also best not to pack family photographs, firearms, prescription medicines you’ll need in the next few days, food in glass jars or other perishable items in the moving truck. These items are safer to keep with you and carry along yourself.
Best Practices for Labeling
Label every box without exception. Use a wide, felt-tip permanent marker and keep a few on hand. Clearly write the room name, what’s inside the box and add “FRAGILE” or “THIS END UP” where needed. If you have a bill of lading number, include that as well.
To make things easier for yourself, you can label boxes with numbers or codes like 1A, 1B and so on. This helps you know which boxes should be unpacked first when you arrive at your new home.
Pro Packing Tips
With over 22 years of experience in the moving industry, STI has perfected the moving process. Here are some of our best DIY packing tips to help make sure your belongings reach your new home safely:
- Keep matching pairs and similar items packed together.
- Coil electrical cords and cables neatly so they don’t hang loose or get caught.
- Put screws and small hardware in labeled plastic bags and tape or tie them to the item they belong to.
- Don’t pack items that can damage each other, such as fragile china with heavy cookware.
- Pack boxes in layers, placing cardboard or crumpled paper between layers for protection.
- Use towels and blankets as extra padding and cushioning.
- For very delicate items, pack them in small boxes first, then place those boxes inside a larger box with plenty of padding.
- A box is packed correctly when it can be taped shut with the lid lying flat, without bulging in or out.
- Seal all boxes tightly with tape, except those that need to stay open for inspection.
We hope these tips help you pack more safely and efficiently for your upcoming move. Feel free to contact STI Moving & Storage for any packing cartons, other packing materials or transportation services you may need.
