The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Philidelphia

Packing is one of the most essential parts of a well-organized move. When done properly, it helps protect your belongings, helps you stay organized, and saves you from unnecessary stress during unpacking. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we know that preparing for a move can feel like a lot to handle, but with the right packing strategies for your Philidelphia move, you can protect your belongings and make the process smooth and efficient.

General Guidelines for Packing a Home in Philidelphia, PA

No matter how big your home, having a solid plan can make packing easier. Start with these essential tips before handling room-specific packing:

• Declutter Before Packing – Sort out belongings you don't use to reduce moving costs and space.
• Gather High-Quality Packing Supplies – Choose heavy-duty boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
• Label Everything Clearly – Label each box with the room and what's inside to simplify unpacking.
• Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This keeps boxes stable and prevents damage.
• Use Padding for Fragile Items – Add cushioning around fragile pieces for extra protection.
• Create a First-Night Box – Set aside important items like a fresh set of clothes, toiletries, chargers, and snacks you'll need right away.

Now, let's look at how to pack each room efficiently.

How to Pack a Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to pack due to fragile glassware and oversized appliances. Try these steps:

• Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should be placed in smaller boxes for easy lifting.
• Wrap Glassware Individually – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
• Pack knives safely – Wrap knives in kitchen towels and hold them in place with rubber bands before packing.
• Place appliances back in their original packaging – If possible, use the manufacturer’s packaging for safety.
• Seal Food Items Properly – Avoid messes by packing opened food in sealed freezer bags.

Packing Supplies for a Kitchen:

• Dish boxes (for dishes and breakables)
• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Packing tape
• Small and medium boxes
• Plastic bins or bags for pantry items

How to Pack a Living Room

The living room often contains a variety of furnishings and electronic devices. Try these methods for smooth packing:

• Disassemble Large Furniture – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
• Safeguard electronics – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if available, or wrap with blankets.
• Wrap Picture Frames and Artwork – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to avoid damage.
• Pack lamps and shades carefully – Remove bulbs, wrap bases separately, and pack shades in individual boxes.
• Shield couches with plastic film – Cover fabric furniture with plastic to prevent dust and dirt.

Packing Supplies for a Living Room:

• Moving blankets and plastic wrap
• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Large and extra-large boxes
• Specialty boxes for TVs and artwork

How to Pack a Bedroom

Bedrooms require careful packing of clothes, furniture, and personal items. Use these tips to simplify packing:

• Move Hanging Garments Using Wardrobe Boxes – Avoid wrinkles in your clothes by Moving them in hanging boxes.
• Vacuum Seal Seasonal Clothes – Save space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t need immediately.
• Protect Mattresses with Protective Covers – Prevent moisture damage and dirt with mattress bags.
• Store Valuables in Separate Organizers – Keep valuables in a personal bag or jewelry organizer.
• Wrap Mirrors and Frames with Care – Use cardboard, bubble wrap, and secure them in flat boxes.

Packing Supplies for a Bedroom:

• Wardrobe boxes
• Mattress bags
• Jewelry organizers
• Medium and large moving boxes
• Packing paper and bubble wrap

How to Pack a Bathroom

Bathrooms contain many small items, liquids, and breakable toiletries. Try these strategies to pack efficiently:

• Remove Old Expired Products – Dispose of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
• Seal Liquids in Plastic Bags – Avoid leaks by placing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
• Wrap Breakable Items – Use towels to protect perfume bottles and glass containers.
• Place towels and linens in moving boxes – Use them to pad other fragile items.
• Pack bathroom essentials in a handy bag – Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other necessities should be within easy reach.

Packing Supplies for a Bathroom:

• Resealable plastic bags for toiletries
• Small and medium moving boxes
• Towels and soft padding materials
• Bubble wrap for glass items

How to Pack a Home Office

A home office contains important tech gear and paperwork. Keep these items safe with these strategies:

• Back Up Electronic Documents – Save personal digital files to the cloud or an external hard drive before packing.
• Secure Computers and Monitors – Wrap screens in foam and pack in sturdy boxes.
• Keep Documents Together and Secure – Store legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof safe.
• Bundle Wires and Cables – Label cords and store them in individual bags to keep them from getting tangled.
• Pack Books in Small Boxes – Packing books gets heavy fast, so use small boxes to make lifting easier.

Packing Supplies for a Home Office:

• Computer boxes or moving blankets
• Cable organizers and zip ties
• Small boxes for books
• Fireproof document storage

How to Pack a Garage

The garage often holds a range of gear, seasonal items, tools, equipment, and supplies. Keep these tips in mind:

• Get Rid of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals need to be disposed of properly as movers cannot transport them.
• Empty Fuel from Gas-Powered Tools – Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools need to be emptied before transport.
• Use Plastic Bins for Small Tools – Store nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Wrap Sharp Objects Securely – Protect blades and sharp tools with bubble wrap or cloth.
• Coil up Hoses and Cords Neatly – Coil and tie them neatly to save space.

Packing Supplies for a Garage:

• Heavy-duty plastic bins
• Zip ties and rope
• Bubble wrap for sharp tools
• Large moving boxes

Additional Packing Tips for an Easier Move

To ensure a hassle-free move, keep these additional tips in mind:

• Set Aside a First-Night Box – Pack items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and clean clothes.
• Photograph Electronics Before Unplugging – This helps you reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
• Protect Fragile Items with Soft Materials – Blankets, clothing, and towels can be used to protect fragile items.
• Focus on Packing One Room at a Time – Stay organized by focusing on one area before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Philidelphia?

Packing is a time-consuming process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we offer professional packing and unpacking services in Philidelphia to make your move effortless. Whether you need help with all your packing or just help with fragile items, our team is here to assist. Contact us today at 215-995-2477 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let our experts take care of everything!