General Packing Rules
Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes
Fill every box completely — no empty space = no shifting
Label ALL sides of every box with room name and contents
Mark FRAGILE clearly on boxes with breakables
Keep each box to a weight you can lift comfortably — put heavier contents in smaller boxes so nothing becomes too heavy to handle safely
Use quality packing tape — don't rely on duct tape or masking tape
Packing Materials You'll Need
Having the right supplies on hand before you start makes packing faster and safer. For a typical home, plan on:
Boxes in a few sizes — small for heavy items, medium and large for lighter, bulkier things
Packing paper and bubble wrap for dishes, glassware, and fragile items
Quality packing tape and a tape dispenser
A permanent marker for labeling every box by room
Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes and mattress bags for beds
Furniture blankets or pads for large pieces and electronics
Packing the Kitchen
Wrap each plate individually in packing paper and stack vertically (like records) — they're stronger on edge
Stuff mugs and glasses with crumpled paper inside; wrap the outside
Use small boxes for heavy items like canned goods and appliances
Pack sharp knives in a knife guard or wrap in cardboard
Don't pack open food — use or donate perishables before the move
Packing the Bedroom
Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes to keep them on their hangers and easier to handle
Leaving folded clothes in dresser drawers can save time, but check with your crew first — whether a loaded dresser can be moved safely depends on the piece
Pack shoes in their original boxes or in small bins
Roll soft items (t-shirts, towels) to fill gaps in boxes
Put mattresses in mattress bags to protect from dirt and tears
Packing the Living Room
For a flat-screen TV, use the manufacturer's original box and foam when available; otherwise ask the crew about an appropriately sized protective TV box and screen protection before the move — moving blankets alone are not a substitute for protective packaging. Pack TVs upright, never flat
Remove legs from tables; wrap each piece separately
Bag and label all hardware (screws, bolts) for furniture reassembly
Wrap picture frames in bubble wrap; pack them vertically
Coil cords and secure with twist ties; label which device they belong to
Packing the Bathroom
Seal all liquids in plastic bags to prevent leaks
Pack medications separately in your essentials bag
Use towels and washcloths as padding for breakable items
Discard expired products before packing
Pack an Essentials Bag
Set aside a bag or box of the things you'll want on the first night in your new home, and keep it with you rather than on the truck. A good essentials bag usually includes:
A change of clothes and basic toiletries for each person
Medications, chargers, and important documents
Paper towels, toilet paper, soap, and a few basic cleaning supplies
Snacks, water, and anything your pets or children need
Box cutter, phone charger, and a small tool kit for reassembly
For more help planning the whole move, browse our moving guides.
Don't Want to Pack? We'll Do It For You
Maloney's Moving LLC offers full and partial packing services. Our professional packers use high-quality materials and proven techniques developed through years of hands-on experience. Whether you need us to handle the whole house or just the fragile items, we've got you covered.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you pack yourself or let us handle it — Maloney's Moving LLC is here to help.