Essential Packing Tips to Protect Your Belongings During a Move

Packing can make or break your move. Done right, it ensures your belongings arrive safely and unpacking is a breeze. Done wrong, and you risk broken valuables, disorganized boxes, and added stress. Whether you’re doing it yourself or working with professional movers, these tried-and-true packing tips will help you stay in control and avoid common pitfalls.

Packing Tips to Keep Your Move Smooth and Damage-Free

1. Keep cartons under 50 lbs (23 kg) to avoid injury and ensure safe lifting.
2. Use appropriately sized boxes—not so large that they block your view or become too heavy to carry.
3. Don’t overfill or underfill cartons. Boxes should close flat and be sealed with packing tape to prevent damage.
4. Pack heavier items on the bottom, lighter on top. This keeps boxes balanced and secure.
5. Cushion every box with clean, crumpled paper at the bottom, between layers, and at the top to prevent shifting.
6. Pack smaller items into small boxes, then nest them inside larger boxes to keep things organized and protected.
7. Wrap fabrics and fragile items in clean newsprint. Avoid newspaper ink on items you care about.
8. Wrap each item separately. This protects delicate surfaces and prevents scratches or chips.
9. Use colored paper for very small items so they don’t get thrown out with packing paper by mistake.
10. For liquids, tape the lids, seal them in a plastic bag, and pack upright.
11. Label every box clearly with your name, the room it belongs in, and any special instructions (like “Fragile” or “This Side Up”).
12. Keep a packing notebook and record the contents of each box—it’s a lifesaver when you’re searching for something later.
13. Tape screws and hardware to their corresponding items or place them all in a box labeled “Set-Up Carton.”
14. Empty desks and drawers into small, labeled boxes. Clothing can stay inside dresser drawers, but remove anything heavy or breakable.
15. Clearly mark items that should not be moved with a “Do Not Move” sign.
16. Set aside suitcases or other essentials that aren’t going with the movers.
17. Carry valuables with you, including jewelry, important documents, and sentimental items. These should not go on the moving truck.
18. Tie and label electrical cords to keep them untangled and easy to reconnect.
19. Prepare a “Load Last – Unload First” box with essentials like toiletries, coffee, tools, chargers, and a change of clothes.

Ready to Pack Like a Pro?

Whether you’re planning a DIY move or hiring professionals, packing properly is the key to a smooth, damage-free experience. At Canadian Moving Services, we offer professional packing options to help protect your valuables and save you time. Reach out today for a custom quote and let us take the pressure off your packing process.