13 Essential Packing Tips for Moving or Storing Your Belongings

When you’re disassembling furniture for a move, it’s easy to lose track of small parts like screws, bolts and washers. To avoid frustration later, take the time to label all your furniture hardware carefully. Use small resealable bags to hold the hardware for each piece of furniture, and label each bag with the corresponding item. To keep everything organized, tape the bag directly to the piece of furniture it belongs to and keep assembly instructions close at hand — you can tape them to the underside of the furniture or store them in a folder that you carry with you during the move. Your future self will thank you for taking a few minutes to do this simple step when it’s time to reassemble everything in your new space!

Bubble packs can be expensive and bulky, so why not make use of something you already have on hand? Your clothes and bedsheets can double as protective padding for fragile items like dishes, glassware and electronics. Wrap each item in a soft piece of clothing, such as a T-shirt or sweater, to cushion it during transport. This method not only saves money on packing materials but also maximizes space in your moving boxes. Additionally, you can pack heavy items like books with clothes to cushion them and balance the weight in each box, preventing damage to both your belongings and your back.

When packing for a move or storage, every inch of space counts. A great way to maximize the space in your boxes or storage unit is by nesting smaller items into larger ones. For example, you can place kitchen utensils inside larger containers or pot or store smaller items like jewelry and office supplies inside drawers or cabinets. This technique not only saves space but also helps keep your belongings organized and protected. By nesting items together, you reduce the number of boxes you need and make unpacking a more efficient process.

You can greatly simplify the unpacking process by organizing your items according to room or category when packing. Start by packing items from the same room together — e.g., kitchen items in one set of boxes and bedroom items in another. Clearly label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. Be sure to label each side of the box as well as draw arrows to differentiate which side is up. For bonus points (and added efficiency), use color-coded labels or tape to differentiate between rooms at a glance as well as stickers to mark fragile contents.

When loading a moving truck or arranging a storage unit, how you stack your items can make a big difference in protecting your belongings. Always place heavier items, such as large furniture, appliances or boxes filled with books, on the bottom to create a stable base and prevent heavy items from crushing lighter, more fragile ones. Lighter boxes, particularly those containing fragile items like dishes or glassware, should be placed on top to minimize the risk of damage. Don’t stack them too high or in precarious positions that would put them at risk of falling and shattering. Additionally, make sure to secure your load with straps or tie-downs, especially in a moving truck, to prevent shifting during transit.

Strategically organizing your storage unit or moving truck can save you time and energy when it comes to accessing your stuff. In a storage unit, place items you may need to access frequently near the front, where they are easily reachable. Create clear aisles by leaving space between stacks of boxes (this will allow you to navigate the unit without having to move everything around). In a moving truck, load large, heavy items like furniture and appliances first, placing them against the back wall or along the sides for balance. Place lighter and more fragile items on top and closer to the truck's door for easy unloading. For maximum stability, secure everything with straps or tie-downs.

Choosing between shipping items and using a moving truck depends on several factors, including the size, weight and value of your belongings, as well as the distance of your move. Shipping is often the best option for smaller, fragile or high-value items that require special handling, such as electronics, artwork and important documents. It’s also a good choice if you’re moving a long distance but have only a few belongings to transport. On the other hand, renting a moving truck is more cost-effective for larger, bulkier items like furniture, appliances and multiple boxes, especially if you have a lot of things to move. A moving truck allows you to consolidate your items into one trip, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring that everything arrives together.

Packing for shipping requires a different approach than packing for a move or storage, as shipped items are often subject to longer distances and rough handling. If you’re shipping items, be sure to use extra padding materials such as bubble packs, packing peanuts or foam inserts. Double-boxing — placing a smaller box inside a larger, padded box — is also a great way to keep your fragile or valuable items from shuffling around. If you’re putting your belongings in long-term storage, consider using plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to shield items from moisture, dust and pests. Label the outside of each box with a clear description of the contents, and avoid overpacking to reduce the risk of items being crushed.

Having the right packing supplies — and enough of them — is critical for a smooth move. Start by gathering sturdy moving boxes in various sizes to accommodate different types of items. It’s worth investing in high-quality boxes that won’t easily crush or break under pressure. Reinforce the bottom of each box with packing tape to ensure they can hold the weight of their contents, especially if you’re shipping items. Use plenty of packing tape to securely seal each box after it’s packed and include clear, detailed labels on each box.

Here’s a brief checklist of essential packing items:

• Boxes (small, medium and large)
• Packing tape
• Stretch wrap
• Bubble pack
• Labels
• Permanent markers
• Scissors
• Bungee cords + straps
• Dolly or hand cart
• Plastic bags

Many self-storage facilities have moving and packing supplies — including boxes, packing materials, tape and other essentials — for purchase, which can save you time. While it’s always a good idea to compare prices with online retailers or local stores to ensure you’re getting the best deal, having access to supplies at a storage facility can help in a pinch or be a convenient way to streamline the moving process.

Timing can make a big difference in the cost and ease of your move or storage experience. If possible, plan your move during off-peak times to avoid the rush. The busiest moving seasons are typically late spring through summer, especially around weekends and the end of the month. By scheduling your move for a weekday or during the off-season (late fall to early spring), you’ll have better availability of moving trucks and storage units, often at a lower cost. Additionally, moving during off-peak times can mean less traffic on the roads and less competition for parking or loading spaces.

Why you may prefer to handle your move yourself, hiring professional movers or packers can be a great choice, especially if you have bulky, heavy items like pianos, large furniture or appliances. Professional movers have the expertise and equipment to move these items safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of injury or damage to your belongings. For delicate or valuable items, such as artwork, antiques or electronics, professional packing services have special materials and techniques to ensure these items are well-protected during transit. Even if you handle most of the move yourself, it might be worth considering professional help for these particular challenges to ensure everything arrives at your new home in one piece.

Consider getting insurance coverage to safeguard against any damage or loss that may happen during your move. Many moving companies offer basic insurance, but investing in extra coverage for high-value items is not a bad idea. If you’re using a storage unit, you’ll most likely be required to have an insurance policy — whether that’s your homeowner’s insurance or a marketplace plan. For peace of mind, make sure you choose a secure facility that has 24-hour surveillance, gated access and on-site management, and use a heavy-duty disc lock (not padlock) on your unit. It’s also a good idea to brush up on items that you can and cannot keep in a storage unit.

Ready for more moving and packing tips from our experts? Explore the SmartStop blog.