Packing might seem simple, but doing it well can make a world of difference in ensuring your belongings arrive safely—whether you’re moving, traveling, or shipping items. To avoid the stress of broken, lost, or damaged possessions, follow these five expert tips for packing like a pro!
1. Use the Right Packing Materials
The foundation of safe packing is using the right materials. Start with sturdy boxes—corrugated cardboard works best for most items. Use bubble wrap for fragile items like glassware, electronics, and artwork. For additional protection, fill any empty spaces in boxes with packing peanuts or air pillows to prevent shifting.
Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on tape. Reinforce the bottom of each box with strong packing tape to avoid box collapse during transit.
2. Pack Fragile Items with Extra Care
Fragile items need special attention. Wrap them individually in bubble wrap or packing paper to cushion them. For extra fragile items, double boxing is a great strategy: place a smaller, wrapped item inside a box, and then pack that box inside a larger one with padding in between.
Pro Tip: Label boxes containing fragile items with “FRAGILE” so they’re handled with care.
3. Maximize Space and Minimize Weight
Efficient packing not only protects your belongings but also reduces costs (if shipping) and stress. Pack heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter ones on top. To save space, consider using vacuum-seal bags for clothes and linens or packing cubes for travel. Keep boxes balanced—don’t overstuff them, or they could tear.
Pro Tip: Fill empty spaces in boxes with soft items like towels or clothes to add protection and reduce shifting.
4. Organize Small Parts in Ziploc Bags
For any small items like screws, bolts, or jewelry, keep them organized in Ziploc bags. Label the bags according to their corresponding item or room. When disassembling furniture or electronics, attach the bag with screws or parts directly to the item, so nothing gets lost.
Pro Tip: Use color-coded labels to easily identify which bag goes with which item or room.
5. Label Everything Clearly
One of the most important steps in packing is labeling your boxes. Make it clear where each box belongs (e.g., “Living Room” or “Kitchen”), and if you’re packing fragile items, mark them with “FRAGILE” for extra care. If you’re shipping, consider labeling your boxes with “This Side Up” to avoid mishandling.
