It's both exciting and scary to move to a new place. Packing up a house without breaking anything or losing important things is one of the hardest things to do. The good news is if you have strong cardboard boxes and reliable bubble wrap, you can make the process go smoothly, quickly, and even without stress.
This full guide will show you the best ways to pack with cardboard boxes, when and how to use bubble wrap for fragile items, and other useful tips and tricks to make sure everything gets there in perfect shape...
Why cardboard boxes are the best way to move house
There is a good reason why most people choose cardboard boxes. They come in different sizes, are cheap, light, and stackable, and are great for keeping things like books and bedding in order.
Here's why you should always pack with cardboard boxes:
- Versatility: A box can hold almost anything, from clothes to kitchenware.
- Protection: Boxes with two walls are stronger and better for heavy or fragile things.
- Good for the environment: Most boxes can be recycled and used again for storage or moving.
- Organization: When boxes are all the same size, it's safer and easier to stack them in a moving truck.
Tip: Get boxes in different sizes. Put heavy things like books in small boxes, kitchenware in medium boxes, and linens or toys in big boxes.
When to Use Packing Paper Instead of Bubble Wrap
You can protect your things with both bubble wrap and packing paper, but knowing when to use each can save you time and money.
- Bubble Wrap: This is the best way to protect things that are fragile, like glassware, electronics, vases, and picture frames. The air pockets soak up shocks and keep things from getting hurt.
- Packing Paper: This is great for wrapping dishes, silverware, and things that won't break easily. It also helps fill in the gaps in boxes.
Tip: Use both for the best protection. For instance, put packing paper around the plates first, and then bubble wrap on top of that.
A plan for packing each room
A planned approach helps you stay organized and makes moving day less stressful.
In the kitchen, begin with things you don't use very often, like small appliances, special glassware, and baking dishes.
- Use packing paper or bubble wrap to protect fragile things like dishes and glasses.
- Take apart appliances and put the cords in bags with labels on them.
- For extra protection, use dish packs, which are boxes with two walls.
Bedroom: • First, pack clothes that aren't in season. Put hanging clothes in wardrobe boxes.
- Put bedding and linens in big boxes and use them to protect other things.
- Take apart furniture when you can and put the hardware in bags with labels.
Living Room: • If you have the original boxes, put the electronics back in them. If not, wrap them in bubble wrap.
- Put books in small boxes so they don't get too heavy.
- Bubble wrap your art and decorations well.
Bathroom: • To keep leaks from happening, put toiletries in Ziploc bags.
- Put towels in medium boxes and use them as padding.
Garage/Shed: • Make sure your tools are safe and drain the fuel from your power tools.
Closets: Put shoes and other things in suitcases.
How to Wrap Fragile Things in Bubble Wrap
Follow these steps to keep fragile things safe:
- Tape each item up separately
- For things that are very fragile or valuable, use two layers of bubble wrap
- Put crumpled paper or bubble wrap on the bottom of the boxes
- To lower the pressure, pack plates and glasses vertically
- To keep things from moving, fill in empty spaces with paper or bubble wrap
- Make sure the boxes are clearly marked with "FRAGILE" and show which side is up
How to label and stack boxes so that they are easy to open
One of the most important steps, but often forgotten, is labeling.
- Room Label: For example, "Kitchen: Pots and Pans
- Make a Short List: Write down the most important things inside, like "Plates, Glasses, Mugs
- Color Code: Use colored tape or stickers to make it easy to find
- Number Boxes: Keep a master list of everything you have to keep track of it all
- Mark Things That Are Fragile Use bold letters and arrows to make it clear. Extra tip: Make a "essentials box" for each family member with clothes, toiletries, and other things they need every day.
- A step-by-step schedule for packing before moving day
Four Weeks Before: Get rid of things you don't need by donating, selling, or throwing them away.
- Get boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and markers
Three Weeks Before: • Pack up rooms that aren't necessary (like the attic, basement, and storage).
- Put away clothes and decorations that aren't in season
- Take apart and pack up furniture you don't use
Two Weeks Before: • Put away most of the kitchen stuff, leaving only what you need every day.
- Start putting things in boxes in the living room and bedrooms
- Tell the utility companies and change your address
One Week Before: • Finish packing up the bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Put the rest of the kitchen in boxes
- Check with the movers or rental company to make sure the move is set
One Day Before: • Put together boxes of things you need.
- Clean and defrost the fridge
- Take one last look around to make sure you didn't miss anything
Moving Day: • Make sure the boxes are sealed and labeled
- Put the heavy boxes on the bottom and the fragile ones on top
- Keep your valuables and important papers with you
Last Words
Putting your things in cardboard boxes and bubble wrap is more than just keeping them safe. It's also about planning, staying organized, and being patient. If you follow these steps, use the right materials, and label everything carefully, your move will go smoothly and without stress.
