The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Lancaster

Packing is one of the most essential parts of a successful move. When done correctly, it helps protect your belongings, keeps everything organized, and makes unpacking less stressful. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we know that preparing for a move can feel stressful, but with the right packing strategies for your Lancaster move, you can protect your belongings and keep your move on track.

General Guidelines for Packing a Home in Lancaster, PA

No matter the size of your home, having a good plan can make packing easier. Start with these important tips before getting into room-specific packing:

• Declutter Before Packing – Remove anything you no longer want to reduce moving costs and space.
• Gather High-Quality Packing Supplies – Use sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
• Label Everything Clearly – Label each box with the room and what's inside to speed up unpacking.
• Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This makes boxes more stable and prevents damage.
• Use Padding for Fragile Items – Protect breakables with soft padding for extra protection.
• Create a First-Night Box – Put together your first-night must-haves like personal hygiene items, chargers, snacks and a fresh set of clothes.

Now, let's dive into how to pack each room efficiently.

How to Pack a Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most difficult rooms to pack due to delicate items and oversized appliances. Try these steps:

• Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should go in smaller boxes for easy lifting.
• Individually cushion glassware – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
• Pack knives safely – Wrap knives in towels or rags and secure them with rubber bands before packing.
• Pack Appliances in Their Original Boxes – If available, use the manufacturer’s packaging for safety.
• Pack food items tightly to avoid spills – Avoid spills by packing opened food in sealed plastic bags.

Packing Supplies for a Kitchen:

• Dish boxes (for fragile kitchenware and dishes)
• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Packing tape
• Small and medium boxes
• Plastic bins or bags for pantry items

How to Pack a Living Room

The living room often contains a mix of furniture, electronics, and decorative items. Try these methods for smooth packing:

• Take apart bigger furniture pieces – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
• Safeguard electronics – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if you can, or wrap them in thick blankets.
• Cushion picture frames and paintings – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to prevent damage.
• Wrap lamps and lampshades individually – Remove bulbs, wrap bases separately, and pack shades in individual boxes.
• Use Plastic Wrap for Sofas – Cover fabric furniture with plastic to prevent dust and dirt.

Packing Supplies for a Living Room:

• Protective blankets and plastic film
• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Large and extra-large boxes
• Specialty boxes for TVs and artwork

How to Pack a Bedroom

Bedrooms require careful packing of clothes, furniture, and personal belongings. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Transfer Hanging Clothes to Wardrobe Boxes – Avoid wrinkling clothes by Packing them in hanging boxes.
• Vacuum Seal Seasonal Clothes – Use less space by vacuum-sealing clothes you don’t need immediately.
• Protect Mattresses with Protective Covers – Prevent dirt and moisture damage with mattress bags.
• Pack Jewelry Separately – Keep valuables in a personal bag or jewelry organizer.
• Protect Mirrors and Picture Frames Properly – Use cardboard, bubble wrap, and secure them in flat boxes.

Packing Supplies for a Bedroom:

• Wardrobe boxes
• Mattress bags
• Jewelry organizers
• Medium and large moving boxes
• Packing paper and bubble wrap

How to Pack a Bathroom

Bathrooms contain a lot of toiletries, small items, and fragile containers. Use these tips for efficient packing:

• Remove Old Expired Products – Dispose of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
• Place Liquids in Sealable Bags – Prevent leaks by storing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
• Wrap Fragile Items – Use towels to protect perfume bottles and glass containers.
• Place towels and linens in moving boxes – Use them to pad other fragile items.
• Pack bathroom essentials in a handy bag – Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other necessities should be within easy reach.

Packing Supplies for a Bathroom:

• Plastic zipper bags for liquid items
• Small and medium moving boxes
• Towels and soft padding materials
• Bubble wrap for glass items

How to Pack a Home Office

A home office contains electronics, paperwork, and office furnishings. Follow these tips to protect your office:

• Back Up Electronic Documents – Save all data to the cloud or an external hard drive before packing.
• Secure Computers and Monitors – Wrap screens in foam and pack in sturdy boxes.
• Organize Important Documents – Keep legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof lockbox.
• Group Cables and Wires Neatly – Label cords and store them in individual bags to avoid tangling.
• Place Books in Smaller Boxes – Books get heavy fast, so use small boxes to make lifting easier.

Packing Supplies for a Home Office:

• Computer boxes or moving blankets
• Cable organizers and zip ties
• Small boxes for books
• Fireproof document storage

How to Pack a Garage

The garage often holds a range of gear, seasonal items, tools, equipment, and supplies. Keep these tips in mind:

• Get Rid of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals must be disposed of properly because movers cannot transport them.
• Drain Fuel from Equipment – Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools should be emptied before transport.
• Store Small Tools in Plastic Containers – Store nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Wrap Sharp Objects Securely – Protect blades and sharp tools with bubble wrap or cloth.
• Tie Garden Hoses and Extension Cords for Easy Handling – Coil and tie them neatly to save space.

Packing Supplies for a Garage:

• Rugged storage containers
• Zip ties and rope
• Bubble wrap for sharp tools
• Large moving boxes

Extra Packing Advice for an Easier Move

To help your move go smoothly, follow these bonus packing tips:

• Prepare a Must-Have Items Box – Pack items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and a change of clothes.
• Photograph Electronics Before Unplugging – This allows you to reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
• Use Soft Items as Padding – Blankets, clothing, and towels can all be used to protect fragile items.
• Complete One Room Before Moving to the Next – Keep yourself organized by focusing on one space before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Lancaster?

Packing is a labor-intensive process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we offer professional packing and unpacking services in Lancaster to make your move effortless. Whether you need help with all your packing or just packing for delicate belongings, our team is here to assist. Reach out now at 215-769-9963 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let us handle the hard work for you!