Whether you’re swapping city views for suburban silence or just relocating a few blocks over, moving is always a bit chaotic. Between last-minute tape runs and mystery cords you swear you labeled, the process is ripe for disaster—especially when it comes to your belongings.
Here’s the unfiltered truth: most moving damage isn’t from accidents—it’s from bad packing. And no, tossing towels over dishes doesn’t count as “protection.” If you’re looking to move without opening a box full of shattered mugs or scratched furniture, these five packing strategies will help ensure your things make it intact.
1. Use the Right Boxes for the Right Things
One of the easiest mistakes people make is using the wrong box size for heavy or fragile items. Overstuffing a large box with books? Welcome to Box Collapse Central. Sticking a blender in a thin shoebox? Recipe for disaster.
The rule: Heavy items go in small boxes; lighter, bulky items like linens or pillows can go in large ones. Specialty boxes (like wardrobe boxes or dish packs) are worth the investment if they protect your valuables.
Cardboard has limits—respect them. Or better yet, ask the pros. A quick search for reliable movers near me can connect you with experts who know how to pack for damage-free moves.
2. Bubble Wrap Is Great—But So Are Towels and T-Shirts
Yes, bubble wrap and packing paper are the gold standards for fragile items, but don’t overlook the power of what’s already in your closet.
- Wrap plates in t-shirts or kitchen towels.
- Stuff glasses with socks.
- Use old blankets to cushion TV screens and mirrors.
This method not only adds a layer of protection but also reduces the number of boxes by packing two categories at once—fragile and soft goods.
For electronics, always use the original boxes if you’ve still got them. If not, wrap in anti-static materials, then cushion with soft layers. And for high-ticket items like artwork or heirlooms, consider crating services offered by reputable moving companies.
3. Seal Like You Mean It
There’s a science to taping a box. It’s not just about slapping on a single strip and hoping for the best. Use the H-taping method: one strip along the center seam, and two across the edges. This reinforces the base and top, reducing the chance of a box blowing out when lifted.
Also: cheap tape is a trap. The kind that peels in the heat or doesn’t stick to cardboard is more of a liability than a money-saver. Splurge on heavy-duty packing tape—it’s cheaper than replacing your shattered espresso machine.
4. Label for Logic, Not Just Location
Yes, writing “Kitchen” on a box is helpful. But what kind of kitchen? Fragile dishes? Pantry snacks? Sharp knives? Be specific.
A better system looks something like:
- Room: Kitchen
- Contents: Plates, glasses – FRAGILE
- Priority: Unpack First
Also, labeling sides—not just the top—means you can read the contents no matter how the box is stacked. And color coding (hello, neon duct tape) helps movers instantly know what goes where, speeding up the unload and reducing the mishandling risk.
Reliable movers appreciate this level of detail—it keeps their work efficient and your belongings safer.
5. Don’t Pack Like a Jenga Game
If your packing strategy is “shove until the lid closes,” you’re playing a dangerous game. Boxes that are overfilled are more likely to burst open; underfilled ones can collapse under weight when stacked.
Aim for tightly packed but not bulging. Fill gaps with crumpled paper, towels, or foam peanuts to prevent items from shifting. The goal is to make every box a stable, uniform unit that won’t cave, wobble, or split when moved.
And speaking of stacking: heaviest boxes go on the bottom, always. If you’re using a moving company, you can trust that pros will already know this. But if you’re DIY-ing it with a few strong friends and a rented van, this tip will keep your furniture from becoming a casualty of bad packing physics.
Final Thoughts: Pack Like You Won’t Be the One Unpacking
The best advice? Pack as if someone else will be unpacking your boxes. That means labeling clearly, wrapping securely, and padding generously. Because future-you is going to be tired, possibly sore, and definitely over it.
And if the idea of doing it all yourself feels overwhelming, do what thousands of others already Google before their move: “reliable movers near me.” That one search could land you a full-service team like Morris Moving and Storage, who understand not just logistics, but how to protect what matters most.
After all, moving is a lot easier when you’re not opening boxes full of broken glass and regret.
