The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Ann Arbor

Packing is one of the most essential parts of a successful move. When done properly, it helps protect your belongings, ensures your items are organized, and saves you from unnecessary stress during unpacking. At Palmer Moving Services, we know that planning for moving day can feel stressful, but with the right packing strategies for your Ann Arbor move, you can protect your belongings and help things proceed as planned.

Tips and Tricks for Packing a Home in Ann Arbor, MI

No matter how big your home, having a strategic plan can make packing easier. Follow these important tips before tackling room-specific packing:

• Declutter Before Packing – Get rid of items you no longer need to reduce moving costs and space.
• Gather High-Quality Packing Supplies – Find strong moving 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 – Add cushioning around fragile pieces for extra protection.
• Create a First-Night Box – Pack essentials like toiletries, chargers, snacks, and a change 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 challenging rooms to pack due to breakable dishes and bulky appliances. Use these steps:

• Opt for smaller boxes for heavy items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should be packed in smaller boxes for easy lifting.
• Individually cushion glassware – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
• Secure Knives Properly – Wrap knives in towels or rags and hold them in place with rubber bands before packing.
• Place appliances back in their original packaging – If possible, use the original packaging for safety.
• Close food containers tightly – Avoid leaks by packing opened food in sealed freezer bags.

Packing Supplies for a Kitchen:

• Dish boxes (for dishes and breakables)
• 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. Follow these steps for efficient packing:

• Take apart bigger furniture pieces – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
• Protect Electronics – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if you can, or use thick blankets to wrap them.
• Wrap Picture Frames and Artwork – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to prevent damage.
• Pack lamps and shades carefully – Remove bulbs, wrap bases separately, and pack shades in individual boxes.
• Cover sofas with stretch wrap – Cover fabric furniture with plastic to prevent dust and dirt.

Packing Supplies for a Living Room:

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

How to Pack a Bedroom

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

• Move Hanging Garments Using Wardrobe Boxes – Keep clothing wrinkle-free by transferring them straight to hanging boxes.
• Use Vacuum Bags for Seasonal Garments – Use less space by vacuum-sealing clothes you don’t need immediately.
• Protect Mattresses with Protective Covers – Prevent moisture damage and dirt with mattress bags.
• Store Valuables in Separate Organizers – Keep valuables in a personal bag or jewelry organizer.
• Use Extra Padding for Mirrors and Frames – 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. Follow these steps for efficient bathroom packing:

• Get Rid of Items Past Their Expiration Date – Get rid of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
• Seal Liquids in Plastic Bags – Avoid leaks by storing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
• Wrap Delicate Items – Use towels to cushion perfume bottles and glass containers.
• Pack Towels and Linens in Boxes or Bags – Use them to pad other fragile items.
• Keep Essentials in a Travel Bag – Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other necessities should be within easy reach.

Packing Supplies for a Bathroom:

• Resealable plastic bags for toiletries
• 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 important tech gear and paperwork. Use these tips to pack your home office securely:

• Back Up Electronic Documents – Save all data to the cloud or an external hard drive prior to packing.
• Protect Computers and Displays – Wrap screens in foam and pack in sturdy boxes.
• Organize Important Documents – Pack legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof lockbox.
• Group Cables and Wires Neatly – Label cords and pack them in individual bags to keep them from getting tangled.
• Use Small Boxes for Heavy Books – Books get heavy quickly, 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 various tools, equipment and storage containers. Use these tips for efficient garage packing:

• Get Rid of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals should be disposed of properly as movers cannot transport them.
• Empty Fuel from Gas-Powered Tools – Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools must be emptied before transport.
• Organize Nails, Screws, and Small Tools in Labeled Bins – Store nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Wrap Sharp Objects Securely – Protect blades and sharp tools with bubble wrap or cloth.
• Bundle Garden Hoses and Cords – Coil and tie them neatly to save space.

Packing Supplies for a Garage:

• Heavy-duty plastic bins
• Zip ties and rope
• Bubble wrap for sharp tools
• Large moving boxes

More Packing Suggestions for an Easier Move

To ensure a hassle-free move, keep these additional tips in mind:

• Pack an Essentials Box – Include items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and clean clothes.
• Take Photos Before Packing Electronics – This allows you to reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
• Protect Fragile Items with Soft Materials – Towels, blankets, and clothing can be used to protect breakable items.
• Pack One Room at a Time – Stay organized by focusing on one space before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Ann Arbor?

Packing is a labor-intensive process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Palmer Moving Services, we offer professional packing and unpacking services in Ann Arbor to make your move stress-free. Whether you need help with all your packing or just packing for delicate belongings, our team is here to assist. Give us a call at 734-389-7355 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and relax while we do the heavy lifting!