The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Arlington

Packing is one of the most important parts of a smooth move. When done properly, it helps protect your belongings, ensures your items are organized, and prevents last-minute unpacking stress. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we know that getting ready for your move can feel overwhelming, but with the right packing strategies for your Arlington move, you can protect your belongings and help things proceed as planned.

Essential Tips for Packing a Home in Arlington, VA

No matter the size of your home, having a solid plan can make packing easier. Follow these essential guidelines 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 – Use sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
• Label Everything Clearly – Mark boxes by room and contents to speed up unpacking.
• Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This helps prevent items shifting and prevents damage.
• Use Padding for Fragile Items – Protect breakables with soft padding for extra protection.
• Create a First-Night Box – Set aside important items like a fresh set of clothes, toiletries, chargers, and snacks you'll need right away.

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

How to Pack a Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most difficult rooms to pack due to breakable dishes and oversized appliances. Use these steps:

• Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should be placed in smaller boxes for easy lifting.
• Protect each glass separately – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
• Secure Knives Properly – Wrap knives in towels and hold them in place with rubber bands before packing.
• Pack Appliances in Their Original Boxes – If available, use the original packaging for safety.
• Close food containers tightly – Avoid leaks by packing opened food in sealed zipper bags.

Packing Supplies for a Kitchen:

• Dish boxes (for plates and fragile items)
• 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. Here’s how to pack it efficiently:

• Break down oversized items – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
• Safeguard electronics – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if available, or wrap with blankets.
• Wrap Picture Frames and Artwork – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to prevent damage.
• Secure Lamps and Lampshades – Remove bulbs, wrap bases separately, and pack shades in individual boxes.
• Shield couches with plastic film – 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 careful packing of clothes, furniture, and personal items. Try these steps for smooth bedroom packing:

• Transfer Hanging Clothes to Wardrobe Boxes – Keep clothing wrinkle-free by Packing them in hanging boxes.
• Compress Out-of-Season Clothing in Vacuum Bags – Use less space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t need immediately.
• Protect Mattresses with Covers – Prevent dirt and moisture damage with mattress bags.
• Pack Jewelry Separately – Keep valuables in a personal bag or jewelry organizer.
• Wrap Mirrors and Frames with Care – 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 many small items, liquids, and breakable toiletries. Follow these steps for efficient bathroom packing:

• Dispose of Expired Products – Dispose of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
• Place Liquids in Sealable Bags – Prevent leaks by packing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
• Wrap Breakable Items – Use towels to cushion perfume bottles and glass containers.
• Place towels and linens in moving boxes – Use them to pad other fragile items.
• Set aside a toiletry kit – Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other necessities should be within easy reach.

Packing Supplies for a Bathroom:

• Plastic bags for liquids
• 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 valuable electronics, documents, and furniture. Keep these items safe with these strategies:

• Back Up Electronic Documents – Save personal digital files to the cloud or an external hard drive before packing.
• Protect Computers and Displays – Wrap screens in foam and pack in sturdy boxes.
• Keep Documents Together and Secure – Store legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof safe.
• Keep Cords Organized – Label cords and place them in individual bags to avoid tangling.
• Place Books in Smaller Boxes – Packing books gets 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:

• Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals need to be disposed of properly since movers cannot transport them.
• Empty Fuel from Gas-Powered Tools – Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools need to be emptied before transport.
• Use Plastic Bins for Small Tools – Pack nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Wrap Blades and Sharp Tools with Padding – 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 make your move as seamless as possible, keep these additional tips in mind:

• Pack an Essentials Box – Pack items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and a change of clothes.
• Photograph Electronics Before Unplugging – This helps you reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
• Cushion Valuables with Towels or Blankets – Blankets, clothing, and towels can all be used to cushion fragile items.
• Complete One Room Before Moving to the Next – Keep yourself organized by focusing on one area before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Arlington?

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 Arlington to make your move effortless. Whether you need help with all your packing or just help with fragile items, our team is here to assist. Give us a call at 703-952-9511 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let us handle the hard work for you!