The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Tacoma

Packing is one of the most essential parts of a smooth move. When done correctly, it helps protect your belongings, keeps everything organized, and makes unpacking less stressful. At Starving Students, we know that getting ready for your move can feel overwhelming, but with the right packing strategies for your Tacoma move, you can protect your belongings and keep your move on track.

Tips and Tricks for Packing a Home in Tacoma, WA

No matter how many rooms in your home, having a strategic plan can make packing easier. Follow these essential guidelines before getting into 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 – Label each box with the room and what's inside to speed up unpacking.
• Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This helps prevent items shifting and prevents damage.
• Use Padding for Fragile Items – Wrap delicate belongings in bubble wrap or towels for extra protection.
• Create a First-Night Box – Pack essentials like toiletries, chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes.

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 fragile glassware and large kitchen appliances. Follow these steps:

• Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should go in smaller boxes for easy lifting.
• Wrap Glassware Individually – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
• Pack knives safely – Wrap knives in towels or rags and hold them in place with rubber bands before packing.
• Use original boxes for appliances – If possible, use the manufacturer’s packaging for safety.
• Pack food items tightly to avoid spills – Avoid messes 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 combination of different furniture and expensive electronics. 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 available, or wrap with blankets.
• Cushion picture frames and paintings – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to avoid damage.
• Pack lamps and shades carefully – 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 organized packing of clothes, furniture, and personal items. Use these tips to simplify packing:

• Transfer Hanging Clothes to Wardrobe Boxes – Avoid wrinkling clothes by Packing them in hanging boxes.
• Vacuum Seal Seasonal Clothes – Save space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t immediately need.
• Use Mattress Covers to Avoid Damage – Prevent dirt and moisture damage with mattress bags.
• Keep Jewelry in Individual Containers – 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 many small items, liquids, and breakable toiletries. Follow these steps for efficient bathroom packing:

• Get Rid of Items Past Their Expiration Date – Dispose of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
• Keep Shampoos and Soaps in Zipped Bags – Avoid leaks by putting shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
• Wrap Fragile Items – Use towels to wrap perfume, cologne, or other glass bottles and 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 Digital Files – Save all digital files to the cloud or an external hard drive before packing.
• Secure Computers and Monitors – Wrap screens in foam and pack in sturdy boxes.
• Keep Documents Together and Secure – Pack legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof safe.
• Bundle Wires and Cables – Label cords and store them in individual bags to prevent tangles.
• 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 tools, outdoor equipment, and seasonal items. Keep these tips in mind:

• Get Rid of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals must be disposed of properly as 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 – Keep nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Wrap Sharp Objects Securely – Protect blades and sharp tools with bubble wrap or cloth.
• Coil up Hoses and Cords Neatly – 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

Additional Packing Tips for an Easier Move

To ensure a hassle-free move, follow these bonus packing tips:

• Set Aside a First-Night Box – Pack items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and a change of clothes.
• Take Photos Before Packing Electronics – This allows you to reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
• Cushion Valuables with Towels or Blankets – Blankets, clothing, and towels can all be used to cushion breakable items.
• Pack One Room at a Time – Stay organized by focusing on one area before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Tacoma?

Packing is a time-consuming process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Starving Students, we offer professional packing and unpacking services in Tacoma 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. Contact us today at (253) 498-8008 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and relax while we do the heavy lifting!