The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Reading

Packing is one of the most essential parts of a successful move. When done the right way, it helps protect your belongings, helps you stay organized, and prevents last-minute unpacking stress. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we know that preparing for a move can feel like a lot to handle, but with the right packing strategies for your Reading move, you can protect your belongings and keep your move on track.

Tips and Tricks for Packing a Home in Reading, PA

No matter how many rooms in your home, having a good plan can make packing easier. Start with these important guidelines before handling room-specific packing:

• Declutter Before Packing – Sort out belongings you don't use 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 – Mark boxes by room and contents to speed up unpacking.
• Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This keeps boxes stable and prevents damage.
• Use Padding for Fragile Items – Wrap delicate belongings in bubble wrap or towels 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 explore how to pack each room efficiently.

How to Pack a Kitchen

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

• Choose compact boxes for heavy things – 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.
• Secure Knives Properly – Wrap knives in towels and hold them in place with rubber bands before packing.
• Place appliances back in their original packaging – If possible, use the manufacturer’s packaging for safety.
• Close food containers tightly – Avoid leaks by packing opened food in sealed plastic 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 variety of furnishings and electronic devices. Here’s how to pack it efficiently:

• Disassemble Large Furniture – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
• Safeguard electronics – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if you can, or wrap with blankets.
• Cushion picture frames and paintings – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to avoid damage.
• Secure Lamps and Lampshades – 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:

• 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 items. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Move Hanging Garments Using Wardrobe Boxes – Avoid wrinkles in your clothes by Packing them in hanging boxes.
• Compress Out-of-Season Clothing in Vacuum Bags – Save space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t be using right away.
• Use Mattress Covers to Avoid Damage – Prevent dirt and moisture damage with mattress bags.
• Store Valuables in Separate Organizers – 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. Follow these steps for efficient bathroom packing:

• Remove Old Expired Products – Get rid of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
• Place Liquids in Sealable Bags – Prevent leaks by placing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
• Wrap Delicate Items – Use towels to cushion perfume, cologne, or other glass bottles and 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. Keep these items safe with these strategies:

• Back Up Electronic Documents – Save personal data 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 – Keep legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof lockbox.
• Group Cables and Wires Neatly – Label cords and store them in separate bags to avoid tangling.
• Place Books in Smaller Boxes – Packing books gets 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 tools, outdoor equipment, and seasonal items. 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 should be emptied prior to transport.
• Organize Nails, Screws, and Small Tools in Labeled Bins – Keep nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Wrap Sharp Objects Securely – Cover 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:

• Durable plastic totes
• Zip ties and rope
• Bubble wrap for sharp tools
• Large moving boxes

More Packing Suggestions 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 fresh set of clothes.
• Snap Pictures of Cable Setups Before Packing – This allows you to reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
• Protect Fragile Items with Soft Materials – Blankets, clothing, and towels can all be used to cushion fragile items.
• Pack One Room at a Time – Stay organized by focusing on one area before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Reading?

Packing is a time-consuming process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Shoreview Moving and Storage, we offer professional packing and unpacking services in Reading 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 215-267-5465 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let us handle the hard work for you!