How to Move a Room's Worth of Goods

Unpack dressers, trunks, entertainment centers, book cases and other storage pieces before moving, to eliminate excess weight and strain during the move.

Choose sturdy containers to pack your belongings. Check boxes and bags for holes or signs of wear before use. If you use plastic containers, ensure they have a tightly fitting lid.

Pack like items together. Keep dishes with dishes, books with books, shoes with shoes, etc. Mixing and matching items will make unpacking tedious once you reach your destination. If you must blend box contents in order to maximize space, don’t pack heavy items like books and paperweights with breakable items.

Protect your delicate belongings. Wrap plates, glasses and other breakable items in newspaper or bubble wrap, or separate items with Styrofoam peanuts. Arrange items carefully; after sealing the box, clearly label which end should face upward.

Don’t over stuff boxes, bags or plastic containers. Periodically lift containers while packing to ensure they can be lifted easily and carried without falling apart.

Store all removable parts, such as drawers, screws and cords in easily accessible locations for simple retrieval once your room’s worth of goods reaches its new home. If possible, pack electronics in their original packaging for the move.

Clearly label contents of all boxes, bags and storage containers, for easy unpacking. Label contents to indicate where they’re going, rather than where they’re coming from. For example, if you’ve kept books in the dining room, but you’re putting them in your bedroom after the move, label the box, “Books- Master Bedroom.” This way, the organizing has already been done for you once you begin to unpack.

Wear boots and gloves to protect hands and feet during the move. Clear an easy path to the doorway, to keep from tripping over obstructions. Lift using your legs to prevent back injury. Scout the route beforehand, to eliminate surprises.