The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Chattanooga
Packing is one of the most crucial parts of a successful move. When done correctly, it helps protect your belongings, ensures your items are organized, and prevents last-minute unpacking stress. At Lambert Moving Systems, we know that planning for moving day can feel stressful, but with the right packing strategies for your Chattanooga move, you can protect your belongings and help things proceed as planned.
General Guidelines for Packing a Home in Chattanooga, TN
No matter the size of your home, having a solid plan can make packing easier. Follow these helpful guidelines before handling 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 – Choose heavy-duty boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
- Label Everything Clearly – Label each box with the room and what's inside to simplify 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 – 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 bulky 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.
- Wrap kitchen knives safely – Wrap knives in kitchen 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.
- 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 variety of furnishings and electronic devices. Try these methods for smooth packing:
- Disassemble Large Furniture – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
- Keep electronics safe – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if possible, or use thick blankets to wrap them.
- Cushion picture frames and paintings – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to prevent damage.
- Wrap lamps and lampshades individually – 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 organized packing of clothes, furniture, and personal possessions. Here’s how to make it easier:
- Transfer Hanging Clothes to Wardrobe Boxes – Keep clothing wrinkle-free by transferring them straight to hanging boxes.
- Compress Out-of-Season Clothing in Vacuum Bags – Use less 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.
- 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 a lot of toiletries, small items, and fragile containers. Use these tips for efficient 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 – Prevent leaks by putting shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
- Wrap Fragile Items – Use towels to protect glass bottles and containers.
- Store towels and linens in large bags – Use them to pad other fragile items.
- Pack bathroom essentials in a handy bag – Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other necessities should be within easy reach.
Packing Supplies for a Bathroom:
- Plastic zipper bags for liquid items
- 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 electronics, paperwork, and office furnishings. Use these tips to pack your home office securely:
- Back Up Digital Files – Save all data to the cloud or an external hard drive before packing.
- Wrap and Box Up Computer Equipment Properly – 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.
- Keep Cords Organized – Label cords and place them in individual bags to avoid tangling.
- Pack Books in Small Boxes – 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 tools, outdoor equipment, and seasonal items. Keep these tips in mind:
- Dispose of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals must be disposed of properly since movers cannot transport them.
- Drain Fuel from Equipment – Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools must be emptied prior to transport.
- Use Plastic Bins for Small Tools – Store 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.
- Coil up Hoses and Cords Neatly – 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
Additional Packing Tips for an Easier Move
To help your move go smoothly, consider these extra ideas:
- Pack an Essentials Box – Pack items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and a change of clothes.
- Snap Pictures of Cable Setups Before Packing – This will help you reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
- Cushion Valuables with Towels or Blankets – Clothing, blankets, and towels can be used to cushion fragile items.
- Complete One Room Before Moving to the Next – Keep yourself organized by focusing on one space before moving to the next.
Need Help with Packing in Chattanooga?
Packing is a demanding process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Lambert Moving Systems, we offer professional packing and unpacking services in Chattanooga to make your move effortless. Whether you need help with all your packing or just help with breakable items, our team is here to assist. Contact us today at 423-551-9863 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let us handle the hard work for you!