Pro Packing Tips from Nashville’s Top Movers

Good packing is the single biggest factor in whether your belongings arrive safely. Most damage we see on moves does not come from the truck ride. It comes from boxes that were overfilled, underfilled or packed without enough padding. Here are the packing tips our Nashville movers use every day, organized by the items that give people the most trouble.

Start with the right supplies

• Sturdy boxes in small, medium and large sizes. Use new or like-new boxes for fragile items.
• Dish-pack boxes with thicker walls for kitchenware.
• Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes.
• Packing paper (unprinted, so ink does not transfer), bubble wrap and foam sheets.
• Quality packing tape, a tape gun, markers and labels.
• Mirror and picture boxes for artwork and framed pieces.

The golden rules of packing

1. Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes. A large box full of books is too heavy to carry safely and more likely to break.
2. Fill every box completely. Empty space lets items shift and makes boxes collapse when stacked. Fill gaps with paper, towels or linens.
3. Tape the bottom twice. Use an H-pattern on the bottom and top of every box.
4. Keep boxes under about 50 pounds. If you cannot lift it comfortably, it is too heavy.
5. Label top and side. Write the room and contents, and mark "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" where needed.

How to pack fragile items

• Wrap each item individually in several sheets of packing paper or bubble wrap.
• Crumple paper into a thick cushion on the bottom of the box.
• Place the heaviest fragile items at the bottom and the lightest on top.
• Fill every gap so nothing moves when you gently shake the box.
• Add another layer of crumpled paper on top before sealing.

How to pack the kitchen

• Plates: Wrap each plate individually and stand them on edge, never flat. On edge, they are much stronger.
• Glasses and stemware: Wrap each glass, stuffing paper inside the bowl, and use cell dividers. Pack stemware upright.
• Pots and pans: Nest them with paper between each one.
• Knives: Wrap blades in thick paper or a towel, secure with tape and label clearly.
• Small appliances: Use original boxes when possible, or wrap well and fill the box with padding.
• Pantry: Tape open containers shut and bag them. Skip anything perishable or liquid that could leak.

How to pack clothing

• Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes so they go straight from closet to closet.
• Fold everything else into medium boxes or suitcases.
• Vacuum-seal bulky seasonal items like comforters and winter coats to save space.
• Pack shoes in pairs with paper stuffed inside to hold their shape.

How to pack artwork and mirrors

• Place tape in an X across glass fronts. It will not prevent breakage, but it helps hold pieces together if the glass cracks.
• Wrap the piece in packing paper, then bubble wrap, paying extra attention to corners.
• Use a mirror or picture box sized to the piece and fill any empty space.
• For canvas paintings, avoid letting anything touch the painted surface.
• Always transport framed pieces standing on edge, never flat under other items.
• For valuable or oversized pieces, ask your mover about custom crating.

How to pack electronics

• Photograph cable setups before disconnecting anything.
• Use original boxes when you have them. Otherwise, wrap in anti-static bubble wrap and pad well.
• Remove ink cartridges from printers and batteries from remotes.
• Keep cables with their devices in labeled bags.
• Back up computers before the move.

Mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the last few days to start packing.
• Using grocery store boxes for fragile or heavy items.
• Packing hazardous items like paint, propane, aerosols and cleaning chemicals.
• Forgetting to label boxes.
• Packing important documents, jewelry and medications in the moving truck. Keep those with you.

Let the pros pack for you

Packing is time-consuming, and professional packing can save you days of work while protecting your belongings. Messolar offers full and partial packing with every residential move in Nashville and every long distance move. For special instruments, see our piano moving service. Request a free quote and let our team handle the packing.