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The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Wilmington

April 22, 2025

Packing is one of the most important parts of a smooth move. When done the right way, it helps protect your belongings, ensures your items are organized, and prevents last-minute unpacking stress. At Bayshore 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 Wilmington move, you can protect your belongings and keep your move on track.

Essential Tips for Packing a Home in Wilmington, DE

No matter the size of your home, having a solid plan can make packing easier. Follow these important tips before getting into room-specific packing:

  • Declutter Before Packing – Sort out belongings you don't use 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 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 dive into how to pack each room efficiently.


How to Pack a Kitchen

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

  • Opt for smaller boxes for heavy items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should be packed in smaller boxes for easier lifting.
  • Protect each glass separately – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
  • Pack 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 available, use the manufacturer’s packaging for safety.
  • Close food containers tightly – Avoid spills by packing opened food in sealed zipper bags.

Packing Supplies for a Kitchen:

  • Dish boxes (for dishes and breakables)
  • 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 mix of furniture, electronics, and decorative items. Follow these steps for efficient 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.
  • Wrap Picture Frames and Artwork – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to prevent 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:

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

  • Transfer Hanging Clothes to Wardrobe Boxes – Avoid wrinkling clothes by Packing them in hanging boxes.
  • Compress Out-of-Season Clothing in Vacuum Bags – Save space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t immediately need.
  • Use Mattress Covers to Avoid Damage – Avoid 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 various personal care products and breakable items. Use these tips for efficient packing:

  • Get Rid of Items Past Their Expiration Date – Get rid of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
  • Keep Shampoos and Soaps in Zipped Bags – Avoid leaks by placing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
  • Wrap Breakable Items – Use towels to cushion 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:

  • 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:

  • Create Backups of All Digital Information – Save personal 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.
  • Organize Important Documents – Keep legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof lockbox.
  • Bundle Wires and Cables – Label cords and store them in individual bags to keep them from getting tangled.
  • Use Small Boxes for Heavy Books – Books get 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 various tools, equipment and storage containers. Use these tips for efficient garage packing:

  • Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals should 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.
  • Store Small Tools in Plastic Containers – Keep nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
  • Protect Sharp Tools Carefully – Wrap blades and sharp tools with bubble wrap or cloth.
  • Bundle Garden Hoses and Cords – 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

Extra Packing Advice for an Easier Move

To make your move as seamless as possible, follow these bonus packing tips:

  • Prepare a Must-Have Items Box – Include items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and clean clothes.
  • Take Photos Before Packing Electronics – This allows you to reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
  • Protect Fragile Items with Soft Materials – Towels, blankets, and clothing can be used to cushion fragile items.
  • Focus on Packing One Room at a Time – Keep yourself organized by focusing on one space before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Wilmington?

Packing is a labor-intensive process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Bayshore Moving and Storage, we offer professional packing and unpacking services in Wilmington to make your move stress-free. Whether you need full-service packing or just packing for delicate belongings, our team is here to assist. Give us a call at 302-600-0955 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let us handle the hard work for you!