How to Pack a House or Condo When Moving

Packing your entire home into boxes can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re moving out of a studio condo or a four-bedroom house, the key to success is having a plan and starting early.

Here’s a room-by-room guide (plus expert tips) to help you pack smarter, not harder.

Step 1: Prep Before You Pack

Supplies Checklist:

  • Moving boxes (various sizes)
  • Packing tape & dispenser
  • Bubble wrap or packing paper
  • Labels and permanent markers
  • Zip-top bags (for small parts)
  • Stretch wrap or mattress bags (for furniture)
  • Heavy-duty trash bags (for soft items)

Start With:

  • Decluttering — donate, toss, or sell items you don’t want to move
  • Booking movers or a moving truck
  • Creating a packing timeline (room-by-room, day-by-day)

Step 2: Pack Room by Room

Living Room

  • Disassemble furniture if possible (label hardware in bags)
  • Wrap electronics in towels or bubble wrap
  • Label cords and remotes
  • Use blankets or pads for TVs, art, and mirrors

Kitchen

  • Pack dishes vertically with padding between
  • Bundle utensils and silverware
  • Use original boxes for appliances if available
  • Mark boxes FRAGILE clearly

Bedrooms

  • Pack off-season clothes first
  • Leave clothes in drawers (if movers approve)
  • Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
  • Disassemble beds last

Bathroom

  • Toss old products and empty bottles
  • Wrap liquids in plastic or seal in bags
  • Keep a “first night” bag with essentials

Kids’ Rooms

  • Let kids help pick what stays out vs. gets packed
  • Pack toys and books tightly to avoid shifting
  • Label by child’s name if needed

Garage/Utility Areas

  • Drain gas from tools (lawnmower, etc.)
  • Bundle long items (brooms, rakes)
  • Use small boxes for heavy tools

Step 3: Smart Tips for an Easier Move

  • Label Everything: Include room + short list of contents
  • Pack by Weight: Heavier items in small boxes, lighter items in large boxes
  • Color Code: Use colored tape or stickers by room for quick ID
  • Take Photos: For electronics setup and furniture assembly
  • First Night Box: Bedding, towels, paper towels, toilet paper, chargers, etc.

What Not to Pack in Moving Trucks

  • Important documents (keep with you)
  • Valuables and jewelry
  • Hazardous materials (paint, propane, cleaners)
  • Perishables or frozen food

Want a Completely Stress-Free Move?

If the thought of packing, lifting, and organizing everything makes your head spin, you don’t have to do it alone.

Sunshine Movers Inc. offers White Glove Full-Service Moves that handle every detail for you:

  • Professional packing and unpacking
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  • Transportation and placement in your new home
  • Specialty item handling (TVs, antiques, large art)
  • All materials and supplies included

You don’t lift a finger—we do it all, with care and precision.

Let’s Make Moving Easy

Whether you need a few extra hands or full-service help from start to finish, Sunshine Movers Inc. is here to make your next move the smoothest one yet.

Call now to book your white glove move (727) 934-2020
Request Your Free Quote → https://sunshinemoversfl.com/get-a-free-quote/ 

Your Trusted, Stress-Free Moving Company Since 1998

Serving Clearwater, St Petersburg, Tampa, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor & Largo

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