Proper packing is the foundation of a successful move. With over 14,000 moves completed across Arizona, we've learned that the difference between a stressful move and a smooth one often comes down to packing technique. This comprehensive guide shares professional secrets that will save you time, money, and prevent damage to your belongings.

Essential Packing Supplies Checklist

Before you tape a single box, having the right supplies makes all the difference. Professional movers know that quality packing materials are an investment in protecting your belongings. Here's exactly what you'll need for a typical 3-bedroom home move in Arizona.

Box Inventory Guidelines

  • Small boxes (1.5 cubic feet): 20-30 boxes for books, tools, canned goods
  • Medium boxes (3.0 cubic feet): 15-20 boxes for kitchenware, toys, small appliances
  • Large boxes (4.5 cubic feet): 10-15 boxes for linens, pillows, lampshades
  • Wardrobe boxes: 5-8 boxes for hanging clothes (we provide these free!)
  • Dish pack boxes: 3-5 reinforced boxes for fragile kitchen items
  • Mirror/picture boxes: As needed for artwork and mirrors

Packing Materials

Beyond boxes, you'll need protective materials. In Arizona's dry climate, static-prone materials require special attention. We recommend:

  • Bubble wrap: 200-300 feet for fragile items
  • Packing paper: 10-15 pounds of clean newsprint
  • Packing tape: 8-10 rolls of high-quality tape
  • Stretch wrap: 2-3 rolls for furniture protection
  • Mattress bags: One per mattress (essential in dusty Arizona)
  • Furniture pads: Rent or buy for valuable furniture
  • Labels and markers: Color-coded system works best
  • Plastic bags: Various sizes for hardware and small items

Room-by-Room Packing Strategies

Kitchen Packing Techniques

The kitchen is typically the most challenging room to pack, containing both fragile items and irregular shapes. Start packing your kitchen 2-3 weeks before moving, keeping only essentials for daily use.

Dishes and Glassware

Professional movers never stack plates flat. Always pack them vertically like records, with plenty of padding between each piece. This distributes weight evenly and prevents breakage. Wrap each plate individually in packing paper, then bubble wrap for valuable china. Place heavier plates at the bottom of boxes, lighter items on top.

Glasses require special attention. Stuff the inside with packing paper first, then wrap the outside. Never pack glasses without filling the hollow spaces - this prevents implosion during transport. Use cell dividers for stemware, or create your own using cardboard.

Small Appliances

Pack small appliances in their original boxes when possible. Otherwise, wrap cords separately and tape them to the appliance. Remove all loose parts and pack separately, clearly labeled. In Arizona's heat, ensure appliances are completely clean and dry to prevent mold growth during storage.

Bedroom Packing Strategies

Bedrooms often contain both everyday items and valuables. Start with out-of-season clothing and decorative items, leaving daily necessities for last.

Clothing and Linens

Leave clothes in dresser drawers when possible - just remove heavy items. Wrap the entire dresser in stretch wrap to keep drawers closed. For hanging clothes, wardrobe boxes are invaluable. You can fit about 2 feet of closet space per wardrobe box. Pro tip: Use large garbage bags as garment bags by pulling them up from the bottom of hanging clothes.

Vacuum-sealed bags work wonderfully for bedding and out-of-season clothes, especially important in Arizona where storage space often lacks climate control. Label bags clearly as vacuum-sealed items can look identical once compressed.

Living Room and Electronics

Living rooms typically contain your most valuable electronics and furniture. Photograph all electronic setups before disconnecting - you'll thank yourself later when reconnecting everything.

TV and Electronics Packing

Modern flat-screen TVs require special care. If you don't have the original box, invest in a TV moving box. Never lay TVs flat - always transport them upright. Remove batteries from all remotes to prevent corrosion, especially important in Arizona's heat. Pack all cables in clearly labeled bags, photographing connections before removal.

For computers, back up all data before moving. Desktop computers should have their graphics cards and other expansion cards removed and packed separately to prevent damage from vibration. In Arizona's summer heat, never leave electronics in vehicles or non-climate-controlled spaces.

Bathroom Packing Guidelines

Bathrooms contain numerous spillable items and hazardous materials. Check local regulations for disposing of hazardous materials - most moving companies cannot transport them.

Toiletries and Medications

Seal all liquid containers with tape and place in plastic bags. Pack toiletries upright and clearly mark boxes as "This Side Up." Keep medications with you during the move, never in the moving truck. Arizona's extreme temperatures can damage many medications.

Special Item Packing Techniques

Artwork and Mirrors

Valuable artwork requires professional-level protection. Create a protective sandwich using cardboard on both sides, secured with tape. Mark glass items clearly with tape in an X pattern - this prevents shattering and makes the glass visible to movers. For oil paintings, never let bubble wrap touch the paint surface - use glassine paper first.

Books and Documents

Books are deceptively heavy - use small boxes only. Pack books flat or spine-down, never with spines up which can damage binding. In Arizona's low humidity, books are susceptible to brittleness. Consider climate-controlled storage for valuable collections. Important documents should travel with you, not in the moving truck.

Plants and Perishables

Most moving companies won't transport plants across state lines due to agricultural regulations. Within Arizona, plants need special preparation for the extreme heat. Water them normally 2-3 days before moving, but not immediately before. Prune larger plants and place in stable boxes with air holes. Never leave plants in vehicles during Arizona summers - even 10 minutes can be fatal.

Advanced Packing Strategies

The Professional's Color-Coding System

Professional movers use color-coding to streamline unpacking. Assign each room a color using colored tape or labels. Mark boxes on multiple sides and create a master list showing which color corresponds to each room. This system allows movers to place boxes in correct rooms without constant direction.

The Essential Box Strategy

Pack "Open First" boxes for each room containing immediate necessities. For bedrooms, include sheets, pillows, and one change of clothes. Kitchen boxes should have basic cookware, plates, and utensils for your first meals. Bathroom boxes need toilet paper, towels, soap, and shower curtains. These boxes should be clearly marked and loaded last on the truck.

Weight Distribution Techniques

Professional movers follow the "heavy bottom, light top" rule religiously. Books and tools go in small boxes at the bottom of stacks. Linens and pillows top off larger boxes. Never exceed 50 pounds per box - if you can't lift it comfortably, neither can your movers safely. Distribute weight evenly within boxes to prevent tipping.

Arizona-Specific Packing Considerations

Heat-Sensitive Items

Arizona's extreme heat requires special packing considerations. Candles, crayons, and anything wax-based will melt in moving trucks. Vinyl records can warp beyond repair. Wine bottles can pop their corks. These items need climate-controlled transport or should travel in your air-conditioned vehicle.

Electronics are particularly vulnerable to heat damage. Computers, gaming systems, and vintage electronics should never sit in hot trucks. If moving during summer, consider professional climate-controlled moving services or transport these items yourself.

Dust and Static Protection

Arizona's dusty environment and low humidity create unique challenges. Wrap furniture completely in stretch wrap or furniture pads. Use anti-static spray on electronics before packing. Seal boxes completely with tape - Arizona dust finds every gap. Consider moisture absorbers in boxes containing leather, wood, or paper items.

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Overpacking Boxes

The most common amateur mistake is overpacking boxes. Heavy boxes are dangerous for movers and more likely to break. Use the "lift test" - if you struggle to lift it, it's too heavy. Distribute heavy items across multiple boxes rather than concentrating weight.

Using Wrong Box Sizes

Large boxes seem economical but are impractical for heavy items. Books in large boxes become immovable. Conversely, using small boxes for light items wastes space and money. Match box size to item density for optimal efficiency.

Inadequate Labeling

Vague labels like "Misc" or "Bedroom" create chaos during unpacking. Include room destination, contents summary, and special handling instructions. "Master Bedroom - Winter Clothes - Heavy" tells movers everything they need to know. Number boxes and keep a master list for tracking.

Leaving Empty Spaces

Empty spaces in boxes allow items to shift during transport, causing damage. Fill all voids with packing paper, bubble wrap, or linens. Boxes should be full but not bulging. The top should close flat without force.

Professional Packing Services vs. DIY

When to Hire Professionals

Professional packing services make sense for valuable collections, time-constrained moves, or when moving insurance requires professional packing. Our teams can pack an entire house in one day, what might take you weeks. Professional packing also provides better insurance coverage for damages.

Hybrid Approach

Many customers choose a hybrid approach - packing non-fragile items themselves while having professionals handle china, artwork, and electronics. This balances cost savings with protection for valuables. We offer partial packing services starting at just $200.

Unpacking Strategies

Systematic Unpacking

Unpacking efficiently is as important as packing well. Start with essentials boxes, then focus on one room at a time. Complete each room before moving to the next - this prevents overwhelming chaos throughout your entire home. In Arizona's heat, prioritize setting up cooling and hydration stations.

Disposal and Recycling

Plan for box disposal before unpacking begins. Quality moving boxes can be sold or given away on online marketplaces. Many Arizona communities have specific recycling guidelines for large cardboard quantities. Flatten boxes as you empty them to save space.

Final Packing Timeline

6 Weeks Before Moving

Begin decluttering and ordering supplies. Start packing rarely-used items like seasonal decorations.

4 Weeks Before Moving

Pack non-essential rooms like guest bedrooms and formal dining rooms. Begin packing books and artwork.

2 Weeks Before Moving

Pack everything except daily necessities. Leave only enough clothes, dishes, and toiletries for two weeks.

1 Week Before Moving

Pack all but absolute essentials. Prepare suitcases as if going on a week-long trip.

Moving Day

Pack remaining items in clearly marked "essentials" boxes. Do final check of all rooms, closets, and storage areas.

Proper packing is an art form perfected through experience. These professional techniques, developed through thousands of Arizona moves, will protect your belongings and simplify your relocation. Whether you're packing yourself or hiring professionals, understanding these principles ensures a successful move.