How to Pack a Living Room for Moving

How to Pack Electronics

When packing any electronic item, consult the manual first for moving directions. We advise you to pack your electronics in the original boxes they came in, but you can also purchase specialty electronics boxes from most household movers. If neither option is available, a simple, sturdy box will do fine.

Supplies needed

1. Twist-ties
2. Boxes
3. Anti-static packing material
4. Packing tape

Instructions:

1. Remove any media (DVDs, CDs, etc.) from the equipment you are packing.
2. Unplug your electronics and wipe them to remove dust.
3. Wrap the wires, following their natural curve. Secure with twist-ties and label if necessary.
4. Line the bottom of your box with anti-static packing material.
5. Pack your largest electronic item in the box first. Fill any empty spots beside the item with anti-static packing material and line the top to create a buffer.
6. Place smaller electronic items on top and continue to fill gaps with packing material. Your goal is to prevent rattling or shifting during the move.
7. Close and seal the box. Mark it “FRAGILE” and designate which side is up.

How to Pack Fragile Items

Packing fragile items can be tedious, but protecting your valuables is worth the time. Follow these steps for packing any fragile or delicate item, such as china, glass, or crystal pieces.

Supplies needed:

1. Small boxes
2. Packaging peanuts
3. Bubble wrap
4. Blank newsprint
5. Tape

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing a small box by taping the bottom and adding a layer of packaging peanuts.
2. If the surface of the item is painted, wrap it in blank newsprint to protect the finish.
3. Wrap the item in bubble wrap and seal with tape.
4. Place the items in the box and fill empty space with packaging peanuts.
5. Once the box is well packed, not overstuffed, tape it shut and label it “FRAGILE” on the top and side.

How to Pack Frames & Mirrors

You may feel more comfortable hiring professional packers to pack your framed items, but with the proper supplies and preparation, packing pictures, frames, art, and mirrors is easy to do yourself.

Supplies needed:

1. Picture boxes
2. Blank newsprint
3. Masking tape

Instructions:

1. Begin by taping a large “X” with masking tape across the front glass surface of the mirror or art.
2. Line an empty picture box with blank newsprint for added cushioning.
3. Wrap the piece in blank newsprint.
4. If space allows, group two pictures or mirrors in each picture box. Face the glass sides toward each other, with some newsprint in-between to reinforce the empty space. Particularly valuable mirrors and artwork should be crated separately.
5. Fill empty space with newsprint to restrict movement.
6. Tape the box shut. Mark the box “FRAGILE” and draw an arrow pointing up to designate the top.

How to Pack Lampshades

Supplies needed:

1. Boxes
2. Tape
3. Blank newsprint

Instructions:

1. Prepare an adequately sized box for the lampshade by taping the bottom.
2. Place several sheets of blank newsprint over the open top of the box, layering the pages so that they fall over the edges.
3. Top down, place the lampshade in the box, letting the paper wrap around the shade as you gently ease it into the box.
4. If there is enough room, nest shades on top of each other by repeating steps two and three.
5. Do not pack anything but lampshades in the same box. Do not fill extra space with crumpled paper or padding.
6. Close the box, tape it shut, and mark it “FRAGILE: LAMPSHADES.”