The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Sacramento

Packing is one of the most important parts of a smooth move. When done the right way, it helps protect your belongings, keeps everything organized, and prevents last-minute unpacking stress. At Starving Students, we know that getting ready for your move can feel like a lot to handle, but with the right packing strategies for your Sacramento move, you can protect your belongings and help things proceed as planned.

General Guidelines for Packing a Home in Sacramento, CA

No matter the size of your home, having a good plan can make packing easier. Consider these important tips before tackling room-specific packing:

• Declutter Before Packing – Sort out belongings you don't use to reduce moving costs and space.
• Gather High-Quality Packing Supplies – Find strong moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
• Label Everything Clearly – Label each box with the room and what's inside to make unpacking easier.
• Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This makes boxes more stable and prevents damage.
• Use Padding for Fragile Items – Add cushioning around fragile pieces for extra protection.
• Create a First-Night Box – Set aside important items like a fresh set of clothes, toiletries, chargers, and snacks you'll need right away.

Now, let's dive into how to pack each room efficiently.

How to Pack a Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most tricky rooms to pack due to fragile glassware and large kitchen appliances. Follow these steps:

• Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should go in smaller boxes for easy lifting.
• Protect each glass separately – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
• Pack knives safely – Wrap knives in towels or rags and hold them in place with rubber bands before packing.
• Use original boxes for appliances – If available, use the manufacturer’s packaging for safety.
• Close food containers tightly – Avoid spills by packing opened food in sealed plastic bags.

Packing Supplies for a Kitchen:

• Dish boxes (for plates and fragile items)
• 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 combination of different furniture and expensive electronics. Here’s how to pack it efficiently:

• 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 them in thick blankets.
• Wrap Picture Frames and Artwork – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to avoid 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 thoughtful preparation of clothes, furniture, and personal possessions. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Transfer Hanging Clothes to Wardrobe Boxes – Avoid wrinkles in your clothes by Moving them in hanging boxes.
• Vacuum Seal Seasonal Clothes – Free-up space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t need immediately.
• Protect Mattresses with Protective Covers – Prevent damage from dirt and moisture with mattress bags.
• Store Valuables in Separate Organizers – Keep valuables in a personal bag or jewelry organizer.
• Wrap Mirrors and Frames with Care – 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. Try these strategies to pack efficiently:

• Dispose of Expired Products – Dispose of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
• Keep Shampoos and Soaps in Zipped Bags – Avoid leaks by storing 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:

• Plastic bags for liquids
• 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 valuable electronics, documents, and furniture. Keep these items safe with these strategies:

• Back Up Electronic Documents – Save personal digital files to the cloud or an external hard drive prior to packing.
• Secure Computers and Monitors – Wrap screens in foam and pack in sturdy boxes.
• Keep Documents Together and Secure – Store legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof safe.
• Bundle Wires and Cables – Label cords and place them in individual bags to keep them from getting tangled.
• Use Small Boxes for Heavy Books – Packing books gets 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 a range of gear, seasonal items, tools, equipment, and supplies. Follow these garage packing tips:

• Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals must be disposed of properly as movers cannot transport them.
• Empty Fuel from Gas-Powered Tools – Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools must be emptied prior to transport.
• Store Small Tools in Plastic Containers – Pack nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Wrap Sharp Objects Securely – Protect blades and sharp tools with bubble wrap or cloth.
• Tie Garden Hoses and Extension Cords for Easy Handling – 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 help your move go smoothly, keep these additional tips in mind:

• Pack an Essentials 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.
• Use Soft Items as Padding – Clothing, blankets, and towels can be used to cushion breakable items.
• Focus on Packing One Room at a Time – Keep yourself organized by focusing on one room before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Sacramento?

Packing is a time-consuming process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Starving Students, we offer professional packing and unpacking services in Sacramento to make your move stress-free. Whether you need complete packing assistance or just packing for delicate belongings, our team is here to assist. Contact us today at (279) 205-4727 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and relax while we do the heavy lifting!