Moving and Packing Tips to Make Your Move Easier and More Efficient

Home » Moving & Packing Tips

Helpful Moving Tips and Packing Advice from FairPrice Movers

Not sure where to start with your packing? Whether you’re packing on your own or considering our professional packing services, this page is here to help. At FairPrice Movers, we offer full-service packing solutions that can be completed in just one day, depending on the size of your move. Prefer to do it yourself? No problem—we’ve included expert tips on packing, choosing the right box sizes, and how to plan ahead. Just be sure to allow at least two weeks if packing on your own—it’s easy to underestimate the time it takes! Let us help make your move as smooth and organized as possible.

Get Your Quote Online

What to Pack (and What Not to Pack) When Moving Yourself

What to Pack

Pack on a room-by-room basis.
Mark or label each box with its destination room on the top and at least two sides and list contents.
Start packing least used rooms first, such as garage and attics. Pack kitchen and bathroom last.
Pack all your items including lampshades (take out light bulbs), shelves in the appropriate boxes using paper pads, packing paper and dividers for extra protection.
Use extra tape to securely close heavy boxes.
Designate a box for essential items, which is loaded last and unloaded first (toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, medication, snacks, coffee and coffee pot, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, a couple of pans, paper towels, telephone and telephone book).
Personally transport irreplaceable photos, financial papers and assets (bank checks, insurance policies, etc.), legal documents (wills, passports, etc.) valuables (jewelry, coin and stamp collection, etc.) and medical records during the move.

What Not to Pack

We will wrap and pad your furniture and appliances (remove loose items from furniture, for example loose shelves from bookcases, glass shelves from china cabinets, keys in buffet oors, etc.)
Please notify us of any items requiring disassembly and/or crating (chandeliers, large glass table tops, etc) so that we can wrap, box or crate these articles.
As a safety precaution, we cannot pack, move nor store flammables such as paint, varnish, thinners, gasoline, kerosene, oil, candles, matches, bottles gas, aerosol cans, ammunition and explosives.

Types of Moving Boxes and When to Use Each One

The containers we provide come in various sizes and are suitable for specific items, with specific instructions indicated below.

Dish Pack Box (5.1 cu. ft.)18″ (L) x 18″ (W) x 27″ (H)

Place cushioning material in bottom of box. Wrap each piece individually with packing paper. Place heavy, flat items such as platters and large plates at the bottom by standing them in a row on edge. Any unfilled spaces should be filled with packing paper to avoid shifting. Pack in layers. Place crumbled paper on top of each finished layer. Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level. Smaller plates and shallow bowls can make up another layer. Use dividers for extra protection when packing crystal, stem- or glassware. Good for fragile items.

China and dinnerware
Glassware
Vases
Ceramics
Glass lampshades
Table lamps
Framed pictures
Artwork
Knickknacks

Small Box (1.5 cu. ft)16″ (L) x 12″ (W) x 12″ (H)

Expensive or rare books should be individually wrapped with packing paper. Stand records on edge (never flat). Wine and liquor bottles are wrapped and packed standing up in the box. Good for heavy items.

Books
CDs, DVDs, videos
Candles
Canned goods
Wine and liquor
Silverware
Spices
Non-flammable cleaning products

Medium Box (3 cu. ft.)18″ (L) x 18″ (W) x 16″ (H)

Place linens, folded clothing or cushions in plastic bags and use them for cushioning. Wrap small appliances individually with packing paper. Small TVs and computer monitor require extra cushioning with packing paper. Always pack with screen facing sideways. Good for medium-light items.

Folded clothing
Linens
Shoes and purses
Small appliances
Stereo components
Small TV
Computer monitor
Small lampshades

Large Box (4.5 cu. ft.)18″ (L) x 18″ (W) x 24″ (H)

Place heavier items at the bottom. Use original boxes for appliances if still available and place in large box. Good for lightweight items.

Extra Large Box (6 cu. ft.)22″ (L) x 22″ (W) x 21 ½” (H)

Use popcorn (styrofoam) for extra protection when packing a chandelier. Perfect for bulky, lightweight items.

Lamp Box (3.3 cu. ft.)12″ (L) x 12″ (W) x 40″ (H)

Remove the light bulb, wrap the base and bulb separately. Place them together in the box, filling spaces with crumbled paper. Pack lampshades in separate box.

Wardrobe (13.5 cu. ft.)24″ (L) x 20″ (W) x 47″ (H)

Use the wardrobe box for hanging clothing. One wardrobe carton will hold about two feet of compressed clothing on hangers. Add moth paper for wardrobe boxes that go into storage.

Small Mirrorpack (5.2 cu. ft.)37″ (L) x 4″ (W) x 61″ (H)

Wrap each picture individually using paper pads. Pack pictures backing each other. Add crumbled packing paper on the bottom, side and top of the box to avoid shifting. Good for framed items.

Large Mirrorpack (6.7 cu. ft.)48″ (L) x 4″ (W) x 60″ (H)

Wrap each picture individually using paper pads. Pack pictures backing each other. Add crumbled packing paper on the bottom, side and top of the box to avoid shifting. Good for framed items.

Paper Pads (25 pads per bundle)64″ (L) x 54″ (W)

Wrap items tightly. Use proper size box to pack item. Stand item on edge or side (never lay flat if item is fragile).

Packing Paper(400 sheets per bundle)approx. 37″ (L) x 30″ (W)

Wrap items tightly and individually.

DividersShort:17½” (L) x 17 ½” (W) x 6 ½” (H)High: 17 ½” (L) x 17 ½” (W) x 13″ (H)

Wrap each item individually in packing paper and place it in the divider cell. Use the appropriate divider height.

Explore More Packing Tips from Our Blog

Looking for more expert advice to make your move easier? Our blog is full of helpful packing guides, checklists, and room-by-room strategies to save you time and stress. Whether you’re packing yourself or just want to stay informed, browse our latest articles below to stay ahead of the moving game.