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The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Dover

April 22, 2025

Packing is one of the most crucial parts of a smooth move. When done correctly, it helps protect your belongings, ensures your items are organized, and makes unpacking less stressful. At Bayshore Moving and Storage, we know that preparing for a move can feel like a lot to handle, but with the right packing strategies for your Dover move, you can protect your belongings and help things proceed as planned.

General Guidelines for Packing a Home in Dover, DE

No matter the size of your home, having a solid plan can make packing easier. Start with these essential tips before getting into 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 speed up unpacking.
  • Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This keeps boxes stable and prevents damage.
  • Use Padding for Fragile Items – Wrap delicate belongings in bubble wrap or towels for extra protection.
  • Create a First-Night Box – Pack essentials like toiletries, chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes.

Now, let's look at how to pack each room efficiently.


How to Pack a Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to pack due to delicate items and oversized appliances. Follow these steps:

  • Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should be packed in smaller boxes for easier lifting.
  • Protect each glass separately – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
  • Wrap kitchen knives safely – Wrap knives in towels or rags and hold them in place with rubber bands before packing.
  • Pack Appliances in Their Original Boxes – If possible, use the original packaging for safety.
  • Close food containers tightly – Avoid spills by packing opened food in sealed freezer bags.

Packing Supplies for a Kitchen:

  • Dish boxes (for fragile kitchenware and dishes)
  • 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 mix of furniture, electronics, and decorative items. Follow these steps for efficient packing:

  • Break down oversized items – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
  • Protect Electronics – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if you can, or wrap them in thick blankets.
  • Wrap Picture Frames and Artwork – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to avoid damage.
  • Secure Lamps and Lampshades – Remove bulbs, wrap bases separately, and pack shades in individual boxes.
  • Cover sofas with stretch wrap – Cover fabric furniture with plastic to prevent dust and dirt.

Packing Supplies for a Living Room:

  • Moving blankets and plastic wrap
  • 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. Try these steps for smooth bedroom packing:

  • Use Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes – Avoid wrinkles in your clothes by Moving them in hanging boxes.
  • Compress Out-of-Season Clothing in Vacuum Bags – Save space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t be using right away.
  • Use Mattress Covers to Avoid Damage – Prevent damage from dirt and moisture with mattress bags.
  • Store Valuables in Separate Organizers – Keep valuables in a personal bag or jewelry organizer.
  • Use Extra Padding for Mirrors and Frames – 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. Use these tips for efficient packing:

  • Dispose of Expired Products – Dispose of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
  • Seal Liquids in Plastic Bags – Prevent leaks by placing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
  • Wrap Breakable Items – Use towels to protect perfume, cologne, or other glass bottles and containers.
  • Store towels and linens in large bags – Use them to pad other fragile items.
  • Keep Essentials in a Travel Bag – 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 important digital files to the cloud or an external hard drive before packing.
  • Protect Computers and Displays – Wrap screens in foam and pack in sturdy boxes.
  • Sort and Store Essential Paperwork – Keep legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof portable safe.
  • Keep Cords Organized – Label cords and store them in individual bags to keep them from getting tangled.
  • Pack Books in Small Boxes – Books get 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 various tools, equipment and storage containers. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Get Rid of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals should be disposed of properly because movers cannot transport them.
  • Remove Gasoline From Outdoor Equipment – 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 – Cover 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

More Packing Suggestions for an Easier Move

To help your move go smoothly, keep these additional tips in mind:

  • Pack an Essentials Box – Pack items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and a change of clothes.
  • Take Photos Before Packing Electronics – This allows you to reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
  • Use Soft Items as Padding – Towels, blankets, and clothing can all be used to cushion breakable items.
  • Pack One Room at a Time – Keep yourself organized by focusing on one space before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Dover?

Packing is a time-consuming process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Bayshore Moving and Storage, we offer professional packing and unpacking services in Dover to make your move effortless. Whether you need full-service packing or just packing for delicate belongings, our team is here to assist. Reach out now at 302-244-7547 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let us handle the hard work for you!