How to Pack for a Move: Professional Packing Tips from Vancouver Movers

Packing is the most time-consuming part of any move — and the most likely source of damage if done wrong. Here are the professional packing strategies used by our Vancouver moving crew every day.

Start With the Right Supplies

• Boxes: Small boxes for heavy items (books, dishes), large boxes for light items (linens, pillows)
• Packing tape: Use heavy-duty, 2-inch wide tape. Don't cheap out — box failure is a real risk
• Bubble wrap: For fragile items and electronics
• Packing paper (newsprint): Wrapping dishes, glasses, and décor
• Markers: Label every single box — you'll thank yourself later
• Stretch wrap: For wrapping furniture, drawers, and odd-shaped items

Room-by-Room Packing Guide

Kitchen

The kitchen is the hardest room to pack. Here's the order:

1. Pack non-essentials first (special occasion dishes, small appliances you rarely use)
2. Wrap each dish individually in packing paper
3. Stand plates vertically in boxes — they're stronger and less likely to break
4. Wrap glasses in bubble wrap, fill with paper to avoid rattling
5. Pack the kitchen last (you need it until moving day)

Bedroom

1. Keep clothes in drawers — wrap the whole dresser in stretch wrap to keep drawers shut
2. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes — worth the investment
3. Pack books in small boxes — they get very heavy, very fast
4. Wrap picture frames in bubble wrap and mark "FRAGILE"

Living Room

1. Disassemble furniture where possible
2. Wrap legs and sharp corners with bubble wrap and tape
3. Group small electronics in a single box and take photos of cable setups

Golden Packing Rules

✅ Label every box — include room name AND a brief list of contents

✅ Fill boxes completely — half-empty boxes collapse and items shift

✅ Heavy items on the bottom of each box, light items on top

✅ Mark fragile boxes clearly — and tell your movers!

✅ Pack an essentials box last — include chargers, toiletries, snacks, a change of clothes, and important documents you'll need on day one

Don't Want to Pack Yourself?

SS Moving Services offers full and partial packing services in Vancouver and across BC. Our crew brings all materials and handles everything — so you can focus on the bigger picture.

Call (236) 826-3168 for a free packing service quote.