The Ultimate Packing Guide: How to Pack Every Room in Your Home

Packing your entire home can feel like an impossible task — but with the right strategy and supplies, it's very manageable. This room-by-room guide from SS Moving Services will walk you through exactly how to pack every area of your home for a safe and efficient BC move.

What You'll Need Before You Start

• Double-walled cardboard boxes in multiple sizes
• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Foam peanuts or crumpled newspaper for fragile items
• Heavy-duty packing tape and dispenser
• Permanent markers (multiple colours for room coding)
• Mattress bags and furniture blankets
• Ziplock bags for hardware and small parts

The Kitchen: Start Here First

The kitchen is the most labour-intensive room to pack, so start here 2–3 weeks before your move. Work through it systematically:

• Dishes and glasses: Wrap individually in packing paper and stand plates on their edges (they're stronger this way). Use cell dividers for glasses.
• Pots and pans: Nest smaller ones inside larger ones. Fill gaps with dish towels.
• Small appliances: Use original boxes if available, otherwise wrap in bubble wrap.
• Pantry items: Seal opened packages in zip bags. Discard anything you won't use. Consider donating non-perishables.

The Living Room

• Electronics: Photograph cable connections before disconnecting. Use original boxes if possible. Keep remotes together in a labelled bag.
• Books: Use small boxes only — books are extremely heavy. Fill boxes no more than two-thirds full.
• Artwork and mirrors: Use special picture boxes or sandwich between cardboard sheets. Mark as FRAGILE.
• Soft furnishings: Pillows and cushions can go in large boxes or garbage bags. Clean blankets in advance.

The Bedroom

• Wardrobe boxes: Use hanging boxes to keep your clothes wrinkle-free. Most moving companies can supply these.
• Bedding and linens: Use vacuum bags to compress bulky duvets and save space.
• Jewellery: Keep valuables like jewellery and important documents with you — not on the truck.
• Mattresses: Use dedicated mattress bags to protect from dirt and moisture. SS Moving Services supplies these.

The Bathroom

• Seal liquid products with plastic wrap under the lid, then replace the cap.
• Pack toiletries in a clear bag — separate from the main load for easy access.
• Discard expired medications responsibly at a local BC pharmacy.

The Garage and Storage Areas

• Drain all gas and oil from lawn mowers, power tools, and vehicles before moving day.
• Wrap sharp tools like shovels and garden shears in thick newspaper or foam.
• Disassemble large items where possible.

General Packing Rules to Follow

1. Heavy items go in small boxes, light items in large boxes
2. Fill all empty spaces in boxes to prevent shifting
3. Label every box with room + brief contents + FRAGILE if needed
4. Pack last what you need first — your essentials bag should come off the truck first

Need Professional Packing Help?

Not everyone has the time or energy to pack their entire home. SS Moving Services offers full and partial packing services across BC — we supply all materials, pack everything carefully, and unpack at your new home. Call (236) 826-3168 or get a free quote today.