(385) 217-6239

The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Salt Lake City

April 22, 2025

Packing is one of the most important parts of a smooth move. When done correctly, it helps protect your belongings, ensures your items are organized, and makes unpacking less stressful. At Starving Students, we know that planning for moving day can feel overwhelming, but with the right packing strategies for your Salt Lake City move, you can protect your belongings and help things proceed as planned.

General Guidelines for Packing a Home in Salt Lake City, UT

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

  • Declutter Before Packing – Get rid of items you no longer need to reduce moving costs and space.
  • Gather High-Quality Packing Supplies – Use sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
  • Label Everything Clearly – Write room names and details on boxes to make unpacking easier.
  • Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This helps prevent items shifting and prevents damage.
  • Use Padding for Fragile Items – Protect breakables with soft padding for extra protection.
  • Create a First-Night Box – Put together your first-night must-haves like personal hygiene items, chargers, snacks and a fresh set of clothes.

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


How to Pack a Kitchen

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

  • Opt for smaller boxes for heavy items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should be packed in smaller boxes for easy lifting.
  • Wrap Glassware Individually – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
  • Secure Knives Properly – Wrap knives in towels and hold them in place with rubber bands before packing.
  • Place appliances back in their original packaging – If available, use the manufacturer’s packaging for safety.
  • Pack food items tightly to avoid spills – Avoid leaks by packing opened food in sealed zipper 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 variety of furnishings and electronic devices. Try these methods for smooth packing:

  • Disassemble Large Furniture – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
  • Keep electronics safe – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if available, or use thick blankets to wrap them.
  • Wrap Picture Frames and Artwork – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to prevent 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. Use these tips to simplify packing:

  • Use Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes – Keep clothing wrinkle-free by transferring them straight to hanging boxes.
  • Use Vacuum Bags for Seasonal Garments – Use less space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t need immediately.
  • Protect Mattresses with Covers – Avoid moisture damage and dirt with mattress bags.
  • Keep Jewelry in Individual Containers – 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 a lot of toiletries, small items, and fragile containers. Use these tips for efficient packing:

  • Dispose of Expired Products – Get rid of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
  • Place Liquids in Sealable Bags – Prevent leaks by packing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
  • Wrap Breakable Items – Use towels to protect glass bottles and containers.
  • Store towels and linens in large bags – Use them to pad other fragile items.
  • Pack bathroom essentials in a handy bag – Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other necessities should be within easy reach.

Packing Supplies for a Bathroom:

  • Resealable plastic bags for toiletries
  • 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 important tech gear and paperwork. Use these tips to pack your home office securely:

  • Back Up Electronic Documents – Save all 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.
  • Sort and Store Essential Paperwork – Pack legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof safe.
  • Keep Cords Organized – Label cords and place them in individual bags to keep them from getting tangled.
  • Pack Books in Small Boxes – Packing books gets heavy quickly, 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. Use these tips for efficient garage packing:

  • Properly Dispose 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 should be emptied prior to transport.
  • Store Small Tools in Plastic Containers – Pack nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
  • Protect Sharp Tools Carefully – Wrap blades and sharp tools with bubble wrap or cloth.
  • Coil up Hoses and Cords Neatly – Coil and tie them neatly to save space.

Packing Supplies for a Garage:

  • Rugged storage containers
  • Zip ties and rope
  • Bubble wrap for sharp tools
  • Large moving boxes

Additional Packing Tips for an Easier Move

To help your move go smoothly, follow these bonus packing tips:

  • Set Aside a First-Night Box – Pack items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and clean clothes.
  • Take Photos Before Packing Electronics – This helps you reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
  • Use Soft Items as Padding – Towels, blankets, and clothing can all be used to protect breakable items.
  • Focus on Packing One Room at a Time – Stay organized by focusing on one space before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Salt Lake City?

Packing is a labor-intensive process, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Starving Students, we offer professional packing and unpacking services in Salt Lake City to make your move effortless. Whether you need complete packing assistance or just packing for delicate belongings, our team is here to assist. Reach out now at (385) 217-6239 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let us handle the hard work for you!