Professional mover expertly wrapping glassware with bubble wrap, demonstrating safe packing technique
Ironmen Moving professional crew member author photo
Ironmen Moving Team Professional Movers, Los Angeles CA

Packing Tips from Professional Movers

Professional packers have one rule: nothing moves inside the box. Every item should be snug, padded, and immobilized. Breakage almost never happens because boxes are dropped — it happens because items shift and collide during normal transport. Follow these techniques and your items will arrive in perfect condition.

The Packing Supplies You Actually Need

Skip the store and order online — you'll save 30–50% on boxes. Here's what Ironmen's crews use:

  • Double-wall cardboard boxes for heavy items (books, small appliances)
  • Single-wall boxes for clothes, linens, lightweight items
  • Dish packs (cell-divided boxes) for plates, glasses, and ceramics
  • Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes (keeps them wrinkle-free)
  • Packing paper (not newspaper — the ink transfers)
  • Bubble wrap for fragile and high-value items
  • 2-inch packing tape — at least 4 rolls for a 2-bedroom home
  • Black marker — wide tip, one per floor of your home

How to Pack Fragile Items (Dishes, Glass, Electronics)

Fragile items account for 80% of moving breakage claims. Use this technique:

  1. Line the bottom of the box with 3 inches of crumpled packing paper
  2. Wrap each item individually in packing paper (2 sheets for glass, 3 for plates)
  3. Place plates vertically in boxes (like vinyl records) — they survive transport better vertically than flat
  4. Never stack glasses upside down — always right-side up with paper stuffed inside
  5. Fill all voids in the box with crumpled paper — the box should not rattle when you shake it
  6. Label the box "FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP" on all 4 sides

For electronics, use the original boxes when possible. If not available, wrap in anti-static bubble wrap and pad heavily. Remove ink cartridges from printers (they leak).

How to Pack Heavy Items Correctly

Rule: heavy items go in small boxes, light items go in large boxes. Never put heavy items in large boxes — they become impossible to carry safely and often get dropped.

  • Books: small boxes, 1.5 cubic feet max. Pack standing upright with spines facing the same direction.
  • Small appliances: wrap in towels or packing paper, then place in medium boxes
  • Tools and hardware: remove blades and sharp parts. Pack in original cases when possible.
  • Cast iron cookware: wrap in packing paper, pack in small boxes. One layer per box maximum.

The Labeling System That Changes Everything

Use this system and you'll spend 80% less time searching for things during unpacking:

  1. Label the top AND one side of every box
  2. Include: room + contents + priority (1=unpack first, 3=unpack last)
  3. Example: "KITCHEN — Everyday Dishes — P1" or "OFFICE — Misc Books — P3"
  4. Number each box and keep a simple spreadsheet: "Box 14 — Bedroom 2 — Winter clothes"

The numbered spreadsheet is also essential for insurance claims — you'll be able to identify exactly what was in a box if something is damaged or missing.

See also: How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move and our Moving Cost Guide.