The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Riverside

Packing is one of the most essential parts of a smooth move. When done the right way, it helps protect your belongings, helps you stay organized, and saves you from unnecessary stress during unpacking. At Starving Students, we know that getting ready for your move can feel like a lot to handle, but with the right packing strategies for your Riverside move, you can protect your belongings and keep your move on track.

General Guidelines for Packing a Home in Riverside, CA

No matter how many rooms in your home, having a solid plan can make packing easier. Follow these helpful guidelines before tackling room-specific packing:

• Declutter Before Packing – Remove anything you no longer want to reduce moving costs and space.
• Gather High-Quality Packing Supplies – Choose heavy-duty boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
• Label Everything Clearly – Label each box with the room and what's inside to make unpacking easier.
• Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This helps prevent items shifting and prevents damage.
• Use Padding for Fragile Items – Add cushioning around fragile pieces 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 tricky rooms to pack due to delicate items and bulky 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.
• Individually cushion glassware – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
• Pack knives safely – Wrap knives in kitchen towels and hold them in place with rubber bands before packing.
• Place appliances back in their original packaging – If possible, use the original packaging for safety.
• Seal Food Items Properly – 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 combination of different furniture and expensive electronics. Follow these steps for efficient packing:

• Take apart bigger furniture pieces – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
• Keep electronics safe – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if you can, or wrap them in thick blankets.
• Cushion picture frames and paintings – Use cardboard corners and bubble wrap to avoid damage.
• Pack lamps and shades carefully – 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. Use these tips to simplify packing:

• Move Hanging Garments Using Wardrobe Boxes – Avoid wrinkling clothes by Moving them in hanging boxes.
• Use Vacuum Bags for Seasonal Garments – Use less space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t need immediately.
• Use Mattress Covers to Avoid Damage – Prevent dirt and moisture damage with mattress bags.
• Pack Jewelry Separately – 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 various personal care products and breakable items. Follow these steps for efficient bathroom packing:

• Remove Old 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 Fragile Items – Use towels to wrap perfume bottles and glass 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. Use these tips to pack your home office securely:

• Back Up Electronic Documents – Save important data 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 – Store legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof portable safe.
• Bundle Wires and Cables – Label cords and place them in individual bags to avoid tangling.
• Pack Books in Small Boxes – Books get 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. Keep these tips in mind:

• Get Rid of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals must be disposed of properly because movers cannot transport them.
• Drain Fuel from Equipment – Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools need to be emptied prior to transport.
• Store Small Tools in Plastic Containers – Keep nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Wrap Sharp Objects Securely – Cover 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:

• Heavy-duty plastic bins
• 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, consider these extra ideas:

• Prepare a Must-Have Items Box – Include items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and a fresh set 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 protect fragile items.
• Focus on Packing One Room at a Time – Keep yourself organized by focusing on one area before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Riverside?

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 Riverside to make your move simple. Whether you need help with all your packing or just help with fragile items, our team is here to assist. Give us a call at (951) 261-8956 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let our experts take care of everything!