The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in San Bernardino

Packing is one of the most essential parts of a successful move. When done properly, it helps protect your belongings, helps you stay organized, and makes unpacking less stressful. 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 San Bernardino move, you can protect your belongings and keep your move on track.

Tips and Tricks for Packing a Home in San Bernardino, CA

No matter how many rooms in your home, having a solid plan can make packing easier. Start with these helpful tips before tackling 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 – Find strong moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
• Label Everything Clearly – Label each box with the room and what's inside to speed up unpacking.
• Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This keeps boxes stable and prevents damage.
• Use Padding for Fragile Items – Protect breakables with soft padding for extra protection.
• Create a First-Night Box – Pack essentials like toiletries, chargers, snacks, and a change 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. Use these steps:

• Opt for smaller boxes for heavy items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should go in smaller boxes for easier lifting.
• Protect each glass separately – 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.
• Use original boxes for appliances – If you can, use the manufacturer’s packaging for safety.
• Close food containers tightly – Avoid leaks by packing opened food in sealed freezer bags.

Packing Supplies for a Kitchen:

• Dish boxes (for plates and fragile items)
• 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. Here’s how to pack it efficiently:

• Break down oversized items – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
• Safeguard electronics – 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.
• Secure Lamps and Lampshades – 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:

• 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 careful packing of clothes, furniture, and personal items. Try these steps for smooth bedroom packing:

• Use Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes – Keep clothing wrinkle-free by Moving them in hanging boxes.
• Compress Out-of-Season Clothing in Vacuum Bags – Save space by vacuum-sealing clothes you won’t be using right away.
• Protect Mattresses with Covers – Prevent damage from dirt and moisture with mattress bags.
• Keep Jewelry in Individual Containers – Keep valuables in a personal bag or jewelry organizer.
• Use Extra Padding for Mirrors and Frames – 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 many small items, liquids, and breakable toiletries. Try these strategies to pack efficiently:

• Remove Old Expired Products – Dispose of expired medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
• Seal Liquids in Plastic Bags – Avoid leaks by packing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
• Wrap Delicate Items – Use towels to protect glass bottles and containers.
• Place towels and linens in moving boxes – 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. Keep these items safe with these strategies:

• Back Up Electronic Documents – Save important digital files to the cloud or an external hard drive prior to packing.
• Protect Computers and Displays – Wrap screens in foam and pack in sturdy boxes.
• Organize Important Documents – Pack legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof portable safe.
• Bundle Wires and Cables – Label cords and pack them in separate bags to prevent tangles.
• 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 various tools, equipment and storage containers. Keep these tips in mind:

• Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals need to be disposed of properly since movers cannot transport them.
• Empty Fuel from Gas-Powered Tools – Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools need to be emptied prior to transport.
• Store Small Tools in Plastic Containers – Store nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Wrap Blades and Sharp Tools with Padding – Wrap blades and sharp tools with bubble wrap or cloth.
• Tie Garden Hoses and Extension Cords for Easy Handling – 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

Extra Packing Advice 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 a fresh set of clothes.
• Photograph Electronics Before Unplugging – This will help you reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
• Use Soft Items as Padding – Blankets, clothing, and towels can be used to cushion delicate items.
• Pack One Room at a Time – Keep yourself organized by focusing on one area before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in San Bernardino?

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 San Bernardino to make your move stress-free. Whether you need complete packing assistance or just help with breakable items, our team is here to assist. Contact us today at (909) 531-4218 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let our experts take care of everything!