Packing Tips: Bedroom/Nursery/Bathroom

Start packing your bedrooms by tackling less-used guest rooms first. Children can help by setting aside the toys and books they want to take with them and packing the rest in boxes. Colorful stickers on the outside of boxes let children know their personal belongings are clearly marked, and allow them to identify their things when the moving van is unloaded.

Clothing

Hanging clothing from closets can be left on hangars and placed in wardrobe cartons. You may want to consider purchasing several of these special cartons from your moving company. One will hold about two feet of compressed clothing on hangers; figure more cartons if wrinkles are a concern.

• If wardrobe cartons are not used, each garment should be removed from its hangar, folded and placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper.
• It is recommended that you take your furs with you rather than having them moved on the van, as irreparable damage can occur due to heat or humidity.

Shoes

Footwear may be left in shoe boxes and placed in large cartons, or wrapped individually and then in pairs. Footwear should be cushioned to avoid damage to heels or ornaments. Do not pack heavy items on top of shoes.
Hats

Hats may be left in hatboxes and placed in large cartons, or stuff the crown of each hat with crumpled tissue paper, wrap tissue loosely around the outside and place in a carton lined with clean paper, with the heavier hats at the bottom. Don't pack anything else with hats. Label the carton "FRAGILE."

Jewelry

Valuables such as fine jewelry should be removed from drawers and never packed with your household goods. They will be most secure if they remain in your possession. If you don't feel comfortable or don't have the means to take your fine jewelry or other valuable collectibles with you (like stamp or coin collections), consider hiring a third-party armored vehicle service.

Toiletries

Dispose of aerosol spray cans, such as hairspray or deodorant, or take them with you. Other bottles should be carefully taped shut and wrapped to prevent leakage, then packed in small cartons. See our list of Items That Cannot Be Shipped.

Bedding, Linens & Towels

Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens may be protected by a large plastic bag and packed in a carton that has been lined with clean paper.

• Wrap you most prized possessions in tissue. Also, linens and bedding are good for cushioning or padding many other items.
• If you decide to wash your linens before you pack them, make sure they are thoroughly dried first.

Mattresses & Pillows

Mattresses should be placed in mattress cartons for added strength and cleanliness. Pillows may be placed in bureau drawers or packed in cartons. They also make good padding for other items.

Bed Frame

If you can dismantle any bed frames beforehand, it will be one less thing to worry about on moving day.

Mirrors

Glass mirrors should be packed in special mirror cartons. However, if they are especially heavy, crating is recommended.

Draperies & Curtains

Wardrobe cartons are ideal for moving curtains and drapes. Fold them lengthwise, place over a padded hangar, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe. Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.

Rugs

Leave area rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle.

• You may want to consider having your area rugs professionally cleaned before your move - you'll get them back from the cleaners wrapped, rolled and ready for shipping.
• Area rugs should be loaded last and unloaded first so the furniture coming off the truck can go right on top of the rug.