You’ve decided to plan a zero-waste move and are getting ready to order your eco-friendly moving supplies. The next step is understanding how to pack moving bins efficiently. Learning great packing skills means you’ll spend less money on the materials and less time on the overall packing process. In other words, it’s a win-win situation.
Everyone deserves a quick and easy pack and move—and we love helping people have the best moving experience possible. Read on to learn some tips for how to pack moving bins safely and swiftly so you set yourself up for a smooth move.
General Tips for Packing Moving Bins
Before we dive in to how to pack moving bins in each room of your home, let’s check out some general best practices on loading up your plastic rental totes.
While many Chicago-area residents choose to hire a professional packing service, others opt for a DIY pack. Here’s some advice to keep in mind as you pack up each room:
- Watch the weight. Make sure you can easily lift and carry each bin.
- Don’t overload the bins. The lids must close tightly.
- Use the included labels. Write the room and any notes like “FRAGILE” on the labels that come with your order. Label the top and sides of each bin.
- Understand what not to pack. Don’t put flammable, hazardous, or perishable materials into the rental moving totes.
Additionally, be sure to use plenty of crumpled-up recyclable packing paper as a cushion when you pack up delicate or fragile items. It might be best to set up a packing station with a flat surface, your rolls of packing paper, and a stack of nested, empty bins so you can wrap and load your totes efficiently.
How to Efficiently Pack Your Kitchen
Step one of packing up the kitchen usually involves making sure everything is clean. In addition to your pots, pans, and tableware, thoroughly wash and dry your small countertop appliances. These might include your coffee pot, toaster, and air fryer.
Then, get to it! Check out these tips for how to pack moving bins in your kitchen:
- Use the burrito method for your glasses. Basically, roll each item in a couple sheets of packing paper and tuck the sides in tightly.
- Wrap your plates individually and place them vertically inside the moving crates. This method offers the best protection just in case the bin is dropped or jostled around during your move.
- Grab handfuls of silverware and wrap them together. Separate your forks, spoons, knives, etc. and carefully roll them in a few sheets of packing paper. For sharp knives, use extra paper and some tape. Then, write “KNIVES” in marker on the paper.
- Stack the unopened canned and boxed goods from your cabinets and pantry into the bins. Frozen and refrigerated items should go in a cooler, and you should transport them in your personal vehicle instead of on the moving truck.
Remember: don’t pack chemicals like cleaning solutions and bleach in the moving bins. Instead, try to use up any open bottles or jars and transport unopened containers in your personal vehicle.
Organizing and Packing the Bedrooms
The number of bedrooms in your home will largely drive how many rental moving totes you’ll need. Before you start tossing stuff into the bins, though, look around and see what you have lying around that you can use as boxes.
For example, pack your clothes into your suitcases and duffle bags. Then, use some vacuum bags to reduce the space your comforters and winter coats take up. And don’t worry about the hanging clothes in your closet just yet. On your moving day, the movers will bring some wardrobe boxes that make boxing up hanging items a breeze.
If you have small children, consider letting them get in on the fun of learning how to pack moving bins. Set aside a special tote for them to pack up their favorite stuffed animals and toys. Then, put together a “first night” bin for the entire family that contains the pajamas and bed linens you’ll need to unpack before everyone heads to bed for the first time in your new home.
Living Room Packing Tips
Everyone’s living room is different, so there’s no universally right way to pack this room up. However, we’ve got some general tips for you:
- Be careful when you pack your books. Bins with too many books get very heavy very quickly.
- Put heavy items like books and large candles on the bottom of the bins, then add lightweight items like blankets and decorative couch pillows.
- Unplug and dust off your electronics. Stash the cables in plastic baggies, and label each one for easy organization.
- Packing a computer or laptop may require special anti-static supplies, so you might have to consult your user manual or the manufacturer’s website for the best method.
It’s very difficult to accurately estimate how many bins you’ll need, especially in an area of your home like the living room. If you need another delivery of bins, packing paper, or other supplies, just contact your local supplier of eco-friendly moving materials.
Packing the Bathroom
Oftentimes, the bathroom is the last room to be packed. After all, you’ll need some toiletries like soap and toilet paper accessible right up until the very end of your move.
There are usually all sorts of lotions and potions in a bathroom, and that means there are a few additional things to learn about how to pack moving bins, such as:
- Tightly seal liquids like shampoo, conditioner, soaps, and lotions.
- Wipe off each bottle and jar, and consider putting them into plastic baggies before you place them inside your moving totes to prevent spills or leaks.
- Don’t pack your medications or any temperature-sensitive items into the bins. Instead, bring those with you in your personal car.
You’ll also want to set aside some items you’ll need the first night in your new place. Pack up your toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, soap, and some toilet paper into your “first night” bin. You’ll be glad you know exactly where to find these crucial items as soon as you walk in the door of your new home!
Not Sure How to Pack Moving Bins Efficiently? We’re Here to Help!
We’re dedicated to helping you have an outstanding moving experience, and that includes helping you learn how to pack moving bins efficiently. If you’re not sure how many supplies to order or have questions about best packing practices, no problem! We love to chat about our eco-friendly moving supplies.
Place your order or tell us about your move today!