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Top Packing Mistakes When Moving in 2025 (And How to Avoid Them)

Last Updated: February 2025

Moving to a new home is exciting, but packing can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re not careful. After helping thousands of families move throughout Texas since 1996, we’ve seen every packing mistake imaginable—and we’re here to help you avoid them.

Whether you’re moving across Austin, relocating to another Texas city, or making a long-distance move, proper packing is essential to protecting your belongings and ensuring a smooth relocation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the 10 most common packing mistakes people make when moving in 2025 and exactly how to avoid them.

Why Proper Packing Matters

Before we dive into the mistakes, let’s understand why packing correctly is so important:

• Protects your belongings from damage during transport
• Saves you money by preventing broken items
• Makes unpacking easier in your new home
• Speeds up the moving process for professional movers
• Reduces stress on moving day
• Prevents injuries from improperly packed boxes

Now, let’s look at the top 10 packing mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Starting Too Late (The #1 Mistake)

The Mistake:

Waiting until the week before your move—or worse, the night before—to start packing. This is by far the most common packing mistake we see, especially with last-minute moves in Austin and surrounding areas.

Why It’s a Problem:

• You rush and pack carelessly, leading to broken items
• You can’t find essential items when you need them
• You end up paying movers extra for packing services at the last minute
• You experience unnecessary stress and anxiety
• You may not have time to declutter or organize properly

How to Avoid It:

Start packing 4-6 weeks before your move date. Here’s a timeline:

6 Weeks Out:

• Begin with storage areas (attic, garage, basement)
• Pack seasonal items you won’t need
• Sort through and donate unwanted items

4 Weeks Out:

• Pack decorative items, books, and collectibles
• Pack guest rooms and spare spaces
• Continue decluttering

2 Weeks Out:

• Pack most of the kitchen (keep essentials)
• Pack bedrooms except daily-use items
• Pack bathrooms except toiletries

1 Week Out:

• Pack remaining non-essentials
• Prepare an “essentials box” for moving day
• Pack most clothing

Moving Day:

• Pack final toiletries and daily items
• Disassemble furniture as needed

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, consider our professional packing services at Apache Moving. We can pack your entire home in just 1-2 days, saving you weeks of work.

2. Using the Wrong Boxes or Not Enough Boxes

The Mistake:

Using random boxes from the grocery store, old damaged boxes, or boxes that are too large. Or worse—not getting enough boxes and having to make emergency runs during packing.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Weak boxes collapse during the move, damaging contents
• Oversized boxes become too heavy to lift safely
• Irregular box sizes waste truck space
• You waste time making multiple trips for more boxes
• Grocery store boxes may have food residue or pests

How to Avoid It:

Use proper moving boxes in the right sizes:

Small Boxes (1.5 cubic feet):

• Books and heavy items
• CDs, DVDs, and media
• Canned goods
• Small appliances

Medium Boxes (3.0 cubic feet):

• Kitchen items and dishes
• Toys and games
• Small electronics
• Clothing and linens

Large Boxes (4.5 cubic feet):

• Pillows and bedding
• Lampshades
• Lightweight bulky items
• Towels and linens

Specialty Boxes:

• Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
• Dish pack boxes with dividers for glassware
• Picture/mirror boxes for artwork
• TV boxes for flat-screen televisions

How Many Boxes Do You Need?

• Studio/1-Bedroom: 15-25 boxes
• 2-Bedroom: 30-40 boxes
• 3-Bedroom: 50-75 boxes
• 4-Bedroom: 75-100+ boxes

Pro Tip: It’s always better to have 10-20 extra boxes than to run short. You can always return unused boxes or save them for storage.

3. Overpacking Boxes (Making Them Too Heavy)

The Mistake:

Filling large boxes completely with heavy items like books, dishes, or tools, creating boxes that weigh 60-80+ pounds.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Risk of serious injury to yourself or movers
• Boxes break open from excessive weight
• Movers charge extra for overweight boxes
• Takes much longer to load the truck
• Increases risk of dropping and damaging contents

How to Avoid It:

Follow the 50-pound rule: No box should weigh more than 50 pounds (preferably 30-40 pounds).

Packing Heavy Items:

• Use small boxes for books, tools, and weights
• Fill only halfway, then add lightweight items on top
• Use medium boxes and don’t fill completely
• Distribute weight evenly

The Book Box Strategy:

• Use small boxes only
• Pack books spine-down or lying flat
• Fill 2/3 full, then add soft items on top
• Tape bottom extra securely

Test Before Sealing:

• Lift each box before taping it shut
• If you can’t lift it comfortably, it’s too heavy
• Remove items and repack into multiple boxes

Pro Tip: Our professional movers are trained to safely handle heavy items, but even we appreciate properly packed boxes that won’t break or cause injuries!

4. Not Labeling Boxes Properly (or At All)

The Mistake:

Either not labeling boxes at all, or just writing vague labels like “Kitchen” or “Stuff” without any details about contents or destination room.

Why It’s a Problem:

• You can’t find essential items when you need them
• Movers don’t know where to place boxes in your new home
• Unpacking takes 2-3 times longer
• Fragile items may not be handled carefully
• You might never find important items

How to Avoid It:

Use a comprehensive labeling system:

What to Include on Every Label:

1. Destination room (Kitchen, Master Bedroom, etc.)
2. General contents (Pots & Pans, Winter Clothes)
3. Fragile warning if applicable (FRAGILE – Handle with Care)
4. Which side is up (THIS SIDE UP with arrow)
5. Priority level (OPEN FIRST, Open Within 1 Week, Storage)

Example Good Labels:

• “MASTER BEDROOM – Bedding & Pillows – OPEN FIRST”
• “KITCHEN – Everyday Dishes – FRAGILE”
• “GARAGE – Tools & Hardware – Heavy”
• “KIDS ROOM #1 (Emma) – Toys & Books”

Labeling Best Practices:

• Label on top AND sides (so you can see from any angle)
• Use large, clear handwriting or printed labels
• Use different colored labels for each room
• Number boxes (Box 1 of 45, etc.) to track everything
• Create a master inventory list

Color-Coding System:

• Red: Kitchen
• Blue: Master Bedroom
• Green: Living Room
• Yellow: Bathroom
• Orange: Kids’ Rooms
• Purple: Garage/Storage

Pro Tip: Take photos of electronics and their cable connections before unplugging. Label cables with matching numbered tags so setup is easy in your new home.

5. Failing to Protect Fragile Items

The Mistake:

Not using enough cushioning material, wrapping fragile items inadequately, or packing delicate items with heavy objects.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Broken dishes, glassware, and collectibles
• Damaged electronics and appliances
• Cracked picture frames and mirrors
• Shattered family heirlooms and antiques
• Costly replacements and insurance claims

How to Avoid It:

Proper packing materials for fragile items:

Essential Packing Materials:

• Bubble wrap (large and small bubble)
• Packing paper (unprinted newsprint)
• Foam sheets and foam peanuts
• Dish pack boxes with dividers
• Specialty boxes for mirrors and TVs
• Packing tape (3″ wide, not scotch tape)

How to Pack Fragile Items:

Dishes and Plates:

1. Wrap each plate individually in packing paper
2. Stack wrapped plates vertically (on edge, not flat)
3. Place in dish pack box with dividers
4. Fill gaps with crumpled paper
5. Add layer of bubble wrap on top
6. Label “FRAGILE – KITCHEN DISHES”

Glassware and Stemware:

1. Wrap each glass in multiple sheets of paper
2. Stuff paper inside the glass for support
3. Wrap stems separately with extra padding
4. Use cell dividers in dish boxes
5. Never pack glasses lying down
6. Fill all empty space with packing material

Electronics:

1. Use original boxes if possible
2. Wrap in anti-static bubble wrap
3. Remove batteries from devices
4. Take photos of all cable connections
5. Pack power cords in labeled bags
6. Use plenty of cushioning

Picture Frames and Mirrors:

1. Use specialty picture boxes
2. Wrap in bubble wrap completely
3. Use cardboard corner protectors
4. Mark “FRAGILE – GLASS” clearly
5. Pack vertically, never flat
6. Don’t stack heavy items on top

The 3-Inch Rule: Every fragile item should have at least 3 inches of cushioning material on all sides.

Pro Tip: For extremely valuable or irreplaceable items (family heirlooms, fine china, artwork), consider our white glove packing service for maximum protection.

6. Not Decluttering Before Packing

The Mistake:

Packing everything you own without taking time to sort, donate, or discard items you no longer need or want.

Why It’s a Problem:

• You pay to move things you’ll just throw away later
• Takes longer to pack and unpack
• Costs more in moving fees (charged by weight/volume)
• Your new home becomes cluttered immediately
• Wastes packing materials and boxes

How to Avoid It:

Declutter BEFORE you start packing using the four-box method:

Four-Box Decluttering Method:

1. Keep – Items you use and love
2. Donate – Good condition items you don’t need
3. Sell – Valuable items you can sell online or at garage sale
4. Trash – Broken, worn out, or unusable items

What to Declutter:

Clothing:

• Haven’t worn in 12+ months
• Doesn’t fit or out of style
• Stained, damaged, or worn out
• Duplicate items (12 black t-shirts?)

Kitchen:

• Duplicate utensils and tools
• Broken or chipped dishes
• Small appliances you never use
• Expired food and spices

Books and Media:

• Books you won’t read again
• Outdated textbooks and manuals
• DVDs/CDs you can stream
• Old magazines and newspapers

Furniture:

• Won’t fit in new home
• Worn out or damaged beyond repair
• Outdated styles you don’t like
• Duplicate pieces

The 12-Month Rule: If you haven’t used it in 12 months, seriously consider whether you need it.

Austin Donation Centers:

• Goodwill (multiple Austin locations)
• Salvation Army
• Austin Resource Recovery
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• SafePlace Thrift Boutique

Pro Tip: Moving is the perfect time to start fresh! The average household can reduce moving costs by 20-30% by decluttering before the move.

7. Packing Without a Plan or System

The Mistake:

Randomly packing rooms without a logical order, mixing items from different rooms, or packing essential items too early.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Can’t find what you need before the move
• Unpacking is chaotic and disorganized
• Similar items end up in multiple boxes
• Essential items get packed away too soon
• Takes much longer to settle into new home

How to Avoid It:

Follow a strategic packing order:

Week 6-5 (First to Pack):

1. Storage areas (attic, basement, garage storage)
2. Guest rooms and spare bedrooms
3. Seasonal decorations
4. Off-season clothing
5. Rarely used items

Week 4-3:

6. Living room decorations and books
7. Dining room china and formal items
8. Home office (keep computer setup)
9. Hobby and craft supplies
10. Extra linens and towels

Week 2:

11. Most of kitchen (keep essentials)
12. Bedrooms (keep one week of clothes)
13. Bathrooms (keep daily toiletries)
14. Kids’ toys (keep favorites)

Week 1:

15. Remaining kitchen items
16. Most clothing
17. Most bathroom items
18. Outdoor items

Moving Day:

19. Essentials box (last to pack, first to unpack)
20. Daily toiletries
21. Beds and bedding
22. Final odds and ends

The One-Room Rule: Pack one room completely before moving to the next. This keeps things organized and prevents mixing items.

Create an Essentials Box – Pack items you’ll need immediately:

• Toiletries and medications
• Phone chargers
• Important documents
• Change of clothes
• Snacks and water
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Basic tools (screwdriver, scissors)
• Pet supplies if applicable

Pro Tip: Keep all important documents (passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, moving contracts) in a folder or box that travels with you in your car, not on the moving truck.

8. Not Using Proper Packing Techniques

The Mistake:

Simply throwing items into boxes without proper wrapping, cushioning, or strategic placement. Not filling empty spaces, leaving boxes half-empty, or stacking items incorrectly.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Items shift and break during transport
• Half-empty boxes collapse when stacked
• Damage to contents from improper packing
• Wasted space means more boxes needed
• Professional movers may refuse improperly packed boxes

How to Avoid It:

Master these essential packing techniques:

The Heavy-to-Light Layering Method:

1. Pack heaviest items on the bottom
2. Medium-weight items in the middle
3. Lightest items on top
4. Fill all empty spaces with packing material

The No-Empty-Space Rule:

• Every box should be full but not overpacked
• Fill gaps with crumpled paper, bubble wrap, or towels
• Boxes shouldn’t bulge or have collapsed sides
• Test by gently shaking—nothing should move inside

Proper Box Reinforcement:

• Use packing tape, not duct tape or masking tape
• Tape bottom in an “H” pattern for strength
• Use 3-4 strips of tape on bottom of heavy boxes
• Tape top securely after filling

Clothing Packing Techniques:

Wardrobe Boxes (Best Method):

• Leave clothes on hangers
• Transfer directly from closet to box
• Protects clothes from wrinkles
• Quick to pack and unpack

Suitcases and Duffel Bags:

• Fill suitcases with folded clothes
• Use for heavy items like shoes and books
• Maximizes space and reduces boxes needed

Kitchen Packing Techniques:

Pots and Pans:

• Nest smaller pots inside larger ones
• Place paper between nested items
• Pack pot lids separately or cushioned
• Fill empty space with kitchen towels

Small Appliances:

• Wrap in bubble wrap or towels
• Remove glass carafes and pack separately
• Keep cords attached but wrapped
• Use original boxes if available

The Bundle Wrap Technique:

• Wrap 3-5 plates together in one bundle
• Saves packing paper
• Faster than individual wrapping
• Still provides protection

Pro Tip: Professional movers pack differently than homeowners. If you want your items packed like the pros, consider using our expert packing services at Apache Moving.

9. Forgetting to Pack a “First Day” Essentials Box

The Mistake:

Packing everything without setting aside items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Then spending hours searching through boxes for basic necessities.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Can’t find toiletries for bedtime
• No clean clothes for next day
• Can’t make beds without linens
• No toilet paper or paper towels
• Can’t find phone chargers
• No tools to assemble furniture
• Hungry with no dishes or utensils

How to Avoid It:

Pack a clearly labeled “OPEN FIRST” essentials box (or boxes) for each family member:

Bathroom Essentials:

• Toilet paper (full pack)
• Hand soap and hand towels
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Shampoo and body wash
• Towels for each person
• Medications (keep with you)
• First aid kit

Kitchen Essentials:

• Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils
• Paper towels and napkins
• Dish soap and sponge
• Coffee maker and coffee
• Basic snacks and bottled water
• Can opener
• Trash bags

Bedroom Essentials:

• Sheets and pillows for each bed
• Blanket for each person
• Pajamas and change of clothes
• Phone chargers (keep separate)
• Alarm clock

Cleaning Essentials:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfecting wipes
• Vacuum or broom
• Mop and bucket
• Cleaning rags
• Air freshener

Tools & Hardware:

• Screwdriver set
• Hammer
• Box cutter/scissors
• Tape measure
• Command hooks
• Flashlight and batteries
• Extension cord

Important Documents (KEEP WITH YOU):

• Lease or closing documents
• Moving contract and inventory
• Passports and IDs
• Insurance papers
• Medical records
• Pet records
• School records
• Financial documents

The 24-Hour Rule: Pack enough essentials to comfortably live for 24 hours without unpacking any other boxes.

Pro Tip: Use clear plastic bins for essentials boxes so you can see contents without opening. These also stack nicely and can be reused for storage later.

10. Not Preparing Furniture and Large Items Properly

The Mistake:

Leaving furniture assembled, not protecting furniture surfaces, forgetting to empty drawers, or not measuring doorways and furniture dimensions.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Furniture gets scratched, dented, or broken
• Takes longer to move and load truck
• May not fit through doorways assembled
• Wastes truck space inefficiently
• Contents of drawers spill and break
• Damage to walls and doorways

How to Avoid It:

Properly prepare all furniture before moving day:

Disassemble Large Furniture:

What to Disassemble:

• Bed frames (headboards, footboards, rails)
• Dining tables (remove legs if possible)
• Desks (remove legs if attached)
• Bookshelves (remove shelves)
• Entertainment centers
• Outdoor furniture

Disassembly Best Practices:

• Take photos before disassembling
• Keep all hardware in labeled ziplock bags
• Tape bags to the furniture piece
• Keep assembly instructions
• Label which piece goes where
• Use masking tape for cables/wires

Empty All Drawers:

• Remove all contents from dressers
• Empty desk and nightstand drawers
• Take out silverware dividers
• Remove items from cabinets
• Clear out storage ottomans

Exception: Small, lightweight items in sturdy dressers MAY be left in drawers if:

• Items are soft (socks, t-shirts, linens)
• Drawer is full and items won’t shift
• Furniture is wood (not particle board)
• Movers approve beforehand

Protect Furniture Surfaces:

• Wrap furniture in moving blankets
• Use plastic wrap for upholstered items
• Cover mattresses with mattress bags
• Protect glass tabletops with cardboard
• Cushion furniture corners and edges
• Use furniture pads under legs

Measure Everything:

• Measure all doorways in both homes
• Measure large furniture pieces
• Measure stairways and hallways
• Check ceiling heights
• Plan furniture placement before moving day

The 2-Inch Rule: Furniture should have at least 2 inches of clearance on all sides to fit through doorways safely.

Pro Tip: Our professional movers at Apache Moving come equipped with all furniture protection materials and have years of experience safely disassembling and reassembling furniture. We also provide furniture assembly services if you’d rather not deal with the hassle!

When to Hire Professional Packers

Sometimes DIY packing isn’t the best option. Consider professional packing services if:

• You’re short on time (moving in less than 2 weeks)
• You have many fragile or valuable items
• You’re elderly or have physical limitations
• You have a large home (3+ bedrooms)
• You’re making a long-distance move
• You want insurance coverage for packing
• You’re too busy with work or family
• You simply don’t want the stress

Apache Moving Packing Services:

• Full-service packing (entire home)
• Partial packing (specific rooms or items)
• Fragile-only packing
• Custom crating for valuable items
• All packing materials included
• Professional packing techniques
• Faster and safer than DIY

Contact us at (512) 280-3388 for a free packing quote.

Your Austin Area Moving Checklist

Moving in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, or surrounding areas? Here’s your complete packing timeline:

8 Weeks Before:

• Get moving quotes from companies like Apache Moving
• Create moving budget
• Start decluttering
• Gather packing supplies

6 Weeks Before:

• Begin packing storage areas
• Donate unwanted items
• Order specialty boxes
• Start packing non-essentials

4 Weeks Before:

• Pack seasonal items
• Pack decorations and books
• Label all boxes clearly
• Confirm moving date

2 Weeks Before:

• Pack most of kitchen
• Pack bedrooms (except essentials)
• Pack garage and outdoor items
• Prepare essentials boxes

1 Week Before:

• Pack remaining items
• Defrost freezer
• Disconnect electronics
• Clean as you pack

Moving Day:

• Pack final toiletries
• Load essentials in car
• Final walkthrough
• Lock up and head to new home!

Get Professional Help with Your Austin Move

Don’t let packing mistakes ruin your moving experience! Apache Moving and Storage has been helping Austin families move since 1996. We offer:

• Professional packing services – Full or partial packing
• Quality packing materials – Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and more
• Expert movers – Trained, background-checked professionals
• Transparent pricing – No hidden fees or surprise charges
• Licensed & insured – TxDMV No. 006303688C
• Local expertise – We know Austin inside and out
• Storage solutions – Climate-controlled facilities available

Serving Austin and Surrounding Areas:

• Austin (all neighborhoods)
• Round Rock
• Cedar Park
• Leander
• Georgetown
• Pflugerville
• Kyle
• Buda
• And all surrounding communities

Get 20% off your move when you book online!

Call (512) 280-3388 or request a free quote today.

Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Move Easy

Packing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes and following our expert tips, you’ll have a much smoother, less stressful moving experience.

Remember:

• Start early (4-6 weeks before moving day)
• Use proper materials (quality boxes and packing supplies)
• Pack strategically (room by room, heavy to light)
• Label everything (room, contents, handling instructions)
• Protect fragile items (bubble wrap, packing paper, specialty boxes)
• Declutter first (don’t move things you don’t need)
• Stay organized (follow a packing plan)
• Ask for help (professional packers when needed)

Whether you choose to pack yourself or hire Apache Moving’s professional packing services, the most important thing is to plan ahead and avoid these common packing mistakes.

Ready to make your move? Contact Apache Moving and Storage today!

About Apache Moving and Storage

Apache Moving and Storage has been Austin’s trusted moving company since 1996. We’re a locally owned and operated Texas moving company specializing in residential moves, commercial relocations, long-distance moving, and storage solutions. Our team of professional movers serves Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and all surrounding areas with affordable, reliable moving services.

Contact us today:
📞 Phone: (512) 280-3388
🌐 Website: apachemoving.net
📍 Location: Serving greater Austin area

Have questions about packing or moving? Contact us and our moving experts will help!

There’s nothing like a moving sale to help you get rid of old furniture, clothing, books and other items that have been gathering dust in your garage. You can find new homes for all of your unwanted belongings and keep them out of the landfill, and at the same time, earn a little cash you can use for your moving expenses.

How to have a successful moving sale and handy moving sale tips:

• Make room in your garage or spare bedroom to collect items for sale. Encourage every member of your family, even kids, to contribute to your sale items ahead of time.

• Get your friends and neighbors involved! Larger, multi-family sales tend to draw more buyers… and they’re a lot more fun!

• Start planning about three weeks ahead, and keep in mind that most yard sales are on Saturdays. Be sure to post the times for your sale on your advertising, but expect early birds and be ready for them.

• Consider your location carefully. Make sure you have enough space to set up your tables and other items. Your customers will also need places to park. It’s ideal if your location is close to an intersection or in a high-traffic area, and if your home isn’t suitable, you might ask a friend or neighbor if they can host it for you.

• Check all of the pockets in your clothing, especially jeans and coats. You don’t want to leave money, gift cards or jewelry for the next owner to find.

• Make sure to advertise.  Make large, legible signs for telephone poles, or have a few yard signs printed with directional arrows. You can put an ad in Craigslist, your neighborhood newsletter, and other local publications. And don’t forget to tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

• Be prepared to haggle. Remember that your goal is to get rid of everything you don’t need, not make tons of money. By being flexible on prices, you can make sure not to have anything left over at the end.

Check out these resources for promoting your moving sale:

• Advertise your moving sale or individual items on Craigslist.
• Include your sale on a Garage Sale Locator map like GSalR.com.

Apache Moving & Storage proudly serves the Austin area with three convenient locations: Austin, Round Rock, and Leander. Our Austin location is centrally situated to cater to the bustling heart of the city, while our Round Rock and Leander locations extend our exceptional services to the surrounding communities. To schedule your move or inquire further, contact us at 512-280-3388 or visit our website for more details. We are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service and value your feedback, so be sure to check out our reviews online to see why our clients trust us with their moving needs. To make your move seamless and stress-free, we offer free walkthroughs to assess your moving needs and provide an accurate estimate. If you’re planning a move, remember the important questions to ask moving companies to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Our experienced and professional team is ready to answer all your queries and provide personalized moving solutions tailored to your unique requirements. Whether you are moving locally or long-distance, we have the expertise and resources to handle every aspect of your move with care and efficiency. Trust Apache Moving & Storage for all your relocation needs, and experience the difference of working with a top-rated moving company. Don’t forget to visit our packing materials page for high-quality supplies that ensure the safety and security of your belongings during transit. Contact us today for 20% off any move and a free moving quote!

When it’s time to move, don’t sacrifice your family heirlooms and antiques to a sloppy packing job. A little time and the proper supplies means the most fragile items can make it through your moving day unscathed!

Here are some of our best tips and recommendations at Apache Moving and Storage in Austin on how to pack fragile items for moving:

• Make time to pack. Don’t save fragile items to the night before moving day.
• Obtain proper supplies.
• Use strong boxes or plastic cartons. Don’t take a chance that a box will fall apart!
• Cushion the bottom, sides and top of all boxes.
• Do not over-pack boxes with dishes or kitchen items, which tend to be very heavy.
• Layer your dishes with bubble wrap and create bundles of three that are wrapped all over with bubble wrap; place in box on edges rather than flat.
• Wrap glasses individually, with crumpled paper or bubble wrap inside as well as outside. Use cardboard separators or pack with padding between glasses.
• Wrap all picture frames with packing paper (not newspaper!) and place on edge in padded box. Large frames over 3 feet should be wrapped and carried separately.
• Antiques and odd-sized items should be wrapped individually in bubble wrap, using tape to secure the wrap. Then wrap sheets of cardboard or flattened boxes around the items to provide additional bulk and shock-absorption, and place items in cushioned boxes.
• Mark all boxes FRAGILE and make sure movers or family members handle these boxes with care.
• Consider purchasing specialty packing boxes and other materials for your fragile items.

When you’re ready to start packing, contact us, your Austin movers at Apache Moving and Storage, for all of your boxes and other packing materials.  Call (512) 452-4799 to speak with us about your next move!

For more ideas on packing, you might also enjoy these sites:

Packing delicate items from About.com

Packing Tips from the Container Store

Moving day is almost here, and you have large appliances that will be joining you at your new home. Did you know you can prepare your refrigerator, stove, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher and other large appliances ahead of time, to make moving day easier?
At Apache Moving & Storage, we have several tips for how to prep for moving appliances in advance to make sure your machines remain undamaged and arrive in their new homes safe and sound.

• Clean out all appliances thoroughly.

• For ovens, use approved oven cleaners, and be sure to remove all external grease.
• For refrigerators, remove all food (pack perishables in coolers with ice), and unplug the unit a day in advance. Allow freezer to fully defrost (and be prepared for drainage if your freezer is not a frost-free model by placing towels in the compartment or on the floors).
• For all appliances: wipe down exteriors and make sure interiors are clean and completely dry.

• Remove racks and any other removable parts, or secure in place. Knobs should be removed or taped securely to the unit.
• Disconnect from water lines, power, or gas. For stoves and gas dryers, make sure the gas is turned off to the building before disconnecting. Your local gas company can assist with this process if you need help.
• Washers and dryers often have additional parts that need special care. For all models, you should refer to the owners manual or consult a professional before disconnecting and moving these items.
• Secure the power cord to the machine using packing tape.
• Tape lids and doors shut. For refrigerators, you can use a piece of cardboard or styrofoam to prop the door open an inch or so, and then tape it shut. This allows ventilation and prevents mildew.

When moving day comes around, our staff of friendly, professional Austin movers at Apache Moving & Storage will handle all of your heavy lifting, making sure your appliances make it to your new home safe and sound. Contact Apache Moving & Storage at (512) 452-4799 for a free quote and 20% off your next move!

For more help:

• WikiHow has a great article with additional tips on on how to move a refrigerator.
• If you need an owner’s manual for one of your appliances, check out Appliances411.com!