The Importance of Proper Packing for Your Move in Los Angeles

Packing is one of the most essential parts of a smooth move. When done correctly, it helps protect your belongings, keeps everything organized, and prevents last-minute unpacking stress. 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 Los Angeles move, you can protect your belongings and make the process smooth and efficient.

General Guidelines for Packing a Home in Los Angeles, CA

No matter the size of your home, having a strategic plan can make packing easier. Start with these essential guidelines before getting into 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 make unpacking easier.
• Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom – This makes boxes more stable and prevents damage.
• Use Padding for Fragile Items – Add cushioning around fragile pieces for extra protection.
• Create a First-Night Box – Pack essentials like toiletries, chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes.

Now, let's explore how to pack each room efficiently.

How to Pack a Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to pack due to delicate items and bulky appliances. Follow these steps:

• Use Small Boxes for Heavy Items – Pots, pans, and canned goods should go in smaller boxes for easier lifting.
• Individually cushion glassware – Use bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage.
• Pack knives safely – Wrap knives in towels and hold them in place with rubber bands before packing.
• Place appliances back in their original packaging – If available, use the manufacturer’s packaging for safety.
• Pack food items tightly to avoid spills – Avoid spills by packing opened food in sealed zipper 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 mix of furniture, electronics, and decorative items. Here’s how to pack it efficiently:

• Take apart bigger furniture pieces – Remove legs from tables and wrap cushions separately.
• Safeguard electronics – Use original boxes for TVs and consoles if possible, or use thick blankets to wrap them.
• Wrap Picture Frames and Artwork – 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:

• 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:

• Transfer Hanging Clothes to Wardrobe Boxes – Avoid wrinkling clothes by transferring them straight to hanging boxes.
• Use Vacuum Bags for Seasonal Garments – Use less space by vacuum-sealing clothes you don’t need immediately.
• Use Mattress Covers to Avoid Damage – Prevent damage from dirt and moisture with mattress bags.
• Keep Jewelry in Individual Containers – 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. Use these tips for efficient packing:

• Dispose of Expired Products – Dispose of old medications and half-used toiletries before packing.
• Seal Liquids in Plastic Bags – Prevent leaks by storing shampoos, lotions, and soaps in sealed plastic bags.
• Wrap Fragile Items – Use towels to protect perfume bottles and glass containers.
• Store towels and linens in large bags – Use them to pad other fragile items.
• Pack bathroom essentials in a handy bag – Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other necessities should be within easy reach.

Packing Supplies for a Bathroom:

• Resealable plastic bags for toiletries
• 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 important tech gear and paperwork. Follow these tips to protect your office:

• Back Up Electronic Documents – Save personal data to the cloud or an external hard drive before packing.
• Protect Computers and Displays – Wrap screens in foam and pack in sturdy boxes.
• Organize Important Documents – Keep legal paperwork, financial records, and personal documents in a fireproof safe.
• Keep Cords Organized – Label cords and store them in separate bags to avoid tangling.
• Use Small Boxes for Heavy Books – 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. Use these tips for efficient garage packing:

• Get Rid of Hazardous Materials – Paints, propane, and chemicals should be disposed of properly as movers cannot transport them.
• Drain Fuel from Equipment – Lawn mowers, snow blowers, and power tools must be emptied before transport.
• Use Plastic Bins for Small Tools – Keep nails, screws, and hand tools organized in labeled containers.
• Wrap Sharp Objects Securely – Protect 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:

• Rugged storage containers
• 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, keep these additional tips in mind:

• Set Aside a First-Night Box – Include items like medications, snacks, pet food, phone chargers, and a fresh set of clothes.
• Take Photos Before Packing Electronics – This helps you reconnect cables correctly in your new home.
• Use Soft Items as Padding – Blankets, clothing, and towels can be used to protect delicate items.
• Complete One Room Before Moving to the Next – Keep yourself organized by focusing on one room before moving to the next.

Need Help with Packing in Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles to make your move stress-free. Whether you need full-service packing or just help with fragile items, our team is here to assist. Give us a call at (323) 379-0774 for a free moving quote with a packing estimate and let us handle the hard work for you!