How to Pack Your Garage for a Move
Packing a garage for a move can be overwhelming, and it helps to start early. If you don’t have enough time to pack properly, hire a mover to help you handle the work. Leading local movers include packing and unpacking as part of their services. Here are a few tips to help you pack your garage for a move:
Throw Out What You Don’t Need
When packing a garage, the first thing to do is to sort out the items based on necessity. Many families use the garage as a depository for random items, so you probably have several items that need throwing out. Find out which items you don’t need to bring to your new garage and pack them separately. The goal is to throw away unwanted items responsibly. Speak to your local fire department or trash management company about disposing of aerosol cans, paint, thinners, propane tanks, fertilizer, cleaning supplies, and gas.
Place your unwanted items in heavy-duty construction trash bags and recycle bins. Sorting out the clutter saves more space in your moving truck and reduces the cost of moving. Dispose of items ruined by mold/mildew and refrigerated food items. Consider donating some items or organizing a garage sale to get rid of unused items.
Gather the Right Packing Supplies
Garage items tend to be heavy and oddly shaped. You need to pair the right boxes and supplies with the correct packing methods. Use containers with securely taped bottoms and add packing material to dampen accidental drops. You can also get creative with moving blankets. Working with local movers is a great way to gather the right supplies. Leading moving companies have everything you need for heavy, oddly shaped items that are hard to box. If you want to pack everything by yourself, consider the following supplies:
- Boxes: You need sturdy cardboard boxes designed for moving. Get them in various sizes for different items.
- Packing tape: Secure every box using tape to avoid spills. Focus on the box’s top and bottom to prevent splitting.
- Plastic containers: You can use plastic containers to hold heavy items that won’t fit safely inside cardboard boxes.
- Bubble wrap: Purchase bubble wrap to cover and protect your fragile garage items. You can also find biodegradable bubble wrap options.
- Moving blankets: Consider purchasing moving blankets from a moving company or a secondhand marketplace.
- Packing paper: You can use ordinary newspapers or purchase special packing paper to help provide padding.
Prioritize Safety to Prevent Accidents
Garage items can pose various challenges when packing, so you must prioritize safety. Separate all power tools from their power cords, batteries, and other attachments and store them in their original carrying cases. Drain oil or gas from your lawnmower, chainsaws, or other tools that use them. Wrap sharp-edged tools using packing paper, plastic bubble wraps, or moving blankets for extra protection. You can bundle similar items together and fill spaces with packing paper to prevent movement.
Pack screws, nails, and small items in plastic bags. Small hand tools, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and hammers can stay in securely locked toolboxes. Disassemble outdoor furniture, bikes, and other items and pack them in their original containers.
Clean, Pack, and Label Items
You can’t transport some items in a moving truck for safety reasons. Examples include aerosol cans, propane tanks, pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, car batteries, paint, and thinners. Liquid bleach and cleaning solvents are also not allowed. Pack these items separately to transport in your car. You can also separate items that you need right away after moving. Mark the boxes to know exactly where to look when you need them.
Consider packing key items in one box if they can fit. You can also clean dusty and oily items before packing them. Use a damp towel to wipe off cobwebs and dirt. This extra step may help keep your new garage clean when unpacking. The goal is to remove dust and superficial dirt for clean and easy transportation. Label all boxes and packages with a general description of the items within. You can also add information about the location where each box goes.
Work With Local Movers
Hiring local movers gives you the freedom to focus on settling in your new home and garage. Professional movers can handle everything from sorting, packing, and labeling to loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking. Movers also provide the necessary packing supplies and know what’s required for safe and convenient packing. Choose reputable movers with a clean track record of helping clients relocate.
