Packing Tips for a Safe and Damage-Free Move

Packing properly is one of the most important steps in protecting your belongings during a move. At Sherpa Guys, we handle household moves every day, and we’ve seen firsthand how the right packing methods can prevent damage, delays, and unnecessary stress. Whether you’re packing yourself or preparing for professional movers, these tips will help ensure a safe, smooth move.

Wrap Dishes Properly to Prevent Breakage

Dishes are among the most fragile items in any home. Each plate, bowl, or glass should be wrapped individually using packing paper or bubble wrap.

Best practices for dishes:

• Wrap each item separately—never stack unwrapped dishes
• Use paper wrap or bubble wrap, not newspaper ink
• Place heavier items at the bottom of the box
• Add cushioning on all sides of the box

Once packed, nothing inside the box should move or wiggle. If you feel movement, add more padding before sealing the box.

Make Sure Boxes Are Fully Cushioned

One of the most common packing mistakes is leaving empty space inside boxes. Even sturdy boxes can fail if items shift during transport.

To prevent damage:

• Fill empty spaces with packing paper, bubble wrap, or towels
• Avoid overpacking—boxes should close flat
• Shake the box gently before taping; if anything moves, add more padding

A well-packed box should feel solid and stable, not loose.

TVs Must Be Packed in Proper TV Boxes

Televisions require special care. We strongly recommend packing TVs in:

• Their original TV boxes, or
• Replacement TV boxes available at stores like Home Depot or U-Haul

These boxes are designed with foam inserts that protect screens from pressure and impact. Wrapping a TV in blankets alone is not enough and greatly increases the risk of damage.

If you don’t have the right box, ask your movers for guidance before moving day.

Pack Clothing Smartly and Efficiently

Clothing is easier to pack than most items, but proper organization saves time later.

Tips for packing clothes:

• Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
• Fold and pack clothing into medium-sized boxes
• Line boxes with packing paper to keep clothes clean
• Label boxes by room or closet

This makes unpacking faster and keeps clothes wrinkle-free.

Protect Pictures, Mirrors, and Artwork

Framed items are highly vulnerable during a move. Always pack them vertically—not flat.

Best practices:

• Wrap frames with bubble wrap or cardboard
• Use picture or mirror boxes whenever possible
• Place cardboard between frames for extra protection
• Label boxes clearly as FRAGILE

Never stack heavy items on top of boxed artwork.

Label Boxes Clearly and Accurately

Labeling boxes helps both you and your movers handle items correctly. Each box should include:

• Destination room
• Contents (brief description)
• “Fragile” if applicable

Clear labels reduce mishandling and make unpacking far easier.

Don’t Overload Boxes

Heavier boxes are more likely to break or cause injuries. Keep boxes at a manageable weight by:

• Using small boxes for heavy items
• Medium boxes for dishes and books
• Large boxes for lightweight items only

A good rule of thumb: if it’s hard for you to lift, it’s probably too heavy.

Let Sherpa Guys Handle the Heavy Lifting

Proper packing makes all the difference—but having experienced movers matters just as much. Sherpa Guys provides professional residential moving services in Colorado Springs, with crews trained to handle fragile and valuable items safely.

If you have questions about packing or need help with boxes, moving, or junk removal before your move, we’re here to help.

👉 Contact Sherpa Guys today for a free moving estimate and stress-free service.