Packing for a long distance move is different from packing for a local one. Your belongings will be in a truck for days, potentially traveling thousands of miles over highways, through weather, and across multiple temperature zones. Boxes that would survive a 20-minute local drive might not survive a 3-day cross-country haul.
Here's how to pack properly for the long haul.
The Basics: What You'll Need
Before you start, gather your materials:
- Boxes in multiple sizes — small (books, heavy items), medium (everyday items), large (light bulky items), wardrobe boxes (hanging clothes)
- Packing paper — for wrapping dishes, glassware, and fragile items
- Bubble wrap — for electronics, artwork, and anything irreplaceable
- Heavy-duty packing tape — at least 4–6 rolls
- Markers — label every box on the top and at least one side
- Mattress bags — one per mattress and box spring
- Stretch wrap — for protecting drawers, bundling items, and securing furniture
Room by Room
Kitchen
The kitchen is the most time-consuming room to pack and the highest-risk for breakage. Start here.
- Wrap each dish individually in packing paper — don't stack unwrapped
- Pack plates vertically (on their edge) — they're less likely to break
- Use dish pack boxes for extra cushioning on glassware
- Fill all empty space in boxes with crumpled packing paper — nothing should shift
- Pack appliances in their original boxes if you have them; otherwise wrap in moving blankets
- Defrost the refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move
Bedroom
- Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes — keeps them wrinkle-free
- Pack folded clothes in medium boxes; they're dense and heavy
- Mattress bags are essential for long distance — your mattress will be in that truck for days
- Disassemble bed frames and store hardware in labeled zip-lock bags taped to the frame
- Pack bedside lamps with shades removed; wrap bases individually
Living Room
- TVs should be in their original box if possible; otherwise use a TV-specific moving box
- Wrap picture frames and mirrors in corner protectors and packing paper; mark "FRAGILE GLASS"
- Disassemble sectional sofas if possible — they take up less truck space and are easier to protect
- Keep remote controls and cables together in a labeled bag
Home Office
- Back up your computer before anything else
- Take photos of all cable setups before disconnecting — you'll thank yourself later
- Pack monitors flat with bubble wrap on the screen side; mark "THIS SIDE UP"
- Keep important documents in a folder you carry personally — not on the truck
Garage and Storage
- Drain gasoline from lawn equipment, generators, and power tools — movers can't transport fuel
- Wrap power tool blades; pack sharp items carefully and label the box
- Sports equipment: deflate balls, disassemble what you can, bundle long items like skis together
- Use original boxes for large items where possible
Labeling — Don't Skip This
Good labeling makes unpacking dramatically easier and helps movers place boxes in the right rooms:
- Label every box on the top and one side
- Include the destination room AND a brief description: "Kitchen — pots and pans"
- Mark fragile boxes clearly on all sides
- Number your boxes and keep a master list — if something goes missing, you'll know immediately
What NOT to Pack
Some items can't legally travel on a moving truck, and others shouldn't for safety reasons:
- Gasoline, propane, paint, aerosols, and other flammables
- Firearms and ammunition (check specific regulations)
- Plants — many states restrict bringing plants across state lines
- Perishable food
- Irreplaceable documents — passports, birth certificates, financial records
- Jewelry and valuables — keep these with you
When It's Worth Hiring Packers
Packing a home takes longer than most people expect — an average 2-bedroom takes 15–20 hours. Consider professional packing if:
- You have a lot of fragile or high-value items
- Time is short and you can't dedicate a weekend to packing
- You have a large home (3+ bedrooms)
- You want the added protection that comes with professionally packed goods
Professional packing typically costs $1.00–$1.50 per cubic foot and includes all materials. For a 500 cu ft move, that's $500–$750 to never touch a roll of tape.