Packing is the most time-consuming part of any move, and how well you pack directly determines how safely your belongings arrive at your new home. While professional packers and movers have years of training, there are several clever techniques you can use whether you are packing yourself or simply want to help your moving crew work faster. These ten hacks come straight from InterCity's packing teams.
1. The Sock-in-Glass Technique for Stemware
Wine glasses and delicate stemware are among the most commonly broken items during a move. Instead of wrapping each glass in layers of paper, slide a clean sock over each glass. The sock cushions the bowl perfectly, protects the stem, and you save on bubble wrap while packing socks at the same time. Place them upright in a box with cardboard dividers between each glass.
2. Plastic Wrap Open Drawers Instead of Emptying Them
For dressers and desks with lightweight contents like clothes, stationery, or linens, you do not need to empty every drawer. Simply wrap the entire piece of furniture tightly with stretch plastic film so the drawers stay shut during transport. This saves packing time, reduces the number of boxes you need, and keeps things organized exactly as they were.
3. Use Towels and Bedsheets as Padding
You are already moving your towels, bed sheets, and blankets — so put them to work. Wrap fragile items like picture frames, mirrors, and ceramic vases in soft towels instead of buying extra bubble wrap. Stuff blankets between heavy items in boxes to prevent shifting. This dual-purpose approach saves money and space.
4. Thread Necklaces Through Straws to Prevent Tangling
Jewellery chains have a frustrating tendency to tangle during moves. Thread each necklace through a drinking straw, then clasp it shut. The rigid straw keeps the chain straight and tangle-free. For earrings, push them through a piece of cardboard and secure the backs on the other side.
5. Photograph Your Electronics Setup Before Disconnecting
Before unplugging your TV, router, gaming console, or home theatre system, take clear photographs of the cable setup from multiple angles. This takes thirty seconds but saves hours of frustration when you are trying to reconnect everything in your new home. Label each cable with masking tape for extra clarity.
6. Pack Plates Vertically Like Records
Plates are far less likely to break when packed vertically on their edge rather than stacked flat. Place a layer of bubble wrap or foam at the bottom and sides of a sturdy box, then slide each plate in upright with padding between them — the same way vinyl records are stored. This distributes impact force across the plate's strongest axis.
7. Use Egg Cartons for Small Valuables
Egg cartons are perfect for transporting small fragile items like earrings, cufflinks, small figurines, nuts and bolts from disassembled furniture, and tiny decorative objects. Each compartment cushions the item individually. Tape the carton shut and label it clearly.
8. Colour-Code Boxes by Room
Buy rolls of coloured tape or coloured stickers and assign one colour to each room — blue for bedroom, red for kitchen, green for living room, and so on. Mark each box with the corresponding colour. This allows the moving crew to place boxes in the correct rooms instantly at your new home without needing to read every label.
9. Fill Gaps in Boxes with Scrunchedup Newspaper
The number one cause of breakage is items shifting inside boxes during transit. After packing a box, shake it gently. If you hear movement, fill the empty spaces with scrunched-up newspaper, packing peanuts, or even clean socks and T-shirts. A properly filled box should feel solid when you shake it — nothing should move inside.
10. Pack a "First Night" Box Separately
After a long moving day, the last thing you want is to dig through twenty boxes to find your toothbrush. Pack a clearly labelled "First Night" box with essentials: toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items (kettle, mugs, tea, snacks), bed sheets, pillows, and a towel. Keep this box with you in your personal vehicle — not on the truck.
Let InterCity's Trained Packers Handle It
While these hacks help with self-packing, nothing beats professional hands. InterCity Packers and Movers provides trained packing crews who use premium five-ply boxes, multi-layer bubble wrap, custom wooden crating, and colour-coded labelling as standard practice on every move. Get your free packing estimate.