Packing Tips

What you’ll need (quick checklist)

• Boxes: small (books/cans), medium (kitchen/bath), large (linens), wardrobe boxes

• Protection: packing paper, bubble wrap, dish/glass dividers, mattress & TV boxes/bags

• Wrap & pads: moving blankets, stretch wrap, painter’s tape (for drawers/doors)

• Tape & tools: heavy-duty tape + tape gun, box cutter, scissors, markers

• Labels: color stickers (by room), “FRAGILE,” and “This Side Up” arrows

• Hardware bags: zip bags for screws/bolts (tape to the item)

Weight rule: keep boxes ≤ 50 lb (books in small boxes only).

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Simple timeline

• 2–3 weeks out: purge, donate, order supplies, start with storage/seasonal items.

• 1 week out: pack rarely used rooms; label by room + contents + priority.

• 2–3 days out: kitchen, décor, extra linens; stage First-Open boxes.

• Night before: essentials bag, phone/charger, meds, outfits, toiletries, pet kit.

• Move day: unplug, defrost fridge (24 hrs), take photos of cable setups, pack bedding.

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Label like a pro (this wins move day)

• Color-code by room (e.g., Kitchen = Blue, Primary = Green).

• Number each box and write: Room – Box # – Short contents – Priority (A/B/C).

• Put labels on two sides + top so they’re always visible.

Example: KITCHEN • Box 3/12 • Glasses & Mugs • A (FRAGILE)

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Room-by-room packing tips

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Kitchen

• Plates vertical like records (paper between each); glasses in cells or sleeves.

• Fill gaps with paper so nothing rattles. Heaviest items on the bottom.

• Tape knives in a sheath or wrap heavily and mark clearly.

• Keep a small “First-Open” kitchen box: coffee/tea, mugs, basic utensils, paper towels.

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Living room / electronics

• TVs: original box best; otherwise a TV moving box. Wrap screen with foam, never directly with bubble.

• Cables: photo the back of the TV/receiver, coil & bag per device, label each bag.

• Frames & mirrors: corner protectors + paper, then box; mark FRAGILE/This Side Up.

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Bedrooms

• Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes; drawers: remove loose items, don’t pack liquids.

• Mattresses in bags; tape bed hardware in a zip bag to the headboard.

• Pack one full “First-Night” box per person (outfit, toiletries, meds, charger).

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Bathroom

• Tape lids, bag liquids in zip bags, then box upright. Keep a “day-one” toiletries kit out.

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Garage / tools

• Drain fuel from mowers; no flammables/propane.

• Tool chests: empty heavy drawers; band with stretch wrap.

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Fragile & specialty items

• Pianos / safes / pool tables / aquariums: call us—these need pads, dollies, ramps, or partial disassembly.

• Art & antiques: glassine or soft paper, corner protectors, then a snug box; avoid newspaper on art (ink).

• Lamps & shades: remove bulbs/harp; shades in their own box—no heavy items on top.

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Furniture prep (fast & safe)

• Disassemble only what saves space or prevents stress (legs, headboards, table leaves).

• Bag & tape hardware to the item or put all bags in one clearly labeled “Hardware” box.

• Blankets first, then stretch wrap around dressers/wood to avoid tape residue.

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Appliances

• Fridge/freezer: empty, clean, defrost 24 hours prior; doors secured.

• Washer: insert shipping bolts if you have them.

• Gas appliances: disconnect/reconnect by a licensed pro.

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Load-day pointers (if you’re DIY-ing part of it)

• Stage boxes by room color near the exit.

• Load heaviest, square items first (appliances, dressers), then boxes, then soft items.

• Keep First-Open and Essentials for last-on/first-off.

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What not to pack (or ask us first)

• Hazardous/flammable: fuels, paints, aerosols, propane, solvents

• Perishables/live: open food, pets, many plants (especially long-distance)

• Loaded gun safes: must be empty

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Quick answers (FAQ)

Can I leave clothes in drawers?
Light clothing is usually fine if the dresser is sturdy; remove anything heavy/breakable.

Do movers pack for me?
Yes. We offer full-home or fragile-only packing with materials included.

How many boxes will I need?
Rough guide: 1-bedroom = ~20–30, 3-bedroom = ~60–90, plus wardrobes and specials.

What if I need same-day help?
Call—we often have same-day/next-day single-item or small-load availability.

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Need us to pack?

Prefer zero stress? Atta Boy’s insured packing team can bring materials, pack room-by-room, and label everything so unpacking is easy. Get a fast quote and we’ll take it from here.