Pack Like a Pro: 15 Things Movers Hate to See (and How to Avoid Them)
- movingiscool
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Moving day is chaotic enough without fighting with a box of books or a mystery pile of loose screws. Professional movers like things simple, safe, and predictable — and when your packing makes their job harder, it can slow the move, increase the chance of damage, and sometimes add extra fees. This guide covers the 15 most common packing mistakes movers hate to see and exactly how to avoid them. Read fast, pack smarter, and shave minutes (and stress) off moving day.
1. Overstuffed boxes that burst open
Why movers hate it: They’re heavy, unstable, and can spill mid-carry.Fix: Use appropriately sized boxes. Keep heavy items in small boxes and fill gaps with packing paper or clothes. Tape seams generously.
2. Heavy items in huge boxes
Why movers hate it: A single heavy box is painful and unsafe to lift.Fix: Put books, tools, and canned goods in small boxes (30–40 lbs max). Use large boxes only for light, bulky items like pillows and bedding.
3. Unlabeled or vague boxes
Why movers hate it: Lack of labels wastes time and leads to misplaced items.Fix: Label each box with room name and a quick contents list. Use color-coded tape or large sticky labels for speed.
4. Random loose items in drawers and dressers
Why movers hate it: Jewelry, screws, and utensils fall out and get lost.Fix: Empty drawers when possible. If you keep items inside, tape drawers shut and label them “FRAGILE—Dresser Contents Inside.”
5. Doors, handles, and legs still attached
Why movers hate it: They make bulky pieces impossible to angle through doorways.Fix: Remove detachable legs, cushions, and removable hardware. Place screws in labeled plastic bags and tape to the item.
6. No protection for furniture edges and banisters
Why movers hate it: Scratches and dents happen fast in tight stairwells.Fix: Wrap banisters, corners, and edges with moving blankets, corrugated board, or corner guards. Secure with stretch wrap.
7. Fragile items without clear marking
Why movers hate it: Fragile = special care needed. If it’s not obvious, it doesn’t get it.Fix: Mark boxes prominently “FRAGILE” and note orientation (“THIS SIDE UP”). Use extra padding and double-box prized items.
8. Appliances still full (or not prepped)
Why movers hate it: Spills, broken shelves, and electrical problems are common.Fix: Defrost fridges 24–48 hours before moving, secure doors, and remove loose parts. Disconnect and drain washers and dryers as required.
9. Wobbly furniture or loose hardware
Why movers hate it: A loose dresser can come apart mid-stair carry.Fix: Tighten screws, use straps to stabilize tall pieces, and secure doors with tape that won’t damage finish.
10. Glass and mirrors unprotected
Why movers hate it: One shock and glass shatters; shards are dangerous.Fix: Use mirror boxes, edge protectors, and bubble wrap. Pack vertical and label clearly.
11. Boxes with no weight estimate
Why movers hate it: Surprises = injuries.Fix: Put a rough weight on the label (e.g., “20 lb”) so movers can choose the right team and tools.
12. Loose cords and electronics not bundled
Why movers hate it: Tangled cords slow setup and risk damage.Fix: Take photos of cable setups, unplug and bundle cords, place connectors in labeled bags, and tape to the device.
13. Items packed in trash bags
Why movers hate it: Trash bags tear and don’t stack.Fix: Use boxes or wardrobe boxes. For clothes, use wardrobe boxes or large sealed plastic bins.
14. Expecting movers to pack everything last-minute
Why movers hate it: Packing is a separate, time-consuming service.Fix: Pack as much as you can in advance. If you want movers to pack, book a packing service—expect extra time and cost.
15. Hidden valuables and unclear instructions
Why movers hate it: Hidden cash, documents, or keys cause delays and liability concerns.Fix: Keep valuables and important documents with you. Provide a clear inventory or list for special items and give movers any specific handling instructions in writing.
Quick packing hacks movers love
Use color-coded tape per room and match colors to labeled rooms.
Pre-pack a “first 24 hours” box with toiletries, phone chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes. Label it “OPEN FIRST.”
Slide heavy items like books onto a dolly in small loads; stack securely and tape.
Put a photo of complex electronics hooks/prior connections on the device before unplugging.
Checklist
Measure large furniture and doorways.
Remove legs/handles from large furniture; secure hardware in labeled bags.
Use small boxes for heavy items; large boxes for light bulk items.
Label every box with room + short contents list + approximate weight.
Wrap banisters, corners, mirrors, and glass with protection.
Empty drawers unless taped shut and labeled.
Defrost refrigerator 24–48 hours before moving.
Bundle cords and tape to devices; photograph setups before unplugging.
No trash bags—use boxes or bins for stacking.
Mark fragile items and double-box small valuables.
Keep passports, jewelry, cash, and essential documents with you.
Pack a visible “OPEN FIRST” essentials box.
Packing like a pro is mostly about thoughtfulness and small habits: measure, label, protect, and communicate. When your packing makes the move predictable, movers can move fast, safely, and without extra charge. That means a smoother day for everyone and fewer “where did I put that” moments later.
For hands-off help, professional movers can offer packing services, protective materials, and the neighborhood experience that avoids common pitfalls. Contact Cool Moving by phone or via our website to request a free estimate and packing add-ons for your next move.
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