Pack Like a Pro!

Expert Packing Tips for Your Next Move

Packing is Not that Simple- It Requires a Level of Expertise.

Proper packing is one of the most important steps in ensuring a safe and successful move. Using the right packing materials and techniques helps protect your belongings during transit while making unpacking and settling into your new home much easier.

At All American Moving, Storage and Delivery, our experienced, professionally trained packers are ready to help with every aspect of your move. Whether you need full-service packing or assistance with only your fragile or high-value items, our team can customize packing services to fit your needs and budget.

If you choose to pack your belongings yourself, it is important to use quality moving boxes, packing materials, and proven packing techniques to help ensure your possessions arrive at your new home safely.

Before moving day, all boxes should be securely packed, sealed, and ready for loading when the moving truck arrives. Our team will inspect customer-packed boxes before loading. If a carton appears improperly packed or is at risk of being damaged during transit, we may recommend repacking it to better protect your belongings.

For the best results, avoid using damaged, worn, or soiled boxes that cannot be securely closed. Each carton should be packed tightly enough that the contents do not shift or rattle when gently shaken, helping reduce the risk of damage during your move.

General Cleanup: Moving is the perfect time to declutter your home and get rid of items you no longer need. Sort through old files, boxes, paperwork, clothing, furniture, and household items before packing. Donating gently used belongings to organizations such as the Kidney Foundation or the Salvation Army can help reduce the number of items you need to move while giving them a second life. Many charitable organizations even offer convenient donation pickup services, making it easy to clear out unwanted items before moving day. Decluttering before your move can save time, reduce moving costs, and make unpacking in your new home much easier.

Move Certain Items Yourself: Small to medium-sized houseplants, fragile items, important documents, and other valuable personal belongings are best transported by you, especially during a local move. For additional tips, visit our Basic Packing Guidelines page.
Pack Boxes Properly: Pack each moving box tightly to prevent shifting during transit. Do not overfill boxes, as they will be stacked on the moving truck and overpacked cartons can become damaged. Seal every box securely using two strips of packing tape along both the top and bottom seams. Clearly label all fragile boxes in BOLD. Please note that the contents of owner-packed boxes are generally not covered for damage unless obvious mishandling is determined. All boxes moved by All American Moving must be securely sealed. Wardrobe boxes are available for hanging clothing.
Keep Keys With You: Always keep the keys to locked furniture, cabinets, safes, or storage containers in your possession.
Pack Coat Hangers: Place loose coat hangers inside moving boxes to keep them organized and prevent damage.
Wrap Fragile Items Carefully: Glassware, dishes, china, and other breakable items should be individually wrapped using packing paper, paper towels, or newspaper and packed securely. Clearly label these cartons as FRAGILE. As with other owner-packed boxes, contents are generally not covered unless damage results from obvious mishandling.
Secure Small Office Supplies: Place small items such as pens, pencils, scissors, paper clips, rubber bands, and other office supplies into sealed envelopes or small bags before packing them inside cartons.
Prepare Appliances: Refrigerators should be emptied, defrosted, cleaned, and unplugged before moving day. Washers, dryers, stoves, and ranges must be disconnected prior to the move. Please note that All American Moving does not disconnect or reconnect appliances.
Plan Ahead for Specialty Items: Grandfather clocks, certain pianos, pool tables, and other specialty items often require special preparation before moving. Discuss these items with your relocation coordinator in advance so proper arrangements can be made.
Prepare Beds: Upon request, All American Moving can disassemble and reassemble beds and bedroom furniture. Customers looking to reduce moving costs may choose to do this themselves. Waterbeds must be completely drained before moving day.
Empty Dressers When Possible: We recommend emptying dressers before your move. If necessary, only lightweight clothing or other soft items should remain inside. Since dresser drawers may need to be removed during transport, be sure to remove any personal or private belongings beforehand.
Pack Bookcases Properly: Remove all books and decorative items from bookcases and pack them separately. Remove shelf support pins, place them in a labeled envelope, and pack them in a box. Tape shelves together, label them, and leave them inside the bottom of the bookcase.
Prepare Computers and Electronics: Back up all computers and electronic devices before moving. Keep backup drives with you, disconnect all cables, and either place them in labeled bags or securely tape them to the appropriate equipment to simplify setup in your new home.

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All American Moving WILL NOT move any WEAPONS, AMMUNITION, or HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. This includes items such as the propane tank on outdoor grills, gasoline for your lawnmower, etc.

Please designate ONE person to make final decisions during the move, while All American Moving will designate one member of the crew to act in the same capacity.

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