Packing Your Garage for Moving

Packing your garage can be one of the toughest challenges you face when moving. Even if your garage isn’t used a ‘warehouse’ to store your family’s odds and ends, there are still many oddly sized, sharp and heavy items that need to be packed. On top of that, you probably have potentially hazardous chemicals that need to be properly disposed of. Below are some tips that will help make packing your garage a little bit easier.

Get rid of hazardous chemicals
It’s important to dispose of hazardous chemicals before you move. Moving companies do not allow them on their trucks and it’s not worth the risk to transport two gallons of gasoline in your own vehicle in an attempt to save a few dollars. Read the disposal instructions on the back of all the chemicals in your garage and dispose of them in the proper manner.

Work your way up in size
Start with small tools and pack them into small moving boxes. It may be tempting to cram everything into one large moving box, but you’ll end up in trouble the minute your attempt to move it. Make sure to cushion the boxes with crumpled paper, etc. then seal and thoroughly label the box with its contents.

Next move up to medium sized tools and follow the same procedure, this time using medium moving boxes. Just remember to pay attention to the weight of the items you are packing into the boxes, so you don’t end up with something you cannot lift, or may break apart due to weight.

Pack up large, long tools like a burrito. Wrap moving padding around rakes, shovels and other long tools and bundle them securely.

Pack the lawnmower
Drain all fluids and dispose of properly, collapse the mower’s handles and make sure to wrap/cover the spark plug to avoid breakage.

Pack the grill
Thoroughly clean the grill, eliminating as much ash and grease as possible. If you are able to, wrap the grill in blankets to protect it.

Packing your garage for moving doesn’t need to be a difficult task. Just think logically, follow the tips above, and make sure to take breaks often. If you are overwhelmed by the thought of packing your garage — or even your home — consider a using a packing service from a qualified mover.