Overview

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 properly dispose of anything that could pose a danger during transport, especially chemicals. Movers won’t move hazardous materials or chemicals, and for good reason. Trying to bring items like gasoline or pesticides on the truck isn’t just risky, it’s unsafe. Check the disposal instructions on each container and follow local guidelines to get rid of them responsibly before moving day.

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 can't 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.

Prepare and Pack the lawnmower

Before moving your lawnmower, drain all fuel and oil, and dispose of them safely according to local regulations. Collapse the handles to save space, and wrap or cover the spark plug to prevent damage during transport.

Prepare and Pack the grill

When packing a grill for moving, start by giving it a thorough cleaning to remove ash, grease, and food residue. For charcoal grills, remove and wrap loose parts like grates and trays, then secure the lid and wrap the grill in moving blankets. Gas grills need a few extra steps: remove the propane tank (moving companies won’t transport it), disconnect the gas line, and wrap any delicate parts like burners and igniters. Pack all detachable pieces separately and cushion everything well to prevent damage in transit.

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.

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