How to pack moving bins: a practical guide
Short answer: pack heavy items low and keep each bin under about 50 pounds. Label the end of the bin, not the lid, and pack one room per bin. Add a padlock or zip tie through the lid holes for valuables. Most people pack a bin in 5 to 10 minutes because there is nothing to build or tape.
Where do I start?
Start with rooms you use least: guest room, garage, holiday storage. Save the kitchen and bathroom for the last two days.
How do I pack a bin without overloading it?
- Heavy things on the bottom, light on top.
- Books: fill a bin halfway, then top off with towels or linens.
- Lids must close flat. If they bow up, take something out so the bins stack safely.
How should I label bins?
Put the room name on the short end, which faces out when stacked. Add a number and keep a simple list on your phone: "Kitchen 3: pots, baking pans."
How do I pack dishes and glasses?
Wrap each piece in packing paper or a dish towel. Stand plates on edge like records. Fill gaps so nothing shifts.
How do I load bins in a truck?
Stack no more than five high, heaviest bins at the bottom, against the cab wall first. Bins lock together, so stacks stay square.