Tips for Packing Your Most Challenging Home Spaces

Packing up your home for a move is never easy, but some areas make it even trickier. Those catch-all spaces—garages, attics, crawl spaces, storage rooms, and even guest bedrooms or bathrooms—tend to collect all sorts of forgotten or random items. The trick to handling these spaces is starting early, being ruthless with decluttering, and staying organized. Here’s how you can handle these tricky spaces like a pro.

Garage

Garages are the ultimate catch-all. They’re home to everything from holiday decorations and tools to sports gear and that random box you forgot about years ago.

Quick Tips for Packing the Garage:

• Start early: Garages are usually low-priority spaces when it comes to daily life, meaning you can start packing them before other rooms.
• Declutter ruthlessly: Haven’t touched that old bike or stack of scrap wood in years? It’s time to donate, sell, or toss it.
• Sort by category: Group things like tools, sports equipment, or decorations together. It will make packing and unpacking much more straightforward.
• Use the right materials: Grab heavy-duty boxes, plastic bins, and sturdy tape. For sharp or pointy things like tools, wrap them in bubble wrap or old towels for safety. If your tools can be taken apart into smaller pieces, go for it. It’ll make packing simpler and help keep everything safe during the trip.

Pro Tip: When packing up your garage, be mindful of hazardous materials (like paint thinner, pesticides, motor oil, and gasoline) that won’t be able to be transported on a moving truck. Take time to know your non-allowables before you start packing!

Q: What rooms should I pack first when moving?
A: Start with the attic, garage, basement, and any other storage areas. Once those are sorted, move on to spaces like the guest bedroom, office, and dining room. Save the most-used rooms, like the bedrooms, kitchen, and living room, for last.

Attic

Most people only visit their attic a few times a year, so it’s easy to forget what’s up there. From old baby clothes to forgotten furniture, the attic can quickly become a dumping ground. Many moving companies (ADSI included) aren’t allowed to enter crawl spaces and attics for safety reasons,  which means all those items must be packed up and ready to go before moving day.

Quick Tips for Packing the Attic:

• Take everything out: Doing a full inventory will help you see what you’re working with.
• Don’t sugarcoat it: Be honest about what stays and what needs to go. If you haven’t looked for it in years, you probably don’t need it.
• Keep boxes light: Lightweight boxes are easier to carry down, especially if there’s no sturdy attic ladder.
• Wear safety gear: Gloves and a dust mask are helpful, especially if your attic hasn’t been cleaned  out in a while.
• Check for Special Items: Attics often store things like antiques, heirlooms, or holiday decorations. Make sure to pack them with care and let your movers know if anything needs extra attention.

Q: How can I avoid getting overwhelmed while sorting through my attic?
A: Break it into smaller sections and tackle one area at a time. Start with something simple, like seasonal items, and go from there. It’s easier to make progress when you see little wins.

Extra Storage Rooms

Storage rooms are often packed with items you’ve been meaning to deal with “someday.” Whether it’s old hobbies, random knick-knacks, or backup furniture, you’ll need a plan to get through this room.

Quick Tips for Packing Storage Rooms:

• Sort into three piles: Keep, donate, and toss. Be honest—if you haven’t used it in years, you likely won’t miss it.
• Consolidate valuables: Combine like items to save space—group craft supplies, office items, or extra bedding together.
• Label meticulously: Go beyond just “Storage Room” on your boxes. Be specific, like “Office Supplies” or “Winter Clothes,” so you know what’s inside later.
• Maximize space: Use vacuum-sealed bags for things like blankets or winter coats to save space.

Q: Is there a strategy for deciding what’s worth keeping in a storage room?
A: Ask yourself, “Would I buy this again if I didn’t already own it?” If the answer is no, it’s likely time to move on.

Guest Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Guest spaces don’t get used daily but somehow end up full of “extras.” Spare towels, unused toiletries, random furniture—they can all add up fast.

Quick Tips for Packing Guest Spaces:

• Start by decluttering: Sort through linens, decor, and toiletries. If it’s collecting dust, it probably doesn’t need to come with you.
• Pack similar items together: Keep sheets, towels, and pillows in one box, and pack toiletries separately. Use waterproof bags for bathroom items to avoid spills.
• Pay attention to furniture: Treat extra furniture like you would your main pieces. Wrap it up properly to protect it during the move.

Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces are small, hard to reach, and easy to forget. They often hold random things you’ve tucked away over the years and conveniently ignored.

Quick Tips for Packing Crawl Spaces:

• Empty it out completely: Lay it all out so you know what you’re dealing with.
• Declutter aggressively: Items in crawl spaces are often there because they aren’t important. Only keep what’s really valuable or useful.
• Use plastic containers: Cardboard boxes don’t hold up well in damp areas, so go for moisture-resistant containers instead.

Q: How can I stay safe while packing a crawl space?
A: Use a flashlight, wear gloves, and watch for hazards like nails or pests. If the space is damp, protect items with moisture-proof bins.

Final Thoughts

Packing catch-all spaces can feel overwhelming, but with a plan, it’s totally manageable. Start early, purge what you don’t need, and keep everything organized. Following these tips will save you stress, time, and even a little money when moving. Before you know it, you’ll have these tricky spaces packed up and ready to go!

If you’re ready to make your move as seamless as possible, ADSI is here to help. Get a free quote today to see how we can make your move smoother with expert advice, reliable services, and even professional packing options if you need them. Don’t tackle this alone—get a free quote from ADSI and move with confidence!