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. Our full guide covers how to pack dishes and glasses in moving bins, even without paper.
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.