Packing Up Your Garage for a Move

Congratulations! You just got the keys to your new home! But now that means you need to start organizing the scary (dirty) process of packing up your garage in time. The sheer number of things in garages or storage sheds can be overwhelming…because as you dig deeper, these things literally pile up. Follow these quick tips to help you finish that seemingly frightening packing job a lot easier, faster and safer.

Sort and Declutter

Before you even begin thinking about packing anything, sort through everything and divide into categories based on their size, shape and weight. You’ll be able to clearly identify two different types of items: very useful…or very useless. Declutter the useless items. Hold a garage sale, donate or trash the things you’ll never use again (like that beach chair that’s been collecting dust since you first moved in). Packing is a natural time to purge those items you no longer need. It’s refreshing, isn’t it?

Dispose of Hazardous Products

You’ll also need to safely dispose of hazardous items that cannot be moved for safety reasons. Moving companies forbid the transportation of fuel, oils, antifreeze, paint/paint thinners, charcoal, propane tanks, fertilizers, pesticides, car batteries, etc. To help you identify these hazardous products, federal law requires them to be labeled with warnings about their use, storage, and disposal. These labels include signal words to help you quickly identify hazardous products.

Ask a neighbor if they want these remaining products and then check with your city or town to when the next household hazardous waste collection day will be held. Do not dispose of any chemicals down the drain or on the ground (it is against the law).

Bundle Long Tools

Bundle long-handled garden tools, shovels, brooms and mops together securely for moving. Remember to drain oil and gas from power tools and remove attachments to pack separately. Wrap any dangerous sharp blades with a few layers of bubble wrap or old towels, secure the bundle together with tape and wrap tight in a large moving blanket.

Pack Tools Properly

Hand tools can be left in their toolboxes, fill any empty space with crushed paper and wrap the outside with packing tape. Remove detachable parts from power tools (including batteries) and pack them separately (but in the same box). Original packaging offers the best protection, but bubble wrap and old towels are suitable protective covers to keep tools safe during transport in a small, sturdy cardboard box.

Outdoor Furniture

Any outdoor patio furniture should be thoroughly cleaned and disassembled as much as possible. Stack chairs and place cushions in a garbage bag. Decide what to do with your plants. You may need to give them to a neighbor and pack the empty ceramic planters. Wrap them just as you would your dishes: individually with plenty of cushioning.

Bicycle

For those true bicycle enthusiasts, you can purchase a special bike box from your nearest bike shop to disassemble, pack and box your bike for a safe move. Or simply load it into the moving vehicle as is.

Grill

After you remove the propane tank, disconnect any pieces that are removable and pack them individually. Consider covering it in a moving blanket to protect the main portion of the grill during transit. Charcoal grills require some extra work, as well. Make sure you clear the grill of any and all briquettes before moving.

Label Everything

It’s a garage; you’re bound to have plenty of odds and ends. Do your best to sort and organize all items before you start boxing them up. Then identify all boxes with “GARAGE” as well as the detailed contents to make moving day easier for you and your movers. Your garage will most likely not be the top priority for unpacking when you arrive to your new home, so make sure all contents have proper labels.

Time-Saving Packing Hacks for Your Move

The task of packing up your garage takes time, so start early with these packing hacks and don’t be afraid to ask for help.