Professional Packing Hacks from Safe Move Experts

Packing. It’s the most time-consuming part of any move, and if done wrong, it can lead to damaged belongings and a lot of stress. But what if you could pack with the skill and efficiency of a professional?

At Safe Move, we’ve packed thousands of homes across Ontario, from apartments in Downtown Toronto to family houses in Mississauga and Brampton. Over the years, our team has developed clever tricks to make the process faster, cheaper, and much safer.

We’re sharing our top 5 professional packing hacks to help you master your move.

Hack #1: The Wardrobe Box Wonder

The Problem: Folding all your clothes, then unpacking and re-hanging them is a huge waste of time and leaves your suits and dresses wrinkled.

The Pro Hack:

1. Leave your clothes on the hangers.

2. Group together 10-15 garments.

3. Place a large garbage bag over the group, poking the hanger hooks through the bottom of the bag.

4. Once you arrive at your new home in Oakville or Vaughan, simply remove the bag and hang everything up in the closet. It’s instant organization!

Hack #2: DIY Padding with Linens

The Problem: Buying rolls of bubble wrap and packing paper can be expensive and creates a lot of waste.

The Pro Hack:
Use what you already have! Your soft linens are perfect for protecting fragile items.

• Towels and Bedding: Wrap around picture frames, mirrors, and electronics.

• Socks: Perfect for stuffing inside glasses and mugs to prevent them from cracking.

• T-shirts and Sweaters: Use to separate plates or wrap around delicate decor.

This saves you money on supplies and means you’re packing these items at the same time.

Hack #3: The Color-Coding System

The Problem: A sea of identical brown boxes leads to confusion on moving day. You’re left yelling, “Which box has the coffee maker?!” while the movers wait.

The Pro Hack:
Get a pack of multi-colored sticky notes or colored tape.

• Assign a color to each room (e.g., Red = Kitchen, Blue = Bathroom, Green = Living Room).

• Place the corresponding colored sticker on the door of each room in your new home.

• Put the same colored sticker on every box that belongs in that room.

This creates a visual system that anyone can follow. Our movers love this because it makes unloading in Markham or Hamilton incredibly efficient, saving you precious time (and money on hourly moves!).

Hack #4: Master the “Open First” Box

The Problem: You’re exhausted after moving day, but you need a shower, a coffee, and your Wi-Fi router, and it’s all buried in a random box.

The Pro Hack:
Pack a separate “Open First” or essentials box. This is the last box you load and the first one you unload. It should include:

• A change of clothes and toiletries (toothbrush, soap, towels)

• Phone and laptop chargers

• Basic tools (a screwdriver, box cutter, scissors)

• Snacks, water, and pet food

• Medications

• Important documents

Label this box clearly and keep it with you during the move. Trust us, this is a game-changer, whether you’re moving to Burlington or Scarborough.

Hack #5: The Right Way to Pack Plates

The Problem: Stacking plates flat in a box is a surefire way to find them cracked upon arrival.

The Pro Hack:

• Use a small or medium box. A large box full of plates becomes impossibly heavy and is more likely to be dropped.

• Place a layer of padding (crumpled paper, a towel) at the bottom.

• Pack plates vertically on their sides, like records. They are designed to withstand pressure better in this position.

• Use plenty of padding between each plate.

Let the Pros Handle It

These hacks will definitely make your DIY packing smoother. But if your time is valuable and you’d rather leave it to the experts, Safe Move is here to help.

Our professional packing service is efficient, safe, and surprisingly affordable. We use high-quality materials and proven techniques to ensure every item—from your everyday dishes to your most fragile heirlooms—is protected for the journey, whether it’s across Toronto or to Barrie.

Focus on settling into your new home. Let us handle the packing.
Contact Safe Move today for a free quote on our professional packing and moving services!