Packing
done right, from the start.
Packing services that protect every detail.
Packing is one of the biggest factors in how safe and efficient your move will be. VA Moving provides structured packing support that protects your household goods and reduces day-of stress.
Whether you need full-service packing for your entire home or targeted help with select rooms, we tailor the service to your timeline and priorities.
From fragile kitchenware and artwork to bulky furniture and electronics, our crews use the right materials and methods so your items are prepared for transport and easier to unpack later.
Packing clarity
Packing 101.
Packing can be time consuming and confusing, especially when it is not clear what belongs in boxes versus what can stay in furniture. Here's what you need to know.
What packing actually means.
- Packing means boxing loose household items, not blanket-wrapping furniture.
- Clothes and other non-breakable items can stay inside many dressers during a move.
- Breakable items inside furniture still need to be removed and packed into boxes.
- China in hutches, keepsakes in drawers, and other fragile contents should always be boxed.
Full pack service
We pack everything that should be boxed, including commonly overlooked specialty items.
Customer pre-pack
Many customers pack loose items but miss lamps, TVs, pictures, and glass tops.
Commonly overlooked items.
These are the items people often forget still need boxing for safe transport:
- Lamps — lamp shades should be removed and packed in a separate box
- TVs — require protective boxing, often with a custom-fit carton
- Pictures and framed art — need boxed protection, especially large pieces
- Glass tops — must be packed separately, often in custom-size boxes
Packing materials guide.
The right material is a big part of safe transport. Here is what we use and where each material works best.
Small box
1.5 cube
Books, tools, canned goods, and other heavy compact items.
Medium box
3.0 cube
Kitchenware, decor, pantry items, and mixed household goods.
Large box
4.5 cube
Lighter bulk items like linens, pillows, and soft goods.
Dish pack
5.1 cube
China, glassware, and fragile kitchen items that need layered protection.
Wardrobe box
Approx. 9.4 cube (24" x 20" x 34")
Hanging clothing and closet transfer with minimal wrinkling.
Mirror carton
Custom size system
Televisions, mirrors, framed art, and pictures requiring custom-fit protection.
White packing paper
Sheet wrap
Daily wrapping and cushioning for dishes, glass, and household breakables.
Brown packing paper
Heavy sheet wrap
TVs, mirrors, and framed pictures before boxing in mirror cartons.
Packing priority + timeline.
Pack by priority, not just by room. Start with low-use items and move toward daily-use items as move day gets closer.
7–10 days out
High priority items first
Decor, seasonal items, books, guest room contents, and rarely used kitchenware.
3–5 days out
Core household prep
Most clothing, main kitchen zones, office items, media accessories, and storage closets.
1–2 days out
Final room clears
Lamps, framed pictures, TVs, glass tops, and other commonly overlooked items.
Move day eve
Leave only daily essentials
Set aside immediate-access items and keep only what you need for the next 24 hours.
How to pack correctly.
Good packing protects your items and speeds up move day. Use these core rules to reduce breakage risk.
Use the right box size for the right weight
Put heavier items in small boxes and lighter items in large boxes. Books go in small boxes, pillows go in large boxes.
Avoid overloading boxes
Overweight boxes can lose structure during transport and increase the chance of crushed contents.
Tape every box securely
Seal all seams well so boxes do not open during carrying, loading, or unloading.
Fill boxes to the top
Use crumpled packing paper to fill top gaps. Full boxes hold shape better when stacked.
Pack lamp shades individually
Do not leave shades on lamps. Remove and box shades separately to prevent crushing and tearing.
Use packing paper, not bubble wrap, for most box packing
Packing paper is space-efficient and helps you fit items more securely in each box.
Pack breakables upright in layers
Glass and china should be packed standing up with paper between each layer, not laid flat on their sides.
Customer-packed boxes carry risk
VA Moving is not liable for damage inside boxes packed by the customer, so quality packing is critical.
Keep these out of your boxes.
Set these aside in a personal essentials bag so you have immediate access before, during, and right after move day.
- A change of clothes for each person
- Toiletries and daily hygiene items
- Prescription medications and basic first-aid items
- Identification documents and key personal records
- Phone, tablet, and laptop chargers
- Wallet items: checkbook, credit cards, and cash
- Baby, child, or pet daily-care essentials
- Keys, remotes, and immediate-use home items
Not transported
Items we cannot move.
For safety and compliance, these categories are not allowed in standard residential transport. Review this list before packing day to avoid delays.
Flammables
- Paint and paint thinners
- Gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel
- Fireworks
Compressed gas
- Propane tanks and other compressed gas cylinders
Chemicals
- Pool chemicals
- Household cleaning chemicals with hazardous labels
- Open or leaking containers of liquids
Restricted or hazardous
- Ammunition and explosives
- Items with active fuel in engines (lawn equipment, generators)
Packing FAQ.
Quick answers to common packing questions so move day is safer, faster, and more predictable.
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