Packing Tips to Prevent Moving Damage — What Movers Won't Tell You

The Liability Issue: Who Packed It Matters

Under most moving contracts, the carrier is only liable for damage to items they packed. Items you packed yourself are categorized as "packed by owner" (PBO) on the inventory sheet, and damage claims for PBO items are routinely denied.

This means you have two options: pay the mover to pack everything (full protection but higher cost) or pack some items yourself (lower cost but you assume the damage risk for those items). For high-value or fragile items, professional packing is almost always worth the cost.

Whichever you choose, make sure you have the right valuation coverage.

Essential Packing Materials

• New boxes in multiple sizes. Used boxes have weakened corners and may collapse under stacking weight.
• Packing paper (unprinted newsprint). Newspaper ink transfers onto dishes and fabrics. Use clean packing paper.
• Bubble wrap for fragile items, electronics, and glass.
• Packing tape (not duct tape or masking tape, which lose adhesion).
• Stretch wrap for furniture protection and bundling items together.
• Dish pack boxes (double-walled) for kitchen items.
• Wardrobe boxes for clothing on hangers.
• Mattress bags to protect against dirt and moisture.

Packing Techniques That Prevent Damage

The weight rule

Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes. A large box full of books will be too heavy to carry safely and the bottom will give out. Books, records, and canned goods go in small boxes. Linens, pillows, and plastic items go in large boxes.

Fill every gap

Items shift during transit. Every empty space in a box is a space where something can move and break. Fill gaps with crumpled packing paper, towels, or packing peanuts. A properly packed box should not rattle when shaken.

Wrap individually

Every dish, glass, and fragile item should be wrapped individually in packing paper. Stack plates vertically (on edge) not flat — they are stronger this way. Glasses go rim-down with paper stuffed inside.

Label everything

Mark every box with contents and destination room. Mark fragile boxes on all sides and the top. This helps movers handle boxes appropriately and helps you unpack efficiently.

Photograph before packing

Take photos of electronics (which cables go where), furniture condition, and valuable items before they are packed. These photos are essential evidence if you need to file a damage claim.

Items to Never Put on the Moving Truck

Transport these yourself, regardless of who does the packing:

• Important documents (passports, birth certificates, financial records)
• Medications and medical records
• Jewelry and small valuables
• Laptops, external hard drives, and irreplaceable digital media
• Family photos and heirlooms
• Cash, checkbooks, and credit cards
• Keys to your new home

Items Movers Cannot Transport

Federal regulations and mover policies prohibit transporting:

• Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, propane tanks, gasoline)
• Perishable food
• Plants (regulated across state lines)
• Ammunition and firearms (varies by carrier and state law)
• Anything flammable, corrosive, or explosive