How to Pack Like a Pro: 12 Tips From Our Senior Crew Leads
Practical packing techniques for a more organized senior move.
Published 2026-05-15 · 6 min read · Packing
Start with a packing strategy, not boxes
Rookies start packing by grabbing the closest box. Pros start with a plan: which rooms to do first, which items go in the truck last (and out first), and a labeling system that survives stress. The cardinal rule: pack room-by-room, never mix rooms in a single box, and label every box on three sides.
Heavier items, smaller boxes
Books and heavy kitchenware go in small boxes. Linens and pillows go in large boxes. Mixing this up is the #1 cause of broken-back boxes (and broken backs). A small box of books should weigh no more than 30 pounds.
Use what you already have
Suitcases are perfect for books and heavy items — they have wheels. Drawers can stay full of clothes if you wrap them in plastic stretch wrap. Hampers carry shoes. The pros use what's already in your home before reaching for a box.
Protect what matters most
Glass and ceramics need vertical packing (like dishes in a dishwasher), heavy paper between each piece, and a snug fit so nothing shifts. Frame the inside of the box with crumpled paper to absorb shock from any direction.
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