Complete Room-by-Room Packing Guide for Moving

Kitchen and Dining Room Packing

The kitchen is the hardest room to pack and the one where most breakage happens. Start by wrapping each plate individually in packing paper and stacking them vertically in a box — like records, not like a stack of pancakes. Vertically packed plates survive bumps far better. Use cell dividers for glasses and mugs, and stuff crumpled paper inside each one for cushioning. Pots and pans can nest inside each other with paper between them.

For small appliances, use the original box if you still have it. Otherwise, wrap the appliance in a moving blanket and place it in a medium box with padding on all sides. Don't forget to empty and defrost your fridge at least 24 hours before your Montreal move — your movers will thank you.

Bedroom and Closet Packing

Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes and vacuum-seal bags for bulky items like comforters and winter coats — especially useful in Montreal where everyone has a serious winter wardrobe. For the dresser, you can often leave folded clothes inside the drawers and simply wrap the whole unit in stretch film. This saves boxes and time.

Disassemble bed frames and label each piece. Put all screws and bolts in a zip-lock bag and tape it to the frame. Roll mattresses into mattress bags — they protect against stair grime and Montreal's unpredictable weather during the carry from door to truck.

Bathroom and Living Room Packing

The bathroom is often left until the last minute. Pack a small essentials kit separately (toiletries, medication, first-aid) and then box up the rest. Seal any liquids in zip-lock bags to prevent spills. Toss expired products instead of moving them — lightening your load saves money with Montreal movers who charge by the hour.

In the living room, wrap electronics in anti-static bubble wrap and photograph the cable setup behind your TV before disconnecting. Books go in small boxes — a large box full of books becomes dangerously heavy. Use large boxes for pillows, blankets, and lampshades instead.