7 Packing Tips for Moving Totes to Maximize Space

Don’t stress about cramming your belongings into flimsy moving boxes that can’t handle the pressure. Moving totes offer a more convenient way to pack, stack, and transport your items without the headaches. These reusable, durable containers are perfect for anyone who wants to save space and protect their belongings during a move.

With proper planning and a solid strategy, plastic bins can help you efficiently utilize every inch of your moving truck. From organizing a packing checklist to securing fragile items with packing tape, this guide provides actionable packing advice for moving. Let’s get those totes ready and pack with confidence!

Essential Packing Supplies for Moving

To pack and unpack smoothly, gather these essential supplies before you start packing:

• Moving Totes: The star of this packing process is perfect for fragile and heavy items alike.
• Packing Tape and Labels: Secure every box and label it for easy unpacking. Color-coded labels are a helpful hack for room-by-room packing.
• Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper: Essential for wrapping fragile items like glassware and kitchen items.
• Divider Inserts: These help protect items like plates or fragile electronics.
• Sharpie or Marker: Label every tote clearly with its contents and destination room.

Having the right packing supplies on hand will save you time and reduce last-minute stress. Use a moving checklist to stay organized, and follow these moving tips and hacks to pack things more efficiently.

Pro Tip: Start packing early with frequently unused items. For example, pack clothes out of season, drawer contents, and kitchen items like your coffee maker. It’s the best way to pack for moving without feeling overwhelmed.

How to Pack Efficiently with Moving Totes

Packing moving totes doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple tips for packing and smart strategies, you can streamline the process and make the most of your space.

Tip #1. Start with a Packing Checklist

The best way to move efficiently is to create a solid packing checklist. Write down all the household items you need to pack, from everyday essentials like toilet paper and the coffee maker to fragile items and clothing.

Your checklist can also help you identify which items to pack for a move and what can be set aside. For example, consider a portable moving container for things you’ll need immediately and a wardrobe box for clothing to unpack later. 

Tips for moving often suggest breaking your list into categories, such as items for the moving truck, personal bags, and unpack-first essentials. A detailed moving and packing checklist ensures you’re prepared and saves time when packing.

Tip #2. Sort and Declutter Before You Pack

Packing items is easier when you’re not overwhelmed by things you no longer need. Before you begin packing, take time to sort and declutter.

• Donate or Sell: Items to local charities or through online moving sales can lighten your load.
• Dispose: Safely get rid of items you don’t need, such as expired pantry goods or broken appliances.
• Keep and Pack: Use moving totes to pack clothes, kitchen essentials, and other necessary household items.

Decluttering is especially important for those moving out of state or during a cross-country move to keep costs and stress low. This step also makes room for the things you’ll want to pack, helping your moving crew handle fewer items.

Tip #3. Maximize Space

Packing and moving hacks can make a big difference when you’re trying to fit everything efficiently.

• Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes saves more space than folding and works well when using totes as wardrobe boxes.
• Stack Vertically: Arrange items vertically, like stacking plates or books upright, to maximize the tote’s depth.
• Group Similar Items: Use smaller containers or divider inserts within the tote for similar items, such as packing toiletries together.

If you’re short on time, hire a moving company that offers packing and unpacking services. Moving companies can provide a moving crew and free moving boxes or totes, helping you get started faster. From moving supplies to packing boxes, these professionals can help make your move less stressful.

Tip #4. Protect Fragile Items in Moving Totes

Moving fragile items requires extra care. With the right packing supplies and a few strategic techniques, you can safeguard your valuables and minimize the risk of breakage. These packing tips will keep your fragile items intact, whether you’re moving locally or heading out of state.

Use Bubble Wrap and Padding

When it comes to glassware, ceramics, and electronics, wrapping each item individually is non-negotiable. Bubble wrap is one of the most reliable packing supplies for creating a protective cushion. Insert padding between layers in your tote to prevent shifting during transit.

For example:

• Wrap plates individually and stack them upright like records.
• Use small boxes within the tote to group electronics, adding padding around each box.
• For large items, such as monitors or framed pictures, consider extra padding along the edges to absorb shocks.

Utilize Towels and Blankets

Soft household items like towels and blankets can double as padding for your fragile items. This not only reduces the need for additional packing materials but also optimizes your space.

Here are some box tips and tricks:

• Wrap small appliances or delicate objects in towels before placing them in the tote.
• Line the bottom of the tote with a thick blanket to absorb bumps.
• Use washcloths to separate fragile items like glassware or ornaments.

This method is especially useful for movers trying to streamline the packing process while keeping costs low.

Separate Items with Dividers

Dividers are indispensable for items like plates, glasses, and other breakables. You can pack totes with pre-made dividers or use DIY options, such as cardboard inserts. These create compartments within one box, ensuring items don’t shift or collide.

Key tips for packing fragile items with dividers:

• Plates: Stack vertically with dividers between each.
• Glasses: Place each in its section with extra padding at the base.
• Small breakables: Use dividers to group similar items, making unpacking easier.

Using dividers protects your belongings and simplifies the unpacking process when you’re moving to a new home.

Tip #5. Label Every Tote for Easy Unpacking

Clear labeling can make unpacking a breeze, saving you time and stress once you reach your destination. It’s one of the most effective moving and packing tips for maintaining order, especially during a long-distance move.

Write Contents and Destination Room Clearly

A simple label indicating the box’s contents and the room it belongs in can significantly streamline the unpacking process. For example:

• “Kitchen: Coffee Maker, Utensils, Towels”
• “Living Room: Books, Candles, Remotes”

These packing tips to make unpacking simpler also help movers place each box in its proper room, reducing the chaos when you arrive.

Use Color-Coded Labels

Color-coded labels are a practical way to organize boxes during a busy move. Assign a specific color to each room—green for the kitchen, blue for the bedroom, etc.—and stick with it for every box. This technique is especially helpful when you’re moving out of state and dealing with a large volume of items.

Tips can help you stay on track:

• Use brightly colored tape or pre-made colored labels.
• Add a brief description of the contents to avoid hunting through every box.

Tip #6. Plan to Save Time

When getting ready to move, spend time packing thoughtfully. While it may be tempting to skip labeling during last-minute packing, taking a few extra seconds per box can save hours of frustration later. Time to pack wisely translates to a smoother unpacking experience.

Consider Long-Distance Moves and Special Items

For those moving out of state or relocating with pets, detailed labels are even more important. Include items you’ll need immediately upon arrival—such as pet supplies or kitchen basics like toilet paper and snacks—in clearly marked “Open First” boxes.

If you choose to pack yourself, but worry about organizing everything, companies to find one that offers moving supplies can provide pre-labeled boxes or helpful tools to simplify the process. Additionally, moving insurance offers peace of mind if anything gets misplaced or damaged.

Tip #7. Pack by Room for Maximum Efficiency

Efficiency is key when packing for a move. These strategies will help you save time while staying organized, so your moving and packing process runs smoothly from start to finish.

Keeping each tote specific to a single room simplifies both the packing and unpacking process. This method reduces confusion and ensures that everything ends up in the correct place when you arrive at your new home.

• Label totes clearly with the room name and a brief list of contents—e.g., “Bedroom: Sheets, Pillows, Alarm Clock.”
• Separate your “kitchen” totes from your “bathroom” totes, making unpacking quicker.

Following this approach is one of the most effective moving and packing tips, especially when it’s time to pack and later unpack.

Bonus: Tips for Long-Distance Moves

When moving across the country or even further, the stakes are higher, and planning becomes even more important. Long-distance moves require extra attention to ensure your items arrive safely and securely. Here are some additional tips to help you maximize the effectiveness of your moving totes:

1. Reinforce Totes for Extra Security

While moving totes are sturdy, adding an extra layer of protection with packing tape can prevent any mishaps during transport.

• Tape the seams and handles of each tote to ensure they stay intact throughout the move.
• For heavier items, like books or kitchenware, consider wrapping the outside of the tote with extra tape to avoid any split seams.

2. Consider Moving Insurance for Valuable or Fragile Items

Moving insurance can provide peace of mind if something goes wrong during the move, especially when transporting valuable or fragile items.

• For high-value or delicate belongings like electronics, artwork, or heirlooms, opt for insurance coverage.
• Talk to your moving company about insurance options to ensure you’re fully protected for the long haul.

3. Plan Tote Placement

During a long-distance move, the arrangement of totes in the moving vehicle is critical to preventing damage.

• Place heavier totes on the bottom of the stack to avoid crushing fragile items.
• Arrange totes so that you can easily access essentials such as toiletries or important documents that you might need immediately after arriving at your new home.

By reinforcing your totes, considering insurance for fragile items, and planning tote placement carefully, you’ll safeguard your belongings and make the long-distance moving process much smoother!

Make Your Move Smooth and Stress-Free with Totes

Packing for a move can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and strategies, it doesn’t have to be! Using moving totes and implementing these expert packing tips will not only maximize space but also minimize stress and protect your belongings.

Remember to plan, declutter, and pack strategically.  Ready to make your next move stress-free? Start packing smart with these tips and enjoy a smooth transition to your new home!