Professionally packed moving boxes

Packing Services That Protect Every Detail

Want a Smoother Move Day? Start with Professional Packing.

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. This guide helps you avoid missed items and move-day delays.

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 overlooked specialty items.

Customer Pre-Pack

Many customers pack loose items but miss lamps, TVs, pictures, and glass tops.

Packed household items prepared for move day

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 Paths

Choose the Packing Option That Fits Your Move

Whether you want full-service support or a shared approach, we structure packing around your timeline, household needs, and comfort level.

Option 1

Full pack service

Best for hands-off move prep

Our crew packs every item that should be boxed, so your home is fully prepared before transport begins.

  • No packing left for the customer
  • Includes common overlooked items
  • Designed for maximum convenience

Option 2

Customer pack

Best for partial DIY prep

You can pack all items yourself, or pack selected rooms while we complete the rest.

  • Flexible shared packing approach
  • Helpful when timeline is tight
  • VA Moving finishes what remains

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. Example: books in small boxes, pillows 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 Moving 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.

Prohibited items warning

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.