Ninja Packing Tricks

Start With Less

• Donate, sell, recycle, or discard items you no longer use.
• Avoid paying to pack and move things you do not want in the next home.
• Set aside valuables, medications, legal papers, closing documents, and irreplaceable items so they do not enter the moving truck.

Boxes and Labels

• Ask local stores, friends, neighbors, or community groups for clean, sturdy moving boxes.
• Use small boxes for books, dishes, tools, and other heavy items.
• Use larger boxes for linens, pillows, lampshades, and lighter items.
• Pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
• Label every box with the destination room and a short description of the contents.
• Mark fragile boxes clearly on the top and sides.

Small Parts and Electronics

• Place screws, bolts, picture hangers, remotes, and small hardware in labeled resealable bags.
• Tape each hardware bag to the furniture or place all bags in one clearly labeled parts box.
• Photograph the back of televisions, computers, routers, and other electronics before disconnecting cables.
• Label cords and chargers before packing them.
• Keep a basic toolbox, scissors, box cutter, tape, markers, power strip, and flashlight accessible.

Protect Fragile Items

• Use towels, blankets, sheets, socks, and soft clothing as padding where appropriate.
• Wrap dishes and glassware individually and fill empty space so items do not shift.
• Pack plates vertically when the box and padding allow.
• Do not overfill boxes or make them too heavy to lift safely.
• Keep important artwork, mirrors, and irreplaceable items separate from ordinary boxes.

Clothing and Furniture

• Leave hanging clothes on hangers and use wardrobe boxes when practical.
• Soft clothing may stay in dresser drawers if the furniture and mover can safely handle the weight.
• If drawers must be removed, wrap or secure them so contents stay in place.
• Measure large furniture, doorways, hallways, elevators, and staircases before moving day.
• Protect floors, walls, corners, and door frames during loading.

Pack a First-Night Kit

Keep this kit with you rather than on the moving truck:

• Closing documents, identification, keys, wallet, and medications
• Toiletries, toilet paper, towels, and a change of clothes
• Phone chargers, extension cord, flashlight, and nightlight
• Water, snacks, coffee supplies, and basic kitchen items
• Pet supplies, children’s essentials, and bedding
• Cleaning supplies, trash bags, paper towels, and basic tools

Before You Leave

• Photograph the condition of rooms, floors, walls, appliances, and agreed fixtures.
• Confirm that items included in the sale remain at the property.
• Remove trash, unwanted supplies, and personal property.
• Complete a final cleaning before the walkthrough.
• Keep utilities on through the agreed date.
• Collect keys, garage openers, mailbox keys, codes, and access devices for the handoff.

DUFFY Recommendation

Label by room, protect the items you cannot replace, and keep closing-week essentials with you. A simple packing system makes the final walkthrough and possession handoff much easier.

Adapted from packing ideas credited in the original DUFFY resource to Elysia Stobbe’s Ninja Packing Tips.