Depending on the size of your home and how many items you have, packing everything can be a lengthy process. But if you’ve already taken care of the living room and bedroom, you may find that the bathroom can be a challenge.
While it can seem like no big deal and straightforward at first, you may find that many liquid soaps cannot be sealed, like those with handpumps for example. So here are some tips in order to make the bathroom-packing process a bit smoother and more efficient.
Why Bathroom Packing Can Be Harder
Sure there are less items in the bathroom than other rooms, but other things like timing come into play, making the process a bit more complicated. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Timing is everything. Everyone uses their bathroom everyday, so packing these items will have to come last in the process. But doing everything last minute can also result in items not packed correctly and you find liquids leaking from the boxes.
- Amount of fragile items. Many of the items in the bathroom can be made of glass or other breakable materials, such as jars, flasks, hair products, toiletries, and make-up, all of which will need to be wrapped before packed.
- Risk of spills. The majority of these items will contain liquids, all of which can spill if the container is not secured or leaks during the relocation process. Consider pouring these products into plastic containers that can be secured and are travel-safe.
3-Stage Process for Packing a Bathroom
As there will be items needed for everyday use and others that can be packed weeks before the big day, it’s necessary to organize them into groups to make the packing process easier. Here are the 3 stages of packing up a bathroom.
- Sorting: Sort each item into 2 different groups, one for those that will be needed everyday and one for those that don’t.
- Removing Unwanted items: One of the best things about moving is that you can get rid of a lot of items in order to downsize your moving load. So any hairspray cans, shampoo bottles, candles, sponges, and any other toiletries you don’t need can be thrown out.
- Packing: Check out the 8 steps below on how to properly pack each item to prevent spills, leaks, and breaks during the moving process.
1. Sorting
It can be hard to pack up a bathroom if you constantly have to pull things out like a towel or tissues. So the first step is to sort everything. Pull out everything from the shelves, drawers, cabinets, and cupboards and group them into the following categories:
- Towels and linens
- Cleaning supplies
- Cosmetic products
- Shaving products
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and condition, and other hair products)
- Medications and prescriptions
- Miscellaneous items (candles, bath bombs, Knick knacks, etc.)
2. Removing Unwanted Items
Getting rid of the items that you don’t need can cut down on both the work and moving costs when moving. But you should also consider that some items should be thrown away instead of packed, like expired prescriptions and medication.
- Appliances and accessories. If there are any appliances that no longer work, like a curling iron, flat iron, electric toothbrush, etc. throw it out. If you also have any duplicates, consider donating or giving one to a friend.
- Makeup. Makeup can also expire and cause breakouts if still used. Make sure to go through your supply and throw out anything you haven’t used in longer than three months or has dried out.
- Toiletries and hair care. If there’s only a small amount of product left within the bottle, throw them out along with others that are empty. Consider the fact that packing and moving a number of inexpensive toiletries may be more costly than re-buying everything once at your new destination, especially in the case of long distance moves.
- The medicine cabinet can take a while. Make sure to throw out all medication that is:
- Expired
- Has missing labels
- Ineffective
- Appear, smell, or taste different
- No longer necessary
- Towels and linens. Throw away or donate any towels or linens you don’t need, such as bathrobes, shower curtains, or towels with stains or holes in them. Although you may want to consider some for cleaning purposes before you move.
- Cleaning supplies and chemicals. Unless you are willing to transport them yourself, most cleaning supplies are not allowed in moving trucks for safety reasons.
3. Packing
1. Pack bathroom bags
Before getting started, give each member in the household a bag to pack their items that are needed for everyday use. This should be done a few days before moving day; the goal is to time everything as efficiently as possible. Packing everything too early can result in items being pulled out and making a mess right before moving day while waiting until the last minute can result in crammed belongings that may break, leak, or spill.
Within each bag, make sure everyone has their own toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo bottle, soap or shower gel, makeup for everyday use, deodorant, and shaving items.
2. Prepare the boxes
To add a basic layer of protection, pad the bottom of each box with packing paper. Then place a towel over to add another layer of cushion.
3. Protect fragile items
If you are taking the bathroom mirror with you, make sure to wrap it carefully, placing custom-cut thick pieces of cardboard on top, taping them over the mirror. Then wrap the mirror with bubble wrap for additional protection.
Don’t forget to wrap any other glassware with bubble wrap and packing paper, also using cardboard pieces to prevent them from becoming damaged.
4. Pack bathroom liquids
Packing partially used liquid bottles can be tough, especially if they cant be sealed or secured. The most important thing is to prevent leaks and spills, so you can start by placing small tubes and liquid bottles into Ziploc bags.
For larger bottles, like shampoo bottles, take off the pump, seal them with a piece of plastic wrap, and screw the pump back on. If they fit, you can also place them into Ziploc bags.
5. Pack the toiletries
If you have a travel case for your toiletries, pack as many as you can without stuffing the bag. You can also wrap them in packing paper and use sheets of plastic wrap for additional protection. Then pack each item into a small box.
6. Use towels for additional protection
While you’ll need to pack your towels, linens, and washcloths, anyway, why not use them as additional packing materials? These materials can add great padding without the weight, as long as they are 100% dry before being packed. Otherwise, you may end up with a musty-smell or mildew on your items.
7. Keep medicine with you
When packing up your bathroom, remember to keep all medications and prescriptions needed for daily use with you at all times. Also don’t forget about a first-aid kit as accidents can happen at any time.
8. Label the bathroom boxes
It’s important to keep everything organized so that everything can go into the right rooms when arriving to your new home. This can be done through proper labeling of each box, also adding “FRAGILE” if needed.
Additional Tips
While everyone will have different items to pack, these tips can help to ensure a smooth process when packing up your bathroom. Just keep in mind the following:
- Sort through each of your items and dispose of any items you no longer need.
- Place liquids in secure containers or wrap the tops with plastic wrap before putting the cap back on to prevent leaking.
- Pad the bottoms and tops of boxes with bubble wrap and bathroom towels to protect fragile items.
Choosing the Right Movers
Packing tips can surely be helpful if you’re looking for insights on packing your items yourself, but there are also professional movers who would be happy to handle this process for you. At Mid-West Moving & Storage, our experts are experienced and trained to pack and move items of all kinds to your new location.
We will ensure that all belongings are protected and cared for as if they were our own, safely transporting and unpacking them in your new home. Our professionals are also able to disassemble and move a number of heavier items, like furniture, artwork, and large appliances.
For more information about our moving or packing services, please call Mid-West Moving & Storage at 847.593.7201 or fill out a contact form for a free quote.
