How to pack moving boxes correctly: 10 professional tips

Before you start: The right materials

Before the first item goes into the box, you need the right materials. Don't skimp on the quality of the boxes!

• Sturdy moving boxes: Ideally, they should be all the same size. They're much easier and safer to stack in the moving van than a collection of banana boxes and old cartons.
• Wrapping paper/tissue paper: Ideal for dishes and fragile items. (Pro tip: Avoid newspaper, as the printer's ink will rub off).
• Bubble wrap: For particularly sensitive items.
• Strong adhesive tape: For secure locking.
• Thick felt-tip pens: For labeling.

Our 10 professional tips for perfect packing

1. The 15 kg rule: Don't pack too heavily.

   The most common mistake: boxes are crammed full until they are impossible to carry. A box should never weigh more than 15-20 kg. Do the test: you should still be able to lift the box comfortably yourself.

2. The Book Trick (Half & Half)

   Books are extremely heavy. Therefore, only fill book boxes to a maximum of half capacity. Fill the rest with lighter items such as pillows, towels, or stuffed animals.

3. Packing from heavy to light

   Inside the box, the rule is: Heavy items (like thick books or pots) always go at the bottom. Light and fragile items (like glasses) go at the top.

4. Plates? Only upright!

   Never place plates flat on top of each other in the box. The vibrations during transport can cause them to break. Wrap each plate individually in packing paper and place them upright (vertically) in the box.

5. Filling cavities (glass tip)

   Wrap each glass individually and fill any empty spaces inside (e.g., wine glasses) with crumpled tissue paper. Use socks or towels as cushioning to fill any gaps in the box. Nothing should be able to move around!

6. Precise labeling (on the side!)

   Label each box clearly and distinctly with two things:

   • Target area (e.g. «kitchen», «office», «Anna's bedroom»)
   • Contents (e.g. «Glasses & Cups», «Books - Office»)

   Pro tip: Always label the Page of the box, not the top. This way you can still read the writing when the boxes are stacked.

7. No liquids or hazardous materials

   Open bottles, cleaning products, paints, or gas cylinders have no place in a moving box. These should always be transported separately and upright.

8. The "First Night Box"«

   Pack a separate suitcase or box with everything you will need on the first evening and the following morning: toiletries, pajamas, fresh clothes, mobile phone charger, coffee maker and essential tools (cutter, screwdriver).

9. Valuables & Documents

   Important documents (passports, contracts), laptops and valuable jewelry should always be transported personally and not packed in a moving box.

10. Safely store furniture parts

    Screws from disassembled furniture? Stick them in a bag directly onto the corresponding piece of furniture. Alternatively, collect all the bags of screws in a labeled box. (PS: Need help with the Furniture assembly and disassemblyOur professionals will gladly take care of that.)

Too much hassle? Our packing service for Zurich

Let's be honest: packing takes time and energy. If you'd like to avoid this stress, our moving professionals at EasyUmzüge will gladly take care of it for you. We bring all the necessary packing materials and pack your belongings quickly, securely, and safely for transport.

While you relax, we will prepare everything for a smooth process.

Move stress-free with EasyUmzüge

Proper packing is half the battle. If you need a reliable partner for the other half – transport, assembly, and final cleaning – Moving company in Zurich If you are looking for something, you've come to the right place.