Packing Tips
Packing Tips

Efficient Packing Services

Contact us today for a free quote for your residential moving services. We have automatic stair climbers that can move your heavy equipment.

Get Your Free Moving Estimate

Give us a call at 515-461-9069 or fill out the form below:

    User icon
    Phone icon
    Calendar icon
    Dropdown
    Location icon Search
    Location icon Search

    Take Advantage of Our Helpful Packing Tips

    Separator

    To make the moving process as easy and efficient as possible for everyone, it’s extremely helpful if you are prepared. Make sure you have an idea of which items you are prioritizing and which items need to be grouped together.

    Kirby’s Moving Company can do the packing or you can. Our professional movers can pack and label items with care so they can be moved and arrive to their destination unscathed and orderly.

    If you wish to do the packing, our experts recommend the tips below for a successful moving day. Call us for a free quote on our packing services today. We have bubble wrap available for you.

    Separator

    Achieve a Successful Move With These Tips

    Separator
      • Free Estimates: Refrigerators and freezers MUST BE EMPTY when moving.
      • Lighten up Cartons can be handled easier if they do not exceed 50 pounds, fully packed. Keep this in mind when you’re packing.
      • Use the right-sized boxes Pack books in small boxes. Light items, such as linens and pillows, can be packed in bigger ones. Large boxes packed with heavy items are a common complaint of professional movers. They not only make the job harder but also have a better chance of breaking.
      • Pack an overnight bag Chances are that you will be too tired to unpack after your move. You’ll want your essentials, including a change of clothes and basic toiletries, within easy access.
      • Label all boxes In addition to labeling the contents of your boxes, label what room they’ll be going into. Put your labels on the sides of the boxes for easy viewing. Unpack your boxes room by room for a more manageable transition.
      • Take photos Take photos of all electronic items so you can remember how and where all the wires go, prior to detaching all cords. If renting, take photos of the apartment you are vacating once everything is removed. This will prevent you from having to deal with the headache of paying unnecessary fees for cleaning and repairs.
      • Sandwich bags Sandwich bags are handy for keeping track of small items and parts to items being disassembled for the move. Tape the bag to the back of the corresponding piece of furniture for easy access.
      • Don’t leave empty spaces in the boxes Fill in gaps with clothing, towels or packing paper. Movers often won’t move boxes that feel loosely packed or unbalanced.
      • Packing supplies Cheaper is not always better. When you are packing valuable or breakable items, always use good-quality products (including boxes and wrapping materials) to ensure their protection. Packing tape should always be used instead of masking tape or duct tape. High-quality packing materials and supplies can be purchased directly from your moving company and delivered prior to your move for your convenience.
    Separator
    • Free Estimates: Refrigerators and freezers MUST BE EMPTY when moving.
    • Lighten up Cartons can be handled easier if they do not exceed 50 pounds, fully packed. Keep this in mind when you’re packing.
    • Use the right-sized boxes Pack books in small boxes. Light items, such as linens and pillows, can be packed in bigger ones. Large boxes packed with heavy items are a common complaint of professional movers. They not only make the job harder but also have a better chance of breaking.
    • Pack an overnight bag Chances are that you will be too tired to unpack after your move. You’ll want your essentials, including a change of clothes and basic toiletries, within easy access.
    • Label all boxes In addition to labeling the contents of your boxes, label what room they’ll be going into. Put your labels on the sides of the boxes for easy viewing. Unpack your boxes room by room for a more manageable transition.
    • Take photos Take photos of all electronic items so you can remember how and where all the wires go, prior to detaching all cords. If renting, take photos of the apartment you are vacating once everything is removed. This will prevent you from having to deal with the headache of paying unnecessary fees for cleaning and repairs.
    • Sandwich bags Sandwich bags are handy for keeping track of small items and parts to items being disassembled for the move. Tape the bag to the back of the corresponding piece of furniture for easy access.
    • Don’t leave empty spaces in the boxes Fill in gaps with clothing, towels or packing paper. Movers often won’t move boxes that feel loosely packed or unbalanced.
    • Packing supplies Cheaper is not always better. When you are packing valuable or breakable items, always use good-quality products (including boxes and wrapping materials) to ensure their protection. Packing tape should always be used instead of masking tape or duct tape. High-quality packing materials and supplies can be purchased directly from your moving company and delivered prior to your move for your convenience.
    Fast and Friendly Moving Services

    Contact us today for a free quote for your residential moving services.

    We have automatic stair climbers that can move your heavy equipment.

    Commercial Moving Services

    “Used these guys for about a 60-mile move. They showed up on time, did the job, were careful with the furniture and boxes. They were all in a great mood and easy to work with. Didn’t shy away from the quoted price either. Would recommend to anyone.”

    Service Overview

    Comprehensive Moving Solutions for All Your Needs

    Separator
    Local Moving services in Urbandale by Kirby's Moving Company

    Local Moving

    Our local moving services are designed to make your relocation within the area as seamless as possible. Whether you’re moving across town or just a few blocks away, our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with a stress-free and efficient moving experience.

    Read more Arrow
    Residential Moving services in Ankeny by Kirby's Moving Company

    Residential Moving

    Moving to a new home involves a lot of work. Don't let packing and transporting your furniture and belongings add stress and tension and ruin your day. The professionals at Kirby's Moving Company can help you with residential moving services.

    Read more Arrow

    Safe and Vault Moving

    With our insured service, you can rest assured that your gun safe or vault gets delivered to you efficiently. Our experienced crew can handle the job in a timely manner while making sure your delivery gets to the designated location on time and under budget!

    Read more Arrow
    Commercial Movers in Urbandale, IA

    Commercial Moving

    Let us handle the heavy lifting when it comes to moving your commercial office supplies and equipment. Our experienced and insured team will handle all your heavy equipment, furniture, and more with great care and consideration. We'll get it to your new building in the exact same condition.

    Read more Arrow
    Pro Piano Moving service in Urbandale - Kirby's Moving Company

    Piano Moving

    Need a piano moved within your home or to another destination? Our experienced and insured team will move your piano with great care and consideration. Our team will use our knowledge, equipment, and experience to move your piano to your location within the Greater Des Moines area.

    Read more Arrow

    Gun Safe Sales

    Protecting your firearms is a responsibility we take seriously. Our gun safe sales offer a wide range of high-quality, durable safes designed to keep your firearms secure from unauthorized access, theft, and fire. We provide safes in various sizes and specifications to accommodate different collections and needs, ensuring that every gun owner can find the perfect fit.

    Read more Arrow
    FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Separator

    What packing options does Kirby's Moving Company offer?

    We offer flexible options depending on your budget and preference :

    • Full-Service Packing: Our professional movers bring high-quality supplies to pack, wrap, and label every single item in your home or office with meticulous care, ensuring an organized and damage-free arrival.
    • Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Packing: You handle the packing yourself, and we provide expert tips and high-quality packing supplies to help you prepare for a successful move.

    Do you provide packing supplies, or do I need to buy my own?

    We can supply everything you need! We offer high-quality packing materials—including sturdy boxes of various sizes, heavy-duty packing tape, bubble wrap, and wrapping paper—which can be purchased directly from us and delivered to your home prior to your move for your convenience. We strongly advise against using cheap or low-quality boxes and tape (like masking or duct tape), as they have a much higher rate of breaking during transit.

    What are your top tips for packing boxes if I choose to do it myself?

    If you are packing your own home, our experts recommend the following guidelines:

    • Use the Right Box Size: Pack heavy items (like books) in small boxes, and light items (like linens and pillows) in larger boxes.
    • Don’t Leave Empty Space: Fill gaps in boxes with clothing, towels, or packing paper. Loosely packed or unbalanced boxes are prone to collapsing, and movers may decline to transport them.
    • Label Everything clearly: Write the contents and the target room on the sides of the boxes (not the tops) so they can be easily read when stacked.
    • Keep Cartons Under 50 Pounds: Fully packed cartons are much easier and safer to handle when they do not exceed 50 pounds.

    Are there any specific rules for packing appliances like refrigerators and freezers?

    Yes. Refrigerators and freezers MUST BE COMPLETELY EMPTY before moving day. This prevents food spoilage, water leakage, and shifting weight during transit.

    How should I prepare my electronics for the move?

    We highly recommend taking photos of the back of all electronic items (TVs, gaming consoles, desktop computers) before detaching any cords. This gives you a clear visual guide on how and where all the wires go when reassembling them in your new home.

    What is an "overnight bag" and why should I pack one?

    We strongly recommend packing an overnight bag containing your absolute essentials—such as a change of clothes, basic toiletries, chargers, and important documents. Unpacking an entire home takes time, and you will likely be too tired to unpack on your first night; having your immediate essentials in one easy-to-access bag makes your first night stress-free.