Packing Irregular Items: Tips and Tricks for Safe and Efficient Moving

Packing for a move isn't easy, especially when you’re dealing with items that are irregular in shape, size, or weight. From large, bulky furniture to delicate keepsakes, these items often don’t fit neatly into standard boxes. Fortunately, with a little planning, creativity, and some pro-packing techniques, you can ensure your irregular items are safely and securely packed for your move.

Big Boy Movers is a company with a lot of experience in packing and moving irregular items. This blog will cover everything you need to know about packing those tricky, oversized, or unusually shaped items, from sports equipment to appliances. 

Overview – How to Pack Irregular Items

1. Preparing Items for Packing: Disassembly and Wrapping

When you prepare to pack, the first thing to consider is whether you can disassemble them. Disassembling furniture, such as dressers, tables, or chairs, will make these items more manageable. 

For example, if you’re moving a dining table, you can unscrew the legs, wrap them separately in bubble wrap, and place the tabletop in a protective blanket. This not only prevents the table from getting scratched or damaged but also allows you to pack the pieces more efficiently.

If disassembling isn’t an option, then you'll want to wrap the items really well. For fragile things, such as mirrors and artwork, use high-quality moving blankets or bubble wrap. Be sure to secure the wrapping with packing tape or stretch film to prevent it from shifting during transport.

2. Protecting Items from Damage: Distribute Weight and Wrapping Techniques

One of the most important aspects of packing irregular items is to make sure they’re protected from damage during the move. Distributing weight carefully is crucial, especially when dealing with heavy objects. Be sure to distribute the weight evenly within the box or container. 

For heavy items that can be packed into boxes, having sturdy moving boxes or crates is also essential. You can reinforce boxes with packing tape to provide extra durability, especially if the items inside are heavy.

For more delicate things, like porcelain dolls or glass keepsakes, bubble wrap is your best friend. Wrap each item individually and secure it with tape. For added protection, you can place the wrapped items in sturdy containers with additional padding such as packing peanuts or crumpled paper.

3. Keeping Track of Parts: Label and Organize

Irregular items, especially large furniture pieces or appliances, often have multiple components that need to be packed separately. For example, when disassembling a dresser, you may have screws, knobs, and drawers that need to be packed in different places. To keep track of these parts, label everything carefully. You can use clear plastic bags to keep smaller parts like screws or bolts together, and label each bag with the corresponding item. 

Another great tip is to take pictures of how the item is assembled before disassembling it. This will serve as a helpful reference when it comes time to put everything

Pro Advice for Packing Irregular Items - Major Categories

1. Furniture – Dressers, Tables, Chairs, and Beds…

Furniture is perhaps one of the most challenging categories of irregular items to pack. Not only are many pieces large and heavy, but they generally don’t fit into boxes. However, with the right approach, you can safely pack and transport furniture.

1. Disassemble whenever possible: As mentioned earlier, taking apart furniture can make it much easier to move. 
2. Use moving blankets or furniture pads: Wrap each piece of furniture with these protective covers to shield them from scratches, dirt, and moisture during the move. 
3. Keep screws and small parts together: Place any screws, bolts, or small parts in labeled bags – which can be taped to larger furniture pieces to avoid losing them during the move.

2. Clothing – Packing Clothes for a Move vs. Vacation

Packing clothes for a move is a whole different ball game compared to packing for a vacation. You’re likely to be moving your entire wardrobe, which can become a heavy and cumbersome task.

1. Vacuum-seal bags: These bags are great for reducing the volume of your clothing while protecting them from moisture, dirt, and pests.
2. Garment bags: For delicate items like suits, dresses, or coats, garment bags are the best option. They keep your clothes wrinkle-free and protected during transit.
3. Trash bags and suitcases: If you don’t have garment bags or vacuum-seal bags, trash bags work as a quick and easy alternative for packing clothes. Just make sure to pack them loosely to avoid wrinkles. Rolling suitcases are another great option, as they provide structure and protection for your clothes.

3. Books – Packing Tips for Big Collections

Books are easy to pack, but they can become quite heavy if you have a large collection. To avoid straining yourself or damaging the books, follow these packing tips:

1. Use small boxes: Large boxes can become too heavy to carry when packed with books. Stick with smaller boxes.
2. Pack in rolling suitcases: If you have rolling suitcases, you can use them to pack your books. The wheels make transportation easier, and the structure of the suitcase provides added protection.
3. Lay books flat: When packing your books, place them flat in the box to avoid bending or warping the pages. If you have special collector’s editions or fragile books, consider wrapping them individually.

4. Paintings and Large Pictures – Protecting Artwork

Packing artwork, especially large paintings and pictures, requires extra care and attention. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Frame protection: For framed artwork, use corner protectors and bubble wrap to protect the edges and corners of the frame.
2. Use large moving boxes: You can purchase special picture boxes designed for large artwork. These boxes are reinforced and offer added protection during the move.
3. Wrap with care: If you don’t have a picture box, wrap your artwork in moving blankets or bubble wrap, securing it with stretch film. Avoid using newspapers, as the ink can transfer onto the artwork.

5. Sports Equipment – Golf Clubs, Nets, Punching Bags

Sports equipment can be tricky to pack. Here's how to make it easier:

1. Golf clubs, bats, and other long items: If there isn't a bag for those items already, wrap them individually in bubble wrap and place them in a long box.
2. Punching bags and other weighted things: If possible, empty them out or deflate them. Then wrap them in a protective covering such as a moving blanket.
3. Nets and other equipment: Roll up nets and other flexible items, and pack them in cylindrical boxes or bags.
4. Treadmills and gym equipment: Some gym equipment can be disassembled, but if you can't do that you'll need to secure moving parts, wrap the equipment securely, and make sure that it's loaded and unloaded with special care.

6. Play Equipment – Trampolines, Monkey Bars, and Slides

Play equipment can be difficult to pack because of its large size. Follow these tips to make it easier:

1. Disassemble: Whenever possible, disassemble play equipment into smaller, more manageable pieces. For example, remove the legs of a trampoline or the slides from a jungle gym.
2. Wrap and protect: Once disassembled, wrap the parts in moving blankets and secure them with stretch film.
3. Label parts: Keep track of smaller parts like screws, nuts, and bolts in clearly marked containers.

7. Appliances – Ovens, Freezers, Floor Lamps

Packing large appliances can be complicated, but with a little preparation, it can be done safely:

1. Empty and clean: Before packing any appliance, make sure it’s empty and thoroughly cleaned to avoid accidents. This is especially important for refrigerators and freezers.
2. Disassemble if possible: Remove any removable parts, such as shelves, and pack them separately.
3. Wrap carefully: Use moving blankets to protect the appliance from scratches or dents during transport.   

Get In Touch 

Packing irregular items doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you follow these tips and strategies. Whether you’re tackling large furniture, fragile artwork, or bulky appliances, taking the time to properly prepare and protect your belongings will make the moving process much smoother.

At Big Boy Movers, we provide packing services for both residential and commercial customers in Salt Lake City, UT, and across the western United States. Our team of professional movers is experienced in handling all types of irregular items, ensuring your move goes as smoothly as possible. Call us toll-free today at 877-70-MOVER to schedule the custom moving services you need.