When you’re getting ready to move, it’s easy to underestimate how much work it takes to pack up a laundry room. While it might be smaller than a kitchen or garage, it contains heavy appliances, cleaning chemicals, and an assortment of awkward items like baskets, hangers, detergents, and drying racks.
The laundry room is often one of the last spaces to be packed because it’s still in use up until moving day. That’s why planning ahead is essential. Whether you’re taking your washer and dryer with you or just bringing a few essentials, this guide will walk you through how to pack your laundry room in a way that is safe, efficient, and stress-free.
Step 1: Declutter and Decide What’s Worth Taking
Start with the basics: Do you really need to take everything with you?
Moving is the perfect time to reassess what you use regularly and what you don’t. The laundry room tends to collect random supplies, old linens, extra hangers, or broken gadgets. Here’s how to take control of the space before boxing anything up.
What to Purge:
- Partially used bottles of detergent or bleach are best left behind since these are often considered hazardous and usually cannot be transported by professional movers.
- Broken or unnecessary items like bent hangers, worn-out hampers, or that ironing board that never stands up straight.
- Old or rarely used supplies, such as fabric dye, steamers, or a pile of clothespins you never touch.
- Outdated linens and towels can be donated to local shelters or reused as packing materials.
What to Consider Keeping:
- Washer and dryer, if you own them and they are in good condition.
- Portable and useful items, like drying racks or detachable storage hooks.
- Everyday essentials such as laundry baskets, a working iron, and compact storage bins.
Step 2: Use Laundry Items as Packing Tools
A great way to simplify your move is by using what you already own to pack other items. Laundry baskets, hampers, bins, and even clean trash cans are perfect examples.
Smart Packing Ideas:
- Fill laundry baskets with soft items like towels, clothes, or bed linens.
- Use hampers to carry lightweight but bulky goods such as pillows or plush toys.
- Clean your laundry trash can and line it with a fresh bag to pack small sealed items like dryer sheets, mesh bags, or extra cords.
- Mesh bags are great for grouping small accessories such as dryer balls, cleaning rags, or brushes.
These techniques help reduce the number of boxes you need and make packing quicker.
Step 3: Secure and Pack Smaller Items
Once you’ve decided what to bring, the next step is to pack everything securely. Tossing things into boxes without a plan can lead to spills, breakage, and confusion when it’s time to unpack.
Helpful Packing Tips:
- Sort items by category. Place sewing kits with threads and needles, lint brushes with other cleaning supplies, and so on.
- Use small boxes for heavier items such as irons or toolkits to avoid injuries or crushed boxes.
- Wrap sharp or oddly shaped objects in towels or bubble wrap.
- Clearly label all boxes with both the contents and any special instructions like “Fragile” or “Open First.”
- Seal tiny items in zip bags to keep them from getting lost. This includes clothespins, buttons, or safety pins.
- Gather hangers in bundles using rubber bands, then wrap them in a towel or old pillowcase.
These steps will save time when setting up your new laundry area.
Step 4: Decide How to Handle Laundry Products
Most moving companies will not transport hazardous household items, which include laundry detergents, bleach, and stain removers. That doesn’t mean you have to leave them behind entirely, but you will need to handle them yourself and package them correctly.
How to Pack Laundry Products Safely:
- Place each bottle in its own sealed plastic bag to catch potential leaks.
- Pack them upright inside a sturdy plastic container with a lid.
- Add cushioning, such as towels or foam, to keep bottles from tipping over.
- Avoid bringing open or almost-empty bottles, since the risk of spillage isn’t worth it.
When It’s Better to Let Go:
If a product is nearly empty or has been sitting around for a while, it’s better to toss it and plan to replace it once you’re settled in your new home. This keeps things clean and simple.
Step 5: Prepare Your Washing Machine for the Move
Washing machines are heavy and can be easily damaged during a move if not properly prepped. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring pros, it’s important to handle your appliance with care.
Washing Machine Prep Checklist:
- Run a hot, empty cycle to clean out detergent buildup.
- Unplug and fully drain the machine.
- Turn off the water supply and disconnect the hoses.
- Wrap the hoses and store them in a plastic bag taped to the machine.
- Leave the washer door open for 24 hours to prevent mold or odors.
- Install transit bolts to stabilize the drum during transport.
- Cover the machine with a moving blanket or padded wrap to protect it from dings.
If you’re unfamiliar with installing transit bolts or disconnecting water lines, consider asking a professional or your moving company for help.
Step 6: Get Your Dryer Ready
Dryers are typically easier to move than washing machines, but they still require proper disconnection and packaging, especially gas-powered models.
Electric Dryers:
- Unplug the cord and secure it with tape.
- Remove and clean the lint trap.
- Wrap the dryer with a moving blanket.
Gas Dryers:
- Shut off the gas and disconnect the line carefully. If you’re not sure how, hire a certified technician.
- Cap the gas line and secure the hose inside the dryer drum.
- Remove the vent duct and store it inside the machine for safekeeping.
- Wrap the unit to avoid dents or scratches during the move.
Step 7: Know When to Call the Professionals
Packing and moving laundry appliances is not a simple task. There’s a lot of heavy lifting, technical disassembly, and risk involved. If you’d rather not deal with it, hiring professional movers can save time, reduce stress, and protect your valuable equipment.
Get Moving Help in San Diego
If you’re preparing for a move in San Diego, Best Fit Movers is here to help. We offer full-service moving assistance, including packing, loading, and appliance transport. Let us handle the hard work so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Call us or request a free quote online today to get started.
