How to Pack for a Move in Vermont, VT

The single most common packing mistake is putting books in a large box. The contents are fine; the cardboard is not, and the bottom gives out on a staircase. The rule is inverse: the heavier the contents, the smaller the box. Small boxes for books, tools, canned goods and dishes. Large boxes for pillows, bedding, and lampshades.

The second most common mistake is leaving air in the box. Any empty space is room for contents to move for the entire trip, and Vermont roads provide plenty of encouragement. Fill every void with crumpled paper until the box does not rattle when you shake it gently.

What to Have on Hand

• Small boxes for books, dishes, tools, and anything dense.
• Medium boxes for the majority of household goods.
• Large boxes for bedding, pillows, and lightweight bulk only.
• Dish barrels — double-walled — for the kitchen.
• Wardrobe boxes so hanging clothes travel on the rail.
• Packing paper, not newspaper, which transfers ink.
• Bubble wrap for glass, screens, and framed items.
• Mattress bags, and cartons for mirrors and televisions.
• A tape gun and at least two thick markers.

As a rough planning figure, budget 25 to 35 boxes per bedroom for an average household — more if you cook seriously or keep a lot of books.

The Kitchen

The slowest room in any house and the one where breakage costs most. Plates go on edge, wrapped individually, in a dish barrel — stacking them flat is what cracks them. Glasses get paper inside and out. Pots nest with paper between them. Knives are wrapped and clearly labeled. Anything liquid gets bagged separately from anything absorbent.

Bedrooms and Closets

Leave clothing in dresser drawers — it saves boxes and time, and the crew moves the dresser as a unit. Hanging clothes go straight into wardrobe boxes. Strip beds and bag the mattress. Jewelry, documents, and anything irreplaceable travels with you, not on the truck.

Living Areas and Electronics

Photograph the back of the television and stereo before unplugging anything, then bag and label each cable. Screens go in flat cartons on edge, never flat under weight. Books get small boxes. Lamps come apart — shade, harp, and base packed separately.

Bathrooms, Garage, and Basement

Bathrooms are quick but messy: tape every cap and bag anything liquid. Garages and basements are where estimates go wrong, so start there earlier than feels necessary. Drain fuel from mowers and trimmers, and set aside anything that cannot legally ride on a truck.

What Never Goes on the Truck

• Propane tanks, gasoline, kerosene, and lighter fluid.
• Paint, solvents, thinner, and aerosols.
• Pool chemicals, fertilizer, and pesticides.
• Ammunition, fireworks, and matches.
• Perishable food and open liquids.
• Documents, medication, jewelry, and cash — those travel with you.