Packing Tips: Garage & Storage

In order to make packing up a garage or storage area as easy as possible, New City Moving has put together the following tips. The advice is all based on expert advice and comes from people who know what it means to pack a cluttered area and what kind of work is involved in the task.

Taking advantage of these tips is a good idea, because the garage is a particularly difficult and time consuming area to pack. Normally the garage and shed take longer to pack than other rooms, because they are full of unusually shaped, heavy or sharp items and that means there are other requirements to pack these possessions correctly.

New City Moving's Packing Tips for Items in the Garage

The first thing to do when preparing to pack a garage or storage area is to dispose of everything that can't be transported with the moving truck. This includes pesticides, oil, gas and fertilizer. Once you have cleared out the non-shippable items, then you should group items together according to size or shape like, for example, pruning shears with long handle tools. Before packing anything into boxes make sure that you have the materials to wrap and cushion the items with, such as newspapers.

Tools

Garden tools with long handles, mops and brooms are bundled together and then secured. Any attachments on power tools have to be removed and packed into a separate box.

• Tools with sharp edges should be wrapped up in old towels and then taped.
• Drain any oil or gas out of power tools before the day of the move.
• Hand tools can be left in the tool box, but the empty space should be filled up with crumpled paper or you can pack them according to the mover's rules. Small cartons should be chosen when packing heavy tools.

Rakes and Brooms

It is not necessary to pack items like rakes, brooms, shovels and similar items. These just have to be gathered and then given to the moving company so that they can be bundled together in a pad.

Lawn and Patio Furniture

Cushions should be packed into large cartons or a wardrobe after they are removed from the frames. The frames should then be cleaned prior to the move.

Umbrella

The umbrella needs to remain clean and dry during the transport and that is achieved by wrapping it is paper padding or a plastic bag and then securely taping it. If you have a weighted umbrella stand then that does not need to be packed.

Packing Tips for the Grill

The tank should be removed, because it is not allowed to be shipped in a moving van. If there is still any unused charcoal in the grill then this needs to be disposed of. We have a list of items that can't be shipped for more details.

Outdoor Equipment

Prior to the day of the actual move, all swing sets, garden sheds, TV antennas and other outdoor equipment you are taking with you to your new home has to be dismantled.

• Small pieces of hardware in a plastic bag or coffee can. Don't forget to label everything.
• If possible, attach the bag containing the parts to the corresponding items.
• The lawn mower has to be prepared by draining all gasoline before the day of the move arrives.

Pots and Planters

Small ceramic and pottery planters should be individually wrapped and well cushioned, as with all other fragile items in the home. If you happen to have unusual or large sized planters then it is best to ask for advice from your moving company.

Items that are already in boxes, but in cartons which are torn, non-sealable or falling apart, will have to be re-packed before being transported. This is often what happens to items that are kept in attics or crawl spaces, like old toys and holiday decorations.

Trash Cans

• In some cases it is simpler to purchase new garbage cans once you have reached your new place.
• If you take your trash cans with you, then clean them before they are transported.
• If you own trash cans that can be rolled or which have a lid that can be sealed, then you can use these to pack items into. It is just important to keep in mind that they can't be packed so that they are too heavy.

Vehicles

New City Moving can transport any kind of vehicle, including minivans, boats and trucks, to your new location with a special auto transport carrier. In certain cases it is even possible to put the vehicle being moved onto the moving truck. Always ask beforehand for details and information. However, the following has to be kept in mind when moving a vehicle:

• All vehicles should be inspected for any leaks, such as oil, radiator fluids or battery acid.
• Vehicles should have less than a quarter of a tank of fuel.
• Owners of boats should drain them of all fuel and motor oil.

You should talk with your moving company about transporting the following items:

• Riding lawnmower
• Snow blower
• Gas powered leaf blower
• Trampoline
• Hot tub
• Motor scooter
• Moped
• Storage shed
• Satellite dish
• Above ground swimming pool
• Jungle gym
• Swing set
• Dog house, kennel

Keep Our Tips for Packing the Garage in Mind

These packing tips for the garage will help you to not only pack your items correctly, but also to get organized. If you organize your possessions, then you will likely notice that you don't need everything and by sorting out everything you can get rid of you will have less to pack in the end.