How to Pack a Garage For Moving

You know what they say—moving is one of life’s most stressful experiences.

Well, if you’ve ever tried to pack a garage for moving, you probably already know that the garage is a whole other beast.

Think about it: tools, old furniture, seasonal decorations, and God knows what else piled up in there.

According to a survey by the American Moving & Storage Association, a large chunk of moves that happen every year in America involve packing up a garage that’s more cluttered than a toddler’s toy chest.

So, how do you pack a garage for moving without feeling like you're drowning in a sea of dust and forgotten stuff?

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Let’s give you a step-by-step plan so you can tackle that garage like a pro and avoid the chaos that usually comes with it.

It’s time to learn how you can make this process smoother than a freshly waxed floor. 

Step 1: Start Early and Get Organized

Before we even talk packing tips for moving, let’s first get create a together. 

If you think you can knock out the garage in one day—think again.

Packing a garage for moving can take a lot of time, especially if you have a lot of items. The key to avoiding stress is garage organization before moving.

Start at least 2-3 weeks before your move (the sooner, the better!).

Go through everything in your garage and make three piles:

1. Keep – These are things you definitely need or use regularly.
2. Donate/Sell – Stuff that's in good condition, but you don't need it anymore.
3. Trash – Anything broken or just plain useless.

This step might seem boring, but it makes packing 10 times easier. Plus, getting rid of unnecessary stuff will save you a lot of moving costs. Less stuff = less to move!

Step 2: Declutter Like a Boss

Most garages are full of junk that’s been shoved in there over the years.

Maybe it’s old paint cans, broken lawn equipment, or the thousand plastic containers you’ll never use.

But now’s the time to be brutal and declutter your garage for the move.

Here’s a simple rule: If you haven’t used it in over a year and it’s not something you’re attached to emotionally, it’s time to let it go.

A good rule of thumb is: If it’s broken or you don’t need it—ditch it.

This can take a few days, but by the end, you'll be amazed at how much room you've freed up. It will also make packing all those "keep" items that much easier.

Step 3: Gather Your Packing Materials

You know what they say—the right tools make the job easier. And when it comes to packing a garage, having the right materials is surely helpful.

Best packing materials for moving include sturdy boxes, plastic bins, bubble wrap, packing paper, and, of course, strong tape.

For garage stuff, you’ll need extra heavy-duty packing supplies.

Those flimsy cardboard boxes you use for clothes won’t cut it here.

Use sturdy, durable boxes for heavier items like tools or boxes with handles for easier carrying. Also, consider getting plastic storage bins to keep things safe from moisture, especially for seasonal items and things that might get damaged in transit.

Step 4: Start with Small Items and Work Your Way Up

When you're packing, you don’t want to just grab whatever and throw it into boxes.

Efficient packing strategies are key to making the process faster and safer.

Start with the smaller stuff—tools, holiday decorations, cleaning supplies, or gardening tools.

These things are easy to pack and will help you get into the groove.

As you go, remember that labeling boxes for moving is just as important as packing them properly. Label each box with its contents and the room it will go in your new home.

And don’t forget to mark fragile on anything that could break—those holiday ornaments, for example, need special care!

Step 5: Packing Garage Tools Safely

Packing garage tools safely is no joke. You're dealing with everything from hammers to power drills, saws, and even lawnmowers, and these items can be dangerous if packed improperly.

For heavy tools, wrap them in old towels or bubble wrap.

If you’ve got power tools, remove the batteries and pack them separately to avoid accidents. Use large plastic bins for these types of items—they’ll keep things from shifting around during transport.

For large tools, you may need to disassemble some pieces. For example, if you’re packing a lawnmower, remove the handle so it fits into a smaller box. If you’ve got power cords, make sure they’re coiled neatly and secured with zip ties.

Step 6: Safely Pack Large Items

Some garage items are just huge.

Things like bicycles, grills, or big gardening equipment.

For these larger items, it’s a good idea to organize storage areas for relocation by breaking things down as much as possible.

If you have bikes, take off the wheels and handlebars to save space and prevent damage.

If you have patio furniture, disassemble it if you can to make it easier to fit into boxes or the moving truck.

Even grills can be disassembled to save space and make sure everything is packed tightly.

Step 7: Get Ready for the Big Stuff

You know that giant workbench you’ve had for years? Or are the heavy shelving units filled with boxes of screws and nails?

When it comes to securing heavy items for transport, you need to be extra careful. These items are bulky, heavy, and difficult to pack. But with the right steps, you can move them without a hitch.

Here’s what you need: A moving dolly and moving straps. These are lifesavers when it comes to shifting large, heavy items like your workbench.

Just make sure you have someone strong to help move these items, or you’ll be risking injury.

Step 8: Don’t Forget the Hazardous Materials

If your garage contains hazardous materials—like old paint, gas, or oil—you'll need to figure out how to dispose of them safely.

Most moving companies won’t handle these items due to safety concerns. Your best bet is to take them to a hazardous waste facility.

Check with your local recycling center or your moving company about what you can and can’t move.

If you can’t get rid of them before moving day, at least be aware of what you’ll need to deal with.

Step 9: Final Walkthrough

Before you call it quits and head out to the new place, do a final walkthrough of your garage.

Double-check that all items are packed and secure.

This is especially important for the heavy tools and fragile items.

You don’t want anything slipping or breaking when the truck is in transit.

Conclusion

There you have it! You’re now equipped with the ultimate guide to packing your garage for a move.

And if you’re feeling stressed about moving, remember: The more organized you are, the easier it will be. 

Just take it one step at a time and enjoy the process. At the end of the day, you'll be in your new home, stress-free, and ready to enjoy all the hard work you put into packing that garage.

Recommended Resources

• How To Unpack After Moving

• What To Pack First When Moving

• How to Pack a Moving Truck

• How To Use Moving Blankets