The secret to a successful move lies in the details.
When it comes to moving, the bigger items like furniture and electronics usually steal the spotlight.
But what about the little things—the toiletries that make our daily routines feel complete?
Packing your toiletries for a move might not sound like a big deal, but it’s one of those tasks that, when done right, can save you a ton of stress later on.
Did you know that an average household in the U.S. spends about $500 to $1,000 moving their personal items, excluding the costs of hiring professional movers or additional services?
Packing everything efficiently is the key to reducing those costs, and that includes your toiletries.
From toothpaste and shampoo to lotions and razors, packing toiletries for long distance move correctly makes sure that nothing leaks, breaks, or gets lost in the shuffle.
Over 44 million people move annually in the United States, a significant portion of which involves carefully managing personal items, including toiletries.
Keeping these items organized and well-packed will help make your moving experience much smoother. After an exhausting move, no one wants to deal with spilled shampoo or broken perfume bottles.
In this guide, let’s talk about “how to pack toiletries for moving.”
Sort and Purge Your Bathroom Items
The first thing you should do before packing is to assess what you actually need.
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Moving is the perfect time to declutter; your toiletries are no exception.
Go through everything in your bathroom and decide what you actually use.
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Get rid of anything expired, empty, or no longer needed.
For example, dispose of:
- Old razors
- Expired medications
- Bottles with just a tiny bit of product left
- Unused beauty products or lotions
By purging, you're reducing the amount you need to pack and the clutter in your new bathroom.
Gather Essential Packing Materials
You'll need the right packing materials to pack your toiletries safely and securely.
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to get started:
Small Boxes are great for grouping similar items together. You can organize them by category, such as hair care products, skincare, makeup, and oral hygiene.
Plastic Wrap: Use this to seal liquid containers and prevent them from leaking during transit.
Zippered Plastic Bags: These are handy for containing potential spills and ensuring that liquids don't ruin your other items.
Bubble Wrap or Packing Paper is ideal for fragile items like glass perfume bottles or delicate skin care products.
Packing Tape: To securely seal your bags and boxes and keep everything in place.
Need more packing advice? Check out our Packing Tips for expert guidance on every aspect of your move.
Pack Liquids and Bottles with Care
Many toiletries come in liquid form, and this can be a tricky part of packing.
Items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotions are prone to leakage.
Here’s how to pack these items to minimize any mess:
How to pack shampoo for moving: Always make sure that the caps on your shampoo and conditioner bottles are tightly secured.
Seal Tight: Make sure the caps on your bottles are tightly secured.
Wrap Openings: Before sealing the cap, place a piece of plastic wrap over the opening to prevent leaks. This is especially useful for larger bottles.
Double Bag: Place liquid items in zippered plastic bags to contain any leaks that might occur. Even if a bottle leaks, the bag will catch it and prevent it from getting on your other items.
Protect Fragile Toiletry Items
Some toiletries, especially glass bottles or perfume, require extra care.
To ensure these items don’t break during the move, follow these tips:
Toiletry bag for moving: Use a durable toiletry bag for transporting delicate toiletries like perfume, which can be packed in bubble wrap.
Wrap Carefully: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap fragile items carefully. Be sure to cover the entire item and secure the ends with tape.
Pack in Sturdy Boxes: Once wrapped, place these items in sturdy boxes and fill any gaps with additional packing materials to prevent shifting.
Organize and Label Your Toiletry Boxes
The last thing you want is to dig through a jumble of items when you need something quickly.
Here’s how to stay organized:
Essential Toiletry Bag: Pack a separate toiletry bag with items you’ll need immediately after arriving at your new home. This can include your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and any medications.
Label Your Boxes: Make sure you label all your boxes as “Bathroom Items” and be specific about what each box contains (e.g., “Shampoo and Conditioner,” “Face Care,” “Makeup”).
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Use Specialized Toiletry Bags
Having the right toiletry bag can make a world of difference when packing.
A high-quality bag will keep your toiletries organized and protected.
Here are some of the best travel toiletry bags for packing your toiletries:
Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0: This water-resistant bag has multiple compartments, perfect for organizing toiletries.
Peak Design Wash Bag: A durable design with ample space and a hanging hook for easy access when unpacked.
Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag: A sleek, water-resistant bag that’s perfect for travelers who need a compact yet spacious bag.
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eBags Pack-It-Flat Toiletry Kit: A compact option with clear compartments for easy visibility.
Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag: Spacious with a hanging hook, allowing for easy access to all your toiletries.
Plan for Immediate Needs
When moving to a new home, it's important to have a separate toiletry bag ready with the essentials you'll need immediately.
This should include:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand soap
- Towels
- Toilet paper
Having these items easily accessible will make your first few days in your new home much more comfortable.
You don’t want to be searching for a toothbrush when you’ve just moved in!
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Dispose of Unnecessary Items
Before packing your toiletries, take a moment to evaluate what’s really necessary.
Old razors, expired medications, empty bottles—these should all be disposed of.
Reducing the number of items you need to pack not only makes the move easier but also simplifies your unpacking process.
You’ll thank yourself later for the extra space and fewer items to organize!
Get Professional Packing Services
If packing your toiletries seems overwhelming or if you have many fragile or valuable items, consider hiring professional packing services.
These services can help:
- Provide proper packing materials
- Use expert techniques to ensure everything is packed safely
- Offer insurance for your items
Unpack Strategically
Upon arrival at your new home, the first thing you’ll want to do is get settled in.
Start by unpacking the essential toiletry bag, so you have everything you need to freshen up.
Once that’s done, systematically unpack your bathroom boxes and place items in their designated spots.
This will help you set up your bathroom quickly and make your new space feel like home.
Additional Tips for Packing Toiletries
Use Travel-Sized Containers: If you don’t want to deal with large bottles, transfer products like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash into travel-sized containers. This will save space and make it easier to pack.
Double-Bag Liquids: Even if you’ve sealed your bottles tightly, it’s always a good idea to double-bag liquid items just to be extra cautious. You never know if a bottle might start leaking during transit.
Protect Electrical Appliances: For items like hairdryers, straighteners, or curling irons, wrap cords securely and place them in padded bags or boxes.
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