Garages tend to be the last room anyone packs, and the most chaotic — tools, chemicals, sports gear, and things with no obvious category all piled together. A little sorting up front saves a lot of confusion on moving day.
Start With What Shouldn't Be Moved
Some garage items simply shouldn't go on a moving truck: propane tanks, gasoline, old paint cans, and other flammable or hazardous materials. Check your local municipality's household hazardous waste disposal program before your move date rather than trying to pack these at all.
Tools
Group hand tools by type (screwdrivers together, wrenches together) rather than dumping everything into one tote loose — loose tools shift and can damage totes or other packed items during transport. Heavier tools go in the bottom of the tote, lighter ones on top, and keep totes with tools below the safe-lift weight you're comfortable carrying.
Odd-Shaped and Awkward Items
Extension cords, hoses, and cables tangle badly if packed loose — coil and tie each one before packing. Sports equipment, garden tools, and other oddly-shaped items that don't fit neatly in a tote are usually easiest to transport separately rather than forced into a container they don't fit.
Labeling for a Fast Garage Unpack
Garage totes are easy to leave packed for weeks after a move since they're rarely urgent. Label totes clearly by category (tools, garden, sports, hardware) so you're not opening every tote in the garage months later hunting for one specific item.
See tote packages by home size and book your delivery date.
View Residential PricingFrequently Asked Questions
Can I pack paint, propane, or gasoline in moving totes?
No — hazardous and flammable materials shouldn't be transported in a moving vehicle at all. Check your local municipality's household hazardous waste program for proper disposal instead.
What's the best way to pack tools for a move?
Group by type, put heavier tools on the bottom of the tote, and avoid packing loose tools that can shift and damage other items during transport.
How should I pack extension cords and hoses?
Coil and tie each one individually before packing to avoid a tangled mess that's frustrating to sort out later.
The Short Version
Garages take longer to pack because of variety, not volume — sort out hazardous items first, group tools by type, and label clearly since garage totes often sit unopened longest after a move.
See How to Downsize Before Moving for help deciding what to keep, or view Residential Pricing to book totes for the rest of your move.