Packaging FAQs

Isaac’s Moving & Storage have been helping clients move for over 25 years. We provide professional packing services, offer packing supplies and daily, we offer advice to our clients how to pack. Below are some frequently asked questions our moving and storage consultants hear about packing with responses from our experts.

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Home » Professional Packing Services » Packing FAQs

What are some materials I might need for my move?

Materials you will need for moving include good quality 2” packing tape, tissue paper or other packing paper, bubble wrap for fragile items, utility knife, scissors, permanent marker and quality boxes. We recommend you buy good quality moving boxes designed for the items you are packing. For valuable and fragile items, consult your move manager, we can pack them for you.

Check out our packing guide

More about boxes

Speaking of quality boxes, how many different types/sizes of boxes does Isaac’s provide?

We provide a variety of boxes that match the items being packed. This includes small, medium, large, dish, wardrobe, lamp, picture and archive boxes.

How will I obtain the boxes ahead of the move?

Isaac’s will conveniently deliver packing materials and boxes ahead of your move so you can solely focus on preparing your home for the move. Contact us for more details.

Can I customize the packing services I hire Isaac’s Moving for?

Isaac’s can provide full-service packing, which means we take care of all packing needs, partial packing services, unpacking services and self-packing services, where we provide the packing materials for you to pack your belongings in yourself.

How do you charge for packing services?

We charge by the hour, depending on the number of packers your goods will require. Our consultant will visit and work with you to understand what needs to get packed and how much you have. Usually we will plan so that packing will be done in one day.

Are my packed items insured?

We provide the basic $.60 per pound coverage with every move, meaning if an item weighs 110 pounds and it gets damaged, you will receive $60.00. We also offer comprehensive coverage and full replacement valuation with various deductibles.

More about insurance

How early should I start packing before my move?

If your home is more than a one-bedroom, start packing about three weeks out to help be ahead of schedule while also giving yourself space to think. You can pack the things you know you won’t touch for a while, like books or holiday dishes. The daily stuff can wait until closer to the move date.

What size boxes should I use for different items?

Don’t grab the biggest box for the heaviest things. That’s how you end up with torn corners or strained backs since you’ll have a lot of heavy items all in one box. Heavy items, like books, tools and pantry jars, go in smaller boxes that are easier to carry and purposefully don’t fit much in them. Reserve the big boxes for things like bedding or lampshades.

Should I pack clothes in suitcases or boxes?

Suitcases are perfect for packing folded clothes, especially heavier garments or items you’ll need right away. Wardrobe boxes are better for hanging clothes you don’t want to wrinkle, but using a mix of both makes the best use of space and keeps your clothing organized. Regardless of which you choose, you should avoid overloading either option, and secure zippers or box flaps tightly to prevent shifting during transport.

How can I prevent boxes from collapsing during the move?

You should always use sturdy boxes and avoid overpacking since weak or overused boxes are more likely to give way during loading or transit. Reinforce the bottom with strong packing tape, especially if you’re placing heavy items inside, and make sure contents are balanced and that gaps are filled to prevent shifting. You should also stack heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top.

Can I reuse old boxes for packing?

You can reuse boxes if they’re structurally sound and haven’t been weakened by moisture or tears. Inspect them carefully before use, then reinforce seams with fresh tape, and avoid reusing boxes that have already been through a move. For fragile or valuable items, new boxes offer better protection and stack more reliably.

Is there a right way to seal a moving box?

There is, and it’s worth doing right. Tape once across the seam, then again across the edges in an H-pattern. The goal is to reinforce the structure, not just close the flaps. Avoid duct tape, since it peels, and it doesn’t bond with cardboard. We’ve seen plenty of boxes pop open halfway up the truck ramp because someone thought one quick strip of tape was enough. It never is.