Garages and storage areas are always packed last because most people are not sure how to pack their garage for moving. One thing is certain: it poses more of a challenge than the rest of your house. Sharp objects, dirt accumulation, and awkwardly-shaped items are all common inhabitants of a garage. However, with a bit of planning, you can work out how to pack up your garage smoothly and make your residential moving chores a tad easier.
Give Yourself Enough Time
Garages are usually overloaded with a surplus of completely random items. Whether you’ve got piles of tools, extra bathroom tissues and vacuum bags, storage for sentimental items, or just bins of useless items, just know that you’ve got your work cut out for you. So, here’s key number 1: give yourself enough time to sort through your garage. Leave the stuff you won’t use behind. Properly pack the things you will use (or want to save). You should start packing your garage as soon as you have an official move date, with at least 3 or 4 weeks in advance. This will prevent any overwhelming...
Get the Right Supplies
Because garages often contain uniquely-shaped objects of varying sizes, your best option is to move them in their original packing. If you’re like most, however, you will have thrown that packaging out pretty quickly. So, you will need to have the right supplies lined up to make packing these difficult items a smooth process. These include: - Sturdy boxes: You will need strong, sturdy boxes for your move. You can purchase moving boxes at specialized shops, or you can recycle boxes you already have and strengthen them with moving tape. These boxes will be heavy with lots of sharp objects, so...
Filtering the Items You Can’t Move
Health and safety regulations prohibit movers from transporting any flammable chemicals, or containers, even if they are empty. Our garage is usually crammed with many of these items, so make sure you leave them out and dispose of them properly before moving. These items include, but are not limited to: Cleaning Supplies Pesticides Assorted Chemicals Fertilizers Propane Tanks Aerosol Cans Paint Gasoline Paint Thinners Fuel
Leaving Out the Tools You May Need
Going through your garage before moving will also allow you to pick out the tools you will use in your new home. Keep them to one side because you will be using these tools in the first few days after you move. These include: Paint Supplies Common Screwdrivers Hammers Plyers Tape Measures Electric and Air Tools - Leaf blower, snow blower, etc.
Getting Rid of Your Old Stuff
Once you have weeded out the things you won’t use in your new house, it’s time to dispose of them. You can always organize and host a garage sale to sell the items that are still in decent shape. Anything you have left over you can donate to a friend or your local charity shop.
Start Small and Work Your Way Up
Garages are huge, so it’s hard to know where to start. Go for the smaller items first: hand-held tools and anything of the same approximate size. This includes car tools, small cleaning utensils, wrenches, rulers, and any other small item. Grouping your packing into sizes will help you pack easily, and use up all the space you have efficiently.
Categorize Your Items
Categorize each item based on its general purpose: cleaning, car tools, electrical, and so on. Label the boxes to reflect the category of items you are using it for. Group all items that have the same purpose and similar size together. Remember to wrap the sharp things in a layer of wrapping paper and bubble wrap.
Rakes, Brooms, and Long Tools
You can use moving blankets to pack all brooms, rakes, mops, and other long tools. Fold the blanket and use pieces of string to secure it and prevent it from unraveling. For cleaning tools that have odd shapes, like a Swiffer, use a layer of wrapping paper, a layer or bubble wrap, and some packing tape to secure it.
Trash Containers
If your garbage cans are filthy, and you would prefer not to clean them up, you can simply purchase new cans at your new house. However, if you would like to keep your trash cans and containers, give them a good wash before you pack them. If they are sealable or rollable, you can use them to pack items without making them too heavy.
Pottery and Garden Planters
Small, ceramic pottery should be wrapped with plenty of cushioning, either with wrapping paper or bubble wrap. Heavy, unusual planters may need specialized packing so you should consult with your moving professional. Old, damaged boxes will have to be replaced with new, stronger boxes.
Patio and Outdoor Furniture
For outdoor and patio furniture, pack all the cushions and fabric-based accessories in boxes and containers. Clean up the frames and put them all together to easily move them later on. If possible, deconstruct the furniture. Save all the bolts and screws in small baggies and staple or tape them to a part of the furniture.
Outdoor Equipment and Heavy Tools
Fuel-powered outdoor equipment, such as lawnmowers, need to be drained from the fuel before transport. Small hardware, screws, and nails should be put in a plastic container. Outdoor swing sets and other mobile features should be taken down, taken apart, and placed in containers, bags, or bubble wrapped.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle a good place to move to?
Yes — Seattle offers strong job opportunities (especially in tech, healthcare, and aerospace), no state income tax, excellent outdoor recreation, and a diverse food and arts scene. The main challenges are high housing costs, frequent rain from fall through spring, and traffic congestion.
How much does it cost to move to Seattle?
The average cost to move to Seattle from within Washington State is $800–$2,500 for a local move. Long-distance moves from other states typically cost $3,000–$8,000 depending on distance and home size. On The Go Moving offers free quotes for all Seattle-area moves.
What is the best neighborhood to live in Seattle?
The best neighborhood depends on your lifestyle: Capitol Hill for nightlife and walkability, Ballard for families and outdoor access, Queen Anne for views and a village feel, Fremont for arts and culture, and South Lake Union for proximity to Amazon and tech employers.
What should I know before moving to Seattle?
Key things to know: Seattle has no state income tax (but does have a high sales tax of 10.25%), housing costs are high (median home price ~$800K), the rainy season runs October–May, traffic is consistently ranked among the worst in the US, and the tech industry dominates the job market.
What is the weather like in Seattle?
Seattle has mild temperatures year-round (rarely below 30°F or above 85°F) but is famously overcast and rainy from October through May. Summers (June–September) are spectacular — warm, sunny, and dry. Seattle actually receives less annual rainfall than New York City, but the rain is spread across more days.
How do I find a moving company for my Seattle move?
Look for a Washington State licensed mover (check the UTC license database), read Google and Yelp reviews, get at least 3 quotes, and confirm the company carries liability insurance. On The Go Moving is licensed (HG-064180), insured, and has served the Seattle/Eastside area since 2007.
Jason founded On The Go Moving & Storage in Redmond, WA in 2009 and has personally overseen more than 25,000 moves across Greater Seattle. He holds a Washington State Household Goods Mover license (HG-064180) and writes from direct, hands-on experience in the moving industry.
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