7 Tips for Packing Your Garage, Shed, or Workshop for Moving
Garages, sheds, and workshops can sometimes take time to pack for a household move. Here are some tips to make the task less daunting.
1. Declutter
Decluttering is the first step in packing any room, and the garage, shed, or workshop is no exception. Indeed, many people put those items they need help figuring out what to do within their sheds or garages.
To declutter, identify the large items you want to take with you. Then move them to another location so you can quickly sort through the remaining items.
Dispose of apparent trash into a plastic trash bag, such as bottle caps and small wood scraps. You can donate larger pieces of wood and fasteners to non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity or local shop classes.
Collect hazardous waste such as cans of paint, paint thinner, fertilizers, pesticides, and oil and gas. Most movers will not move these items. Instead, take them to hazardous waste collection points.
Sort through the rest of your items. If you last used them two years ago or need to remember what they're for, you probably want to discard them. You can donate tools to non-profit organizations such as Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or the Salvation Army.
Drain all the oil and gas out of any equipment.
2. Assemble Small Items
Now that you know what you're keeping, gather the small items together. Before placing them in moving cartons, place small things like screws and bolts in plastic food containers or screw-top jars.
3. Pack Your Tools
Remove attachments from power tools and pack them separately. Also, remove batteries. Pack power tools in their original boxes.
You can place hand tools without blades in a closed toolbox or sealed cardboard box—place tools with sharp edges in metal containers or a wooden box that won't rip. Carefully wrap the blades in old towels or craft paper, and tape the paper in place. Add foam or other packing materials, so the edges don't move in the box. Larger tools with blades should go in a separate container.
Bundle long-handled tools such as rakes together and fasten them securely.
4. Pack Random Items
Plastic totes can store random items such as small garden tools, unfinished projects, and plant pots. If you use totes, you can package these items well ahead of the moving day, and they'll avoid damage if left on a damp garage floor. Remember that stacking totes is more challenging than stacking moving cartons.
5. Prepare Grills
Dispose of any charcoal in your grill and remove the tank. Movers cannot transport the tank. Clean the grill, so you aren't hauling a dirty one to your new home. Store removable parts separately to prevent them from damaging your grill. Then wrap it securely in a blanket.
6. Ready the Workbench
Consider the age and condition of your workbench before deciding to move it. For example, if the top is covered with dings, you might be better off buying a new workbench post-move. If you choose to move your workbench, dismantle it first.
7. Check with Mover About Bulky Items
Check with your professional mover about bulky items such as snow blowers, riding lawnmowers, dog houses, above-ground swimming pools, and mopeds. Sometimes movers will want these items disassembled and may provide disassembly and re-assembly as part of their services. At the very least, you must ensure you empty all gas tanks before the move.
Moving Help
Movers can also provide offsite storage of your tools and other equipment if your new shed or garage isn't ready on moving day. Contact us today for a quote.