How to Pack a Bathroom for Moving
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When packing for a move, save the bathroom for last. There’s a good chance you will need essential toiletries and access to the bathroom on moving day. Follow these five easy steps to help you pack your bathroom on move-out day. Be sure to save the bathroom for last, as you will need essential toiletries and access during your move.
Key Takeaways
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1. Get the Right Packing Supplies for Your Bathroom
Like most rooms, packing your bathroom starts with gathering the recommended packing supplies from your local U-Haul location.
Recommended packing supplies:
- Small and Medium Moving Boxes
- Packing Paper
- Mirror & Picture Box
- Picture Packer Kit
- Box/Paper Packing Tape
- Box Markers with Knife
- Cushion Foam Pouches
2. Sort and Pack Your Bathroom Items
No matter the room, it helps to get your belongings organized before you begin packing. Organizing will help you plan your move and pack more efficiently.
For the bathroom, start by sorting your belongings into categories (toiletries, cosmetics, medicine, linens, cleaning supplies, etc.). Then go through each category and discard anything you no longer use or need. Look for expired, empty, or dried-out containers, especially liquids.
Once you are organized and decluttered, you can start packing. Start by wiping down your bathroom items with a disinfectant to remove hair, dust, and debris. Then, pack your items in order of importance, beginning with the least essential items and finishing with the most essential. Remember to leave toilet paper, hand soap, and a hand towel in the restroom until the final moments of your move.
How to Pack Full-Size Toiletries and Bathroom Items
Packing toiletries and other bathroom supplies can be difficult, as they are typically small in size but large in quantity. Use a small box for your toiletries and other liquid bathroom supplies.
Liquid, or Bottled Products
To pack liquid items in bottles or tubes, seal the lids tightly, or lock/push down and twist the pump on bottles. Then apply a piece of tape on the bottle, sealing the top even tighter. Place bottles in a plastic grocery or zippered plastic bag. You can also use Mover’s Wrap to secure liquid products.
Make sure to line any box containing a liquid product with a towel to avoid leaks. Finally. Try packing these items upright when possible.
One of the best ways to pack bathroom items for moving is to use a Ready-To-Go Box®! These reusable plastic moving boxes are great for larger, bulky items that can potentially leak or spill, as they can be easily cleaned. Plus, they have ergonomic handles and are pre-assembled, meaning no tape is needed.
Learn more about Ready-To-Go Boxes.
Bathroom Appliances
Hair dryers, clippers, and other bathroom appliances should be packed in their original packaging if you still have it. If not, wrap each appliance in packing paper, seal it with tape, and pack it in a small moving box.
3. Pack a “Bathroom Essentials” Bag
To best prepare for your move, we recommend having each family member first pack their own bathroom essentials bag. This bag should include anything they might need on moving day, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, deodorant, makeup, etc.
If you are packing an essentials bag for the whole family, consider a Ready-To-Go Box. It’s easy to spot and can be opened back up easily when unpacking.
4. Pack Bathroom Décor
This step depends on how much extra stuff you have in your bathroom. If you’re the hardcore decorator type, grab a few moving boxes, the Packing Paper and some Cushion Foam Pouches and get started. For fragile items, wrap each in a pouch and/or packing paper and placed them in your boxes. Use hand towels, bath mats and other linens to pad these items and fill the extra space in your boxes.
If you have decorated your bathroom, grab a few moving boxes, packing paper, and some cushion foam pouches to get started. For fragile items, wrap each in a pouch and/or packing paper and place them in your boxes. Use hand towels, bathmats, and other linens to pad these items and fill the extra space in your boxes.
Packing Mirrors, Clocks, and Pictures
You may have framed photos or small mirrors hanging in your bathroom. If so, make use of the Mirror & Picture Box and Picture Packing Kit to pack these items carefully. These products are designed to stabilize and cushion framed glass items for moving or storage. Another useful tip is to make an ‘X’ out of packing tape on the glass surface to prevent shattering should your box topple or drop for any reason.
Learn more about How to Pack Pictures, Mirrors, Framed Art & Paintings for Moving.
5. How to Clean Your Bathroom for Moving
What should you do with cleaning supplies when moving? Place all of them inside the bathroom so they remain in place if you need them. When cleaning your bathroom, start with your countertops, so you can catch debris when you clean your floors. Get a powdered bleach cleaner that gets rid of stains on tubs and countertops.
For glass and mirrored surfaces, use a recommended glass cleaner. For streak-free mirrors, use newspaper or leftover packing paper. Then, use an all-purpose cleaner for the floor and any other surfaces. For shower heads and sink faucets, pour calcium cleaner or distilled white vinegar into a plastic bag, then seal the faucet with a rubber band. Come back in an hour and wipe off any remaining residue.
For toilets, wipe down the seat and scrub hard-to-reach areas with a cleaning toothbrush and a bleach-based product. Lift the seat and use a toilet bowl bleach cleaner and toilet brush. Once you are done brushing, leave the solution to settle for 10 minutes, then flush.
For drains, take a plastic sink/drain snake and fish out any old hair and debris. Once that is done, take some drain cleaner to get rid of any odors or buildup, and be sure to follow the cleaning product’s instructions.
These helpful tips will ensure that your bathroom doesn’t become subject to cleaning fees, which may be taken out of your security deposit.
Packing Your Cleaning Supplies For Moving
If you are hiring movers, you need to determine if any cleaning supplies shouldn’t be packed, as professional movers may be prohibited by law if they are unable to move these products in a safe manner. Check with your moving company to see what materials and items they can’t move.
Bathroom materials movers may be unable to move:
- Bleach
- Aerosol cans
- Disinfectants
- Acids/ammonia
- Nail polish/nail polish remover
If you are strapped for time and can’t clean everything, Moving Help® is a great solution! Moving Help Service Providers offer professional cleaning services to help get your rental unit or home in tip-top shape before any crucial inspections. Moving Help can also assist with packing/unpacking and loading/unloading your belongings to make moving easier.
If you are taking the DIY moving route, you can pack and move cleaning supplies; just do so carefully. Remember to seal the lids tightly and place each container in a plastic bag that’s either tied or taped shut. Pack them in a sturdy medium moving box or Ready-To-Go Box and label accordingly. Try to pack these items upright as well, so there is a minimal chance of spilling during the move.
When you're ready to start packing for your move, U-Haul has many solutions that help make packing and moving easier. Start by discovering some additional packing tips, then shop for moving and packing supplies to begin!
Photo credit: Adobe Stock 1, Adobe Stock 2, Adobe Stock 3
Frequently Asked Questions about Moving a Bathroom
Should I pack my bathroom first or last when moving?
Pack your bathroom last so you still have access to essential toiletries and cleaning supplies until moving day.
How do I prevent toiletries from leaking during a move?
Tighten lids, tape them shut, place items in sealed plastic bags, and pack them upright inside small boxes.
Can movers transport bathroom cleaning supplies?
Many professional movers cannot transport hazardous materials like bleach, aerosols, or ammonia-based cleaners.
What should go in a bathroom essentials bag?
Include toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, deodorant, and any items you’ll need immediately after the move.
Are plastic moving boxes good for bathroom items?
Yes, reusable plastic boxes like Ready-To-Go Boxes are ideal for items that may leak or spill.