If you’re packing for your move and left the garage for last, we don’t blame you. It has a way of becoming the place where everything ends up. One day it’s just a few tools, then the lawn equipment, a couple of paint cans, holiday decorations, and before you know it, there’s a bit of everything. Some of those items need a little extra preparation before moving day, so here’s how to pack them safely. 

First Thing to Do is to Declutter

You may have already done this or are planning to, but it’s worth mentioning. The less you have to pack, the better, especially in the garage. It can be tempting to throw everything into boxes just to get it done, but taking care of this first will save you a lot of extra work.

What You’ll Need to Pack

• Sturdy moving boxes (a mix of small and medium boxes)
• Packing paper or old towels
• Bubble wrap for fragile items
• Packing tape
• Zip-top bags or small containers
• Permanent marker for labeling
• Cardboard to cover sharp blades or edges
• Work gloves (optional, but helpful)

Packing Garage Tools for Moving 

Hand Tools

These are one of the easiest things to pack, the only thing to watch is their weight. Hammers, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, socket sets, and tape measures can get heavy pretty fast.

If you already have a toolbox, that’s great. Just try not to overload it. Even a toolbox with wheels can become difficult to move if it’s too heavy. If you don’t have a toolbox, pack similar tools together in a few small, sturdy boxes instead of one large one.

Before closing the box, wrap any sharp tools like chisels, utility knives, or pruning shears with a towel or a piece of cardboard and secure them with tape. Check for any extra space in the box. If there is, add a towel or some packing paper so everything stays in place.

Power Tools

Power tools are pretty easy to pack too, but before you do, check if they have a battery, a cord, or a sharp blade that should be removed first. 

First, unplug everything and give the tools a quick wipe down. If there’s a removable battery, take it out before packing. Wrap the cord so it doesn’t get tangled, and if you still have the original case, this is the perfect time to use it.

If not, wrap the tool in a towel or moving blanket before placing it in a sturdy box. If it has a blade or sharp attachment, remove it if possible and pack it separately.

Lawn Equipment

When it’s time to pack the lawn equipment, be prepared to deal with fuel, oil, dirt, and grass. That’s pretty common with things like lawnmowers, weed trimmers, leaf blowers, and similar equipment. 

Start by cleaning off any dirt or grass before packing everything up. If something uses gas, empty the fuel before moving day. And before you pack it, check with your movers because most of them won’t move gasoline or other flammable liquids. 

If there’s a removable battery, take it out before packing. Cover any blades or sharp edges with cardboard or a thick towel and make sure the cords and attachments are not loose.

Garden Tools

Garden tools are probably some of the easiest things to pack, but they can be awkward because of their size and sharp edges. This includes rakes, shovels, hoes, brooms, and garden forks.

First, clean off any dirt or mud before packing them. Then bundle long-handled tools together with rope, zip ties, or bungee cords to keep them organized and easier to carry. If you have tools with sharp edges or points, cover them with cardboard or a thick towel and secure everything with tape.

Before loading them onto the truck, make sure the sharp ends are facing the same direction. It’ll make them much easier to carry and safer to load and unload.

Heavy Garage Equipment

Heavy garage items usually need a little more planning. Your tool chest, workbench, air compressor, or other large items can be heavy and may have drawers, wheels, or loose parts that need to be secured before moving day. 

So, before moving them, empty any drawers or cabinets so nothing shifts around during the move. Secure any wheels, doors, or loose parts, and check the owner’s manual to see if any fluids need to be drained. 

One thing to keep in mind is the weight. If something isn’t safe to lift on your own, let your movers know ahead of time so they can come prepared with the right equipment.

Small Hardware and Fasteners

These are probably the easiest things to lose during a move. They don’t take up much space, but it’s amazing how quickly they can disappear if they’re not packed together 

Keep everything together (nails, screws, bolts, washers, anchors, and other small hardware) in small containers, zip-top bags, or divided organizers and label them as you go.

If you’re taking apart shelves, workbenches, or other garage items, put all the hardware in a labeled bag and tape it to the item or keep it in the same box. It’ll make putting everything back together a lot easier.

What About Paint, Gasoline, and Other Hazardous Materials?

If you have any flammable or hazardous products in the garage, check with your movers before packing them. Things like gasoline, propane tanks, paint thinner, pesticides, fertilizers, motor oil, and even some cleaning products usually can’t go on a moving truck. 

If something isn’t allowed, don’t pack it anyway. Use it up, give it away, or follow your local rules for safe disposal.

Note that even products that are allowed should be tightly sealed and packed upright to help prevent leaks during the move. 

Need an Extra Set of Hands? 

Packing a garage can be quite the challenge, especially if you’ve lived in the same place for a while. Hopefully these tips make the process a little easier.

And if you’d rather not do all the heavy lifting yourself, Eco Movers is just a phone call or click away. Whether you need help with packing, moving, storage, or all of the above, we’d be happy to help. Reach out anytime for a free quote.