How to Pack Cleaning Supplies for Moving?

When you start packing, you need to understand the correct method of packing. In our previous articles, we have explored different types of packing supplies and the right ways of packing heavy items. In this article, we will find the answer to the question- How to pack cleaning supplies for moving?

Get the Right Type of Packing Supplies

Our goal is to understand how to pack the cleaning supplies while moving. But before this, it is important to understand the right packing supplies that you need to you will need to pack different household items like cleaning supplies. Here are some essential and right packing supplies-

• Sturdy plastic bins or leak-proof boxes- These are required for providing primary protection to the cleaning supplies as they prevent moisture and damage. The sturdy plastic bins are also leak-proof and are specifically designed for packing liquids. This will reduce the risk of spillage and breakage of bottles or packets.
• Sealable plastic bags- These are incredible packing supplies that are perfect for packing small items. It will prevent leakage and protect belongings from moisture and dust. When it comes to packing cleaning supplies, you can use sealable plastic bags for packing items like shampoos, soaps, toiletries, and other cleaning supplies.
• Absorbent towels or rags- Absorbent towels or rags are the best form of packing supplies as they absorb any accidental leak. They are generally used for providing padding and cushioning the items when they are packed in a box and prevent them from shock or damage. When you use these for packing cleaning supplies, they can be used to place at the bottom of boxes containing liquids, and they come in handy for wiping the surface in case of minor spills.
• Packing tape and waterproof markers for labeling- Sealing the box and labeling the boxes to ensure secure loading and unloading. When you pack cleaning supplies for moving, you need to make sure that the bottles are well-sealed and all the boxes are marked carefully. This will allow the right handling of boxes with cleaning supplies in them. Waterproof markers are durable, and even with moisture, they will not be removed from the boxes.

How to Pack Liquid Cleaning Supplies for Moving?

• There are several steps involved in packing liquid cleaning supplies, and this will ensure safe and spill-proof transportation-
• Step 1: Sort through your cleaning products- Before you start packing liquid cleaning supplies, you need to sort the items and identify the hazardous materials. First, check the inventory, bring out all the cleaning supplies in the house in one spot, and check the number of duplicate bottles. Get rid of items that are not allowed on the truck and check the regulations of moving in the city.
• Step 2: Discard half-used or expired items safely- Keeping in mind efficiency and safety, get rid of the half-used bottles. This will reduce the risk of spillage and also check for the expiration date. Chemical supplies lose their effectiveness past the expiration date, and it is not worth transporting them. Dispose of all the chemicals as per the regulations about discarding hazardous items at Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facilities.
• Step 3: Seal liquid containers tightly- The first step to prevent leaks is to seal the bottle and pack. Ensure that all caps, lids, and spray nozzles are screwed on tightly. You can put a plastic wrap under the cap to tighten the cap and prevent any possible leak. For additional security, you can use packing tape to secure the lids.
• Step 4: Use plastic bags to prevent leaks- Pack all the bottles in the plastic bags or vacuum bags to prevent possible leaks. Ziploc bags or robust garbage bags can be used for seal packing the bottles, and additional bags can be used to pack expensive cleaners. Squeeze out maximum air from the bags to reduce the bulk.
• Step 5: Pack upright in plastic bins and label them as “Cleaning Supplies”. In the final step, pack all the bottles in an upright position within the box and reduce the risk of leaks. The best packing supply is sturdy plastic bins to pack liquid cleaning supplies and prevent damaging other items. Wrap the bottles and surface of the box with adsorbent towels and rags. Seal the box with high-quality tape and label the box using a waterproof marker. Label it as “CLEANING SUPPLIES+LIQUIDS+THIS SIDE UP”. Also, mention- “FRAGILE” and “OPEN FIRST”.

How to Pack Powders, Sprays, and Dry Cleaners for Moving?

The other forms of packing supplies are in the form of powders, sprays, and dry cleaners. Here are the steps to pack such items when moving-

• Step 1: Separate aerosols and dry products- Aerosols are considered hazardous as they are highly flammable and need special handling. So, separate them from other items and minimize the risk of fire or explosion. Dry products like powders and solids are less hazardous but they need to be separated. Keep them separate and ensure that they don’t contaminate other items if their container breaks.
• Step 2: Use sealable bags for powders- Powders are easy to spill and solidify when come in contact with moisture. Keep all the powders in separate sealable plastic bags like Ziploc or heavy-duty garbage bags. For very fine powders, double bag them and seal them to prevent moisture. Squeeze out as much air as possible to reduce bulk, and risk of moisture and prevent bags from bursting.
• Step 3: Secure spray nozzles with tape- Most spray bottles have a locking option for spray nozzles and you can “OFF” them. You can put duct tape to make the nozzle more secure and for aerosol cans tape the caps down. For extra protection wrap these bottles with plastic wraps and keep these bottles in separate sealable plastic bags.
• Step 4: Cushion fragile containers- Some cleaning supplies come in glass bottles and need special handling at the time of packing. Wrap these bottles with bubble wraps and air cushions, or towels/rags to prevent shock and breakage. Avoid overpacking the container with glass bottles and fragile containers.
• Step 5: Label boxes clearly and mark them as “Do Not Load in Heat” The final stage of packing any item is labelling. Clear and loud labeling is important while loading boxes on the moving truck to ensure no damage. Use a waterproof marker and label the container “CLEANING SUPPLIES+HAZARDOUS+DO NOT LOAD IN HEAT”. Also, mention “FRAGILE” if the box contains glass bottles. Inform the mover about the contents in the box and discuss their priority in loading and unloading.

How to Pack Brooms, Mops, and Cleaning Tools for Moving?

These cleaning supplies are at less risk of easily damaging, but they still need the right packing and handling at the time of loading and transportation. Here are the steps to pack brooms, mops, and cleaning tools-

• Step 1: Clean and dry all tools before packing- Mops and brooms carry dirt, dust, and sometimes mildew. So first dry them up and prevent them from growth like mold, mildew, and unpleasant smell. Remove all types of debris or dust in the broom and mop. This is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent damage.
• Step 2: Disassemble handles if possible- Brooms, mops, and cleaning tools have long handles, and they are at high risk of breaking. These handles can easily bend or break at the time of loading, unloading, or while they are in transit. Identify the parts that can be dismantled and unscrew them. Reduce the size of the long handles and keep small parts like screws and bolts in small Ziploc and attach them to the handle.
• Step 3: Bundle long items with zip ties or string- Keep all items of each broom, mop, or cleaning tool in one place to avoid losing a single piece. Secure each part of the broom or mop and bundle long items with zip ties or string. Then, tighten them with duct tape and group them as one.
• Step 4: Wrap brush or mop heads in plastic or towels- Broom brush mop heads are a source of germs and all kinds of contaminants. So, pack the brush and mop heads in plastic bags and towels to prevent dirt or dust transfer. This wrapping also prevents damage to the bristles and mop fabric.
• Step 5: Label the bundle or box as “Cleaning Tools”- Label this bundle as “CLEANING TOOLS” and mention “Load Last” and “Unload First” as you might need them just after moving into the new house.

How to Move Cleaning Supplies Safely

Cleaning supplies are essentials for a clean and dust-free house. It is important to get them safe and risk-free in the new house and save money on additional purchases. Here are the steps to safely transport your cleaning supplies to the new house-

• Step 1: Do not transport flammable items in the moving truck- Moving companies have regulations regarding transporting cleaning supplies on their moving trucks. Check with the mover about this, as most moving companies do not transport flammable items in the moving truck. These items are not allowed on moving trucks- Aerosol cans (most spray cleaners, air fresheners, hairspray, bug spray), bleach (can react with other chemicals), ammonia-based cleaners, oven cleaners (especially corrosive ones), rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover (acetone), gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid (even small amounts), and pesticides.
• Step 2: Keep essential supplies handy for move-in cleaning- Just after moving into the new house, you will need basic and essential cleaning supplies ready. When you pack your box of essentials for the first few days, keep essential cleaning supplies like all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes, cleaning towels, a small broom and dustpan, and some garbage bags.
• Step 3: Transport hazardous items in your own vehicle if necessary- If you have some expensive pesticides or other chemical agents that you need in the new house and they cannot be on a moving truck, then take them with you in your vehicle. But, ensure that there will be no issues according to the state regulations. Also, use high quality and right packing supplies to make sure that there will be no leak or spillage.
• Step 4: Follow local disposal laws for items you leave behind- Disposing of hazardous cleaning supplies should be done according to the disposal law of the locality. Keep these points in mind-
  • Do Not Pour Down Drains
  • Do Not Put in Regular Trash
  • Use Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facilities
  • Unused packs can be returned to the Retailer/Manufacturer.
• Step 5: Check all containers upon arrival for leaks or damage- When your moving truck reaches the new house, check all the containers for leaks and damages. Specifically, look for dented cans, loose caps or lids, signs of leakage, cracks or punctures in plastic bottles, and unusual odors. Clean up the spill or leaks immediately and report the damage to the mover for an insurance claim.

Conclusion

Moving can be challenging and packing items that can easily spill, leak, or damage other belongings can be difficult. So, when you have to pack cleaning supplies you need to follow some regulations and use the right packing supplies to have secure transport. Here are some points to remember when packing cleaning supplies-

• Declutter and discard expired, half-used, and unnecessary products.
• Seal everything securely with duct tape and plastic wrap to prevent spills, leaks, and moisture damage.
• Organize all tools before packing, like drying and wrapping them to prevent dust on everything.
• Secure nozzles of spray bottles with tape and bag them.
• Label all boxes and bundles with waterproof markers.
• Inspect all cleaning supplies upon arrival.

Follow these steps for a smooth and less stressful moving experience. Pack everything with high-quality materials and the right tools, and get your house ready and clean.

FAQ

Can I pack cleaning supplies when moving?

Yes, you can pack many types of cleaning supplies when moving. However, there are several hazardous materials that cannot be taken on moving trucks but you can transport them in your car.

How to transport housekeeping supplies?

The right way to transport housekeeping supplies is by decluttering and sorting the right items. Pack each item in the right packing supply and ensure no damage, leak, or spill. Follow the right method to wrap and secure each packet or bottle and contact movers about transporting housekeeping items on a moving truck.

How do you dispose of cleaning products when moving?

Disposing of cleaning supplies while moving is essential to ensure safety and environmental responsibility. Here are the steps to dispose of cleaning supplies-

• Identifying hazardous waste
• Use it or give it away.
• Dispose of non-hazardous products like liquids like soaps down the drain, powders, and solids in dry waste bin, and empty containers in dry waste collection.
• Disposal for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) in the USA

How to pack liquid cleaning agents?

Follow these steps to pack cleaning supplies-

• Sort and declutter all items
• Wipe down storage containers to keep them dry and clean
• Seal the lid or caps of the bottle tightly with duct tape and plastic wraps
• Pack the sealed bottles in bags (Ziploc or heavy-duty garbage bags)
• Layer the sturdy plastic bins with adsorbent sheets and pack all bottles in an upright position
• Fill the space with towels, rags, or newspaper to prevent cluttering
• Label and seal the box- "LIQUIDS," "CLEANING SUPPLIES," and "THIS SIDE UP"