boxes and cleaning products overlay

How to Pack Cleaning Supplies for Moving Without Spills or Damage

Posted in How-to,Moving Tips & Tricks on September 26, 2024

Transporting cleaning products might not seem like a big deal, but if you’ve ever opened a box and saw that a bottle leaked everywhere, you know it’s something to avoid! To save you from spills, damage, and frustration, it’s important to know how to pack cleaning supplies for moving cross-country. From sprays and soaps to scrubbing tools, these items can create a mess if not packed correctly.

How to Pack Cleaning Supplies for Moving

To pack cleaning supplies for moving, start by sorting and decluttering items and disposing of expired products. Use sturdy, tightly sealed containers, and transfer liquids into smaller bottles if needed. Protect fragile items like spray bottles with bubble wrap and cover tools with plastic bags.

Always pack cleaning supplies upright in boxes, using dividers for stability. Clearly label boxes as “Cleaning Supplies” and mark any hazardous materials. Finally, clean your old home with these products to reduce what you need to transport, ensuring a fresh start in the new space!

Ready to move with us? Get A Free Quote

Thorough Cleaning Before Leaving Your Old Home

In 2023, all-purpose cleaners and disinfectants took the crown as the most popular household cleaning products in the United States, racking up impressive sales of over $1.7 billion.

It’s no surprise – these versatile cleaners can handle just about any mess, making them a go-to choice for tackling everything from kitchen spills to bathroom grime.

Toilet bowl cleanser sales in the US reached astonishing $669.44 million in 2023

Before you bid farewell to the old home and the Cross Country Movers team arrives to load everything on our truck, it’s important to use up those all-purpose cleaners and give every corner a thorough cleaning. Not only does this help you leave the space in good condition for the next occupants, but it also makes the transition smoother by ensuring you’re leaving behind a fresh start.

Where to Start With Sprucing Up

According to most move-out cleaning checklists, you should start by focusing on high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. It includes scrubbing surfaces and large appliances to remove any lingering grime or stains. As you clean, you’ll likely use up a good portion of cleaning products, which means you’ll have less to transport.

Don’t forget to dust shelves, baseboards, and light fixtures, as well as clean out closets and storage areas. This final clean-up can also help you identify any last-minute items that need to be packed or disposed of, ensuring that you leave nothing behind. Plus, a clean slate will make arriving at a new place feel even more exciting!

A woman getting ready to work
Cross-country movers can handle transport, but tidying is up to you

Sort and Declutter Cleaning Supplies

Once you’ve used up some of the chemicals during scrubbing, take a good look at them and ask yourself if you really need to move them all. Boxing up fewer items not only makes the process easier but also helps avoid spills and clutter at the new home. Expired or half-empty bottles? They’re just taking up space and could leak during the move, so it’s best to dispose of them properly. Be sure to follow local guidelines for safe disposal of cleaning chemicals – dumping them down the drain can harm the environment.

Know What Movers Won’t Move

If you’re planning on investing in cross-country moving services, it’s also important to note that many cross-country movers have restrictions on transporting certain items, especially hazardous materials. Items like bleach, ammonia, and other strong chemicals are often on the “non-movable” list due to safety regulations. Here are some common cleaning supplies that movers typically won’t move:

  • Bleach,
  • Ammonia,
  • Drain cleaners,
  • Aerosol cans,
  • Pesticides or insecticides,
  • Paint thinners or removers,
  • Oven cleaners,
  • Lighter fluid or fuel-based products.

Make sure to ask the movers which cleaning supplies they won’t move so you can plan to either transport them yourself or safely dispose of them before the big day.

A woman checking a bottle of a household chemical, preparing for cross-country moving
Some products should be used up before relocation

Gathering Protective Supplies for a Smooth Move

Before diving into packing, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials to ensure a smooth process. Collecting and organizing all protective materials and supplies ahead of time will save you from scrambling at the last minute and help you stay focused on the task at hand.

Depending on what you’re packing, you might need a variety of materials, including boxes of different sizes, sturdy tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labeling. Having everything within reach streamlines the packing process and ensures that your items are well-protected during transit.

Special Considerations for Packing Cleaning Supplies for Moving

When it comes to packing cleaning products specifically, you’ll want to take into account the unique needs of these items. Make sure to have sturdy containers or boxes that can hold liquids without leaking. Small plastic bins can be great for grouping similar items together, while resealable plastic bags can help contain any potential spills.

Additionally, keep some extra bubble wrap or packing paper handy for wrapping fragile items like spray bottles or glass containers. These materials will help ensure that all cleaning supplies stay secure and undamaged throughout the move.

Use Proper Containers

To avoid messy leaks during the move, make sure all cleaning supplies are stored in tightly sealed containers. Even if the original bottle seems secure, it’s a good idea to double-check those lids – one loose cap could cause a spill disaster!

If you have larger bottles of cleaning liquids, consider transferring them into smaller, more secure containers that are easier to manage and less likely to leak. Don’t forget to use tape around the lids of all the bottles for extra reinforcement.

Use Protective Materials

Before you start packing, make sure you have the right materials on hand to protect bottled chemicals. A little protection goes a long way in ensuring everything arrives in one piece! Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:

  • Bubble wrap or plastic wrap for fragile items,
  • Plastic bags for covering rough-edged tools,
  • Packing tape to secure wrapping,
  • Boxes with dividers (optional).

Once you’ve gathered these materials, take a few extra steps to keep your items safe and secure. For fragile items like spray bottles or glass containers, wrap them in bubble wrap or plastic to cushion them during the move. This will help prevent cracks, breaks, or accidental leaks. As for tools with rough edges, like brooms, brushes, or scrubbing pads, use plastic bags to cover them. This not only keeps the bristles intact but also prevents them from damaging other items in the box.

Sellotape, scotch, painter, and duct tape on a white background
Taping the lids can prevent spills

Time for Boxing Up

Long-distance moving comes with its fair share of challenges, and one of the biggest hurdles is making sure everything is properly packed and organized. Whether it’s navigating long distances or dealing with unpredictable road conditions, the last thing anyone wants is to deal with spills or damaged goods.

Carefully boxing up each item ensures not only a smooth journey but also makes the unpacking process much easier. From fragile cleaning supplies to heavy-duty tools, taking the time to pack everything securely can make a world of difference.

Pack Cleaning Supplies Upright

When packing bottled chemicals, it’s crucial to keep bottles and containers upright to prevent leaks. Liquids can easily spill if tipped over, so make sure everything stays standing in the box. To keep things stable, you can use dividers or even place heavier items, like detergent bottles or large containers, at the bottom of the box. This will help create a stable base and prevent lighter bottles from shifting or falling over.

Label the Boxes Clearly

Don’t forget to clearly label the boxes that hold the cleaning supplies! Mark them as “Cleaning Supplies” so you’ll know exactly what’s inside and can handle them with care. If you have any fragile or toxic items, be sure to add those labels, too.

This not only helps you during unpacking but also alerts the movers to treat those boxes with extra caution. It’s also a good idea to keep these boxes easily accessible for any post-move tidying up you might need to do. That way, you won’t have to dig through piles of boxes to find what you need!

Cardboard boxes stacked in lit living room
Make sure everything is properly secured and labeled

Transport Certain Items Separately

Some cleaning supplies, especially chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or strong disinfectants, should be transported separately for safety reasons. These items can be hazardous if they spill or mix with other products, so it’s best to keep them out of the main moving boxes.

To avoid any issues, check with long-distance movers about their policies on transporting hazardous materials. Many companies have strict guidelines or may not allow certain chemicals to be moved at all. Planning ahead will help you avoid surprises and ensure relocation goes smoothly and safely.

Safe Unpacking of Cleaning Supplies

Unpacking can be just as overwhelming as packing, especially when it comes to cleaning supplies that may contain liquids and chemicals. To ensure a smooth transition into a new home, it’s important to approach unpacking with a focus on safety and organization. By following a few key steps, you can make the unpacking process more manageable and create a safe environment for you and your family.

Open Boxes Carefully

When unpacking, safety should be a top priority. Start by opening boxes carefully to avoid spills or accidents, especially if you’re dealing with liquids that could leak. Take your time and work methodically to ensure nothing gets damaged during the process.

Inspect for Leaks and Damage

Inspect each item for leaks or damage before placing them in a designated spot. This is particularly important for items stored in bottles or containers that may have shifted during transit. If you notice any leaks, clean the area immediately to prevent slips and falls.

Designate a Safe Unpacking Area

Designate a specific area for unpacking cleaning products, keeping them out of reach of children and pets until you can organize them properly. This helps create a safe environment and minimizes the risk of accidental exposure to potentially harmful substances.

Check Expiration Dates

As you go through the supplies, check for expiration dates and discard any that are outdated or unsafe for use. Proper disposal of expired products is essential for maintaining a clean and safe home. By taking these precautions, you’ll ensure that the new space is both clean and safe for everyone, setting a positive tone for a new beginning.

Move-In Cleaning Is Setting the Stage for a Fresh Start

Once you’ve settled into a new space, a thorough move-in cleaning can make all the difference in creating a welcoming environment. Before unpacking, take the time to wipe down surfaces, clean out cabinets, and tackle any hidden corners that may have been overlooked.

This is especially important in areas like the kitchen and bathrooms, where cleanliness is crucial. Use the cleaning supplies to sanitize countertops, scrub sinks, and wipe down appliances. This fresh start not only ensures that the new home is free of dust and allergens but also allows you to establish a clean slate before personalizing the space with new items.

CCM-Bathroom-cleaning-statistics
Most people dislike tackling the bathroom

Moving Made Easy With Cross Country Movers

Packing cleaning supplies for relocation doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By sorting and decluttering, using proper containers, and taking extra precautions with protective materials, you can ensure everything arrives intact and ready to use. Remember to give the old space a thorough cleaning before you leave, which not only helps reduce the number of supplies you need to transport but also sets a positive tone for a new beginning.

If you’re looking for a reliable partner to make moving across the country as smooth as possible, Cross Country Movers is there for you. Our experienced team is ready to assist you every step of the way, making the transition effortless and stress-free. Contact us today to start planning your move!

Kate Holland

A true grunge and rock music fan born in Seattle, Kate has moved across the country and started writing about her experience.

    Choose locations, date and size.
    Tell Us About Yourself

      Choose locations, date and size.
      Tell Us About Yourself
      Need to move your car/automobile?
      Get a Free Estimate 800-611-0502