Packing by Room: Bathroom

The bathroom is likely on the low end of your packing priority list when you are preparing for a move, but this doesn’t mean you won’t have to tackle it sooner or later. While you may not have much “stuff” in your bathroom that needs to be packed, there are some unique considerations for how to pack whatever is there.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for fuss-free packing:

• Out with the old. Is your bathroom a graveyard for nearly empty shampoo bottles and toothpaste tubes that have been squeezed to oblivion? If so, your move is an excellent opportunity for some much needed housekeeping. As you are packing up the contents of this room, make an effort to discard the junk that’s been cluttering up your bathroom for months (be sure to recycle anything you can!) so you can enjoy a clean start in your new home.
• Use a plastic bin. Cardboard boxes may be your default packing container throughout most of the house, but consider getting a plastic bin or tote for packing up bathroom items. This way, it won’t really matter if you need to put wet shampoo bottles or a damp shower curtain into the bin when packing last-minute items on the morning of your move. (Note: Damp items likely won’t be a problem if you’re moving only a short distance and will be unpacking later the same day or the next, but for a longer move you should ensure that everything is dry before packing.)
• Use re-sealable plastic bags. If your bathroom is full of lotions, gels and cosmetics, use re-sealable plastic bags to minimize the risk of a messy spill. Discovering that moisturizer or perfume has spilled everywhere is not a fun way to start things off in your new home. If possible, securely pack these sealed bags upright in a plastic tote and clearly label it with “this side up” to reduce the chances of a spill.
• Keep the essentials handy. When you’re ready to collapse into bed after an exhausting day of moving, the last thing you want is to realize that you can’t find your toothbrush, contact solution or facewash. Avoid this fate by packing a bag with all your essential toiletries and keeping it easily accessible on moving day. In addition to things like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and razor, be sure to pack a towel for everyone in your household so that you can take a shower without having to hunt for one among countless boxes.
• Remember the toilet paper. Anytime you move, toilet paper is arguably the second most important paper after the tenancy or purchase agreement for your new home. Ok, maybe that’s overstating things a bit, but toilet paper is nonetheless important to consider when packing up your bathroom. Be sure to keep a roll close at hand to put in the bathroom in your new home upon arrival to avoid a frantic search. Likewise, consider leaving behind a roll for whoever moves into your old place after you – this small kindness might just save someone else from the crisis you hope to avoid.

Some estimates suggest that the typical person spends two weeks or more of every year in the bathroom. To avoid adding to this already high total, follow the tips above for packing up your bathroom quickly and efficiently so that you can get on with more important things.