Packing up your garage can be just as tough as the kitchen – maybe even harder if you’ve got a full tool bench or workshop setup. Garages are often cluttered, filled with odd-sized tools, spare hardware, yard gear, and even hazardous items. But with a plan (and some sturdy boxes), packing your garage doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Start With a Garage Inventory
Before you start packing, go through everything in the garage. Sort out duplicate tools, toss broken gear, and decide if you really need to move things you rarely use. Moving is a good excuse to downsize – especially for heavy items that cost more to transport. A clean, organized garage will also make packing faster.
Know What Can’t Go in the Truck
You can’t load everything. The following items must be disposed of safely before moving day:
▸ Gasoline and fuel
▸ Paint and paint thinner
▸ Pesticides and weed killers
▸ Fertilizers
▸ Propane tanks
▸ Motor oil and cleaners with bleach or ammonia
Drain fuel and oil from gas-powered items like lawn mowers, chainsaws, and trimmers. Your moving crew cannot legally load these items with fluids inside.
Packing Hand Tools and Small Power Tools
▸ Hand tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches should go into toolboxes or small, sturdy boxes. Fill gaps with crumpled packing paper.
▸ Wrap sharp items like hand saws in towels or rags and tape them securely.
▸ For power tools, remove blades and bits, and pack attachments separately. Use small to medium boxes – tools get heavy fast.
▸ Keep essential tools like a hammer, screwdriver, and wrench accessible for move-in day.
Sort Your Hardware
Don’t dump a box of loose nails, screws, and washers into the same container. Use small jars or organizers to separate them by type or size. Label everything. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to set up your new garage.
What You Don’t Need to Pack
▸ Long-handled items like brooms, rakes, and shovels can be gathered and bundled by the movers.
▸ Bicycles should have water bottles and clip-on accessories removed.
▸ Grills must be cleaned of all charcoal and ashes.
▸ Large tools like table saws can be moved by our crew – just remove blades and accessories beforehand.
Special Equipment
We can move larger machines like motor scooters, riding mowers, and snow blowers, but they require special prep. Always talk to your moving coordinator about these ahead of time.
What About Garbage Cans?
It’s often easier to buy new ones at your destination, but if you’re taking your garbage bins, clean them thoroughly before loading them onto the truck.
At Allied, The Careful Movers Bulgaria, we’ve helped thousands of families move garages, workshops, and even full hobby sheds. For more help, check out our Packing Tips page or speak with your local move coordinator to get started.