How to Pack Your Bathroom for Moving in 6 Simple Steps

If you’re preparing to move to a new home, you’re probably not stressing over how to pack your face wash or favorite shower loofa. But for many homeowners, packing up the bathroom can be an elusive task. Finding the easiest way to pack lots of small (sometimes sharp) items, cleaning supplies, medicines, and half-used bottles of hygiene products can make the whole thing overwhelming.

Fortunately, with some prep work and organization, you can complete the whole task in two hours (or less, if you hustle). Learn how to pack your bathroom for moving in this six-step guide.

1. Sort and Organize Your Belongings

Start by pulling out every item from your bathroom cabinets, bins, and closets so you can sort through your belongings. If your bathroom is too small for a table or additional workspace, consider putting a pop-up table outside the bathroom to lay out your items.

Then, group your items together based on category:

• Toiletries and hygiene products

• Makeup

• Cleaning supplies

• Appliances

• Medicine and medications

• Paper products

• Linens and towels

• Misc. small items and tools

2. Toss, Donate, or Recycle What You Don't Need

Let's be real: Bathrooms tend to be a spot where you accumulate unnecessary things, like that two-year-old bottle of empty shampoo you keep forgetting to recycle.

Similar to packing up your kitchen, start by getting rid of any bathroom products or items you don't need. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t used it in the last six months, it’s time to donate, recycle, or throw it out. When weighing whether to keep items like duplicate appliances or half-empty cleaning supplies, consider the cost to replace it. The less you have to transport, the easier it will be to pack your bathroom for your move.

Keep in mind that local moving companies often have rules about items that can’t be on their trucks. Aerosols and bleach-containing chemicals often make that list, so read your rental agreement carefully to avoid any costly mistakes. Remember that you should drop extra or expired medicine off at a local drug disposal facility instead of throwing it in the trash.

3. Pack an "Essentials" Bag for the Move

Before you begin packing up your bathroom supplies, think about what you’ll need during the first week in your new home. That way, if a delay in transit happens, you're still covered and don't need to run to the store.

Essentials may include:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Deodorant

• Medicine

• Soap and shampoo 

• Shaving supplies

• Feminine products

• Toilet paper

• Makeup

4. Pack Small Items Into Bags, Not Boxes

Instead of filling moving boxes to the brim with light items, use reusable grocery bags to transport the small stuff, including anything that typically sits on the bathroom counter.

Reusable grocery bags can hold around 20 pounds, making them a suitable (and often free) option for packing up your bathroom. After packing the bag, label it with a market or a piece of tape so you’ll be able to easily recognize its contents.

5. Pack Your Moving Boxes

It’s best to pack large or fragile items in moving boxes. Some of the most common bathroom items you’ll need to box up include:

• Towels and linens

• Mirrors and wall decor

• Small appliances like hair dryers

• Glass or ceramic accessories

Moxing boxes come in multiple sizes, ranging from extra small to extra large. If you’re unsure what size you need, start with medium-sized boxes—around 18 x 16 x 18 inches or 3 cubic feet. One or two medium-sized boxes should provide enough space to pack even the bulkiest bathroom items (except for full-length mirrors).

We recommend wrapping your fragile items in towels and linens instead of bubble wrap when packing. This two-for-one tip maximizes storage space and, as a result, uses fewer boxes. You can add bubble wrap, too, if you’re worried about particularly fragile items. Just make sure to label the outside of each box before sealing them to make things easier when you unpack later on.

6. Seal or Dispose of Cleaning Supplies

Whether you're moving out of a rental or a home you're selling, you likely need to clean the bathroom before you go. It's easiest to do this once you've got all of your personal items out of the bathroom.

For safety purposes, transport cleaning supplies in an airtight plastic bag. You may want to consider placing them inside a plastic tub, too, for better reinforcement. Spilled chemicals in a moving truck or van can be a nightmare—and a violation of your lease agreement.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Professional Movers?

The cost to hire local movers depends on the distance you’re moving and the number of belongings you have. On average, it costs $1,715 to hire movers when you’re moving less than 100 miles away. A long-distance move costs anywhere from $2,700 to $10,000. It’s also possible to hire movers for a single item, which might come in handy if you have an antique bathtub or bathroom vanity that you cannot move yourself.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

The DIY route is significantly cheaper than hiring a team of movers since it eliminates the cost of labor. Expect to pay between $120 and $2,300 to move yourself, depending on the equipment you need to rent and other expenses like gas, food, and lodging. Most people will need to rent a moving truck, which costs around $60 per day for an average-sized vehicle.

However, there are several benefits to hiring professionals. They’ll do the work quickly and efficiently, and it’s less likely that your belongings will be damaged. You can also add moving insurance for reimbursement if any damage does occur. Lifting heavy objects, especially up and down stairs, can result in injury without proper technique, so we recommend leaving the job to the pros if it’s within your budget.