How to Pack Bathroom Items for Moving

Learning how to pack bathroom items for moving isn’t like moving food or furniture. The sheer volume of chemicals, perishable items, and variety make the bathroom a unique spot!

While you may be tempted to fling everything into a massive box and call it a day, you should reconsider. After purging unwanted items, you’ll need to start sorting and packing the essentials. Leave your everyday basics for last.

Whether you’re using an interstate mover or moving container, give yourself a solid start to your move by reading below. We’re going to break down how to pack bathroom items for moving so you’re not cleaning up twice the mess upon arrival.

What are the benefits of packing your own bathroom items when moving?

Don’t be so quick to assign tasks to your moving help just yet! Packing your own bathroom items when moving gives you three major benefits you should be aware of.

You get to keep the good stuff

Are you tempted to toss everything except the basics and call it a day? While this option would be faster, taking extra time to sort your bathroom will save you money.

Keep the good stuff and trash anything that’s old or damaged. You’ll be annoyed having to buy a completely new supply list for your bathroom in your new place.

You can use your bathroom until the last second

While prepping for a move, the last thing you want is a bathroom you can’t use. Packing your own bathroom gives you control over which items get boxed up and which ones you’ll use until the last second.

You can be extra safe

Bathrooms are filled with different fragrances, chemicals, and liquids. Cleaning the bathroom yourself allows you to stay safe and package everything appropriately.

Moving companies and packing services are reliable resources to help pack your items effectively.

What should I do before I pack my bathroom?

Packing your bathroom has to start somewhere. Before you get down and dirty, complete the following steps.

Get some gloves

You might have to handle damaged items or scrub out areas you forgot existed. Get durable rubber or vinyl gloves to protect your skin.

Failing to exercise basic safety when cleaning your bathroom could expose you to chemical burns or infected cuts.

Wear a mask

If you decide to do some cleaning, get a mask so you’re not breathing in any fumes. Even people without chemical sensitivities should play it safe with cleaning products.

Remember never to mix ammonia-based products and bleach. Likewise, stay away from bleach and vinegar combinations. You could create a hazardous chemical reaction that could send you to the hospital. If you’re unsure what ingredients are in your cleaning supplies, read the label carefully!

Give yourself a realistic timeline

Don’t rush this step. Cleaning the bathroom is a careful process because of all the details involved and should have at least a few days of preparation.

Alongside using moving calculators to tally up costs, your bathroom needs flexibility to ensure the job is done right.

How to pack bathroom items for moving

Now for the fun part: how to pack bathroom items for moving! While some of the same logic applies to any other kind of move, the chemical-based nature of the bathroom requires nuance.

Get required packing supplies and materials

Before you pick up a single hair-riddled comb, get some packing materials. We recommend grabbing a few clean cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and containers.

Cardboard boxes often work well for dry items such as towels, rags, empty bottles, razors, and bathrobes. Plastic bins are more suitable for items filled with liquids, just in case something spills or cracks while you’re moving.

Organize or purge your bathroom items

Whether you have a simple bathroom or one overflowing with supplies, make your job easier by organizing first. Purge any items that are empty, damaged, or expired.

You’ll be amazed by how much old gunk has been building up in your bathroom for months.

Pack the essentials

Pack up your favorite items and sort them by type. You’ll save some time upon arrival if you match everything together beforehand.

For example, put your shower items together in one bag or box (such as shampoo, conditioner, and body washes). Get a separate box for your makeup, then another box for your towels and rags. We’ll go into greater detail on how to pack certain items safely below.

Keep the basics

Remember to keep the basics so you can use your bathroom until you’re ready to leave. We recommend the following basics so you’re comfortable but don’t have to pack too much:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toilet paper
• Hand soap
• Clean running water

It’s time to pack up your bathroom items!

Now that you’re ready to pack your bathroom items, we’ll look at some packing considerations. Not all items need the same level of care, but you don’t want to overlook anything fragile or flammable.

How to pack fragile items

Take note early of what fragile items you have in the bathroom so you can give them extra attention. Fragile items are any items with a higher possibility of breaking, melting, or getting damaged during transit.

Fragile items you’ll commonly find in the bathroom are:

• Portable mirrors
• Ceramic items
• Decorative items (such as wall art)

How to pack cleaning supplies

Cleaning supplies are needed to spruce up your bathroom, but they must also be packed before you go. Since these items have so many dangerous chemicals, you should educate yourself on how to pack liquids safely.

Make sure cleaning supplies are properly bottled or boxed before packing them. Always check the outside to make sure nothing has leaked to prevent chemicals from interacting with each other. If anything is damaged or cracked, consider safely disposing of your items and replacing them later.

We also recommend bagging cleaning supplies separately to be safe.

Standard cleaning supplies you’ll find in a bathroom include:

• Toilet cleaner
• Hand wipes
• Tub cleaner
• Perfume
• Glass cleaner

How to pack toiletries

Not sure how to pack toiletries for moving? These items are usually easy to store, but we have some exceptions below!

Be careful of flammable items such as spray-on deodorant or hairspray. Due to the pressurized function of the bottle, there’s a possibility of bursting during transit. Hot weather and physical pressure from other items are risk factors for these items.

Various toiletries below can be boxed together as long as there are no leaks or cracks:

• Stick deodorant
• Toilet paper
• Lotion
• Hair gel or cream
• Floss

How to pack cosmetics

Do you love to doll yourself up? Make sure your cosmetics are still viable when you arrive because these bathroom items are on the delicate side.

Eyeshadow and blush sometimes melt in hot temperatures, so bag them up and store them in a box away from light. We also recommend double-checking the expiration date of mascaras since these items can become dry and crusty over time. Nail polish and nail polish remover are flammable, so make sure the lid is screwed on tight.

Common cosmetics you’ll find in the bathroom include:

• Eyeshadow
• Blush
• Mascara
• Eyeliner
• Nail polish

How to pack medication

Last but not least, we have medication to keep in mind. Medication must usually be stored somewhere dry and cool to protect its efficacy.

After checking expiration dates, sort your medication into a separate box and ensure the outside is appropriately labeled. The last thing anyone needs is to lose their pills at the worst possible time.

Common medication found in the bathroom includes:

• Allergy medication
• Painkillers
• Prescription medication

Learning how to pack your bathroom for moving is easier than it looks on the surface. With some preparation and care beforehand, your bathroom will be spotless before you know it!