How to Pack Your Bathroom for a Move

Bathrooms are small but surprisingly time-consuming to pack. They contain liquids that can leak, fragile items that can break, medications that need special handling, and dozens of small items that are easy to lose. A systematic approach makes it manageable.

Step 1: Declutter First

Before you pack anything, go through every cabinet, drawer, and shelf and discard:

• Expired medications and vitamins
• Old cosmetics and skincare products (check the expiry date or the PAO symbol)
• Nearly empty bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Cleaning products you no longer use
• Anything you have not touched in the past year

Moving is the best time to clear out the bathroom cabinet. Every item you discard is one less thing to pack and unpack.

Step 2: Handle Medications Separately

Pack all medications — prescription and over-the-counter — in a clearly labelled bag or small box that travels with you in the car. Do not put medications in the moving truck.

Keep medications in their original labelled containers. This is important for prescription medications especially — the label identifies the medication, dosage, and prescribing doctor.

If you have controlled substances, check BC regulations for transporting them.

Step 3: Pack Liquids Carefully

Liquids are the biggest risk in bathroom packing. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cleaning products, and toiletries can leak and damage everything around them.

For each liquid container:

1. Make sure the cap is tightly closed
2. Seal the cap with a strip of packing tape
3. Place the container in a zip-lock bag
4. Pack upright in a box

Line the box with a garbage bag as an extra precaution. Never pack liquids in the same box as electronics, documents, clothing, or anything that would be damaged by a spill.

Consider using up or discarding:

• Cleaning products (bleach, toilet bowl cleaner, drain cleaner) — these are hazardous and should not be transported in a moving truck
• Nearly empty bottles — not worth the packing effort
• Aerosol cans — check if they are allowed in the moving truck (most movers will not transport pressurized aerosols)

Step 4: Pack Fragile Items

Mirrors, glass bottles, and ceramic items need protection.

• Wrap glass perfume bottles and cologne individually in packing paper
• Wrap mirrors in bubble wrap and label FRAGILE
• Pack fragile items in a box with cushioning on all sides

Step 5: Pack the Rest

For non-fragile bathroom items (towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies in sealed containers):

• Towels and linens pack well in medium boxes or suitcases
• Toilet paper and paper towels go in large boxes (they are light but bulky)
• Cleaning supplies in sealed containers can go in a medium box lined with a garbage bag

What to Pack Last (Unpack First)

Pack a "first night" bag with the bathroom essentials you will need immediately at the new address:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap and hand towel
• Toilet paper
• Any daily medications
• Basic skincare items

This bag travels with you in the car and gets unpacked before anything else.

Labelling

Label every bathroom box clearly:

• BATHROOM and the specific area (e.g., Under Sink, Medicine Cabinet)
• LIQUIDS — KEEP UPRIGHT for any box with liquid containers
• FRAGILE for boxes with glass or ceramic items

Ready to Move?

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