Can I Pack Items in My Drawers? Why Empty Dressers and Cabinets Are a Must for a Safe Move
Moving day is on the horizon, and you’re looking at your dresser, cabinet, or desk, wondering, “Do I really need to empty this thing? Can’t I just leave some stuff inside and save time?”
The short answer: Nope, you’ve gotta empty it. But don’t worry—we’re here to explain why and give you all the tips you need to make this part of your move as smooth as possible. Let’s dive in!
Why Emptying Furniture Matters
It might feel like a hassle to unpack your drawers only to pack everything up again in boxes, but trust us—it’s worth it. Here’s why:
1. Keep Your Furniture in One Piece (Literally!)
When furniture like dressers or cabinets is moved with stuff inside, it’s way more likely to get damaged. The extra weight can strain joints, crack wood, and bend hinges. And if you’ve got a wobbly piece of furniture, moving it full can make things worse—or even ruin it entirely.
2. Safety First!
Loose items in drawers shift around during the move, turning your favorite mug or keepsake into a potential hazard. Plus, if a drawer accidentally slides open or a door swings loose, it could injure someone. Nobody wants a sprained toe from a rogue spatula!
3. Lighter Means Easier
Moving furniture is already a workout, so why make it harder by keeping it full? Emptying drawers and shelves makes your furniture lighter and easier to carry, saving time, effort, and possibly your movers’ backs.
How to Prep Your Dressers and Cabinets Like a Pro
We know emptying out your furniture might feel overwhelming, but with a few simple steps, you’ll have everything ready to roll in no time:
Step 1: Clear Out All the Drawers and Shelves
Yes, all of them. Even if you think something is light or harmless (looking at you, sock drawer), it still needs to come out. This includes clothes, books, office supplies, and especially fragile items.
Step 2: Pack Everything in Boxes
Grab some sturdy boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape. Secure all your loose items in boxes to prevent damage during the move. Bonus tip: Label your boxes by room or category to make unpacking a breeze.
Step 3: Don’t Forget the Locks
If your furniture has locking drawers or doors, double-check that everything is empty, even if it’s locked. Locks can fail or pop open during transit, causing your items to spill out.
But What About…? (FAQs About Packing Furniture)
We get it—there are always a few lingering “what ifs” when it comes to moving. Here are the most common ones we hear:
Can I leave soft items, like clothes, in my dresser drawers?
Technically, you could…but we don’t recommend it. Even lightweight items can shift around and make the furniture harder to move. Plus, if your movers tilt the dresser, everything could slide to one side, potentially damaging the drawer.
Can I lock my drawers and keep stuff inside?
It might seem like a good idea, but even locked drawers can come open if the lock gives out. Save yourself the headache and pack those items in boxes instead.
Can I use the drawers themselves as boxes?
We know this sounds clever, but it’s a no-go. Furniture drawers aren’t designed for transport—they’re designed to sit still and hold stuff while stationary. Boxes are much sturdier and safer for the job.
Tips for Packing Like a Pro
Want to pack smarter, not harder? Try these tips:
- Declutter First: Moving is the perfect excuse to purge items you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle anything you don’t want to bring to your new home.
- Use Quality Supplies: Invest in sturdy boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Your items (and your sanity) will thank you.
- Label Everything: Trust us—you don’t want to spend your first night in your new home searching for your toothbrush.
- Take Inventory: Make a list of your packed items so you can easily track them during the move.
Moving Made Easy with A Mother’s Touch Movers
Preparing your furniture for a move might seem like a chore, but a little effort upfront saves a ton of stress later. By emptying your dressers and cabinets, packing your items securely in boxes, and labeling everything, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smooth, safe, and efficient move.
Need professional help with your move? A Mother’s Touch Movers is here to make the process stress-free! Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, we’ve got your back. Contact us today to get started— you’ll be settling into your new home in no time. Let’s get packing! 🚚💨
