Packing Do's & Don'ts for Interstate Moving
Five rules of physics that protect your stuff during a multi-day, multi-state move. Watch our expert demonstrate proper packing techniques that prevent damage.
The Rules
Five rules for packing an interstate move
These aren't suggestions. They're physics. Follow them and your stuff arrives intact.
Use H-tape on every box bottom
Run tape across the center seam AND both edges in an H-pattern. This distributes weight across the entire bottom panel instead of relying on the center seam alone.
Heavy items in small boxes
Books, tools, canned goods: anything heavy goes in the smallest box possible. A 50-lb large box is a disaster waiting to happen. Keep heavy boxes under 40 lbs.
Fill every gap inside the box
Items shift during transit. Fill empty space with packing paper, bubble wrap, or towels. If you can shake the box and hear movement, it's not packed properly.
Use clean packing paper (not newspaper)
Newspaper ink transfers to dishes, linens, and light-colored items during multi-day transit. Use blank newsprint or white packing paper instead.
Label all sides (not just the top)
Boxes get stacked and rotated. Label at least two sides so movers can identify contents without unstacking. Include room destination and "FRAGILE" if applicable.
Don't use garbage bags for clothes
Bags tear, trap moisture, and can't be stacked. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes and regular boxes for folded items. Your clothes will thank you.
Don't leave dishes flat-stacked
Plates and bowls should be wrapped individually and packed vertically (on edge) like records. Flat-stacking puts all the weight and vibration pressure on the bottom pieces.
Don't over-pack large boxes
A large box filled with books will weigh 70+ lbs, blow out the bottom, and injure whoever lifts it. Large boxes are for lightweight, bulky items only (pillows, linens, lampshades).
Don't tape over box labels
Movers need to read labels quickly. Clear tape over writing makes it unreadable under truck lighting. Write labels after taping, or use separate label stickers.
Don't mix rooms in one box
One box = one room. Mixing kitchen items with bedroom items means the box goes to the wrong room, gets opened looking for something, and creates chaos on delivery day.
Why Interstate Packing is Different
A local move across town takes a few hours. Your boxes are loaded, driven a short distance, and unloaded the same day. An interstate move is a completely different physical experience for your belongings. They may be in transit for days or weeks, stacked under hundreds of pounds of pressure, vibrating constantly on the highway, and exposed to temperature changes.
The packing techniques that work fine for a local move (loose wrapping, half-filled boxes, single-strip taping) will fail under these conditions. Interstate packing requires tighter wrapping, fuller boxes, stronger tape patterns, and more intentional weight distribution.
The H-Tape Method
The single most important packing technique for long-distance moves is the H-tape method on box bottoms. Instead of a single strip of tape down the center seam, run tape in an H-pattern: one strip along the center seam, then one strip along each edge. This distributes the weight of the box contents across the entire bottom panel rather than concentrating it on the center seam, which is the weakest point of any box.
Expert Tips
Watch this video to view the proper way to tape a box
Using the right taping technique helps reinforce the bottom, protect your belongings, and prevent boxes from opening during transport. A few simple steps can make a big difference in keeping everything safe from start to finish.
Quick Reference: Packing Checklist
Print this or screenshot it before you start packing.
| Item Type | Box Size | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Books & heavy items | Small (1.5 cu ft) | H-tape bottom. Max 40 lbs per box. |
| Dishes & glassware | Medium (3.0 cu ft) | Wrap individually. Pack vertically on edge. |
| Linens & pillows | Large (4.5 cu ft) | Use as padding around fragile items. |
| Electronics | Original box or custom | Original packaging is best. Otherwise, double-box. |
| Hanging clothes | Wardrobe box | Leave on hangers. Don't fold or compress. |
| Artwork & mirrors | Picture/mirror box | Corner protectors. "FRAGILE" on all sides. |
| Lamps | Tall/lamp box | Remove shade. Wrap base and shade separately. |
Don't Want to Pack Yourself?
Roadway Moving offers full and partial packing services. Our crew knows exactly how to pack for long-distance transit.
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