Packing Checklist: Room-by-Room Guide

Packing is where moves go wrong. Boxes labelled "Misc" that contain three irreplaceable items. A "fragile" sticker that nobody reads. A box of books weighing 35 kg that breaks during loading. The fix isn't mystery — it's a room-by-room system.

This is the packing checklist Gati crews follow. You can use it whether you're packing yourself or supervising professionals.

Kitchen — the highest-risk room

Most damage happens in kitchen items. Glass, ceramic, sharp objects, spices that leak. Pack last (you'll need these until 1-2 days before move) but pack carefully.

Glass and ceramics:

• Each item individually wrapped in bubble wrap or thick paper
• Use dish-pack cartons with cardboard dividers
• Glasses: stand upright with stems padded, never lying flat
• Plates: vertical (on edge), not stacked flat — they break when stacked horizontally
• Heavy items at bottom of carton, light items on top

Sharp items (knives, scissors):

• Wrap blades with cardboard sleeves or thick newspaper, secured with tape
• Mark "SHARP — open carefully" on the box
• Group together so you find them at unpacking

Spices and condiments:

• Double-bag in zip-lock bags — even sealed bottles leak in transit
• Pack upright if possible, separate from other items
• Discard half-empty packets that won't survive a week unrefrigerated

Refrigerator:

• Defrost 24 hours before move (fully dry)
• Wipe inside with mild bleach solution (prevents mould during transit)
• Tape doors shut for transit
• Move upright — never lie flat (compressor damage)

Bedroom — clothes, mattress, jewellery

Bedroom packing has two completely different categories.

Clothes:

• Hanging clothes → wardrobe boxes with hanging rod (no creasing)
• Folded clothes → standard cartons, max 25 kg per box
• Suits and formal wear → garment bags within wardrobe boxes
• Off-season clothes pack first (Day 5 of timeline); current-season last (Day 1)
• Vacuum bags can compress 2x — useful for blankets, off-season jackets

Mattress:

• Mattress bags (full encapsulation) prevent dust, water, pest contamination
• Memory foam mattresses: NEVER fold or roll (warranty void). Move flat.
• Spring mattresses: can stand on edge for transit but never fold

Jewellery and valuables:

• NEVER pack in moving boxes
• Take with you in personal carry bag
• For interstate flights: declare at security if substantial value
• Bank locker is the best option for large quantities + property papers

Bed (if dismantling):

• Photograph the assembly before dismantling
• All hardware (bolts, brackets) in a labelled zip-lock bag
• Tape the bag to the bed frame so it doesn't get lost
• Wrap mattress and headboard separately in furniture blankets

Living room — furniture, electronics, decor

Sofa and large furniture:

• Wrap entire piece in furniture blankets, then stretch film
• Remove cushions, pack separately in large boxes
• Detach legs if possible (saves space, less likely to snap)
• Wrap and label each piece of hardware

TV:

• Original box (if you kept it) is BEST. Anything else, custom box.
• Anti-static bubble wrap around the screen
• Foam cradles at corners
• Cables removed, labelled, bagged
• Mark "FRAGILE — TV — THIS WAY UP" on top side

Other electronics:

• Power down 24 hours before move (capacitor discharge)
• Photograph all cable arrangements before unplugging — saves time at destination
• Remote controls in zip-lock bags taped to the device
• Game consoles: handle like TVs (anti-static, fragile)

Glass tabletops, mirrors, framed art:

• Cardboard "X" pattern across the surface (prevents shatter spread if cracked)
• Picture/mirror boxes with foam corner protectors
• Mark FRAGILE on three sides
• Move vertically, never horizontally

Bathroom — small but tricky

Bathrooms have small high-value items mixed with bulk consumables. Keep them separate.

• Toiletries (body wash, shampoo): double-bag bottles even if sealed — pressure changes leak
• Medicines: pack separately, ideally with you (don't risk a 5-day truck transit for prescription drugs)
• Toothbrushes/razors: throw away old ones, replace at destination — they're cheap
• Hairdryers, electric razors: wind cables, pack with electronics
• Bath mats, towels: useful as padding for other items — rather than packing separately, use them to wrap fragiles

Last 2 days kit (don't pack):

• Travel-size toiletries
• 2-3 days of medicines
• Toothbrush + paste
• Towel + soap

Kids' rooms — special considerations

Kids notice change. Their stuff matters more than yours.

• One favourite toy/comfort object travels in their personal bag — NOT in the truck
• Books, school supplies → labelled box, accessible day 1 at destination (kids need them)
• Stuffed toys: wash before move (so they're fresh at new home), pack in vacuum bag
• Photos and artwork: scan before move (insurance against loss), then pack in protective folder
• Crib / bunk bed: photograph assembly thoroughly — kids' beds often have unique hardware

If kids are old enough (6+), let them pack their own bag of "things I want immediately at new house". Empowering for them, useful for you.

Garage / utility / storage — the forgotten zones

People forget these rooms exist until move morning. Inventory now.

• Tools: organise by category (hand tools, power tools, gardening) before packing
• Power tool batteries: remove and pack separately
• Paint, chemicals: cannot be moved long-distance (fire hazard, regulatory). Use up or donate.
• Petrol-powered equipment (lawnmower, pressure washer): drain fuel completely, run engine dry
• Bicycles, scooters: child seats removed, accessories in dedicated bag, photos taken
• Sports gear: cricket bats, badminton racquets, gym equipment — clean before packing (smell)

Documents and records — the irreplaceable

Documents are the one thing you cannot replace if lost. Special treatment:

• Property papers (sale deeds, lease docs): with you, not in truck
• Government IDs (passport, Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID): personal carry
• Educational certificates: scan, then carry originals personally
• Insurance policies: scan, carry originals
• Tax records: zip-locked file, in personal bag if compact, otherwise top-priority box
• Family photos (printed): waterproof folder, hand-carry
• Routine bills, statements: regular box, low priority

What NOT to pack

Per Indian regulations and insurance rules, these can't go in the truck:

• Cash, jewellery, gold/silver, precious stones
• Important documents (passport, property papers, insurance originals)
• Firearms, ammunition, explosives
• Flammable liquids (petrol, kerosene, paint thinners), aerosols, gas cylinders
• Perishable food (fresh produce, dairy, frozen items)
• Live animals (pet relocators handle these separately)
• Plants for interstate moves (state-specific phytosanitary laws)
• Illegal substances of any kind
• Items exceeding ₹1 lakh single value (carry personally, separately insured)