The art of packing toiletries: Tips and tricks

Moving to a new home can be stressful, especially when it comes to packing –– and bathroom essentials like toiletries are no exception. With so many fragile and awkwardly-shaped items, it requires extra care to pack them properly. 

How to pack toiletries the right way

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pack toiletries properly to prevent messy spills during the move.

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Clean and simple bathroom shelf stocked with toiletries. (Source: iStock)

Below are some of the must-haves when packing toiletries for moving:

• Small plastic containers

• Leak-proof or plastic bags that can be tied

• Cling film or shrink wrap

• Bubble wrap

• Packing paper

• Tape

• Marker

• Small and medium-sized boxes (optional)

• Towels, flannels and bath mats

You might already have some of these essentials at home, but if not, you can find them at local retailers like Argos, The Range, and B&M. Alternatively, you can check out Poundland, Home Bargains, or even local supermarkets for smaller items.

Step 2: Empty your shelves

Removing bathroom essentials for moving. (Source: iStock)

The best way to begin is by figuring out what you need to pack. This will help you decide what to keep and what to throw away or donate. Start by emptying your shelves, cabinets, drawers, and bags, then lay out all your items to see everything in one place.

Step 3: Declutter before you pack

Decluttering toiletries for moving. (Source: iStock)

While toiletries will likely be among the last things you pack, sorting and decluttering them in advance can make the moving process much smoother. Doing so will save you time, space, and even money, especially if your removal company charges by weight or the number of items they move. 

That said, deciding what toiletries to pack or discard can be challenging. To help with decluttering, here are some questions to ask yourself.

• Has it expired? Dispose of any items that have passed their expiration date as indicated on the packaging. Additionally, note any unusual textures, colours, or smells in the products. Expired or unused medicine should be taken to a pharmacy for proper disposal.

• Is it leaking, empty or broken? Discard unnecessary packaging or containers, such as bottles or tubes. Try to use up what you can before packing, and discard anything that’s leaking or broken.

• Do I use this regularly? If you have items you no longer use, consider giving them away or selling them at a reduced price instead of taking them with you.

• Is it safe to move? In some cases, your movers may not allow items that pose a higher risk of spillage, such as paint or bleach, or flammable items, like nail polish. These items would likely need to be transported separately, so please check with your removal company.

Step 4: SortEssentials for hygiene and grooming stored in a travel bag. (Source: iStock)

With all the items you’re keeping laid out, categorising them becomes much easier. Consider building a bathroom and toiletries packing list:

• Appliances: hairdryer, curling iron, electric razor  

• Cosmetics: makeup and other beauty products

• Oral care items: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss

• Skincare items: moisturiser, serum, cleanser, soap, lotion

• Medicines and medical products: prescription medication, first aid kit, eye care products (also cotton swabs, cotton pads, etc.)

• Period products: pads, tampons, cups

• Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels 

• Hair products: brush, comb, styling products, shampoo, conditioner

• Cleaning supplies: cleaning brush, plunger, bleach, soap

• Linens: towels, bathrobes

• Miscellaneous items: bathroom decor, containers, rugs

Step 5: Decide what to keep accessible

A well-organized suitcase with personal care items. (Source: iStock)

Once everything’s sorted, set aside everyday use items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant. You’ll also need to pack medication and a first aid kit for emergencies. 

It’s best to keep these essentials in a bag rather than packing them in a moving box, as this makes them easily accessible right up until moving day and during the first few days of settling into your new home.

If you’re unsure which items you should include in your everyday travel pack for toiletries, ask yourself, ‘Which toiletries and medicines will I need the first night and morning after moving?’

Step 6: Pack strategically to protect your items

Refilling personal care items for compact travel storage. (Source: iStock)

Any container with liquid poses a risk during moving, so you want to be sure these are packed as securely as possible. Here are some of the best ways to pack toiletries for moving: 

• Seal anything that can spill: For any opened containers, unscrew the cap, place a piece of plastic wrap over the opening, then screw the cap back on tightly. You can add a small piece of tape over the lid for additional protection.

• Use double-leakproof bags: Double-bag items like liquid soap, mouthwash, nail polish remover, or hair dye. If a bottle does leak, the extra bag will stop it from getting on your other items.

• Protect fragile containers: Use the bubble wrap to protect glass or ceramic containers. Pack each item separately, then place it inside another small box or between folded towels for extra cushioning.

• Secure makeup and small accessories: Makeup and brushes can be wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in leak-proof bags or your makeup bag. Products like pressed powders can be protected by placing a cotton pad on top of the powder before wrapping.

• Position items correctly: Pack toiletries and fragile items upright in a plastic container or cardboard box lined with a towel.

• Distribute weight properly: Place heavier items on the bottom of the box and fragile ones on top to avoid crushing.

• Fill gaps: Use packing paper, towels, or bubble wrap to fill any gaps.

Step 7: Label and store correctly

Prepping a box filled with toiletries for moving. (Source: iStock)

Toiletries can be heavy, so pack them into smaller boxes to make them easier to lift and transport. Next, clearly label boxes or bins ‘Toiletries’ and add the words ‘Fragile’ and ‘This Side Up.’ Additionally, you could add an ‘Open First’ label on the bags that contain your everyday essentials and medication/first aid items.

If it’s a long-distance move, keep in mind that items will be in transit for a longer period, and temperature and pressure changes can cause some liquid products to freeze and burst. So, don’t pack aerosols, perfumes or creams as they can explode or spoil. 

Alternatively, you can check with your removal company to see if they use temperature-controlled vehicles. If not, keep them informed.

Pack your toiletries the smart way

While you might be tempted to cram all your bathroom essentials into a box to speed up your packing process, the best way to pack toiletries for moving is to take your time. Use the tips above to get your things transported without a hitch.

If you need an extra hand to get it done, consider booking professional movers  and packing experts through Airtasker. From small removals to long-distance, find a Tasker near you.