Packing Hacks for Hobbyists 🧶🏎️🛩️

Ryan Ferrier
May 20
3 min read

Packing Hacks for Hobbyists: Smart Tips for Moving Your Treasured Gear

Moving is never just about couches and boxes — it’s about your life, your passions, and yes, your hobbies.

Whether you're an artist, collector, musician, or crafter, your hobby gear is often fragile, valuable, and deeply personal.

At Packhorse Moving, we know how important it is to protect what makes you you — so we’ve rounded up our best packing hacks for hobbyists to keep your stuff safe, organized, and ready for action in your new home.

🎨 For the Collector: How to Pack Fragile Collectibles

Protecting fragile collectibles — like figurines, vintage toys, or glassware — takes finesse.

Here’s how to do it right:

Double-box delicate items: Place each piece in a padded inner box, then place that inside a second, larger box with more padding. This cushions against vibration and impact.
Use acid-free tissue paper: Great for wrapping collectibles without damage or residue.
Label like a museum: Write the item name and value on each box (use a numbering system for privacy), and label as FRAGILE – TOP LOAD ONLY.
Climate considerations: If your items are sensitive to temperature, plan to move them in a climate-controlled vehicle or take them in your car.

🎸 For the Musician: Moving Instruments Without a Scratch

Musical instruments are often high-value and high-sentiment — treat them like royalty.

Smart packing tips:

Loosen strings and drumheads: Tension changes during a move can cause damage, so give your instrument room to breathe.
Use the original case (if you have it): It’s your instrument’s first line of defense. No case? Wrap in bubble wrap and place in a sturdy box with foam padding.
Don’t forget the small stuff: Cables, pedals, tuners, reeds — pack these in a clearly labeled accessory box.
Label clearly and place last: Ask your movers to load instruments last so they’re unloaded first and not buried under heavier items.

✂️ For the Crafter: Organizing Craft Supplies Like a Pro

You’ve spent years collecting the perfect supplies — let’s not have them end up in a tangled mess.

Here’s how to keep your creativity intact:

Sort before you pack: Take time to declutter dried paints, old glue sticks, or incomplete kits.
Use clear bins with labels: That way you can see what’s inside without digging. Stackable plastic drawers are perfect and reusable post-move.
Small parts? Use tackle boxes or pill organizers: Beads, buttons, and needles stay separated and easy to access.
Seal everything tightly: Tape lids on liquids, zip-lock bag the glitter (yes, the dreaded glitter), and add a layer of plastic wrap around trays and palettes to prevent spills.

🧵 Bonus Hack: Create a “First Box” for Your Hobby

Pack one clearly labeled box with your most-used hobby tools and supplies — so you don’t lose momentum in your new space. It’s like a “first-night” box, but for your passion.

Think sketchpads, favorite knitting needles, or that ukulele you play when the unpacking gets stressful.

Moving shouldn’t mean putting your hobbies on hold.

With the right preparation and a team like Packhorse Moving behind you, your passion projects can transition smoothly into your next chapter — scratch-free, spill-proof, and ready to inspire.

Got a quirky or unique item you’re not sure how to pack?

Ask us — we’ve probably seen it before (yes, even that life-size stormtrooper statue).