How to Pack Tools for Moving Without Damage or Hassle

Honestly, this is where the magic begins, and it’s a step many people skip. Before you pack a single wrench, take some time to sort through everything. Do you really need three Phillips head screwdrivers of the exact same size? Is that rusty old saw ever going to see the light of day again?

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. You’ll save yourself packing time, moving space (which can mean saving money, especially on long-distance moves), and unpacking effort. Be ruthless!

• Keep: Tools you use regularly and that are in good condition.
• Sell or Donate: Tools that are still usable but you no longer need. This is a key strategy if you’re trying to learn how to move with no money.
• Repair: If something’s broken but valuable, decide if you’ll fix it before the move or if it’s time to let it go.
• Dispose of Properly: Broken tools that can’t be repaired, old batteries, or chemicals need to be disposed of responsibly. Check your local waste management guidelines.

This is a big one, especially for any power tools or garden equipment that use fuel or oil – think lawnmowers, chainsaws, trimmers. You must drain all fluids before moving them. Why? Moving companies usually won’t transport items with flammable liquids due to safety and legal regulations. Plus, you don’t want oil or gas leaking all over your other belongings. Imagine that smell… no thank you!

• How to Drain: Run the equipment until the fuel tank is empty, or carefully siphon out the remaining fuel and oil into appropriate containers. Do this in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames, and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
• Clean Your Tools: Once drained, give your tools a good cleaning. Wipe off dirt, grease, sawdust, and any rust. This not only keeps them in better condition but also prevents them from soiling other items in transit. A clean tool is a happy tool!

Some tools are just plain awkward. Think about your drill press, a larger table saw, or even some garden tools with detachable handles. If you can disassemble them without too much fuss, it’s often a good idea.

• Benefits: Disassembled tools are usually more compact, easier to pack securely, and less likely to get damaged or damage something else.
• Keep Track of Parts: This is crucial! Place all screws, bolts, nuts, and other small components into a zip-top bag. Label the bag clearly (e.g., “Hardware for Table Saw”) and tape it securely to the largest part of the tool. Trust me, future you will be grateful.
• Photo Evidence: Before you take anything apart, snap a few photos with your phone. This can be a lifesaver when it’s time to put everything back together in your new workshop or garage. I learned this the hard way after one move where my dad and I spent an afternoon scratching our heads over a particularly complex piece of equipment.

Now we’re getting to the core of how to pack tools for moving. Every tool, or at least every group of small tools, needs some protective wrapping.

Hand Tools (Hammers, Wrenches, Screwdrivers, Pliers):

• Bundle similar items together with rubber bands or string, if it makes sense.
• Wrap sharp edges or points individually with cardboard, several layers of packing paper, or bubble wrap, and secure with tape. You don’t want a stray screwdriver poking through a box.
• Use tool rolls if you have them – they’re designed for this! For valuable collections of small parts that you pack into small boxes, some people even explore the cheapest ways to ship boxes separately.

Power Tools (Drills, Saws, Sanders):

• If you still have the original cases, use them! They offer the best protection.
• If not, wrap each power tool generously in bubble wrap or old towels. Pay extra attention to delicate parts like triggers, cords, and any laser guides.
• Remove blades and bits if possible, wrap them separately, and pack them with their respective tools.
• Coil cords neatly and secure them with a twist tie or Velcro strap to prevent tangling and damage.

General Cushioning: Use plenty of wadded-up packing paper, bubble wrap, or soft cloths to line boxes and fill any empty spaces. Tools shouldn’t be able to rattle around.

Think of each tool as something valuable you don’t want to break. Because, well, it is!

This is a fundamental rule of all packing, but it’s especially important for heavy items like tools.

• Heavy Items in Small Boxes: It’s tempting to grab a big box and fill it up, but a large box full of metal tools will be incredibly heavy and prone to breaking. Use smaller, heavy-duty boxes for your densest tools. Your back (and your movers’ backs) will thank you.
• Distribute Weight: Try to pack boxes so the weight is evenly distributed.
• Don’t Overpack: Ensure you can comfortably lift the box. Most moving companies recommend a maximum weight of around 40-50 pounds per box. You can estimate the total weight and cost of your move with a moving cost estimator.
• Fill Empty Spaces: As mentioned, use packing paper, old t-shirts, or towels to fill any gaps. This prevents tools from shifting, banging against each other, and getting damaged. This is a critical part of the best way to transport tools.
• Heavier on the Bottom: When loading tools into a box, place the heaviest items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. The same goes for stacking boxes in the moving truck.

Your trusty toolbox can be a great asset during a move, but don’t just assume you can leave it packed as is.

• Organize First: If it’s a jumble, take a few minutes to organize the contents. Wrap any individual tools that might scratch each other.
• Secure It: Make sure the toolbox latches securely. For extra peace of mind, especially for toolboxes with drawers, tape them shut. You don’t want it popping open mid-move.
• Weight Check: If your toolbox is extremely heavy (like one of those big rolling chests), you might need to empty some or all of its contents into smaller boxes. Many movers have policies against moving fully loaded large tool chests due to liability and weight concerns. It’s always best to check with your specific moving company – something our team at National Movers can help you research when you’re looking for the right professionals.

These are usually the easiest, but a little care goes a long way.

• Bundling: Group similar tools (e.g., all your screwdrivers, all your wrenches) and secure them with rubber bands or painter’s tape. This keeps them organized.
• Tool Rolls: If you have fabric tool rolls, use them! They’re perfect for keeping wrenches or chisels organized and protected.
• Small Boxes or Bins: Pack these bundled or rolled tools snugly into smaller, sturdy boxes or plastic bins. Fill any gaps with packing paper.
• Protect Sharp Ends: For tools like awls, files, or chisels, make sure the sharp ends are well-protected with cardboard sleeves, cork, or layers of bubble wrap taped in place.

These are often more expensive and can have delicate parts, so they need a bit more TLC.

• Original Cases are Gold: I can’t stress this enough – if you have the original molded plastic cases for your power tools, use them. They are designed to hold the tool, its accessories, and often the manual, perfectly.
• No Case? No Problem (with enough padding): Wrap the tool generously in bubble wrap. Pay close attention to protecting triggers, cords, and any screens or guides.
• Batteries Out: Always remove batteries from cordless power tools before packing. Pack the batteries separately. Some types of batteries, especially lithium-ion, may have specific shipping restrictions, so if you’re using professional movers or shipping them, check their policies. Often, it’s best to take batteries with you in your personal vehicle.
• Cords Coiled: Neatly coil the power cord and secure it with a zip tie, Velcro strap, or even a rubber band. Don’t wrap it tightly around the tool itself, as this can strain the cord.
• Individual Boxing: If possible, pack power tools in their own small boxes, or in a larger box with plenty of dividers and cushioning between each tool.

Ah, the garden shed. This can be a challenge with all those long handles and sometimes muddy bits! Figuring out how to pack yard tools for moving is a common question.

Clean Them Up: First things first, clean off any dirt, mud, or grass. You don’t want to transport a garden’s worth of soil to your new home.

Long-Handled Tools (Rakes, Shovels, Hoes, Brooms):

• Bundle 3 to 5 of these tools together. Align the heads or business ends together if possible.
• Secure the bundle tightly with stretch wrap, strong packing tape, or rope.
• Protect any sharp or pointy ends (like the tines of a rake or the blade of a shovel) with cardboard, old towels, or bubble wrap, taped securely.
• These bundles can often be transported as is by movers, but check their preference. Some may want them boxed, though that can be tricky with the length.

Smaller Garden Tools (Trowels, Cultivators, Pruners):

• Clean these thoroughly.
• Wrap any sharp blades or points. Pruners should be locked in the closed position.
• Pack them in a sturdy box or a dedicated garden tool caddy. You can use plastic bins for these too, especially if they’re a bit damp.

Powered Garden Equipment (Lawnmowers, Leaf Blowers, String Trimmers):

• As mentioned before, DRAIN ALL FUEL AND OIL. This is critical.
• Clean the equipment.
• Secure any loose parts. Fold down handles if possible.
• These larger items might be handled separately by movers. Discuss the specifics with your moving company. My dad once tried to “help” the movers with his prized lawnmower, nearly taking out a rose bush in the process. Sometimes it’s best to let the pros handle the heavy lifting!

Those big, rolling tool chests are fantastic for workshop organization, but they can be a real puzzle for moving.

Lighten the Load: Ideally, you should empty your tool chest, especially if it’s a large, heavy one. Pack the tools separately using the methods we’ve discussed. This makes the chest itself much easier (and safer) to move.

If You MUST Leave Some Tools Inside (and your movers agree):

• This is usually only an option for smaller chests and local moves. Always confirm with your moving company first. Many will refuse to move a loaded chest due to liability and the risk of damage or injury.
• If they do agree, ensure all drawers are securely locked. If they don’t lock, tape each drawer shut with strong packing tape (multiple layers, all the way around).
• Remove any very heavy or loose items from the drawers.
• Wrap the entire tool chest in moving blankets or thick cardboard to protect its finish and prevent it from damaging other items.
• Secure the wheels if it has them, so it’t decide to go for a joyride in the truck. If your move is for a job, these policies might be dictated by your company’s relocation assistance package.

At a minimum, each label should have:

• Contents: Be specific! Instead of “Tools,” write “Hand Tools: Wrenches & Sockets” or “Power Tools: Drill & Sander Accessories.”
• Destination Room: “Garage,” “Workshop,” “Basement Storage.”
• Fragile (if applicable): For boxes with delicate power tools or precision instruments.
• Heavy (if applicable): A clear warning for heavy boxes.

For particularly valuable tool collections, consider making an inventory list as you pack. Number the boxes and list the key contents of each numbered box. This is also helpful for insurance purposes.