How to Pack Garage Tools for Moving: A Practical DIY Guide

TL:DR

Before packing your tools, sort them first. Keep the tools you need and sell or donate the ones you do not use. Keep dangerous items such as fuel, paint, chemicals, and propane separate. Clean and dry all your tools to prevent rust and damage.

Cover sharp tools and blades properly and never leave them loose in a box. Put heavy hand tools in small boxes so they are easier and safer to carry. Use padding to protect fragile power tools and measuring devices.

Remove batteries when possible and protect their ends, and never pack damaged or swollen batteries. Keep small screws and other hardware in labeled bags so they are easy to find.

Finally, label every box clearly with its contents instead of simply writing “garage.” Check with your moving company or rental truck company beforehand because some dangerous materials may not be allowed during transport.

How to Pack Garage Tools for Moving

When you finally start packing the garage, you may find many old and unused tools that you have collected over the years. There may be wrenches, drills, saws, extension cords, screws, old paint, and many other things.

Garage items can be difficult to move because they are often heavy, sharp, and small. Heavy tools can make boxes too heavy to lift, while small screws and other hardware can easily get lost.

Some items, such as old gasoline, propane, and paint thinner, may not be allowed in a moving truck. The good news is that you do not need professional help to pack your garage.

With a simple plan, you can sort, pack, and load your tools safely by yourself without spending extra money on professional packing services.

Should You Pack, Sell, Donate, or Discard Garage Tools?

Before packing your tools, first decide which ones you really want to take to your new home. Moving is a good time to do this because all your tools are already out and easy to check. Check for these things to segregate them:

Condition: Look at the condition of each tool and see if it is rusty, broken, cracked, or missing parts.
Usage: Think about how often you use it and whether you have used it in the past year.
Cost: Also consider whether it would cost more to replace the tool than to move it.
Weight & Size: Heavy and large tools are harder and more expensive to move, so think carefully before keeping them.
Sedimental Value: Some tools may also have sentimental value, such as a tool that belonged to a family member, and these may be worth keeping even if you rarely use them.

You can sell or donate tools that you no longer need, especially if they are still in good working condition. Broken or unsafe tools should be recycled or thrown away properly instead of being packed.

Dangerous items such as fuel or chemicals should be handled separately. Overall, moving is a good chance to get rid of things you do not need, which means fewer boxes, less weight, and less work.

Tools and Packing Supplies Needed

You do not need to buy expensive or special equipment to pack your garage tools. Most of the things you need can be found at a hardware or home improvement store.

You will need small strong boxes for heavy tools and small items, and medium boxes for lighter power tools.
Use packing paper, old towels, bubble wrap, or foam to protect your tools from scratches and damage.
Packing tape, markers, labels, and zip bags will help you close boxes, label them, and keep small screws and other parts together.
Work gloves can protect your hands from sharp or dirty tools.
Use blade guards or protective covers for tools with exposed blades.
A utility knife, screwdriver, wrench, or socket set can help you open boxes or take equipment apart when it is safe and allowed.

Some items are optional, such as stretch wrap and plastic storage bins. A dolly can make it easier to move a very heavy tool chest, and tie down straps can keep heavy items safely in place inside the moving truck.

You can usually rent these instead of buying them, especially if you will only use them once. Also, if your tools came with their original cases, keep them because they are made to fit the tools properly and provide better protection during the move.

Things to Do Before Packing Garage Tools

Prepare before packing: Good preparation saves time and prevents problems later.
Sort the garage first: Decide what you will keep, sell, donate, or throw away.
Keep dangerous items separate: Put fuel, chemicals, and other hazardous products away from the packing area.
Clean your tools: Remove dirt, dust, sawdust, and other debris.
Dry everything properly: Make sure tools are completely dry because moisture can cause rust and damage.
Handle fluids carefully: Only remove oil or other fluids if the manufacturer’s instructions say it is safe.
Secure moving parts: Lock or secure parts such as saw guards and drill chucks so they do not move during transport.
Remove batteries: Take out batteries when possible and keep chargers organized separately.
Keep instruction manuals: Save manuals for tools that have special packing or handling instructions.
Take photos: Photograph complicated equipment before taking it apart so you can remember how to reconnect it.
Label drawers: Mark each drawer before emptying it so the contents do not get mixed up.
Prepare small bags: Keep labeled bags ready for screws, nuts, bolts, and other small parts.
Check large equipment: Make sure heavy or large tools can fit through doors, hallways, and the truck ramp.
Plan the moving path: Decide how you will safely move everything from the garage to the truck.
Check truck access: Make sure the truck can be easily reached and loaded at both locations.
Arrange helpers: Get help in advance for heavy items that you cannot safely lift alone.

How to Pack Hand Tools

Wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, ratchets, hex keys, measuring tools, clamps, and hand saws, these tools can take a lot of space and time if not packed correctly.

Group similar tools together: Keep wrenches with wrenches, screwdrivers with screwdrivers, and so on.
Use organizers: If you have a tool tray, organizer, or tool roll, use it to keep tool sets together and make unpacking easier.
Protect sharp tools: Wrap chisels, hand saws, and other sharp tools separately so they do not damage other tools or the box.
Protect the box: Put crumpled paper or an old towel at the bottom of the box to stop tools from moving around and damaging the cardboard.
Use small boxes for heavy tools: Heavy metal tools should go into small boxes so they are easier to carry.
Do not overfill boxes: Metal tools become very heavy when packed together.
Fill boxes only halfway to two-thirds: Leave some space and use lighter, padded items to fill the remaining space.
Make boxes easy to lift: If a box feels too heavy, remove some tools and divide them into another box. Human backs remain annoyingly non-replaceable.

How to Pack Power Tools

Drills, impact drivers, circular saws, reciprocating saws, sanders, grinders, routers, nail guns, and other portable power tools require a lot more care and effort because of their moving parts and switches.

Clean the tools first: Remove dust and sawdust before packing to prevent moisture and damage.
Remove loose parts: Take out blades, bits, and other loose accessories and pack them separately.
Remove batteries: Take out batteries from cordless tools when possible.
Protect switches and triggers: Add extra padding around buttons, triggers, and exposed blade guards.
Wrap the tools: Use towels or packing paper to protect the tool body from scratches and damage.
Use original cases: If you still have the tool’s original case, use it because it usually provides better protection.
Watch the weight: Even an original tool case can become too heavy, so make sure it is still safe to carry.
Keep accessories together: Pack the charger, blades, bits, and other accessories with the tool whenever possible.
Label the boxes: Clearly write what type of tool is inside each box.
Keep complete sets together: Do not separate a tool from its charger or accessories. Finding a drill later with no charger is a particularly stupid little moving day tragedy.

How to Pack Cordless Tool Batteries

You have to pack batteries separately because of their risks; if they get punctured or damaged during the move, they can burn down everything that you have packed.

Handle batteries carefully: Lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous if they are damaged or handled incorrectly.
Follow the instructions: Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific battery and charger.
Check every battery: Do not pack batteries that are swollen, cracked, dented, or leaking.
Dispose of damaged batteries safely: Do not transport a damaged battery. Take it to a proper battery recycling center.
Protect the battery terminals: Cover the terminals with tape or keep the battery in its original case.
Keep batteries away from metal: Do not place batteries loose with tools, screws, or other metal objects because they can cause a short circuit.
Avoid extreme heat: Do not leave batteries inside a closed moving truck on a very hot day. High temperatures can damage batteries or cause them to fail.
Pack batteries separately: Put them in a small, padded box instead of leaving them loose with your tools.
Check moving rules: Different moving companies and shipping services may have different rules for transporting lithium-ion batteries.
Confirm before moving day: If a professional mover or shipping company is involved, ask them about their current battery transportation rules before packing.

How to Pack Saws, Blades, and Other Sharp Tools

Circular saw blades, utility blades, hand saws, chisels, drill bits, axes, and pruning tools need a lot of care while packing; they can damage the box and the other tools.

Pack sharp tools carefully: Items like saw blades, utility blades, chisels, axes, and drill bits can easily cause injuries if they are not packed properly.
Use blade guards: If a tool has a protective cover, use it before packing.
Cover blades without guards: Wrap them in thick cardboard or strong cloth and secure the covering with tape. Keep the sharp edge facing inward.
Wrap sharp items separately: Do not wrap several sharp tools together.
Point sharp ends inward: Place sharp ends toward the middle of the box, not toward the sides.
Protect the box: Keep sharp tools away from the corners and strengthen the bottom of the box with extra cardboard or tape.
Never hide loose blades: Do not put loose blades inside towels, clothes, or rags where someone could accidentally grab them.
Label the box: Clearly write “Sharp Tools” on several sides of the box so everyone knows to handle it carefully.

How to Pack a Toolbox or Tool Chest

Tool chests can be very heavy: A fully loaded rolling tool chest can be difficult and dangerous to move.
Check the drawers: Light drawers can usually stay full, but heavy drawers should be partly emptied.
Remove weight from the top: Empty the top drawers first if the chest feels too heavy. This helps keep it stable.
Secure the drawers: Use tape, stretch wrap, or the chest’s lock to stop drawers from opening during the move.
Protect the outside: Cover the tool chest with a moving blanket to prevent scratches.
Label drawers: Label drawers containing screws, accessories, and other small items before emptying them so everything stays organized.
Use a dolly: For very heavy tool chests, use a hand truck or appliance dolly instead of trying to carry or push them by hand.
Do not move a full chest down a ramp alone: A heavy chest can easily get out of control.
Get help when needed: Large tool chests may require two or more people and proper moving equipment. If you cannot comfortably move it alone, get another person to help.

How to Pack Small Hardware

Loose screws, nuts, bolts, washers, nails, anchors, drill bits, and spare blades are easy to lose and nearly impossible to sort out again once mixed.

Keep small items organized: Screws, nuts, bolts, washers, nails, drill bits, and spare blades can easily get lost or mixed together.
Use small bags or containers: Put the items in separate zip bags or small boxes based on the project, drawer, or furniture they belong to.
Keep original packaging: If you still have the original packets or boxes, use them.
Use drawer organizers: They help keep different types of small items separate.
Label clearly: Write exactly what is inside. For example, write “Workbench Legs, 8 Bolts” instead of just “Misc.”
Label tool accessories properly: Write something like “Drill Accessories, Box 2” so you can find them easily later.
Keep related items together: If possible, tape the small bag to the larger tool or furniture it belongs to so they do not get separated during the move.

How to Pack Extension Cords, Hoses, and Cables

Extension cords, air hoses, garden hoses stored in the garage, electrical cables, and charging cables all hold up better with a little care.

Clean and dry cords and hoses: Wipe extension cords, air hoses, garden hoses, and charging cables before packing them.
Coil them loosely: Do not wrap them too tightly because sharp bends can damage them.
Secure each coil: Use a cable tie, twist tie, or tape to keep the cords from coming loose and getting tangled.
Label them: Write what each cord or hose is used for, especially cables that are difficult to identify.
Keep them dry: Protect cords and hoses from water and moisture during storage and moving.
Do not put heavy items on them: Heavy boxes can damage the cord covering or hose material.

How to Pack Ladders and Long-Handled Tools

Extension ladders, step ladders, shovels, rakes, brooms, garden tools, long clamps, and other long-handled equipment need to be handled as a group, since they’re awkward individually but manageable bundled together.

Clean the tools first: Clean ladders, shovels, rakes, brooms, and garden tools before packing.
Group similar items: Put long tools together and secure them with a strap instead of carrying them one by one.
Protect sharp ends: Cover sharp or pointed parts, such as rake tines and shovel blades.
Secure the bundle: Make sure the tools are tied tightly so they do not move or fall apart during transport.
Place ladders safely: Lay ladders flat when possible. If they must stand, secure them properly so they cannot fall.
Keep walkways clear: Do not leave long tools near doors or walking areas because someone could trip or get hurt.
Get help: Ask someone to help move long or awkward tools through doors and tight spaces.

How to Pack Garage Tools With Original Cases

If you still have the original case for a power tool, it is usually best to use it for moving. The case is made to fit the tool properly, so it keeps the tool secure and protects parts like triggers, chucks, and blade guards.

Original cases are also easier to stack and make it easier to find the right tool later. However, some cases can be heavy, especially metal ones or cases containing large tools. Treat them like any other heavy box, do not stack too many together, and get help if one is too heavy to lift safely by yourself.

How to Pack Heavy Tools Without Making Boxes Too Heavy

This is one of the most common mistakes I have noticed from my own decade of experience, people pack heavy things in one box, and then the box is not able to bear the weight of the things packed inside.

Use small boxes for heavy tools: Metal tools are very heavy, so do not put many of them in one large box.
Use large boxes for light items: Large boxes are better for light and bulky things such as foam, towels, or empty tool trays.
Strengthen the box: Add extra tape to the bottom, especially when packing heavy metal tools.
Spread the weight: Use several small boxes instead of putting everything into one large, heavy box.
Protect fragile tools: Use towels, foam, or other padding to protect delicate tools from heavy items.
Check the weight before sealing: Try lifting the box. If it feels too heavy or uncomfortable, divide the tools into two boxes.
Ask for help: Get someone to help you carry boxes that are genuinely heavy.
Do not choose a big box just because you have one: A large box is not always better. If it becomes too heavy to carry safely, it can cause injuries or damage.
Make boxes easy to carry: A packed box should be comfortable and safe to carry all the way to the truck, not something you can lift for five seconds before your spine files a formal complaint.

How to Protect Tools From Rust and Moisture

Tools will rust if packed in a damp environment. With Houston’s heat and humidity, it’s even more important to prevent rust.

Keep metal tools dry: Metal tools can rust quickly if they are packed while damp. Clean and dry them completely: Make sure there is no water or moisture on the tools before packing.
Do not use wet cardboard: Avoid packing tools in boxes that have become damp or wet.
Use protective coating carefully: If the manufacturer's instructions allow it, you can use a light protective coating on bare metal. Check the manual first.
Keep tools away from water: Make sure tools do not sit in standing water before or during the move.
Be careful during long moves: Tools packed for several days can develop rust if they were even slightly damp when packed.
Check tools after moving: Inspect them when you arrive, especially if they were packed for several days, and clean any early rust before it spreads.

How to Label Tool Boxes

Label every box clearly: A good labeling system makes it much easier to find your tools after the move.
Use specific labels: Do not write only “Garage.” Instead, write things like “Hand Tools, Box 1 of 3” or “Power Tools, Box 2 of 4.”
Label small items too: Use labels such as “Drill Accessories,” “Workbench Hardware,” or “Sharp Tools.”
Write labels in two places: Put the label on the top and at least one side of the box.
Make labels easy to see: This way, you can identify the box even when it is stacked or standing upright.
Be consistent: Since many tool boxes look alike, clear labels save time and prevent you from opening every box just to find one screwdriver.

How to Load Garage Tools Into a Moving Vehicle

Load carefully: The way you put things in the truck is just as important as how you packed them.
Put heavy boxes at the bottom: Keep lighter and fragile boxes on top.
Stack safely: Make sure boxes are stable and cannot easily fall over.
Secure tool chests: Use straps to keep tool chests upright and stop them from tipping or rolling.
Secure wheeled equipment: Tie down things like air compressors or other equipment with wheels so they cannot move during the journey.
Keep sharp tools safe: Place boxes containing sharp tools away from the edges of the load so they are less likely to be damaged or cause problems.
Keep boxes dry: Protect cardboard boxes from rain while loading because wet cardboard can quickly become weak.
Do not crush light boxes: Never put heavy boxes on top of lighter ones.
Keep hazardous items separate: Dangerous products should be stored separately and follow the transportation rules.
Use straps when needed: Secure tall, heavy, or unstable items so they cannot shift during the move.

Garage Items You May Not Be Able to Move

Certain things are unsafe to move in a regular vehicle or rental truck, and most moving companies won’t move them no matter how carefully you have packed it. Here is the list of them:

Gasoline and other fuels
Propane tanks, even if they are empty
Some types of paint
Paint thinner and other solvents
Pesticides and weed killers
Car fluids such as antifreeze and brake fluid
Certain compressed gases
Flammable or corrosive chemicals
Damaged or swollen batteries
Other dangerous or regulated materials

Rules depend on the product, vehicle, moving company, truck rental policy, and local regulations. There’s no single rule that covers every situation. Before moving day, make sure to check:

Check before moving: Read the product label and manufacturer’s instructions.
Check with your mover: If you are hiring a moving company, ask what dangerous items they will not transport.
Check rental truck rules: If you are driving yourself, check what the rental company allows.
Check local rules: If you are unsure about an item, check the current local regulations before moving it.
Dispose of unwanted hazardous items properly: Do not simply put them in the regular trash.
Use a household hazardous waste service: For example, Houston has a program for safely disposing of these types of materials.
Check drop-off details first: Confirm the current locations and opening hours before taking anything there.
Do not assume an empty container is safe: Even if a container looks empty, it may still contain dangerous residue and should not automatically go into the regular trash.

How to Handle Gas-Powered Tools

Gas-powered equipment such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, grass trimmers, generators, pressure washers, and similar machines need special care before a move. The main problem is usually not the equipment itself, but the gasoline or other fuel left inside it.

Even a small amount of gasoline can release fumes, and these fumes can become dangerous inside a closed moving truck. Hot weather can make the situation worse because fuel vapors can increase as temperatures rise.

Before moving these machines, check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how the fuel should be safely removed or whether the tank should be run dry. Do not try to create your own method for draining or transferring gasoline, as this can lead to spills, fire, or other accidents. If fuel needs to be transferred, only use a proper, approved container and follow the relevant safety instructions.

It is helpful to think of the equipment and the fuel as two separate things. Once the machine has been safely emptied according to the manufacturer’s instructions, the equipment itself can usually be cleaned, secured, and packed like other garage tools.

However, leftover gasoline should not simply be placed in a box or loaded into the moving truck. It needs to be handled or disposed of according to local hazardous waste rules. Taking a little extra time to deal with the fuel properly can prevent leaks, dangerous fumes, fire risks, and problems with the moving company.

How to Pack a Garage Workbench or Large Equipment

Plan ahead: Large and heavy items like workbenches, table saws, and stationary machines need planning before moving day.
Do not force disassembly: Only take equipment apart if the manufacturer’s instructions say it is safe.
Label all parts: Keep screws, bolts, and other hardware labeled and with the part they came from.
Take photos: Photograph the equipment before taking it apart, especially if it has wires or a complicated setup.
Protect surfaces: Cover painted or finished surfaces with moving blankets to prevent scratches.
Secure moving parts: Make sure parts such as blade guards and workbench vises cannot move during transport.
Measure the route: Check doors, hallways, and the path to the truck to make sure the equipment will fit.
Get help when needed: Decide whether you and a friend can move it safely or whether professional movers are needed.
Do not take unnecessary risks: Large and heavy machines can cause serious injuries if moved without the right equipment and experience.

How to Move Garage Tools Yourself

DIY does not mean doing everything alone: You can pack and organize the garage yourself while still getting help with heavy items.
Plan the route: Decide how you will move things from the garage to the truck and remove anything that could cause you to trip.
Use a dolly: Use a hand truck or dolly for heavy items instead of carrying them.
Arrange helpers early: Ask friends or family to help before moving day instead of trying to find help at the last minute.
Use smaller boxes: Move smaller boxes separately instead of putting too many things together and making one very heavy load.
Get help with heavy tool chests: Use a second person and a dolly when moving a heavy tool chest.
Protect your home: Use blankets or other protection on floors and walls, especially around doors and corners.
Load the truck carefully: Start with smaller and lighter items to create a stable base, then add heavier items. Put fragile items on top.
Keep dangerous items separate: Keep fuel, chemicals, and other hazardous materials separate from the rest of your belongings throughout the move.

Remember what DIY means: Doing it yourself means handling the sorting, packing, and organizing. It does not mean you have to lift every heavy item by yourself. Human beings finally invented teamwork for a reason.

DIY Cost of Packing Garage Tools

The cost of moving a garage depends on how many tools and other items you have, how heavy they are, and how far you are moving. There are usually three levels of cost.

Low-cost DIY: If you already have boxes, blankets, packing materials, tools, and a vehicle, you may spend very little. You may only need to buy things like packing tape and labels, while the main cost is your time.

Basic DIY: You may need to buy new boxes, tape, bubble wrap, foam, labels, and other packing supplies. You may also need to rent a dolly, moving blankets, or straps to move and secure heavy items safely.

Complex garage move: A larger or more difficult move may require a bigger truck, paid helpers, special equipment for heavy workbenches or tool chests, and fees for disposing of hazardous materials that cannot be transported. A longer distance can also increase the total cost.

Overall, the price depends on the number of tools you have, their total weight, how many boxes you need, the distance of the move, rental equipment, the number of helpers, and the cost of disposing of dangerous materials. Rental prices can also change depending on the location, season, and demand, so check the current price before renting anything.

How to Save Money When Packing Garage Tools

Remove unwanted items first: Sort and declutter your garage before buying packing supplies. You will need fewer boxes and materials.
Use original tool cases: If you still have the cases that came with your tools, use them instead of buying new packaging.
Reuse containers: Use strong boxes, bins, or containers you already have for small tools and hardware.
Use small boxes: Pack heavy, dense tools in smaller boxes instead of buying large boxes that may be difficult to fill safely.
Borrow when possible: Borrow moving blankets, tools, or other equipment from friends or family instead of buying them.
Rent only what you need: Rent items such as dollies and straps only when they are actually necessary.
Label boxes yourself: You can label your own boxes instead of paying someone else to do this simple job.
Reuse organizers: Use your existing tool trays, drawer organizers, and storage bins instead of buying new ones.
Pack everything yourself if possible: Even if you hire professionals to move heavy items, you can still do the packing yourself. This can save money because packing and heavy lifting are separate services.
Main idea: Plan carefully, reuse what you already have, and only spend money on things you truly need.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using large boxes for heavy tools: Heavy tools can make a large box too heavy to carry safely.
Overfilling boxes: Very heavy boxes can break or cause injuries while lifting.
Leaving sharp blades uncovered: Unprotected blades can easily cause cuts during packing or unpacking.
Packing dirty or wet tools: Dirt and moisture can cause rust and damage the cardboard.
Mixing small hardware together: Screws, bolts, and other small parts can get lost or mixed up.
Forgetting batteries: Make sure batteries are removed when needed and packed safely.
Packing damaged batteries: Swollen, cracked, or leaking batteries can be dangerous and should not be packed.
Leaving tool chest drawers unsecured: Drawers can open during moving and cause tools to fall out.
Not locking a rolling tool chest: An unlocked heavy tool chest can roll or open unexpectedly, making it harder and more dangerous to move.
Moving fuel without checking the rules: Gasoline and other fuels may not be allowed in moving trucks and can create serious safety risks.
Packing chemicals with normal items: Chemicals can leak and damage your other belongings.
Not labeling boxes: Without labels, you may waste a lot of time searching for tools after the move.
Leaving small parts loose: Loose screws and bolts are very easy to lose.
Not protecting metal tools from moisture: Moisture can cause rust, sometimes before you even unpack.
Moving heavy tool chests alone: Trying to move very heavy equipment by yourself can lead to serious injuries.
Forgetting to measure doorways and ramps: A large or heavy item may get stuck if it cannot fit through the route.
Assuming everything can go in the moving truck: Some garage items are restricted or unsafe to transport, so check the rules before moving day.

When DIY Garage-Tool Packing or Moving Is Not a Good Idea

Sorting, cleaning, and packing your tools is something you can usually do yourself if you have enough time. However, moving very heavy or large items is different and may require professional help. Consider getting help if you have very heavy tools, large tool chests, heavy workbenches, big compressors, or large machines.

You should also get help if the item has to be taken apart, there are stairs or narrow doorways, you do not have a proper dolly, or you do not have enough people to lift it safely. Professional help is also a good idea for expensive equipment or when the moving conditions are unsafe, such as a slippery ramp or unstable boxes.

You do not have to hire professionals to pack your entire garage. You can sort and pack the smaller tools yourself and only hire help for the heavy or difficult items. This can save money while also making the move safer.

For Houston area moves, a company such as Power Movers can be useful for this type of work. They provide moving help and labor only services, as well as residential, local, and long distance moving. They can also help with specialty items that are difficult to move normally.

This means you can pack your own boxes and pay professionals only to handle the heavy or complicated items. Experienced movers know how to safely move things like heavy tool chests, workbenches, and large equipment through narrow spaces. Their experience can reduce the chance of damage or injury when dealing with the most difficult items in your garage.

Conclusion

Packing a garage safely is mainly about following a few simple rules. First, sort everything before you start packing so you only move the things you actually need. Protect sharp and fragile tools properly so they do not cause injuries or get damaged.

Keep boxes light enough to carry safely, especially when packing heavy metal tools. Also, remember that some fuels and chemicals should not be placed in a moving truck and need special handling.

You can pack and organize most of your garage yourself if you are comfortable doing so. However, if you have a very heavy tool chest, workbench, or large piece of equipment that you and a friend cannot move safely, it is better to get professional help rather than risk an injury or damage.

The final question is simply asking: Is your garage easy enough for you to sort and pack yourself, or do you have one or two very heavy items that should be moved by professionals?