Moving Tips & Tricks / November 2, 2024

35 Packing Hacks For Moving You Need To Know

35 Packing Hacks For Moving You Need To Know

Moving to a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. From packing up your belongings to bubble wraps and paper everywhere, to navigating the logistics of transportation, the process can quickly become stressful. But fear not! With a little strategic planning and these expert packing hacks, you can transform this chaotic experience into a smooth and efficient process. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, these tips will help you organize your belongings, protect your valuables, and streamline your move. 

35 Efficient Packing Tips For Moving 

  1. Keep Plants Safe During a Move

To keep plants healthy when moving, place them in a spot at your new home that mirrors their current environment in terms of light, humidity, and air exposure. For protection, pack them in a box slightly taller than the plants to shield the leaves.

  1. Start Packing Five Weeks Before Your Move

A solid moving plan should start about six weeks ahead. Use the first three weeks to declutter and gather materials. Then, spend the next three weeks packing. If time is short (like three days), dedicate a day each to sorting, gathering supplies, and packing. A checklist can help keep you organized.

  1. Choose Between Boxes and Totes

Boxes and plastic totes each have their strengths. Boxes are affordable, stackable, and easy to flatten but may get crushed when wet. Totes are reusable and durable, ideal for long-term storage, but can be more expensive and may crack under heavy weight.

  1. Declutter Before You Pack

Speed up packing by sorting and purging items beforehand. Consider letting go of old throw pillows, dusty books, damaged dishes, or outdated decor. This simplifies packing and lets you start fresh.

  1. Donate Large Unwanted Items

Avoid the hassle of moving large, unwanted furniture by donating it. Many charities can collect items directly from your home, giving your furniture a new life and reducing what you need to pack.

  1. Rent Moving Boxes to Save Money

Renting boxes is an eco-friendly and cost-effective option if finding free boxes is challenging. Companies like Gorilla Bins offer rental packages that include zip ties, labels, and delivery.

  1. DIY Vacuum Space Bags for Bulky Items

Save space by compressing pillows, blankets, and jackets. Place the items in a garbage bag, seal it around a vacuum hose, and let the vacuum remove excess air. Once flattened, secure the bag with a rubber band.

  1. Label Boxes and Document Contents with Photos

Avoid searching for specific items by photographing the contents of each box. Match box names with photos for easy reference, or use packing apps like Sortly, which helps organize items and generates QR codes for inventory.

  1. Make Taping Easy with Toothpicks

To prevent struggling with tape rolls, place a toothpick under the sticky end, folding the edge over it. This makes it easier to locate and peel the tape next time.

  1. Create DIY Packing Material

Skip costly bubble wrap by using towels or shredded paper. If you have a paper shredder, repurpose the shredded material by placing it in plastic bags to cushion fragile items.

  1. Use Ziplock Bags for Small Essentials

Keep small parts, such as screws and cables, organized in ziplock bags. Label them and group them by device or item to make unpacking easier.

  1. Prepare “Essentials” Kits

Pack separate kits with essentials you’ll need during the move, like toiletries, snacks, and basic tools. A weekend kit with clothing and a first-aid kit will help you stay prepared.

  1. Prevent Leaks with Plastic Wrap

Place a piece of plastic wrap over the openings of liquid bottles before screwing the caps back on. This prevents leaks during transit.

  1. Protect Clothes with Heavy-Duty Trash Bags

Use sturdy trash bags as garment covers for clothes on hangers. Unlike thin plastic bags, heavy-duty ones are durable enough for transport and can be reused.

  1. Secure Artwork and Frames

Protect framed artwork by placing an “HANDLE WITH CARE” with masking tape over glass to prevent shattering. Wrap frames and canvases with bubble wrap for added safety.

  1. Safely Wrap Your Mattress

Invest in a mattress cover, and use a blanket to drag it carefully if navigating stairs. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses should be kept flat to avoid structural damage.

  1. Tape Drawers Securely

To prevent messes, tape dresser drawers shut using painter’s tape, which won’t damage furniture finishes.

  1. Use Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes

Wardrobe boxes are ideal for formal wear, providing extra protection during the move. These boxes can be found at most moving or hardware stores.

  1. Pack Heavy Items in Suitcases

Utilize suitcases for heavier items like books, as they are sturdy and easy to maneuver.

  1. Label and Secure Furniture Hardware

Place screws and small parts in labeled bags taped to each furniture piece for easy reassembly.

  1. Back Up Important Files

Before moving electronics, back up any crucial files to prevent data loss. Use the cloud or an external drive.

  1. Photograph Wiring Setups

Take photos of cable arrangements before disconnecting electronics to make reassembly easier in your new home.

  1. Reuse Wine Boxes for Small Items

Wine boxes are perfect for packing shoes, glassware, or utensils, thanks to their cardboard dividers.

  1. Utilize Kitchen Pots for Storage

Store spices or small items in kitchen pots to save space and keep items organized.

  1. Wrap Utensil Trays in Plastic

Keep utensils intact by wrapping trays in plastic wrap, making it easier to unpack and organize.

  1. Roll Rugs for Safe Transport

Roll and tape rugs before moving. If possible, clean them beforehand and allow time to dry.

  1. Pack Lamps Carefully

Separate and wrap lamp bases and shades. Use towels or bubble wrap to prevent damage.

  1. Stand Plates Vertically in Boxes

To protect plates, line the box with a towel and pack plates vertically rather than stacking them.

  1. Cut Hand Holes in Boxes for Easy Lifting

For easier lifting, cut hand holes on the sides of boxes about one-third from the top.

  1. Ask for Help on Moving Day

If possible, ask friends or family to help with children or pets, allowing you to focus on the move without distractions.

  1. Wrapping Large or Valuable Furniture

Professional movers usually come equipped with blankets and tape to protect your furniture, but if you have specific items you want wrapped securely, make sure to let them know. For a DIY move, old blankets work well (especially ones you don’t mind getting dirty), or you can rent moving blankets from a nearby company. Wrap delicate pieces, like a marble coffee table, in a blanket, secure it with tape, and carefully move it out.

  1. Pack Your TV Carefully for a Safe Move

When it comes to moving your TV, some movers may treat it like other furniture by wrapping it in quilted furniture pads. However, plasma TVs need special handling, as laying them flat can cause damage. If you don’t have the original packaging, consider using a wooden crate for extra protection. For self-packing, use a double-boxing method: place your TV in a box, then put that box into a larger one lined with packing paper for added cushioning.

  1. Take Plenty of Photos

Capture detailed photos of both your current and new places—especially if you have a security deposit at stake. These photos serve as documentation of how you left your old space and the condition of your new one when you arrived. Plus, they can make for a nice keepsake if you ever want to look back on the transition!

  1. Set a Deadline for Unpacking

Unpacking isn’t a quick task, so set a realistic timeline to keep yourself on track. Try unpacking a certain number of boxes each day, like five boxes, or tackling one or two rooms daily. You could also focus on essentials first. Find a pace that works for you, and aim to stick to it.

  1. Organize Your Wardrobe for Moving

There are several effective ways to pack clothing for a move. Folded clothes can go into cardboard boxes, suitcases, or even stay in the dresser—just make sure it isn’t too heavy to lift. For hanging clothes, consider using a wardrobe box that allows you to hang clothes directly inside, saving you the hassle of packing hangers separately.

For jewellery, use simple tricks to prevent tangling. Thread necklaces through straws or toilet paper rolls to keep them secure and easy to unpack. To safely pack shoes, wrap each one individually. This prevents sharp heels or buckles from scratching other shoes and keeps any dirt confined. Stuff socks inside shoes to help them retain their shape.

 

Relocating can be a complex and exhausting process, but with the right approach and reliable support, it becomes much more manageable. By following these organized steps, from purging unnecessary items to safeguarding valuables, you can streamline your move and reduce stress.

 For those looking for a professional moving partner, Associated Cargo stands out as a trusted choice, offering comprehensive and secure moving services to handle all aspects of relocation. With a commitment to safety, transparency, and customer satisfaction, Associated Cargo can make your move seamless, whether you’re moving within the city or across states. Let our expertise and dedication help you focus on the excitement of starting fresh in a new space.

 

FAQs:

  • How much time should you set aside for packing before a move?
    Packing up an entire home typically requires about four to six weeks, allowing roughly two to three days per room to carefully organize and pack belongings.
  • Which room tends to be the most challenging to pack?
    The kitchen is generally the most challenging and time-intensive room to pack due to the variety of items stored, from food in cabinets to dinnerware and various appliances. It’s best to start here, as it also involves emptying and cleaning the refrigerator and freezer. Transport perishable items in a cooler to ensure they stay fresh for the journey to your new home.
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