Moving is always mayhem. I don’t think there is any way around it being stressful! However, I do believe there are ways to make the process a little easier. Today I wanted to share 12 moving hacks and tips we used in our recent cross-state move.
1. Color coded tape – We used different masking tape colors to mark boxes based on the room. Even though we marked what was in box and what room it was in, the colors will make it easier for anyone unloading boxes to know which boxes go to which room. I made a color code cheat sheet so everyone is on the same page.
2. Make a moving caddy with all of the supplies you need for packing so you can move it from room to room and avoid asking each other “where’s the packing tape?” 1,745 times!
3. Vacuum sealed bags – We used large vacuum seal bags to pack our linen closet, blankets, and pillows! It saves a good deal of space to shrink it all down. *A car vac was much vaster to vacuum seal than the hand pump it comes with.
4. Press and seal wrap – I used press and seal wrap for cutlery organizers, kitchen utensils, vanity makeup drawers, etc. It seals everything tightly allowing you to box up as-is.
5. Put smaller kitchen items in larger appliances – I am always looking for ways to stuff smaller items inside larger ones. I can’t remember where I saw this tip, but I loved it! Stick all of your spices and condiments inside your crock pot and/or insta pot. Cover in packing paper and call it a win.
6. Use trash bags for hanging clothes – I didn’t want to have to deal with taking off all clothes on hangers and folding for boxes. You can actually just slip a garbage bag over bunches of hanging clothes and tie to seal!
7. Garment Bags – (As pictured.) For longer dresses I used zipper garment bags which made it easy to bunch together and pack.
8. Use wine boxes for wine glasses and pantry canisters – You can actually check with your local liquor stores to see if they have any extra empty wine boxes they are getting rid of. We were able to pick up several to pack our wine glasses and glass food canisters!
9. Mattress bags – we used these zip-able zipper mattress bags with handles to protect our bigger mattresses from getting dirty during transport. They have handles on them as well which makes it easier to lift and move. There are also standard plastic mattress bags we used for the twin sized mattresses.
10. Tape screws and bolts to the back of the furniture piece it belongs to. (We used sandwich baggies.) This will save a lot of time hunting for the right screws in your new place!
11. Laundry basket for car – Keep a go to basket in your car for things you may need as soon as you get to your new place! (ie: toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, scissors, pocket knife)
12. “Unpack first” box – We have always thrown everything we know we need in the first few days in the unpack first box. Kids plates and cups, kids activities, I also have a separate box or bag for linens we will use on our mattresses right away!
We hired a local moving company (JustPro Moving) to wrap and load our furniture, as well as load all of our boxes into pods. They were by far the most thorough and careful packers we have experienced yet (this was our 6th move!). From previous experiences, we were in awe with their caution, efficiency, and diligence. We had zero pieces of furniture damaged in the move (which is a first for us), and every box was stacked securely. Highly recommend finding a company with great local reviews!
Anything you would add to the list?
