Label Boxes
When you’re packing, it might seem like the fastest way to get it done is to start shoving things in random boxes. However, this is only going to make the unpacking process extremely difficult.
Source: shleppers
Save your future self the hassle and label your boxes. Keep related items together and label boxes by the room: kitchen, bedroom, living room; or by item type: appliances, clothes, electronics. This will save you tons of time when you’re unpacking in your new home.
Use your Suitcases
If you already have suitcases at home, make use of them! Suitcases are super useful when moving because they’re on wheels and easy to transport. We recommend packing some heavier items into your suitcases.
Source: exploring domesticity
This way you can roll those items instead of carrying them in boxes. If you’re moving to an apartment without an elevator, we wish you the best of luck!
Seal Toiletries
You’re not going to be very happy if you show up to your new home after a move and you’re welcomed by spilled soaps and shampoos. Use this hack to keep your bottles sealed while they’re transported from your old home to the new one.
Source: making lemonade
Add a little piece of plastic wrap in between the bottle and the lid to keep them from spilling. The plastic will add a layer of protection by making the cap tight to the bottle and avoiding any leakage. Now you don’t have to pack every single bottle in a Ziplock.
Seal your Drawers
When moving your night stands, dressers, and anything else with drawers, make sure to seal them! Whether you’re using a moving truck or packing your furniture into your own car you don’t want your drawers moving around in the move.
Source: pinterest
Instead of emptying all the contents of the drawers, you can keep things in them instead of emptying out all the contents. Use plastic wrap to keep everything in place and just cut it off when you get to your destination. Simple and fast!
Keep Clothes on Hangers
Instead of taking all the clothes off your hangers, packing them, and then replacing them on the hangers after you move, use this simple method. Leave some of your clothes on hangers and bunch them into trash bags.
Source: thinking outside the closet
This will protect the clothes from dust during the move, and you won’t have to waste your time rehanging clothes afterwards. No need to invest in wardrobe boxes either.
Pack Appliances in Laundry Baskets
Use every tool at your disposal when packing. Pack appliances in laundry baskets that you will be using as soon as you get to your new place. You might want your coffee maker or toaster immediately available.
Source: NY Times
You can also use the baskets to bring heavier appliances. They are great to transport these items because they have handles on them.
Fill Wall Holes with Soap
Some apartment complexes will require you to fill in nail holes when you move out. We all want to get that security deposit back, right? If you’re moving out of your rental and you have holes in the wall that need to be filled ASAP, use soap!
Source: solve sonic
While you might not have spackle handy, you probably have a bar of soap laying around. Just rub the bar against the wall until the hole is completely filled. Then wipe away the excess soap. Voila!
Cut Out Handles in your Boxes
Moving boxes are bulky and can be hard to move. A dropped box might mean broken valuables or expensive items.
Source: eastwood homes
Before filling your boxes for the move, cut handles into the sides. Cut triangle shapes about ⅓ of the way down the side of the box. This will make them much easier to carry. Make sure the boxes are taped well, though, so you don’t have items falling through the bottom of the box.
Roll your Clothes
Whether you’re moving or traveling, packing clothes to save space is one of the key steps. Rolling your clothes is a great space-saver. Tightly roll your clothes before packing them into your bags or boxes.
Source: securcare self storage
Folding or haphazardly throwing the clothes wastes space and can get really disorganized. Again, one of the keys to packing well is doing it in a way that will make your future self happy when you have to unpack them!
Keep a Fitted Mattress on your Bed to Keep it Clean
Keeping your mattress clean during a move is not easy. Dust and dirt get moved around in any move and if you’re using a moving truck, chances are you’re going to have to give most of your belongings a good wipe down after the move.
Source: hip 2 save
A great way to protect your mattress is to keep a fitted sheet over it. It’s easier to throw a sheet in the wash than it is to clean an entire mattress. And you won’t have to buy a mattress bag.
Donate or Sell Some Stuff
Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of the stuff that has been collecting dust in your house forever. Take a little extra time to weed out the clothes and other items that you haven’t used in years.
Source: hide-away storage
Make a donate, sell, and trash pile to keep things organized. You don’t want to carry unnecessary baggage to the next place for it to collect dust in a different house. If you haven’t used it in a year, you won’t miss it.