Most people will tell you that moving to a new home is no easy thing. And they’re right. No matter how good it feels to move to a new home and to start a new chapter in your life, the moving process requires a lot of hard work and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Luckily, we know a few life hacks that can make it much easier. So, without further ado, here are 30 moving tips to help make the entire relocation process a piece of cake.
Pack the things you need first in a clear plastic bin
Moving is hard work, but unpacking is messy. And it also requires a lot of tools. If you don’t want to turn your new home upside down, you better have easy access to these. The first advice on our list of moving tips is to pack things like box cutters, paper towels or trash bags in clear plastic bins. The clear bin will allow you to see inside, so that you can get the utensils you need without opening every box. You can also store cookware, eating utensils, phone chargers toilet paper and other tools in the clear plastic bins. You don’t know when you might need them.
Overnight bags are your friends
Like I said, moving is hard work. So you might be too tired to unpack once you reach your new home. Instead of exhausting yourself, it’s better to just take a nap and start fresh the next day. This is where the overnight bag comes in. It will provide easy access to essentials such as a change of clothes, your laptop or toiletries.
Use your clothes to wrap breakables
This is how you get two birds with just one stone. Why pay extra on bubble wrap, when you can just wrap your dishes and glasses in clothing?! You can save a lot of money this way. And this is the point of all moving tips.
Don’t underestimate the power of socks
They can keep you warm, but they can also proved extra padding for your glasses.
Label by destination, not just by what’s in the box
Most people only write down the items. But if you really want to be organized and make the unpacking process as smooth as possible, try to unpack by room. That’s right. Get your moving boxes to their intended destinations first and unpack them only afterwards. Additionally, remember to label the sides of the boxes. This way, you will identify them with ease even if they are stacked.
Placing an extra cotton pad into your powder cosmetics will keep them from breaking
This tip isn’t just for the ladies or just for when you’re moving. It can help you out when you’re traveling as well.
Pre-clean the bathroom and kitchen
If you can get to your new home before the movers arrive take care of these two rooms. You will need to use them faster than you think. And don’t forget to stock some new bath towels and toilet paper. A hot shower after a long day of moving is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Pack plates vertically
Arrange your plates just like records. This way, they’ll be less likely to break.
Use Press’n Seal to cover your dresser drawers
This way, they will act just like moving boxes, and you won’t have to pack and unpack everything. Not to mention that it will make moving the dresser much more manageable. Again, you kill several birds with just one stone.
Use saran wrap to cover your toiletries and afterwards put the tops back on
Extra safety is always a good thing.
Also use Press’n Seal on your jewelry displays
It will keep them nice and intact. And you won’t have to worry about misplacing or losing them.
Use beer boxes to transport your books
They come with handles on the sides and will make transportation much easier.
Take photographs of your electronics equipment
If you’re not that tech savvy, it might be a good idea to take a photo of how the electronics are connected. This way, you’ll be able to remember where every wire goes.
Stretch Wrap is good for your furniture
Stretch Wrap is just like Press’n Seal, but larger. A roll can help protect all your furniture, so it won’t get scratched during transportation.
Use sandwich bags for the small parts of things you took apart
They can really come in handy if you have to deal with cords or other small pieces of equipment. Just tape them to the back of the items they belong to.
Vacuum seal out-of-season clothing
You’re not going to use them if it’s not their time yet. So you’ll probably not even unpack them. By vacuum sealing them, the clothes will be easier to pack and you’ll be able to place them directly in storage once you arrive at your new destination.
Use your baskets, laundry bins and suitcases
Suitcases are not just for traveling. They can also help you when you’re moving to a new home. And so can your baskets and laundry bins. Use them to transport other items and you’ll be able to save some money on boxes.
Remember to defrost your fridge
If you plan on taking it with you, then remember to defrost your fridge. Do it at least one day before the move and also wipe up all the liquid.
Numbering your boxes is a good idea
It will make it easier for you to keep track of things. And you’ll also avoid telling the rest of the world what valuables you have stored in there.
Color-coding also helps
You can pick a color for each room. When you get to your new place, just stick some colored tape on each door and the movers will know where to place everything.
Don’t get your friends to do the packing for you
I’m just going to be honest with you. You’re a horrible friend if you ask your buddies to help you move and you also get them to do the packing for you. Try to have everything packed before they get there. And if you have enough friends, split them up into shifts. One group can help you move in the morning, and the other later. This is one advice on our list of moving tips that even your friends will appreciate.
Hire a sitter for the kids and pets
If you’re moving to a new home in the same city, it might be a good idea to have someone look after your kids and/or pets. When the relocation is complete, you can get them. This way, it will be less stressful for them and for yourself as well.
Donate the things you don’t need
You can arrange for a charity organization to come and pick up the things you don’t need anymore. Do this at least a week before moving. It will allow you to get better organized and it will also save you some money.
Stop buying groceries two week before moving
You should order in or eat out. Of all moving tips on this list, you’ll probably enjoy this one the best.
Don’t be afraid to sell the things you don’t need
If you don’t need them anymore, there’s no reason to take them with you. And if they can bring in some extra cash, then don’t even think about it. Craigslist and eBay will help you out. But remember that it can take some time to find a buyer. So start putting them up for sale as soon as you know that you’re going to move.
Change your address before moving
Many people forget to do it. As a result, their mail and other things that are being delivered often end up at the old location. If you want to avoid headaches, change your address at least two weeks prior to moving.
For renters: Take photos of your cleaned-out home and your new home before moving in
If you want your deposit back, you have to do it. Otherwise, landlords can charge you cleaning and repair fees unnecessarily.
Greyhound is useful if you’re moving cross-country
If you don’t need your stuff immediately, Greyhound is an inexpensive shipping option. But remember to pack your stuff really well.
Use movers if you have fragile valuables
You might think using your friends is cheaper, but it’s not. A professional moving service actually pays for itself, especially if you have a lot of fragile valuables. Not only will they do a better job moving your stuff, as they will probably come in with specialized equipment, but you will also get moving insurance. In case an accident happens, you’ll be covered. But remember to book the movers at least two weeks in advance.
If you do hire movers, remember to read the fine print
Professional, honest movers don’t have weird rules. But you can protect yourself if you read the fine print. And if you don’t agree, then just find another company. Again, this is why you have to book them at least two weeks in advance. This is one of the most important pieces of advice on our list of moving tips.
The Empire Movers List of Moving Tips
Moving is not an easy job. But it can be. We, the Empire Movers team, have put together this list of 30 moving tips to help you out if you ever plan on getting a new place.
