27 Tips + Moving Hacks to Make Your Life Easier
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If you’re reading this post, chances are you’re looking for ways to make moving enjoyable or, at least, manageable. Because—let’s be honest—no one in history has seriously said, “I love moving!” Moving can be a stressful and difficult time, especially when you don’t know where to start. Thankfully, the internet is full of hacks that will make the process easier. Here are 28 tricks that make for smooth moving!
Moving Tips to Remember
Create a Budget
Start the moving process by budgeting. Moving can be costly, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many DIY tricks and affordable alternatives, like renting a truck (or asking friends), instead of hiring a moving company.
Get Multiple Quotes
However, there are benefits to investing in the services provided by a moving company, like avoiding heavy lifting. These costs vary so ask around to at least three companies before committing to one. This will make certain you receive the best service at a comfortable rate.
Book A Trailer in Advance
Many people choose to rent a trailer as a cost-effective substitute to utilizing a moving company. Confirm the best rates for a rented trailer or truck by booking well in advance.
Update Your Address
While updating your address sounds like a simple task, there can be multiple nuances involved, depending on what document or account needs to be updated. Check months in advance for any protocols you may need to know for items, such as driver’s licenses and IDs.
Write an Inventory List
The trick to staying sane when moving is by being as organized as possible, and checklists do just that. An inventory sheet can help you keep track of all the things packed so it’s easier to know if anything is amiss when it’s time to unpack.
Find Free Boxes
You’d be surprised at how many places offer free cardboard boxes, so you don’t have to buy any! Check to see if the U-haul box exchange, a local retailer, or Facebook Market has anyone near you giving away free boxes.
Pack (and Unpack) by Room
A fundamental component to moving day organization is by packing or boxing one room before moving to another. This will keep your items sorted by room, which will undoubtedly make unpacking easier.
Measure Furniture
The heartbreak that comes from a breakup is nothing compared to the pain you’ve felt after carrying a couch up the stairs only to find out it won’t fit. Thoroughly check the dimensions of your new place, the moving trucks or trailers, and measure your furniture ahead of time to ensure everything will be a perfect fit.
Decide Before You Move
Donate It
Moving can make you realize just how much stuff you have that you don’t use or need. Donate items like clothes, old devices, and canned goods to local organizations as a way to lighten your load and give back to the community simultaneously.
Recycle It
Not everything you no longer need can be donated. Try not to throw everything away and choose to recycle, instead. Things like metal, batteries, and glass jars can usually be recycled. Check out your local recycling centers to see what items can be recycled.
StOre It
Storage units are particularly useful if you downsize to a small place and cannot fit everything you love inside. Instead of trying to cram everything in one area, utilize a budget-storage unit near you!
Moving Hacks To Make Your Life Easier
Cover Mattress
Moving can get dirty, especially if you’re renting a trailer or truck. Decrease the likelihood of a mattress getting dirty by covering it in a fitted sheet or extra-large trash bags.
Make A DIY Garment Bag
Ensure your favorite and/or delicate clothing items remain in great condition while in storage with a makeshift garment bag. Use a rubber band to secure 5 or so hanged items together. Cover them with a large, drawstring trash bag by puncturing a hole in the bottom, draping the bag over your clothes, and then tying the drawstring together as tightly as possible.
Make DIY Padded Boxes
Packing fragile items can be nerve wracking even if you’re moving just up the street. Keep your fragile items safe by wrapping them in clothes or linens. Make sure all of your items are secured by using hangers or plastic bags to take up space in boxes as needed. No need to buy bubble wrap!
Make a First Day Kit
The possibility of being completely tired out after a move is extremely high. For many, this means no energy to open a suitcase and find a pair of pajamas. Pack a “first-day kit” that includes the essentials like toiletries, pajamas, and basic work supplies.
Plan Your Meals
Similarly, think ahead to what you’ll want to eat in your first few days in your new home. You may not have the energy to cook so budget for eating out or plan to cook easy meals.
Keep Order WIth A Supply Basket
Putting all of your moving supplies—like box cutters and tape—in one easy-to-access spot is a simple way to bring some order to the usually chaotic environment of moving. Leave these supplies in a box or basket in an open area you’ll easily remember.
Roll, Not Fold
Folding clothes may be great for after you’ve settled into your new place, but when you’re on the go, rolling clothes is best. Your clothes will remain relatively wrinkle-free and you will have maximized storage space.
Fill Shoes
The key to moving effectively is maximizing space. Fill shoes with socks and other small items.
Fill Pots/Pans
Small pots and pans can be filled with seasonings, while larger pots can be filled with smaller ones.
Use Toilet Rolls for Cords
Keep your cords organized and untangled by using paper toilet rolls as cord holders. For extra organization, label each roll instead of relying on memory, as some cords can look identical.
Put Jewelry in Egg Cartons
Tangled jewelry can be annoying at best and damaging at worst as pieces can break. Avoid this outcome by placing each piece in its own space in an egg carton.
Label Box Sides
Labeling the sides of boxes allows you to know what the content of a box is without needing to unstack and open every box in the room.
Or Put Pictures on Boxes
If you’re more of a visual person, take a picture of the box’s contents and tape that to the side!
Have a First-Aid Kit Handy
With box cutters and scissors likely everywhere, it’s always a good idea to keep a first-aid kit handy when moving. You can make your own kit or head to your nearest drugstore to find one that caters to your specific needs.
Make Use of Rollable Suitcases
Suitcases with wheels can truly be lifesavers when moving. Instead of risking injury carrying heavy boxes, invest in or borrow a sturdy suitcase with wheels for heavy items, such as books.
Plastic Wrap Liquids
This one may be time-consuming, but it’s worth it. No one likes shampoo or dish soap spilling anywhere and certainly not in a moving box! You can either plastic wrap the entire bottle or cut a small piece and place it on the cap before securing the cap back on.
Relax
Moving can literally drain some people. Plan on watching your favorite movie or just lounging for the first night or two in your new place. This will allow you time to rejuvenate and shake off any jet lag or moving pains.
Moving may not be anyone’s idea of a good time but it still doesn’t have to be a bad time. Make the most of this process by planning ahead, accepting help, and taking as many breathers as you need. There are tons of hacks and tricks to take advantage of making your next move as painless as possible!