5 Simple Moving Tips
/Moving is a great opportunity to declutter and get organized. I have moved a few times and helped many others through the moving process as well. Using my experiences, I have compiled these simple tips. If you’re not planning a move right now, save this post for later or pass it along to a friend or family member who might benefit. These tips will make packing—and better yet unpacking—much easier!
Purge + Declutter
Packing for a move means you’re already being forced to touch every item you own. Take the time to evaluate your possessions and get rid of the unwanted and unnecessary items in your home. Be sure to check out my declutter checklist. Save yourself time and energy. Purge these items now, rather than pack unwanted items, move them, and instantly create clutter in your new home.
Pack Your Luggage
I recommend using duffel bags or small pieces of luggage to pack the essentials you (and your family members) will need for a few days during the move. Pack like you would for a weekend away: a few outfits, pjs, toiletries, etc. This assures if boxes are misplaced in the move, you’re covered until the boxes are, well, uncovered. Be sure to label the luggage so that it doesn’t accidentally end up in a moving truck.
Use large rolling suitcases for packing books. Have you ever loaded a box with books and then realized you can’t actually lift it? You could drastically up your spinach intake or just try this useful tip. If you have a two story home I recommend starting this project on the main floor. Moving vans and trucks will have a ramp to make loading and unloading your library a breeze.
Think Outside the Box for Packing Materials
Did you know you have packing supplies lurking around your home right now, as you read this? It’s true. Don’t waste your money on unnecessary packing paper and bubble wrap. Paper bags, plastic bags, newspapers, magazines, and towels all make great packing materials to protect your valuables. Blankets work great to protect large picture frames and artwork. Try stuffing beach towels inside a box to fill any large gaps. It’s pretty unlikely that rolls of wrapping paper and tissue paper are going to make the move unscathed so why not put them to good use protecting fragile items.
Avoid Dish Disasters
Use styrofoam plates, bowls, and cups to pack your dishes. Simply stack your dishes with the styrofoam equivalent in between each item. If you’re trying to be eco-friendly, you could use paper, but you may want to double up to ensure your dishes have enough cushion to prevent breaks. Disposable dinnerware is the perfect shape and size to protect your dishes in a move—plus, you can use the packing supplies to serve pizza the first night in your new home.
Pack Clothing, Skip the Box
Don’t waste time removing clothes from hangers to pack for a move. Trash bags will often be sufficient enough to haul your clothing. I would splurge for a moving box with a hanging bar designed specifically for clothes for moving more valuable clothing, like suits and formal dresses. For everyday items, simply slip a trash bag up over your clothes and tie the bag around the hangers to secure it in place.
You know what a drawer is pretty similar to? A box! You’re moving the drawers anyway, just leave the contents in place, remove the drawer, and wrap in plastic moving wrap—it’s like heavy duty saran wrap. This will keep the contents in place and protect the finish of your drawers from scratches during the move. You’ll be able to neatly stack the drawers in the moving truck alternating the way they face—one forwards, the next backwards, and so on. Your belongings are secure, your dresser will be lighter, and there’s no unpacking necessary.
