The Ultimate List of Moving Tips

Are you preparing to move, or have you been roped into helping a friend or family member pack? These tips on moving will help streamline the packing, moving, and unpacking process, making it easier for you to settle into your new home. Here is our ultimate list of moving tips:

Clean as You Pack

If you have ever moved, you know that sometimes the worst part is having to clean your old place. It can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, especially if you are exhausted from moving. Start cleaning at least a couple of weeks before your move, tackling everything from baseboard dust to nail holes. Cleaning ahead of time will also help make sure there are no problems with turning in your keys or getting back your security deposit.

Gather Supplies Early

Gathering packing supplies early is an easy way to save both time and money. You will not have to rush out the weekend of your move to pick up scissors or tissue paper, and you can avoid having to pay premium prices for brand-new boxes. Ask your friends, family members, and co-workers to see if anyone has moved recently and has free boxes to get rid of. Buy packing tape on sale, and stock up on old newspapers and tissue paper ahead of time.

Pack an Overnight Bag

Whether you are a single adult changing apartments or the parent of a large family, packing an overnight bag is one of the best things you can do to make your move easier. Start with a change of clothes, and toss in other essentials including toothpaste, toilet paper, snacks, and a towel. Consider packing these items in a rolling suitcase or a large, clear plastic bin for easy identification.

Help Protect Breakables

Pack more efficiently by using clothes to help protect your dishes and valuables! Slip small glasses into socks, and use shirts and pillowcases as padding. In addition, rethink the way you pack some items. Placing plates vertically, like aligning records, will make them less likely to break during the move. For small boxes of trinkets or drawers of items, use shrink or press-and-seal wrap to keep items contained and safe.

Label Each Box Thoroughly

Many people skimp on labeling, which makes no sense for the moving and unpacking processes. Consider implementing a numbering or color-coding system, or at the very least label the sides of each box with its contents as well as where it is going. This way, a box marked “Kitchen – Seasonal Dishes” can be ignored as you hunt for “Kitchen – Everyday Glassware”. Properly labeling your boxes will also keep you from having to direct every step of the move or hoist a heavy box from one side of the house to the other later.

Clean the New Place Ahead of Time

If possible, arrange to get your new keys a day or two before moving. If that is not feasible, consider taking a couple of hours to give the new place a quick cleaning the day of the move. Focus on your kitchen and bathroom, and feel free to hang your shower curtain and put out hand soap in the meantime. Hopefully, these tips on moving will help make the process simple!