Moving Tips That Will Make Your Life So Much Easier

1. Pack an overnight bag containing all the essentials
Chances are, you’ll be too tired to unpack your things. You’ll want your essentials within easy access, including a change of clothes if you’re going back to work the next day as well as all your toiletries. It’s also a great way to transport a laptop, which could run the risk of getting stolen during a move.
2. Pack the items you will need FIRST in a clear plastic bin
This includes things like a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags, eating utensils, select cookware, power strips, phone chargers, toilet paper, tools, etc. The clear bin allows you to see inside; it also separates itself from the myriad of cardboard boxes.
3. Wrap your breakables (dishes, glasses, etc.) in clothing to save on bubble wrap
Two birds, one stone: You’re packing your clothes and kitchenware at the same time.

4. For extra padding, pack your glasses and stemware in clean socks
5. In addition to labeling what’s in your boxes, add what room they’ll be going into, as well
When you arrive at your new home, unpack BY ROOM. The unpacking process will feel more manageable.
And remember to label the SIDES of the boxes, not the tops. This way, you’ll be able to identify them even if they’re stacked.
6. If you can, show up to your new home before the move and pre-clean the bathroom and kitchen
Put up a new shower curtain liner and stock some new bath towels and toilet paper, as well. You’ll want to take a hot shower after a long day of moving.
7. Place an extra cotton pad or ball into your powder cosmetics to keep them from breaking
This is a great tip for travelling in general.
8. Cover the openings of your toiletries with saran wrap, then put the tops back on
This will keep your toiletries from breaking and leaking all over your stuff during the move.
9. Pack plates vertically, like records. They’ll be less likely to break
10. Keep drawers intact by covering them with Press’n Seal
Dresser drawers are like their own moving boxes — this will keep you from having to unpack and refold their contents.
It’ll also make moving the actual dresser much more manageable.

11. Press’n Seal is also great for keeping jewelry displays intact
12. Buy a roll of stretch wrap
It works like Press’n Seal but on a bigger scale. You can group items together, and it’ll protect your furniture from getting scuffed and scratched.
13. Keep sandwich bags handy for holding any small parts of things you have to take apart, like curtain rods or mounted flat-screen TVs
Tape the sandwich bags to the back of the item they correspond to.
ALSO: Use this method with the cords for your electronics

14. Beer boxes are the best for books because they have handles on the sides
So be sure to hit up your local liquor store.
15. Take a photo of how your electronics are connected so you can remember how and where all the wires go
16. Cut down on boxes by making all of your baskets, laundry bins, hampers, and suitcases work for you
Pack them with stuff! Use the wheeled suitcases for heavy things like books.

17. The fastest way to pack a closet:
This also keeps your clothes on their hangers, for much faster unpacking.
18. Vacuum seal your out-of-season clothing
Not only will they take up less space and be a breeze to pack, but they can go directly into storage in the new home.
19. Along with food and alcohol, give your friends who help you move first dibs on anything you originally planned to sell or donate
It’s just an extra perk, since you won’t be paying them.

20. Make sure everything is completely packed before your friends show up to help you move