Moving is an incredibly stressful and complicated time. There are so many things to pack, and then once you get to your new destination, you have to unpack everything. Sometimes you want to procrastinate this process, but in the end, you will need to accomplish it. Why make life harder for yourself when there are lots of solutions to make it easier.
Here are my 10 tips to make moving a breeze!
Hanging clothes in a trash bag
The easiest way to move clothes from one location to another is to stuff all of them in a trash bag. However, once you are at your new location, it is INCREDIBLY frustrating to hang up everything again. A good way to fix part of this issue is to keep all of your hanging clothes hung up on hangers. Then you place a good amount of your clothes in a trash bag and use the tie section to secure the hangers in place. This way, none of the clothes will fall off the hanger and you can transport to your new destination without hassle. This is my favorite moving hack so it is first on the list.
2. Keep the original boxes
I know what you're thinking, why would I buy something like a Keurig and keep the box it came in? If you plan on moving a lot, like to and from college, or you know you will be moving out of your parents basement soon, anytime you buy a heavy and weird shaped item, keep the box. Especially if whatever it is can break easily. Currently I have the box for my Keurig, Kitchen Aid, Vitamix, and printer. These do take up some extra space, but with the original packaging still in the box, it makes moving easier knowing that my stuff won't break.
3. Don't sort items per room
When you look up different moving tips, they say to put everything in boxes by room and then unpacking is easier since everything in that box goes to the same place. However, that isn't an efficient way of packing. Think about a studio apartment or a college dorm room, there isn't many rooms to classify different boxes as, and you will just be wasting space. The best way to make your life easier is if you group things together, but save space by putting them in any box. For example, silverware might go in the kitchen, but they are small enough to fit with clothes or bathroom supplies. Thinking outside the box will save space, and as long as all your silverware is together, then who cares which box it was in?
4. Keep glassware together
I know tip 3 stated to not have a box for "Kitchen" and "Bathroom", but keeping breakables together will save you stress in the long run. These can include fragile glasses, glass decor items, or even dishes. The reason you want them all together is so it's easier to pack in the vehicle. If your breakables were scattered around in every box, then how will it be packed in the moving truck or car? Heavy items might be placed on top and you might find yourself with broken glass. Let's avoid this by having a fragile box that either you keep with you at all times, or you make sure it's placed on top.
5. Label everything in the box
When I move, I like to use trash bags and boxes. The bags for clothes and towels, and the boxes for everything else. However, if you aren't going to unpack your boxes right away - because you might be home from college - label everything in the box. I currently have 4 boxes completely full of items sitting in my basement because they were my college set. Each box is fully labeled of each item so I know which box has it when I need it.
6. Utilize what you have
You may already know this tip since it's everywhere online, but it's essential that you use what you have first, then use bubble wrap or other safety packing tools. This could be using your blanket to wrap a TV, or using socks to wrap your glasses so they don't shatter. This way, you can be creative about the moving process while also saving space.
7. Create a Moving Essentials Bag
This tip is generally a good idea when you are moving and you and your stuff are getting to your location at different times. However, I used this a TON in college as well. Basically, create a bag of stuff that you will want at your new place right away. If your stuff will arrive at the same time - as it does for college - then the bag will include a fan, (since the AC probably won't be on) toilet paper, soap, and a vacuum. If you are getting to your location BEFORE your stuff, packing things like cleaning supplies, food, and shampoo are good ideas.
For a college dorm Bag:
Fan
Water bottle
Clorox wipes
Scissors
Tape/Command Hooks
Paper Towels
For an apartment/House:
All of the above college essentials
Vacuum/Dust
Pajamas
Paper plates/plastic silverware
Soap
Toilet Paper
Shower essentials (including a towel)
Sleeping bag (if you won't have a bed the first night)
8. Don't buy anything until you get there
This tip seems counterintuitive. Obviously if you already have stuff, bring it, but for essentials that you don't already have, wait until you're in the place to see what fits. This isn't a great tip for college since you pretty much have to come packed, but it is a great tip when going to a new apartment and you don't know what laundry detergent you can use. My freshman year of college I specifically called the office to ask what their machines took for laundry and was told they didn't take HE laundry detergent, and showed up to HE machines. This is also good for trash cans or shower caddy's as you don't know what might fit the place best.
9. Make your bed first
This is the same for a college dorm or starting in a new place. My parents made sure before they dropped me off at college that my bed was made. This is a great habit to get into since it was increase productivity and you can stop unpacking at any time since the essentials are done. Making your bed would beat cleaning in the first thing you should do. That way, if you get to your new place late, you may only have the time/energy for a couple things, so it makes sense to prioritize where you will sleep.
10. Suitcases are for weirdly shaped bulky things
My freshman year of college I didn't bring a suitcase. I lived nearby, and didn't feel like housing a suitcase. And since I didn't have anything that didn't fit in a box or trashbag, I felt good. However, shoes aren't ideal in a trashbag, and neither are books. I felt so uncomfortable carrying this bag of boots around into my new dorm room. Save yourself the awkwardness, unless you are flying, suitcases are not for clothes. Fill these with anything too heavy to put in a box, or anything weirdly shaped like shoes.
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