Packing Tips

101 Packing Tips To Help You On Your Journey

Packing Tips and Tricks Part I: Before Moving
Packing Tips and Tricks Part II: Moving Day!
Packing Tips and Tricks Part III: Hacks and Ideas

Moving can sure be a tough task for all of us. You need to take care of packing, finding transport, someone to help you load and unload and much more. That’s why we’ve put together this list of packing tips and tricks that will provide you with the most helpful packing tips and hacks to help make your move as smooth as possible.

Packing up all of your belongings and transporting them to a new home can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, you can make the process much easier. Our guide is designed to help you navigate the challenges of moving, from the initial planning stages to the final unpacking.

In addition to the practical tips and tricks, our guide also includes a variety of hacks and ideas to make your move as stress-free as possible. From pre-cleaning your new home to developing a plan for unpacking, our guide has everything you need to make your move a success. With the right preparation and organization, you can make your move a smooth and efficient process. So, whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, our guide is the perfect resource to help you make the transition as easy and seamless as possible.

Packing Tips and Tricks Part I: Before Moving

1. Cut handholds into the sides of your boxes for easier lifting and carrying.
2. Use soft items such as pillows, blankets, sheets, and stuffed animals in plastic bags as padding for fragile items and as space fillers.
3. Utilize suitcases on wheels for bulky items such as books, so you can roll them instead of carrying them.
4. Keep your hanging clothes in bags during transportation to prevent them from falling off hangers and getting wrinkled.
5. Protect your plates by placing foam plates in between glass and ceramic plates.
6. Use plastic wrap to keep items in drawers shut and secure during transportation.
7. Use paper bags to protect glass cups and bowls from breaking during the move and avoid ink stains from newspapers.
8. Utilize wine cases to protect vases, cups, and glasses.
9. Keep mattresses clean during transportation by wrapping them in old blankets or sheets.
10. Keep jewelry organized and safe by connecting necklaces through toilet paper rolls and storing smaller pieces in egg cartons.
11. Use double boxes for valuable items, such as electronics, for extra protection during transportation.
12. Leave lightweight items in drawers to save space during packing.
13. Use towels for extra protection of delicate or fragile items, or to fill empty space in boxes.
14. Use potholders to protect knives during transportation.
15. Pack plates vertically to prevent breakage.
16. Utilize space by placing smaller items inside larger ones, such as placing spice cans or bottles in a crockpot.
17. Use plastic bags for extra padding when packing boxes.
18. Use empty toilet paper rolls to keep cords organized and untangled.
19. Label cables before packing to make it easier to keep track of them during the unpacking process.
20. Prevent bottles from leaking by covering the openings with plastic wrap before replacing the lids.
21. Assign a number to each box to easily track and locate items during the moving process. This will also help you decide what to unpack first.
22. Keep items from different rooms in separate boxes for easier unpacking and organization.
23. Place all liquids in a single box to avoid any potential leakage from spreading to other items.
24. Use the space-saving technique of rolling clothes instead of folding them when packing.
25. Tackle the most challenging task first, such as packing up the kitchen and its appliances and dishes.
26. Take advantage of the moving process to declutter and get rid of items no longer needed or used.
27. Avoid overloading boxes by keeping the weight below 40 pounds for ease of carrying and loading onto the moving truck.
28. Start packing well in advance to avoid feeling rushed and overwhelmed at the last minute.
29. Stay organized by packing one room at a time and keeping the process under control.
30. Utilize a table for a more efficient packing process.
31. Securely tape boxes along the seams and reinforced with extra tape for added protection.
32. Use the original packaging for electronics for the best protection during transport.
33. Make a list of necessary packing materials and purchase them all at once for convenience.
34. Start by loading heavy furniture and then move on to lighter items.
35. Pack items in layers, placing heaviest on the bottom and cushioning with lighter items on top.
36. Use sticky notes to mark areas with remaining items to be packed, removing them once completed.
37. Pack all items, including small ones often thought to be able to fit in a car, to avoid clutter.
38. Pack as if going on a trip, having a separate bag for clothes to wear immediately after moving in.
39. Use shower caps to protect shoes during packing and prevent them from dirtying clothes.
40. Use cotton pads or balls to protect fragile cosmetics from breaking during transport.
41. Standardize your box sizes. By having a limited number of box sizes, it will be easier to stack and organize them, rather than dealing with a mix of various sized boxes.
42. Have additional cushioning. Create moving pads or extra paper padding for wooden and metal furniture, especially for their corners and legs to protect them from damage.
43. Specialized packaging for art. If you are moving expensive artwork, it’s best to have them individually crated for added safety during transportation.
44. Pack boxes tightly. Avoid leaving empty spaces in your boxes as it may cause them to shift or tip over, potentially damaging the contents or other items.
45. Inspect used boxes. If using previously used boxes, ensure they are clean and sturdy enough to keep your belongings safe.
46. Use blankets as protection. Utilize old blankets as extra padding to protect your furniture and save space by not having to pack them.
47. Stack boxes correctly. Keep the heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top, following the rule of packing heavy items first.
48. Avoid using box tops. Boxes without tops do not provide enough security for your items and cannot be stacked.
49. Handle breakables with care. Always pack and unpack items that are easily breakable over a padded surface to prevent damage if dropped.

Packing Tips and Tricks Part II: Moving Day!

1. Have a first-night box. Since it can be difficult to unpack everything on the first day of moving, pack your most important belongings in a separate box for easy access.
2. Keep packing supplies on hand. Keep all necessary packing supplies in a separate box for easy access during the moving process.
3. Pack tightly. Use your Tetris skills to tightly pack all boxes to prevent movement during transportation.
4. Use strategic thinking. Lay out all packed boxes and items in front of you to determine the best order for loading them onto the truck.
5. Utilize a dolly. Investing in a dolly will save time by making it easier to stack boxes and reduces strain on your back from carrying heavy boxes.
6. Arrange for childcare. It can be less stressful if you keep your children away from the moving process for the day.
7. Wear comfortable clothing. Choose clothing that you feel comfortable in to make the moving process more manageable.
8. Create a “no pack zone”. Reserve a specific area in your home where no packing will take place, to keep track of items you don’t want packed.
9. Keep track of deliveries. Create a checklist of all boxes when unloading the truck to ensure nothing has been forgotten.
10. Designate a leader. Appoint one person to oversee the moving process to avoid confusion and chaos.
11. Take breaks. Be sure to take short breaks during the moving process to rest and avoid overworking yourself.
12. Prioritize your health during the move by warming up before lifting and avoid overloading yourself with too much weight.
13. Keep your pets out of the way during moving day as changes can be stressful for them. Consider having relatives take care of them during the moving process.
14. Plan for expenses by having enough cash for all the necessary spending during the move.
15. Have snacks readily available to keep yourself and others involved in the move energized and to combat hunger.

Packing Tips and Tricks Part III: Hacks and Ideas

1. Prepare your refrigerator by defrosting, cleaning and drying it before moving to prevent a mess.
2. Place masking tape on mirrors and glass in the form of an X to absorb shock and prevent glass from falling out of the frame in case of accidents.
3. Take a picture of cords before disconnecting them to make it easier to set everything up in your new home.
4. Organize bolts and screws by taping them to the piece of furniture you disassembled and put them in a Ziploc bag for extra protection.
5. Use plastic bins for seasonal items to save time during packing and manage your belongings more efficiently.
6. Drain gas and oil from gardening equipment for safety before transporting.
7. Use bright colored labels to easily manage your belongings during packing and unpacking.
8. Use colored duct tape to create a “moving key” system to quickly identify items.
9. Use a rubber band to keep doors open while carrying boxes.
10. Set up your bed as soon as possible after moving in for a good night’s rest.
11. Clean the kitchen and bathroom in advance to have them ready for use after moving.
12. Clean the house after all packing is done to avoid getting anything dirty during the move.
13. Use ice to remove dents left by furniture by placing ice cubes on the dents, letting them melt and lifting fibers with a spoon.
14. Protect walls and improve stability of picture frames by gluing pencil erasers to the back of the frame.
15. Develop a plan for packing and unpacking to know exactly what to do in advance and save time.
16. Research movers by comparing prices, services, checking licenses and getting referrals to find the most suitable option for you.
17. Use highly visible markers to label your boxes, so you can easily read what’s inside even from a distance.
18. Place labels on two sides of the box for easy identification, even if the box is turned.
19. Keep important items on hand, such as cords, power strips, or light bulbs, in case of emergency.
20. Plan ahead for dinner and order food, as you may not have the energy or time to cook after moving in.
21. Prioritize using up items before moving, rather than throwing them away.
22. Make copies of important documents and keep them in a separate package.
23. Prepare rooms by adjusting door frames and wall corners to prevent damage.
24. Clear a path to move around the house and continue packing and unpacking.
25. Order a larger truck than needed to ensure all belongings fit.
26. Unpack items quickly to prevent forgetting about them and save time.
27. Don’t move items that are not needed to save space and effort.
28. Clean furniture before bringing it into the house to prevent dirt buildup.
29. Measure the new house’s interior to ensure furniture will fit and enhance the design.
30. Keep items that could cause damage separate from wooden or fabric furniture during loading.
    Have help during loading to stack items in the truck.
31. Backup computer files to ensure they are not lost during the move.
32. Avoid storing items in the garage, as they may be forgotten and stay unpacked.
33. Notify people of your new address at least a week before the move.
34. Schedule disconnection of services and utilities in advance to avoid paying for unnecessary charges.
35. Involve children in the move by asking them about items they want to keep.
36. Reserve moving services 2-4 weeks in advance to ensure availability.

What moving tips and tricks were the most helpful for you? Share them with your friends that plan to move to make this process easier for them too!

Tell us about moving tips and tricks you use that we missed on this list.