So you’re moving soon? Packing up all your belongings and getting everything ready for the big day can be a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be as stressful as it seems. With a little planning and organization, you can make the whole process a lot easier on yourself. Here are several packing hacks that will save you time, money, and stress!
Start Packing Early
One of the most important things to do is to start packing early. This will give you plenty of time to sort through everything and figure out what you need, and what you can live without. It’s also a good idea to create a packing schedule so that you know exactly what needs to be done and when. This will help keep you on track and ensure that nothing gets forgotten!
Make A Detailed Plan
This means creating a list of everything you need to pack, as well as when and how you’re going to do it. This will help prevent you from forgetting anything important and make the whole process a lot less stressful. Not only that, but seeing achievable tasks out in front of you can automatically reduce the overwhelm because it forces you to break up those tasks into bite-sized goals.
Labels, Labels, Labels
Make sure to label all of your boxes with what is inside of them, as well as the room they need to go in. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to unpacking. You can even get creative with your labeling by using color-coded labels or writing on the outside of the box with a sharpie. Be sure to have different color codes for each room of the house. This will make sorting and unpacking go much faster!
Always Pack Your Heavy Items First
Obviously, the heavy items are going to be the hardest to move, so it’s important to get them squared away early. This will make it easier to move around your boxes and avoid damaging any of your belongings. It’s also a good idea to pack heavier items in smaller boxes so that they’re not too difficult to carry. Avoid placing multiple heavy items in a single box. For one, it will make it even harder to move, but it’s likely that the box won’t withstand the weight.
Use Old Newspapers for Fragile Items
If you don’t have packing paper or bubble wrap, another option is to use the old newspapers lying around. This will help keep your breakables safe and prevent them from getting damaged. If you’re still running low on packing supplies, get creative! You can use old blankets and towels to wrap up fragile items, or even clothes to fill empty spaces within boxes containing breakables. For example, in boxes with plates, glassware, and ceramics, try to fill the space with your t-shirts to ensure each item gets to its rightful cabinet safely. Using this method can also save you a bundle on packing supplies. There are endless possibilities when it comes to making do with what you have!
Keep Your Clothes On The Hanger
If you’re short on space in your new place, a great hack is to keep your clothes on the hanger. This will save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to unpacking and hanging everything back up in the new space. You can even buy special garment bags that are designed for this purpose. If you don’t have room for all of your clothes, consider giving some away to charity or selling them online.
Pack A Separate Bag For Your Valuables
This includes things like jewelry, important documents, and other items that you don’t want to risk losing during the move. Be sure to keep this bag with you at all times during the move so that you know where it is and can keep an eye on it.
Wrap And Tape Up Electronic Cords
Keep all your cords and wires organized by wrapping them up and labeling them with painter’s tape. This will save you a ton of time when it comes to setting up your electronics in the new place, and also keeping them from getting tangled. A quick hack is to use toilet paper rolls to keep them separated and in place.
Use Suitcases For Clothing Storage
If you have extra suitcases lying around, put them to good use by packing your clothing in them. This will save you from having to buy additional boxes and will make it easier to transport your clothes. Plus, it’ll be one less thing to unpack when you get to your new home!
Bring A “Survival Kit”
This should include things like snacks, drinks, toiletries, and any other essentials that you might need during the move. It will come in handy if you get hungry or thirsty while unpacking, or if you need to take a break and relax for a bit.
Disassemble Lamps
Taking apart your lamps will make them much easier to move and will help prevent them from getting damaged. Removing the lightbulb will also ensure no breakage occurs during transport. Be sure to keep all of the pieces together so that you can easily assemble them again in the new place.
Use Blankets To Protect Your TV
If you’re worried about your TV getting damaged during the move, a great way to protect it is to wrap it in blankets. A fluffy blanket will help keep it safe and secure, and will also make it easier to carry.
Keep Your Dresser Drawers Full
This is a great way to save time and energy when packing up your bedroom. Instead of taking everything out of the dresser and emptying all of the drawers, simply leave everything folded or rolled inside the drawer. Be sure to secure the drawers in place using plastic wrap so it stays secure. This will help prevent your clothes from getting wrinkled and will make unpacking a breeze!
Use Garbage Bags For Small Items
If you have a lot of small items that you need to pack, consider using garbage bags instead of boxes. This is a great way to save space and will make it easier to transport your belongings. It is also much cheaper than buying cardboard boxes, and you are still able to recycle them! Be sure to label the bags so that you know what’s inside.
Take Pictures Of Your Packed Boxes
If you’re worried about forgetting what’s in each box, a great way to keep track is by taking pictures. This will help you easily identify each box and its contents, and will also make it easier to find things when you’re unpacking. Be sure to label each picture so that you know which box it corresponds to.
Consider A Mobile Storage Unit
Consider leveraging a mobile self-storage container to help simplify the moving process. Mobile storage units provided by Badger Box Storage will allow you to pack your items over a period of time, and when you’re ready to move, a Badger Box team member will come move the unit to your new home. This is a great option because it allows you to pack, but keeps you from cluttering up your living space while you do so!
Enlist Your Friends And Family For Help
Moving can be a big undertaking, so it’s always helpful to have an extra set of hands. Ask your friends and family if they’re available to help out with the move. They can help with things like packing, lifting heavy furniture, and driving the moving truck. Just be sure to return the favor when they need a helping hand!
These are just a few of the many packing hacks that can make your move easier. With a little creativity and planning, you can make the entire process a lot less stressful. Good Luck!
