It’s estimated that 80% of moves each year occur between April and September. So, with moving season nearly here, we decided to put together a quick list of our favorite moving hacks to make your next move easier than ever. Whether you’re handling your move DIY-style or hiring professional movers, these tips are designed to keep your move organized, cut down costs and make moving day as stress-free as possible.
1. Color-code boxes
Grab dot stickers or colored masking tape to color-code your boxes by room. Use blue for the master bedroom, red for the kitchen, etc. With this system, you’ll know at first glance exactly where each box goes or if something is out of place. You can also place corresponding color signs in each room of your new place to help guide your movers on moving day.
2. Use trash bags to transport clothes
This trick has made the rounds online over the past few years, and with good reason. It’s a game-changing hack, especially for DIY moves. Grab a large trash bag and wrap it around a group of hanging clothes from the bottom up. When the trash bag reaches the top of the clothing, take the drawstring closures and wrap each side crisscross-style around the tops of the hangers to secure the bag in place. Now you have a simple way to transport clothing without wasting packing boxes, splurging on wardrobe boxes or dealing with tons of loose items and individual hangers.
3. Prevent leaks with plastic wrap
If you’re transporting liquid items that have already been opened, place some plastic wrap under the cap and screw it back on. That way, if there’s a leak or the cap comes undone, your items are still protected. This is a great trick for cleaning supplies and lotions, shampoos and other beauty products.
4. Designate an “open first” box with all your essentials
A great way to make moving into your new place easier is to designate one box to hold all your daily essentials. Think items like shampoo, your toothbrush, makeup and extra contacts as well as other essential items like your phone and computer chargers, pajamas and a comfortable change of clothes.
5. Take a picture of how your electronics are connected
This one’s simple, but you’ll be thanking yourself later. Snap a picture on your phone of how all your electronics are connected, including your TV, stereo, gaming systems, etc. That way, when you’re in your new place, you don’t have to play the guessing game with a box of cords. Instead, use your photo as a reference and be up and running again in no time.
6. Use clothing as packing materials
Save money on packing paper and cushioning material and use clothes as packing filler. You can wrap socks around breakable items like glassware and place sweaters on top of fragile boxes to protect them from heavy items above.
7. Get free moving boxes
Buying brand-new boxes each time you move adds up, and keeping your old boxes on hand between moves can be unsightly and take up valuable space in your home. Instead, check out sites like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor and Craigslist to locate free boxes in your area. You can also ask grocery stores or other retailers if they’ll give you their leftover shipping boxes.
8. Purge what you can
The easiest way to move is to move with as few items as possible. If you’re hiring professional movers, the fewer items you move, the cheaper it will be. If you’re DIYing your move, the fewer items you have, the less work you have to do. Consider having a garage sale or inviting friends and family over to take items you no longer want off your hands. Think about donating furniture and other large items you no longer need — certain charitable organizations will come and pick up your donations for free.
9. Get quotes from more than one mover
If you plan to hire professional movers, don’t take the first quote you see. We recommend getting quotes from at least three moving companies so you can compare your options and ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. Don’t forget to check reviews too. Keep in mind that spending a bit more to hire a reputable mover with satisfied customers is often better than choosing the company with the lowest quote.