Genius moving hacks and tips can provide the help you need when dealing with the stressful nature of moving. Feeling stressed is part of the process but, it doesn’t have to be. With our genius moving hacks, you can easily navigate every obstacle you might encounter along the way and make sure everything goes as planned. Plus, with the help of a moving company like Brooks Moving & Hauling, your next move will be quick and painless. To make your life easier, we compiled some practical moving tips that can get your new place ready in no time.
1. Do a Complete Purge!
Before you start organizing and deciding where to begin with the packing, get rid of the things you don’t plan to use anymore. We all collect tons of random stuff throughout the years that we don’t use but still store in our homes. One of the key aspects of moving is deciding what to keep for your new place. For the things you don’t want, you can choose to sell, donate, recycle, or throw away – whatever suits your needs. Used toys or clothes will do well in charities and thrift shops. For other unwanted items, you can sell them on Craiglist, OfferUp, or social media marketplace. Brooks Moving and Hauling would be happy to assist in the process by taking any unwanted furniture to our local charity or dropping them off at the dump.
2. Use What You Have At Hand
One of the most common mistakes is buying too many boxes, only to have them thrown out later. When planning to move, make the most of the items you already own, such as baskets of various sizes and shapes, plastic containers, hampers, suitcases, etc. These are all practical items that can help decrease the number of boxes you will need but still get the job done. Brooks can accommodate any of your packing needs, before or during your move. We always have a variety of boxes on hand in our trucks for the most stressful moves.
3. Put a Label on the Side of the Box, Not the Top
This is one of those genius moving hacks you didn’t know you needed. When you start packing, all the boxes will get placed one on top of the other. Labeling the top is something you are going to regret later. When you put a label on the side, you can easily see what you’ve packed without taking out the boxes one by one. Efficient labeling is a very practical and efficient tip when moving to a new place.
4. Use the Hanger + Trash Bag Trick to Your Advantage
Why? Clothes can get filthy when you move to a new home. And who has the energy to do laundry after having just finished moving to a new place? That’s where moving tips like these can turn the tide. Here is how to do it the right way:
- Step 1: Grab about 15 hangers with the clothes still hanging and tie a rubber band on all the hangers.
- Step 2: Take a trash bag and cut a hole on the opposite edge of the tie.
- Step 3: Stick the hand through the hole and place it over the hanger.
- Step 4: Tuck all the clothes in and tie the trash bag on the bottom. This will prevent the clothes from getting dirty or dragging on the ground.
- Step 5: Once you’ve arrived at your new home, stick the hangers right into the closet. Then, remove the trash bags.
However, if this is something you don’t want to handle yourself, Brooks is happy to supply wardrobe boxes to ensure all of your clothes are protected and remain hanging while in transport. Additional costs will apply.
5. Designate an “Open First” Box
Are there a few things that you need at all times? Do you want to be sure they are always within easy reach? Then picking out an “Open First” box will do the trick. Take a basket or a hamper and put a couple of things inside that you plan on using the first night. These things include:
- Toothpaste & toothbrush
- Toilet paper
- Pajamas
- Clothes to wear the next day
- Bathing supplies
- Scissors
- Medicine / First Aid Kit
- Phone charger
6. Wrap Fragile Items in Towels/Scarves/Clothes
Items like electronics, glassware, and picture frames can easily get damaged during transport. So, it would be best if you created a cushion that will take that pressure away. If you can’t find enough bubble wrap, then use old towels, clothes, and scarves.
Feel free to tape products in packing paper or newspaper. Use enough tape to secure the product in place. Tape works well with smaller accessories and items you put on display. The tape also provides some level of protection. For best results, use more tape around the bottom and corners. Add an extra layer of tape in delicate areas, like the stem of a wine glass.
Another practical tip is to pre-divide the boxes for specific products—for example, one compartment for glassware and the other for dishes. Also, to make things even easier, start packing the fragile items in its original packaging. That way, you can protect everything with ease.
At Brooks Moving and Hauling, our movers are specially trained in packing and moving fragile items.
7. Opt for Smaller Boxes
Most people prefer bigger boxes to fit all their things in an instant. But, larger boxes mean more weight, making them difficult to move around once the movers leave. If some boxes meant for the kitchen were dropped off in the bedroom, you don’t want to have to struggle to drag them to the right room.
So, smaller storage supplies make for a more practical choice. Yes, you will need more. But, you and your movers will stay safe when carrying and moving them.
8. Save a Few Bucks by Saving your Delivery Boxes
Once you decide to move, start saving and collecting the boxes that Amazon and other vendors ship your online purchases in. Break them down and store them with the rest of your moving supplies to save space. Plus, the planet will thank you.
9. Wrap Plastic Wrap Around Bottles to Prevent Spills
Anything from shampoos, liquid soaps, and even cooking oil can spill and make a mess. You don’t want the box to be soaking wet in transit. To prevent that, wrap plastic wrap over the opening and then secure it with a lid.
10. Take Pictures of the Plugs
Do you keep forgetting where those wires go? No matter how many times you try, you spend an absurd amount of time plugging the TV and computer back on. Take a picture to show you how to set up the device later to save yourself the trouble.
11. Stock a Cooler Just in Case
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and drained when moving. But, when you pack a cooler, like a water bottle or a tasty snack, you can get your energy right back up. It’s a good idea to store your cooler of choice in the car, so you won’t have to search through all the boxes when you get hangry. Plus, your movers will appreciate a cold beverage too.
12. Use Ziplock Bags for Tiny Items
Rings, earrings, necklaces, and hairpins can easily get lost. The same thing can happen with pictures, remote controllers, or any hardware. Packing Ziplock bags is a genius hack at keeping these items in check. Not only does it safely store the products, but it also has a transparent surface, which means that you can always see what’s inside the bag without having to empty it.
Additionally, when disassembling any furniture, be sure to put all screws, nails and hardware in a ziplock and label them appropriately for a speedy re-assembly.
13. Don’t Overdo It
People like to fill their moving boxes packed to the brim. But, this only adds additional weight, making the moving process way more frustrating and draining for everyone. Instead, spread the heavy items in different boxes and close them up before they get too heavy. Keep in mind that people will still need to carry these things. Even if you’ve hired movers, those boxes will be there for you to unpack and move around once they leave.
14. Get Yourself Some Furniture Sliders
If you’ve hired movers, they probably have them in their toolbox, but we still suggest getting one or two of these for yourself. If you end up changing your mind about where the couch should go long after your movers have left, these can help you with those last minute redecorating decisions. These sliders work well with hardwood, tile, and carpet flooring.
15. Make a Tasty Treat Before Hand
With all the moving, you won’t have the energy to prepare a proper meal. So instead, cook a meal the day before or order takeout. This will make it easier to focus on the packing without wasting precious time and energy.
16. Measure the Old Furniture
A lot of people want to reuse their old furniture and move it to their new home. However, this may not be the easiest thing to do, especially if you move to a smaller apartment with less space. So, measure the old furniture and see if it can fit. If it can’t, then you don’t need it. Besides, clutter can make the room feel overwhelming. By selecting the furniture you can use, you will create a more comfortable living space.
17. Stack the Light Bulbs in Ornament Boxes
Ornament boxes are meant to store fragile and delicate products. So naturally, these boxes come in handy when transporting bulbs. The packaging will keep each light bulb separate and prevent damage. If you don’t have an ornament box at your disposal, then wrap the light bulbs in newspaper or wrapping paper.
18. Roll the Clothes to Save Space
This packing method is known as Ranger Rolling. First, lay the clothing flat and roll it tightly. Then fold one side of the pocket over the roll to ensure it stays in place. These moving tips can work for almost any attire. It may take a little practice to get it right, but once you tuck in the clothes the right way, you can save a lot of space.
19. Stuff Any Leftover Small Items in Your Shoes
Whether it is a mismatched sock or glove or any other accessory, you can use your shoes as temporary storage.
20. Pad the Corners of Your Breakable Picture Frames
Pipe insulation can keep the corners of a frame safe. But, of course, if you’ve hired movers, we will happily complete this hack for you.
Conclusion
As you see, organizing and preparing for your next move with these moving hacks can make the entire moving process more bearable. And hiring a moving company like Brooks Moving and Hauling will guarantee that all your belongings and most cherished memories arrive at their new home, safely and damage-free, without you having to lift a finger. Now that you know the smartest hacks, you can rest assured knowing you will find everything in its place.
