6. Schedule time off of work
With a full-time job, the weekend is the most convenient time to move. But if you cram a whole move into two days, Monday turns into a rude awakening. Give yourself an extra day or two to pack or unpack to avoid stress and fatigue.
7. Don’t buy groceries within two weeks of moving
Go through your freezer, fridge, and pantry and finish off stored foods. Your new fridge will feel fresh, and you’ll save time and money in the weeks that lead up to moving.
8. Get all of your moving supplies in one trip
There’s nothing more inconvenient than running back and forth to HomeDepot because you ran out of moving supplies. Get everything you need in one trip to save time as you pack and move.
9. Find free boxes that are small and sturdy
“Free boxes from liquor stores or big box retailers are a great way to save some cash,” says Carrigan. “Just make sure you only get sturdy, good quality boxes. Also, avoid grocery store boxes as they may contain pests.”
Go for small or medium-sized boxes instead of big ones. This is a common mistake people make while they move, according to Professional Organizer, Ben Soreff, creator of House to Home Organizing.
“Many people get excited when they find a huge moving box thinking it will solve their problems, but it actually creates problems. A person needs to be able to carry it,” Soreff says. “Banker boxes or copy paper boxes make great moving boxes. If two people need to carry the box, especially up stairs, you lose time.”
10. Purge items to sell or donate
Go through your items before you pack to decide which items you’ll keep and which you’ll get rid of.
“Having a yard sale can be a terrific way of lightening the moving load while making a little money at the same time. If you’re not for haggling with the public, then just donate your quality used items to Goodwill and take the tax write-off,” says Glanz.
Start to pack with these hacks
11. Keep important documents in a clear container
Don’t risk misplacing your tax documents, home sale/buying documents, employment records, etc. in the midst of the move. Get a separate container to hold important documents and keep it in a safe place as you box up your house.
12. Pack an overnight box for after the move
Plan ahead for your first night in your new house. Spoiler alert: You’ll be exhausted.
“Put all your toiletries, medicines, and other personal items into a special box or suitcase that you take with you,” says Carrigan. “This way you can find your toothbrush after an exhausting day of moving.”
13. Color code and label boxes for each room
Stay organized with each packed box. Assign a color to each room and mark the boxes accordingly. Go the extra mile and label each box with its contents.
14. Make use of containers, baskets, and suitcases
To save boxes, pack your suitcases, storage containers, and laundry baskets with items first. Suitcases with wheels make it especially easy to transport your items.
15. Put plastic wrap over drawers and containers
Save time with plastic wrap. Leave silverware, jewelry, and folded clothes in their drawers or containers. Secure and cover them with plastic wrap, so they don’t fall out between point A and point B.
16. Leave clothes on hangers
Use a dry clean bag or plastic garbage bag to hold hanging clothes together. Then, simply carry the bundle from your old closet to your new closet.
17. Wrap fragile items in soft linens
You can save space in boxes and bubble wrap when you wrap hand or dish towels around fragile items. Stuff drinking glasses with clean pairs of socks to prevent them from breaking (and remember to give the glasses a quick rinse before you use them).
18. Get space bags for miscellaneous clothes and linens
Vacuum seal storage bags save major space in boxes. Throw miscellaneous clothes and linens into a space bag, roll or vacuum the air out, then stack the bags into a box.
