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25 Genius Moving Hacks For A Stress-Free Move

Preparing for a big move can be overwhelming, but with the right tips and tricks, you can make the process a whole lot smoother. This guide offers 25 practical moving hacks to help you transition to your new home with ease.

1.  Create a Moving Checklist  📝

Moving involves many tasks, making it easy to forget something important. Creating a detailed moving checklist with deadlines ensures timely task completion. Follow these steps for an effective moving checklist:

  • Start early:  Begin 6-8 weeks before the moving date.
  • Categorize tasks:  Organize tasks into categories like packing, logistics, and utilities.
  • Break down tasks:  Divide large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
  • Set deadlines:  Assign deadlines to keep yourself accountable.
  • Prioritize tasks:  Focus on time-sensitive or critical tasks first.
  • Stay flexible:  Regularly review and update your checklist.
  • Track progress:  Keep your checklist visible and update it regularly.

By developing a comprehensive moving checklist, you'll stay organized and reduce stress for a smoother moving experience.

2.  Schedule Utilities Transfers & Installations  📅

Moving into a new home without essential utilities like electricity, water, or internet can be frustrating and inconvenient. To ensure a seamless transition, arrange for utility transfers and installations ahead of time by following these steps:

  1. Make a list:  Note all the utilities you need to transfer or set up, including electricity, water, gas, internet, and any additional services like cable TV or security systems.

  2. Contact providers early:  Reach out to your current utility providers at least 4-6 weeks before your move to notify them of your moving date and to schedule service transfers. For new installations, contact providers in your new area to set up services.

  3. Schedule appointments:  Arrange appointments with utility providers for service transfers or installations, ensuring they are scheduled close to your moving date. This helps avoid gaps in service and minimizes disruptions.

  4. Take meter readings:  On moving day, take photos of meter readings at both your old and new homes. This can help resolve any billing disputes with utility companies and ensure accurate charges.

3.  Prepare An “Essentials” Bin  📦

After a long day of moving, searching for essential items like toiletries or phone chargers can be frustrating. To keep essential items visible and easily accessible, use a clear plastic bin and follow these steps:

  1. Choose the right bin:  Select a clear plastic bin that's sturdy and large enough to hold all your essentials. A bin with handles and a secure lid is ideal for easy transport.

  2. Make a list of essentials:  Before packing, create a list of items you'll need during the first 24-48 hours after your move. Consider including: toiletries, medications and first aid kit, phone chargers and electronic devices, important documents (IDs, passports, leases, etc.), a change of clothes and sleepwear, snacks and bottled water, basic cleaning supplies and trash bags, and tools for assembling furniture.

  3. Pack the essentials bin:  Carefully pack your essential items in the clear plastic bin, placing heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. Keep frequently used items easily accessible.

  4. Label the bin:  Use a permanent marker or label maker to clearly label the bin as "Essentials" or "First Day Box." This helps you quickly identify the bin amidst other boxes during the move.

  5. Keep the bin separate:  On moving day, keep the essentials bin separate from the rest of your packed items. Place it in your personal vehicle or designate a specific area in the moving truck for it, so you can easily access it upon arrival at your new home.

By preparing a transparent essentials bin, you'll save time and reduce stress during the first few days in your new home, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable moving experience.

4.  Snap Pics of Your Electronics Wiring  📷

Reassembling electronic devices can be a daunting task, particularly when you're unsure where each cable belongs. To make the process easier, capture photos of your electronic setups before disassembling them. Follow these steps for a hassle-free reassembly:

  1. Choose devices that have complex wiring, such as home theaters, gaming consoles, and computer workstations.

  2. Take clear, detailed photos, ensuring that each cable and connection is visible and identifiable in the images.

  3. Label cables using small adhesive labels or masking tape; label the corresponding connection port on the device, too.

  4. Organize cables:  As you disassemble your electronic devices, neatly coil and secure each cable with a cable tie or twist tie. Keep cables for each device together by placing them in a labeled zip-top bag or small container.

By documenting your electronic setups with photos, you'll save time and frustration during the reassembly process, making your move a more efficient and enjoyable experience.

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5.  Use Garbage Bags For Clothes On Hangers  🧥

Packing and unpacking clothes can be time-consuming and may result in wrinkled garments. To save time and ensure wrinkle-free clothing, use garbage bags to pack clothes on hangers by following these steps:

  1. Choose the right garbage bags:  Select large, sturdy garbage bags with drawstrings for easy closure.

  2. Gather clothes on hangers:  Group your hanging clothes by category, such as shirts, dresses, or jackets. Keep the groups manageable in size so they are easy to lift and move.

  3. Insert clothes into garbage bags:  Hold the bottom of a garbage bag open, and carefully slide it over a group of clothes on hangers from the bottom up. Ensure the hangers' hooks remain outside the bag while the clothes are fully enclosed.

  4. Secure the bag:  Once the clothes are inside the garbage bag, gather the hanger hooks together and use the drawstring to secure the bag around the hooks. This helps keep the clothes in place and prevents them from slipping off the hangers during transit.

  5. Label the bags:  Use a permanent marker or label maker to identify the contents of each garbage bag. This makes it easier to locate specific clothes and prioritize your unpacking process.

  6. Unpack with ease:  Upon arrival at your new home, simply remove the garbage bags and hang the clothes directly in your new closet. This eliminates the need to fold, pack, and unpack individual garments, saving you time and effort.

By utilizing garbage bags for clothes on hangers, you can make the packing and unpacking process more efficient while keeping your clothing in pristine condition.

6.  Transport Heavier Items In Suitcases  🧳

Carrying heavy boxes can be exhausting and potentially dangerous. Use suitcases with wheels for transporting heavy items, like books, for easier movement and reduced risk of injury.

7.  Protect Fragile Items With Clothing or Towels  🍶

Fragile items are prone to breaking during a move, and using clothing or towels as padding is an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Follow these steps to ensure your fragile items are well-protected:

  1. Choose appropriate padding materials:  Gather soft clothing items, such as T-shirts, sweaters, or socks, and towels or linens that can be used as padding. Ensure the items are clean and free of any stains or debris.

  2. Wrap fragile items:  Carefully wrap each fragile item individually with a piece of clothing, towel, or linen. Ensure the item is completely covered and that the padding material is thick enough to provide adequate cushioning.

  3. Secure the wrapping:  Use packing tape or rubber bands to secure the wrapping material around the fragile item, making sure it stays in place during transit.

  4. Layer items strategically:  When packing multiple fragile items in a single box, place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. Add layers of cushioning material between each layer of items to prevent damage.

  5. Label boxes carefully:  Clearly label the boxes containing fragile items with "Fragile" and "Handle with Care" warnings. Indicate the contents of the box and the room it belongs to for easy unpacking.

By protecting fragile items with clothing or towels, you not only save money on packing materials but also minimize waste, making your move more sustainable and efficient.

8.  Label Boxes With Content/Room Destination  🏷️

Unpacking can be chaotic if you don't know where each box belongs. Clearly label boxes with their contents and intended room for easy unpacking and organization.

9.  Use A Room-Based Colour-Coding System  🌈

A colour-coding system can greatly improve the efficiency of unpacking by making it easy to identify which boxes belong in each room. Use the following steps to implement a colour-coding system for your move:

  1. Choose a colour scheme:  Select a distinct colour for each room in your new home. You can use markers, stickers, or tape to represent each room.

  2. Create a colour-coded key:  Make a simple key or chart that lists each room and its corresponding colour. Keep this key handy throughout the packing and unpacking process for easy reference.

  3. Label boxes with colours:  As you pack each box, clearly label it with the designated colour for the room it belongs to. This can be done using coloured markers, stickers, or tape. Be sure to label each box on multiple sides for easy visibility.

  4. Prepare your new home:  Before moving day, place coloured labels or signs on the doors of each room in your new home to correspond with your colour-coding system. This helps guide movers or helpers in placing the boxes in the correct rooms.

By implementing a colour-coding system for your move, you'll simplify the unpacking process and save time, allowing you to settle into your new home more quickly and with less stress.

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10.  Maximize Space With Vacuum-Sealed Bags  🙌

Bulky items like linens, clothing, and blankets can take up a lot of space in moving boxes and make it challenging to fit everything in the moving truck. Use vacuum-seal bags for compact storage by following these steps:

  1. Select the right vacuum-seal bags:  Choose vacuum-seal bags that are appropriate for the items you plan to store. Bags come in various sizes and are specifically designed for items like clothing, linens, or even stuffed toys.

  2. Sort and organize items:  Before packing, sort and organize the items you want to vacuum-seal. Group similar items together, such as bed linens, winter clothing, or towels, to make unpacking easier.

  3. Fold and pack items:  Neatly fold and place your items inside the vacuum-seal bag. Avoid overfilling the bag to ensure a proper seal and maximum space-saving benefits.

  4. Remove air and seal the bag:  Using a vacuum cleaner, a hand pump, or a vacuum sealer, remove the air from the bag. Ensure the bag is properly sealed to maintain its compressed state.

  5. Unload and unpack with ease:  Upon arrival at your new home, simply cut open the vacuum-sealed bags, remove your items, and enjoy your neatly folded belongings. Vacuum-seal bags not only save space but also help protect your items from dirt, moisture, and odors during the move.

By utilizing vacuum-seal bags for bulky items, you'll save space in your moving truck and make the entire moving process more efficient and organized.

11.  Create Your “First Night” Box  🌙

The first night in a new home can be stressful if you can't find basic essentials amidst the chaos of unpacking. To ensure a comfortable first night, pack a box with toiletries, clothes, and other essentials by following these steps:

  1. Gather basic toiletries:  Include essential toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, and any medications you might need.

  2. Pack a change of clothes:  Include a change of clothes and sleepwear for each family member, as well as extra socks and underwear. Remember to consider the weather and any activities planned for the following day.

  3. Include basic kitchen items:  Add a few non-perishable snacks, bottled water, disposable plates, cups, and utensils, along with a can opener if needed. This will help you avoid searching for kitchen items on the first night.

  4. Add important electronics and chargers:  Pack essential electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, along with their respective chargers. Don't forget any additional items like power strips or extension cords.

  5. Prepare for a good night's sleep:  Include pillows, bedsheets, and blankets for each family member to ensure a comfortable night's rest.

  6. Include any pet essentials:  If you have pets, pack their food, bowls, leashes, and any favorite toys or treats to help them settle into the new environment.

  7. Add any miscellaneous items:  Consider including items like a small first aid kit, a flashlight, a multi-tool, or a deck of cards for entertainment.

  8. Label the box clearly:  Clearly label the "First Night" box and make sure it's easily accessible when you arrive at your new home. Inform your moving crew or helpers of its importance to ensure it's handled with care.

By assembling a "First Night" box with essentials, you'll be prepared for a comfortable and stress-free first night in your new home, allowing you to focus on settling in and getting a good night's rest.

12.  Keep Furniture Hardware Safe & Secure  🔧

Losing hardware during a move can make furniture assembly impossible. Keep disassembled furniture hardware in labeled ziplock bags for hassle-free reassembly.

13.  Use Socks to Protect Glassware 🍷

Glassware is delicate and can easily break during a move. Slip socks over glassware and stemware for added cushioning and protection during transit.

14.  Draft a Furniture Floor Plan  🛋️

Moving heavy furniture multiple times is exhausting. Design a floor plan of your new home to guide furniture placement on moving day, saving time and energy.

15.  Secure Drawers With Plastic Wrap  🗄️

Wrapping drawers with plastic wrap keeps their contents in place during the move and minimizes unpacking time. Follow these steps to secure your drawers with plastic wrap:

  1. Empty and sort drawer contents:  Remove any loose, fragile, or valuable items from the drawers, such as jewelry, important documents, or breakable items. Organize the remaining contents neatly to ensure they stay in place during the move.

  2. Clean the drawers:  Wipe down the drawers to remove dust, debris, or spills before wrapping them.

  3. Choose the right plastic wrap:  Use a high-quality, sturdy plastic wrap or stretch wrap specifically designed for moving. This will ensure the wrap stays in place and provides adequate protection for your drawers.

  4. Wrap the drawers horizontally:  Start at one end of the drawer and wrap the plastic wrap around the entire drawer horizontally, making sure to cover the drawer handles or knobs. Overlap each layer of wrap by at least half its width to create a strong and secure hold.

  5. Wrap the drawers vertically:  After wrapping the drawers horizontally, repeat the process vertically, starting from the top of the drawer and working your way down. This will further secure the contents and keep the drawers from opening during transit.

  6. Secure the plastic wrap:  When you've completely wrapped the drawers, cut the plastic wrap and press the end firmly against the wrapped surface to ensure it sticks and stays in place.

By securing your drawers with plastic wrap, you'll keep the contents in place, protect the drawers from damage, and minimize unpacking time, making your move more efficient and stress-free.

16.  Pack a Toolbox For Moving Day  🧰

You never know when you might need a tool during a move. Pack a toolbox with essentials like screwdrivers, pliers, and a hammer for any quick repairs or adjustments on moving day.


17.  Purge Unneeded Junk Before Packing  🗑️

Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter your home and simplify your life. By purging unneeded junk before packing, you'll save time, energy, and money by reducing the number of items you need to transport. Follow these steps to declutter effectively:

  1. Start early:  Begin the decluttering process well before your moving date. This will give you ample time to sort through your belongings and make thoughtful decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard.

  2. Create categories:  Sort your belongings into categories, such as clothing, books, kitchen items, and decorations. This will help you stay organized and make the decluttering process more manageable.

  3. Evaluate each item:  Go through each item in your home and ask yourself if it's something you truly need, use, or love. If the answer is no, consider letting it go. Remember that the fewer items you have to pack and move, the easier and more cost-effective your move will be.

  4. Keep, donate, sell, or discard:  As you evaluate your belongings, create separate piles for items you wish to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will help you visualize your progress and stay organized.

  5. Sell or donate unwanted items: Arrange a garage sale, list items online, or donate them to local charities or organizations. Not only will this help you declutter, but it can also provide you with some extra cash or a sense of fulfillment knowing your items will go to someone who needs them.

  6. Dispose of items responsibly:  For items that can't be sold or donated, ensure they are disposed of responsibly. Recycle or repurpose items when possible, and follow local regulations for disposing of hazardous materials.

  7. Consider hiring a full-service junk remover:  Hauling your stuff all over town is exhausting. Plus, who's got the time? Our team at JUSTJUNK® can remove your stuff today and ensures any reusable items get donated or recycled. Just show us your junk and we'll do the rest. Learn more about our services here.

  8. Reevaluate storage in your new home:  As you unpack in your new home, take the time to reevaluate your storage needs and organization. This will help you maintain a clutter-free living space and prevent the accumulation of unnecessary items in the future.

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18.  Use Plastic Wrap To Prevent Leaks  💦

Leaks from liquid containers can damage your belongings. Unscrew lids, place plastic wrap over the opening, and screw the lid back on to prevent leaks during transit.

19.  Load Heavy Items At The Front Of The Truck  🚛

Proper weight distribution in the moving truck is essential for safe driving. Load heavy items towards the front of the truck, closest to the cab, for better balance.

20.  Collect Free Boxes From Local Retailers  📦

Save money on moving supplies by collecting free boxes from local retailers. Ask for boxes at grocery stores, liquor stores, and bookstores – they often have plenty of sturdy boxes to spare.

21.  Use Egg Cartons For Small Items & Jewelry  🥚

Small items and jewelry can easily get lost or tangled during a move. Use egg cartons to store and protect small items, and seal with tape to keep everything secure.

22.  Snap a Picture Of Your Meter Readings  📸

Avoid billing disputes with utility companies by taking photos of your meter readings at both your old and new homes on moving day.

23.  Delegate To Friends & Family  🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Moving can be overwhelming if you try to do everything yourself. Assign specific tasks to friends or family members to streamline the moving process and increase efficiency.

24.  Label Box Sides, Not Tops  📦

This is a huge moving hack! If you label boxes on top, you won't see the labels when they're stacked. Label the sides (all of them) and your move day will be that much easier.

25.  Use Foam Plates Between Dishes  🍽️

Place foam plates between dishes during packing to prevent chipping or breakage during transit. Foam plates can also be found for cheap at your local dollar store.

...and that's a wrap! We hope you found this guide useful for your upcoming move.

– The JUSTJUNK® team

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