Moving day is notorious for being stressful and chaotic, but it doesn’t have to be that way! With these moving tips and tricks, you’ll handle the transition like a pro. Whether you hire a moving company or do it yourself, follow these strategies to save time, money, and possibly your sanity.
1. Never Lose Furniture Hardware Again
Taking apart furniture might be unavoidable, but losing the hardware doesn’t have to be. Put all the tiny pieces in a labeled sandwich bag and tape it securely to the corresponding furniture item. That way, when you reassemble it, you won’t be left searching for that one missing screw or wondering which bolt belongs where.
2. Take Photos of the Back of Your Electronics
Before disconnecting cords from the back of your TV or computer, take a photo of how everything is connected. A quick snapshot saves you hours of guesswork when it’s time to reconnect everything.
3. Color-Code Your Boxes
Skip the classic black marker chaos. Buy colorful duct tape or labels and assign each color to a room, such as blue for the bathroom and green for the kitchen. Stick a piece on all four sides and the top of each box. While you’re at it, slap a “fragile” sticker on every side of the boxes that must be handled with care. This way, anyone helping you unload at your new home will know exactly where things belong and what demands careful handling.
4. Use Towels as Padding
Why buy extra packing paper when you already own soft, protective materials? Use towels, wash clothes, and potholders to wrap breakables like dishware, picture frames, and vases. This eco-friendly trick saves money, reduces waste, and requires fewer boxes dedicated to just towels.
5. Pack an Overnight Bag and Day-One Box
Treat moving day like a sleepover. Pack a bag with essentials like pajamas, a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, snacks, and chargers. It’s also wise to have a day-one box with paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, scissors, and trash bags. This way, you can dive right in when you get to your new home.
6. Label Your Cables
Tangle-free and organized is the name of the game. Wrap cords and wires with masking tape as you pack them. Then, write “living room lamp,” “router,” or other identifying information on the tape to save yourself hours of frustration when setting up electronics at your new place.
7. Freeze Sponges for Your Cooler
No ice packs? No worries. Simply soak a few sponges, freeze them overnight, and toss them in the cooler with your food. They’ll keep your perishables cold without the mess of melting ice. Plus, they double as a cleaning tool once thawed.
8. Defrost and Clean Your Freezer in Advance
If you’re taking your kitchen appliances, defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before the move. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a leaky mess in the moving truck. Wipe the shelves clean and leave the door slightly ajar to prevent odors from developing.
9. Pack Plates Vertically
You might be inclined to stack plates in boxes, but they’re less likely to break if you pack them vertically. First, line the bottom of the box with a protective layer of crumpled paper (or hand towels). Wrap each plate individually and stand them on their sides as you load them into the box. Finally, wedge in more padding to fill any empty space so the plates don’t rattle around.
10. Seal Drawers with Plastic Wrap
Instead of emptying your dresser and nightstand, leave lightweight items inside and wrap the drawer (or the entire piece of furniture) with plastic wrap. This keeps everything in place and cuts down on boxes and packing time.
11. Use Luggage for Heavy Items
Put your rolling suitcases to good use by loading them with heavy items like books, canned goods, and a dumbbell or two. The wheels make them easier to transport than heavy boxes, and you’re maximizing the utility of what you already own.
12. Take Photos of Your Utility Meters
Before you leave your old home, document the readings on your gas, water, and electric meters. This protects you in case of disputes about your final bills.
13. Arrange for Pet and Kid Care
Moving day is stressful enough without a barking dog or bored toddler underfoot. Ask a friend, family member, or sitter to keep your furry friends and human children occupied while you focus on the move.
14. Plan for Trash Disposal
Trash tends to pile up on moving day. Keep garbage bags handy, and scout out the trash pickup or disposal options at your new place ahead of time. Some complexes or cities have specific rules for throwing away bulk items or cardboard boxes, so heed those as well.
15. Pack Jewelry Wisely
To prevent lost rings and earrings, pack these jewelry items in a pill organizer case. Then, stop necklaces from tangling by laying them all out on a long piece of plastic wrap and rolling it up like a burrito. Pack everything in a toiletry bag so they’re easy to find later.
16. Don’t Pack Important Documents—Carry Them
Birth certificates, passports, insurance papers, and other vital documents should stay with you at all times. Don’t risk losing them in the shuffle or waiting for a box to surface weeks later.
Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage is a Smart Move
With these tips and tricks, you’re ready to tackle packing and moving like a pro. To simplify things even more, get help from Firefighting’s Finest. Founded in 2001 by former firefighters, we set the bar high with reliable, professional moving services in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Austin, TX. Whether you’re preparing for a residential or commercial move over a long distance or here in town, we’re proud to serve you. Request a moving estimate today, and we’ll make your next move your best move yet!
