From organizing your possessions to packing your household items, moving an entire household isn’t always a simple process. While moving may not be the easiest task, there are many ways to pack faster, reduce the amount of work when you unpack, and make the process go a whole lot smoother. 

Sound too good to be true? Try these moving hacks yourself and learn new ways to improve the moving process. 

Declutter 

Starting to pack all your belongings into boxes can be more than overwhelming. Before you pack anything, cut back on any unused or even unnecessary items. Make it easier for yourself by having fewer items to pack, move, and unpack. You will be able to start your new life in your new home with a clean slate. 

Donate Your Items

As you go through your belongings, designate a donation pile for all items that you don’t want to take with you. If you have large, heavy furniture items, schedule a free pick-up with a local donation center such as Salvation Army or Goodwill. Don’t forget to save your donation receipts! Come tax season, you can claim a deduction on your income taxes. 

Reuse Boxes

Speaking of packing into boxes, don’t waste your money on cardboard boxes. Reuse all the ones sitting in your attic, basement, and under the bed. If you happen to still have boxes for your items such as small appliances or glassware, we recommend reusing them. This will ensure that your items fit perfectly.

Leave Your Clothes on the Hanger

Skip the extra work of taking clothes off the hanger, folding them, and then hanging them back up in your new place. You can leave your clothes on the hanger, organize, and wrap them in large garbage bags. Another option is transferring your wardrobe to a rolling clothes rack, which gets placed right onto the moving truck! This will make unpacking much simpler. 

Color Code and Organize 

Be sure to label which room each box belongs to! Save time unpacking by labeling boxes with different color stickers or post-it notes. That way you’ll be able to identify where items needed to go much quicker. If you want to take the extra step, create a spreadsheet that tracks the contents of each box. 

Keep Essentials With You

One night before the move, pack an essentials bag or box. This box should include anything you might need on moving day: toothbrushes, a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, phone chargers, and even some snacks. Just in case your moving truck gets stuck in traffic or your items get lost in the mail, you’ll have your essentials with you. 

Follow Safe Protocol

During a move, there may be a number of people in and out of your home. Make sure you set up a bathroom with soap and hand sanitizer so everyone can frequently wash their hands. If you hire a moving company, ask what their current protocols are. Finally, before you start unpacking your belongings, clean and disinfect your new home.

Now that you know all the packing tips and tricks to use, the only thing to do is break out the boxes and packing tape. Best of luck and happy moving!