I have a confession to make: I think moving into a new place is super exciting until I realize that means I have to actually, well, move. I've been known to put off moving as long as possible to save myself the headache. While it may seem like there's no way to avoid the inevitable stress that comes with a move, the good news is there are actually some helpful moving hacks that can make the process go smoother than expected.
From using toilet paper rolls to wrap your cords to color-coding your boxes, moving doesn't have to be unorganized chaos. With the right moving tips, you won't have to worry about losing any items or breaking any family heirlooms either. When I moved late last year, I tapped Roadway Moving [1] to make things a bit easier on myself, and from handling my fragile boxes with care to unpacking and setting all my items up, it was a godsend. But even better, they shared some advice — from professionals — about hacks everyone can use for a seamless move.
The one factor that can change your move from a source of never-ending stress to a seamless experience is time, according to Ross Sapir, the founder and CEO of Roadway Moving. The biggest mistake people make when moving is "waiting too long," he tells Popsugar. "People assume they can pack everything in a weekend, and that's rarely the case. Rushing leads to damaged items, forgotten essentials, and unnecessary stress. The best way to avoid this is to start packing non-essential items weeks ahead of time and leave only daily-use items for the final days."
Image Source: Roadway Moving
He advises setting a timeline, starting with "decluttering and inventorying your home." "Go room by room and decide what's coming with you, what can be donated, and what no longer serves you. This not only reduces the number of items you're moving, but it also lowers costs and speeds up the packing process. From there, build a simple timeline, booking movers, scheduling utilities, and planning packing days, so nothing piles up at the end."
Long-distance moves are a whole different beast. Sapir advises to prep as much as possible in advance. "Make sure you clearly label boxes by room and priority, keep important documents and valuables with you, and pack an essentials bag that can carry you through the first few days," he shares.
If you book a moving company, choose one that "specializes in long-distance relocations, one that offers guaranteed delivery windows, real-time communication, and careful handling from start to finish," says Sapir. Also, make sure you get as much information upfront as possible. "You want to ask your moving company what the delivery window is, if a shuttle is needed and will they sell your move to a third party."
Whether you're moving locally or long-distance, check out the below packing tips with several sourced from Sapir. Promise, there's at least one moving hack in here that will make your life much, much easier.
And once you're all moved in and ready to unpack, check out these small-closet organization tips [2] and our pantry decanting guide [3], too.
Expert Featured in This Article
Ross Sapir [4] is the founder and CEO of Roadway Moving.
Moving Hacks
Slide clothes on hangers directly into garbage bags. Not having to rehang all of your clothes during the unpacking process will save you so much more time and energy than you think.
Put cotton balls in your makeup compacts so they don't break. They act as a cushion inside of fragile powder cosmetics.
Use toilet paper to organize your cords. Simply wrap each cord up and stuff it inside an empty roll.
Take photos before disassembling. "Snap quick photos of furniture setups, electronics wiring, or wall art layouts before taking them apart," says Sapir. "Reassembly becomes much faster and frustration-free."
Also, take pictures of your new place before you move in. If you're a renter, make sure to document exactly how your house looks when you move in. (You want that security deposit back, don't you?)
Wrap breakable kitchen dishes in your shirts. Not only will you save on bubble wrap, but you'll be able to pack multiple items at once. Another moving hack: stack plates with paper plates in between one another.
Cover all your bottles of liquid with plastic wrap or tape before putting the top on. Yes, this will help you prevent your expensive shampoo from exploding.
Label beyond just the room. "Instead of only writing 'Kitchen,' add details like 'Daily dishes' or 'Pantry staples,'" explains Sapir. This will allow you and/or your movers to "place boxes correctly and makes unpacking far more efficient."
Color code your boxes. Mark boxes blue that belong in the kitchen, mark boxes red that belong in your bedroom, and so on, and so on. This will help you know exactly where everything goes when it's time to unpack.
Use suitcases for your heaviest items. The handles and wheels are the easiest, best transportation. "Books, shoes, and dense clothing are easier to move when packed in rolling suitcases instead of boxes," shares Sapir. "It's easier on your back and faster to transport."
If your cardboard boxes don't have handles, cut some handles into the side of them. All you have to do is cut a rectangular shape on either side of the box for an easy-lifting moving hack.
Pack an essentials bag. Be honest with yourself: there's no chance you're going to unpack everything in one day. With this in mind, have a bag with all your essentials so you don't have to dig through boxes for your toothbrush. "Include chargers, toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and important documents," advises Sapir. "This saves you from digging through boxes after a long moving day."
Fill nail holes with toothpaste. It's the quickest and cheapest way to cover up all of those holes.
Use small boxes when moving books. The best way to pack books for moving is to pack light. Because books get heavy fast, use a small box to avoid making it too heavy to lift.
Defrost your fridge at least one day before moving out. This will ensure you avoid all kinds of leaks and nasty smells.
For all the clothes not on hangers, roll them up. This will save more space than folding your clothes will.
Pack one room completely before moving on. "Fully finishing one room at a time keeps you organized and prevents items from getting mixed up," says Sapir, noting that this tip is "especially helpful for families or shared spaces."
Wrap a rubber band around your doorknob so you don't get locked out. Wrap around one doorknob, then cross it over to the doorknob on the other side so that the lock is blocked. When you are going in and out of your house, you won't have to worry about being locked out.
Put towels underneath heavy furniture to avoid scratching floors. This also helps take the weight off of the furniture so it's easier to carry and slide.
Use sandwich bags for small important items like screws. When you go to put a bed frame or bookshelf back together, they'll all be in the same place.
Find free moving boxes on the Craigslist "free" section. You can also ask for boxes at your local stores.
— Additional reporting by Jessica C. Andrews [5] and Taylor Andrews [6]
Macy Cate Williams [7] is a former content director of commerce at PS. Based in the Bay Area, Macy finds the best fashion, beauty, fitness, and home products that readers should know about. She's a sucker for bold colors and playful prints, so you'll see them splashed all over her work.
Jessica C. Andrews [8] (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.
Taylor Andrews [9] is a Balance editor at PS who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more.