50 Essential Moving Hacks That Will Change Your Life

Do you want to know some moving hacks that save time, space and even money?

Many people wonder how to pack for a move. It can feel daunting when you look around at all of the items you’ve accumulated over the years. Before you start, you will want to take inventory of the items you’ll need to move and book an appropriately sized moving truck if necessary.

Plan early for the tasks you’ll need to accomplish before moving day. Set up mail forwarding, scheduling your movers and switching your accounts, utilities and subscriptions. If these items are checked off of your list on moving day you’ll be able to fully concentrate on the task at hand.

We’ve compiled some moving tips to further ease the process and help you stay organized and efficient as you pack up each room. Scroll down to see them or feel free to jump to a room below:

Kitchen | Bedroom | Living Room
Bedroom | Home Office

How to Move Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the area most people dread packing. With its small items, appliances and breakable pieces, it can be one of the most difficult rooms to move. However, with proper planning and organization you can streamline the process.

Sort each cupboard or drawer and plan to pack similar items together. Throw out any old pantry items or expired food. Once you know what you’re keeping and what you’re taking you are ready to start boxing!

1. Fill your pots and crock pots with spices when you pack them. It saves space and keeps them safe during the move!

2. Pack your toaster in a bag to avoid a crumb mess.

3. Put the sharp end of unsheathed knives inside potholders and secure with a rubber band for safer transport.

4. Keep all liquids like dishwashing soap, laundry detergent or hand soap in separate bins. You’ll be glad you did if they spill!

5. Put your stemware and glasses inside of clean socks for free padding.

6. Prevent scratches or scuffs on your kitchen dining set by draping sheets and pillowcases over the table and chairs. Secure them with rubber bands if you can.

7. Use plastic wrap to keep utensils together or in their organizer!

8. Defrost your fridge two days prior to moving and ensure they are dry and clean on moving day.

9. Pack wine glasses into liquor store boxes to prevent breakage.

10. Use clothing or other soft materials as padding for dishes or other breakables.

How to Move Your Bedroom

When moving your bedroom you should start by purging or storing any clothing or personal items you no longer use. If you haven’t looked at it in a year, it’s probably time for it to go. Be sure to pack a bag of easily accessible clothing, accessories and shoes so that you have it handy in the new house.

11. Slide clothing on hangers directly into garbage bags, then secure them with the ties. Unpacking will be much less hassle.

12. Remove drawers and put plastic wrap over each. Then you don’t have to empty the contents at all.

13. For clothes in drawers, roll them instead of folding them to save space.

14. Invest in a lock-box or safe to put your most valuable items in.

15. Use comforter bags to pack old clothes, seasonal clothes or baby clothes. That way they’re all ready to store in the new house!

16. Put a fitted sheet on both ends of your mattress before loading into the moving truck to keep it clean.

17. Stuff your shoes with small items to maximize space.

18. Label the small bits of hardware in a plastic bag as you disassemble furniture. Either tape it to its furniture pieces or keep them all in a box together.

19. Fill nail or tack holes by rubbing a white bar of soap over the holes.

20. Use the dividers in wine boxes to keep shoes organized while moving.

How to Move Your Living Room

Usually the largest room in the home, the living room can be a challenge for those who aren’t prepared. Be sure to keep a pack of tools handy for disassembling or re-assembling furniture, and be sure it doesn’t get buried in the pack! If you stay organized and follow these tips, packing your living room will be a breeze!

21. Use pool noodles or pipe insulation to protect the edge of large picture or mirror frames.

22. Before moving your entertainment center, snap a picture of the wiring setup. Then label wires with tape before unplugging so that you can easily rewire your devices when setting up at your new house.

23. Remove light bulbs from lamps before storing them safely. Use Christmas ornament boxes or simply wrap them in bubble wrap before boxing them.

24. Remove dents in the carpet that furniture has left behind with ice cubes. Just place the ice cubes on the dents, let them melt, and use a spoon to lift the fibers.

25. Wrap a rubber band around the end of a hammer to prevent scuffing the wall when removing nails.

26. Remove scuff marks on hardwood floors by cutting a hole in a tennis ball, sticking it on the end of a broom and rubbing the scuff until it disappears.

27. Pack artwork by sliding them inside priority mail envelopes, then you can label them and put them inside of a bigger box for safe transport.

28. Move your TV by unplugging it and placing it in the box it came in. Be sure the TV is fitted securely in the box with either styrofoam pieces or spare blankets and pillows.

29. When moving large items, remove whatever you can for easier transport. Some couches have feet that you can unscrew or backs that are detachable.

30. Keep cords corralled with toilet paper rolls, and be sure to label them!

How to Move Your Bathroom

Use moving your bathroom as an opportunity to throw away expired makeup, toiletries or medication. Again, if you haven’t used it in a year throw it out. Starting with a clean slate in your new bathroom will feel invigorating!

While it may seem tempting to clean your bathroom as you go, chances are it will just get dirty again. Save the deep clean for the very end when all of your belongings are boxed up and in the moving van.

31. Put your jewelry in egg cartons so that they don’t tangle, be sure to tape them shut after everything’s all in!

32. Leave your necessities in a clear, labeled bin and leave it easily accessible. You’ll want to grab them quickly after a long day of moving.

33. To keep bottles of liquid from leaking: open them, put a piece of plastic wrap over the opening, then screw the cap back on.

34. Use a garbage bag to line any boxes you might be packing a lot of small things in. If it punctures or breaks you won’t be scrambling to pick up all of your small items.

35. Put tape in an X across mirrors to prevent them from breaking or shattering.

36. Keep a first aid kit handy–just in case anyone gets injured during the move.

37. Use binder clips as blade guards on razors to avoid unwanted nicks while unpacking.

38. Wondering how to move a clawfoot bathtub? Simply disconnect from the water supply, roll it onto a large moving blanket, remove the feet and secure with straps.

39. Pack unused towels on the top of otherwise heavy boxes. They’ll take up space without adding extra weight.

40. Put cotton balls inside your cosmetics to keep them from breaking.

How to Move Your Home Office

Packing a home office can be tricky since there are sensitive documents, electronics and small items involved. There are things you should do to accompany packing your office like sending out change of address notices to anyone who might need to reach you at your home office.

Once you’ve taken care of the essentials, sort items by box, separating chargers, camera cords or headphone accessories in plastic bags. Label each box accordingly to easily unpack in your new home office.

41. Take a picture of the items in each box before sealing it up and tape it to the outside or keep it in your smartphone with a corresponding number. That way you will know what’s in each box without having to open them.

42. Map out the cable and electrical outfits in your new office so that you can set furniture in the right place the first time.

43. Pack books or other heavy items in suitcases with wheels for easy mobility.

44. Backup the files on your computer in case anything happens to it during the move.

45. Remove toner and ink cartridges from your printer before moving so that it doesn’t spill or burst.

46. Pack your computer upright with the motherboard side down. Make sure the box is padded enough so that the computer cannot move around in the box.

47. Put all of your important documents in plastic bags to protect them, then separate them in file folders or boxes so you know where they are at all times.

48. Number the boxes and write down what is in each box next to its corresponding number. That way you can keep your office boxes organized without advertising what’s inside them. This is best for boxes with high priced items or especially sensitive contents.

49. Dismantle any modular office furniture prior to move day. Use tape to mark where the pieces should go together for easy reassembly.

50. Pack smaller things around heavier items to fill the empty space in boxes.

After move out, don’t forget to clean your house thoroughly and double check for forgotten items. If you’re renting, you will want to take pictures of your clean, empty spaces to use as insurance to get your deposit back. With the proper planning and preparation, you can avoid some of the pains associated with moving day and ensure a smooth transition into your new home.