Moving for the first time can feel like a lot to handle. If you’ve never done it before, it’s easy to feel lost or unsure of what to do next. But don’t worry — with the right advice, your move can be way easier than you think.
A few helpful tips from people who’ve moved before can really make a difference. The list below includes some great suggestions for anyone who’s new to moving. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to pack your stuff faster and stay more organized.
When you’re getting ready to move, the goal is to make everything as easy as possible. That’s where smart moving tricks come in. They’ll help you avoid stress and keep everything running smoothly from start to finish.
Use Garbage Bags to Move Clothes Easily
When it’s time to pack your clothes, there’s no need to take them off the hangers. Just slide a big garbage bag over a group of hanging clothes and tie the bag around the top of the hangers. This makes it super easy to carry them and saves time when unpacking. A lot of people don’t realize how handy garbage bags can be when moving. Besides clothes, you can use them for packing all sorts of lightweight items. So, grab a bunch of them — they’ll come in handy in more ways than one during your move.
Protect Glass Plates with Styrofoam Plates
Packing glass plates one by one can take forever. A quicker and easier way is to stack them with a Styrofoam plate between each one. This creates a soft layer that keeps them from hitting and scratching each other. It’s a simple trick that helps prevent chips and cracks while you move — and saves you a lot of time too.
Use Cotton Balls to Protect Your Makeup
Packing makeup can be a bit tricky because it breaks so easily. Powders and compacts, in particular, can crack during the move. To keep that from happening, just place a few cotton balls inside the compacts before closing them. The soft cotton cushions the makeup and helps stop it from breaking if it gets bumped around. It’s a quick, easy way to keep your makeup safe while moving.
Snap a Photo of Your Electronics Before Unplugging
Hooking up your electronics the right way after a move can be confusing especially with all those wires. A smart tip is to take a photo of the setup before you unplug anything. That way, when you’re settling into your new place, you’ll have a clear guide to help you reconnect everything just like it was before.
Wrap Glasses in Socks to Keep Them Safe
Wrapping every glass one by one can take a lot of time. A quick and clever trick is to slide each glass into a sock. It cushions them and helps keep them from breaking during the move. If you’re worried about hygiene, you can pick up a few packs of new socks — they’re cheap and totally worth it to protect your glassware.
Keep Drawer Items in Place with Plastic Wrap
Taking everything out of your drawers just to pack and unpack it later is a lot of extra work. A faster option is to leave your stuff right where it is and cover the drawer with plastic wrap. This keeps everything from shifting or falling out while you move and it saves you time on both ends — packing and unpacking.
Use Sandwich Bags to Keep Small Parts Organized
Tiny things like screws and bolts can easily go missing during a move. A great way to keep them all together is by putting them in plastic sandwich bags. Don’t forget to label each bag with the name of the furniture or item they belong to. You can also use these bags for cords — just pack the cord inside and tape the bag to the matching device. It’s a simple way to stay organized and avoid frustration later.
Use Colors to Label Your Boxes
Color-coding your boxes is a smart way to keep things organized during a move. Moving can get confusing fast, but if each box has a specific color for each room, you’ll know exactly where everything goes. This makes unpacking way easier and helps you get settled into your new place much faster.
Pack Jewelry in Egg Cartons
Moving jewelry can be tricky but there’s an easy fix — use an empty egg carton. The small spaces are perfect for keeping rings, earrings and other small pieces from getting tangled or lost. Just place your jewelry in the compartments and tape the carton shut to keep everything secure. It’s a clever and affordable way to keep your jewelry safe and organized while you move.
Use Rolling Suitcases for Heavy Stuff
Lifting heavy things can be tough, so it’s a smart idea to pack them in rolling suitcases instead of boxes. Items like books, pots and pans or small weights can get really heavy fast. A suitcase with wheels makes them much easier to move. Just make sure the suitcase is strong enough to handle the weight — not all of them are built for heavy loads. Using a sturdy rolling suitcase will save your back and make moving a lot easier.
A Little Moving Advice Goes a Long Way
Using these smart moving tips can save you a lot of time and stress. Whether you’re moving internationally, long distance, or locally, you’ll need some kind of help. That help could come from guides like this one, a professional moving company or just friends and family lending a hand. If this is your first time moving, don’t let it overwhelm you. With a little planning and the right advice, your move can go smoothly and feel a lot more manageable.
