Overview

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Set up a dedicated packing station, seal toiletry bottles with plastic wrap, keep furniture hardware in labeled plastic bags, use your phone to document electronics and disassembly, and pack an essentials bag with things you'll need right away. These five moving hacks make packing, unpacking, and settling in much easier.

Five Great Moving Hacks to Make Moving Easier

Moving is a stressful event that affects both first-time and seasoned homeowners. There are so many decisions to make, from choosing the right mover to organizing your home and keeping track of belongings. And while it’s never entirely stress-free, these five great moving hacks to make moving easier will help you stay organized, protect your items, and reduce unnecessary stress on moving day.

1. Set Up a Dedicated Packing Station

One of the easiest ways to stay organized during a move is to designate a single area in your home as your packing station. Look for a clutter-free space, such as a folding table, workbench, or clean area of the floor, and stock it with everything you need: sturdy moving boxes, quality packing tape, scissors, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, and permanent markers. Keeping your supplies in one spot makes it much easier to maintain momentum and prevents you from wasting time hunting down tape or markers in different rooms. It also helps establish a system, making packing more efficient and less chaotic.

2. Cover Toiletry Bottles with Plastic Wrap

Liquids like shampoo, lotion, mouthwash, and cologne have a way of leaking no matter how tightly you screw the lid on. One easy trick is to remove the cap, place a small piece of plastic wrap over the bottle opening, and then screw the cap back on tightly. This added layer of protection prevents leaks and keeps your toiletries from damaging other items in the same box. You don’t need to do this for brand-new, sealed items, but it’s highly recommended for opened bottles or containers.

3. Use Sealable Plastic Bags for Hardware

Furniture disassembly is often necessary to move larger items safely, but losing the small screws and bolts can create big headaches. To stay organized, place all hardware from each piece of furniture into a separate sealable plastic bag, then label it clearly with the name of the item. If the bag is light enough, tape it directly to the underside of the furniture piece. This eliminates the need to sort through miscellaneous hardware bags later on and makes reassembly at your new home much faster.

4. Use Your Phone’s Camera as a Visual Reference

Your phone can be one of the most valuable tools during your move. Use the camera to take pictures of complex setups, like the back of your TV, computer, or entertainment system, before you unplug any cables. This way, you’ll have a visual guide when it’s time to reconnect everything in your new home. You can also snap photos of drawer contents, fragile item arrangements, or furniture pieces before disassembly. These images come in handy when you need to remember how something was originally packed or put together.

5. Create a Moving Essentials Bag

Moving day can be long and unpredictable. Set yourself up for success by packing a small bag with everything you might need easy access to, think of it like an overnight bag for your first night in your new home. Include medications, important documents, a phone charger, snacks, toiletries, keys, and a change of clothes. If you’re moving with kids or pets, pack a few items to keep them comfortable, too. Having this bag with you, rather than packed in a box on the moving truck, ensures you’re not digging through boxes when you just want to rest.

Wrapping Up

These five great moving hacks to make moving easier can help streamline your move, reduce the chance of lost items, and save time when settling into your new space. Moving doesn't have to be overwhelming, a few smart strategies and a little preparation can go a long way. Looking for more tips to make your move even easier? Explore our blog for expert moving advice, packing tips, and helpful checklists.

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