Top 10 Moving Tips & Tricks

Moving to a new house or apartment can be an immensely satisfying but stressful experience — especially if it’s a big move. There’s so much work involved that it sometimes feels like something’s bound to go wrong. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way! If you find moving difficult or are moving for the first time and don’t know where to start, keep reading. In this article, we’ll give you our best moving tips and tricks to make the whole experience not just a breeze — but fun too!

Best Moving Tips & Tricks

Whether you’re looking for moving help for individuals, couples, or families, here are some of the best moving tips and tricks:

1) Cut The Clutter

What you define as keepsakes can sometimes be clutter. Try to get rid of everything that you don’t really need. Put it on eBay or have a garage sale for some extra cash. Donating clothes you don’t wear anymore, or décor items that don’t get used can also help reduce clutter.

Your friends and family might be interested in taking some things off your hands as well. The less you have to move, the easier moving day will be.

2) Schedule Utilities Early

Contact your preferred utility provider to set up service at your new home before moving in. This will allow you to dedicate your time to settling in once you arrive at the new place. You should also give yourself time to shop around for the best rates.

This will save you money and time since you won’t have to switch providers down the road. 

Depending on the area you’re relocating to, you may find that you’ll have to go without internet service for a few days. Some internet companies only operate on weekdays or may not be able to accommodate your move-in date. It may help to pay for a bit of extra data on your phone plan to make up for the lack of internet service. 

Look at a variety of internet providers in your new area. Speaking with a few internet providers will help you make sure you get the set-up date you need and a reasonable price.

3) Stock Up On Moving Supplies

Your initial moving plan should include stocking up on moving supplies such as boxes, tape, or labels. Don’t leave this until right before you start packing because trying to find boxes and other supplies the day before you’re scheduled to move can be stressful.

Be strategic with your purchases — you don’t want to spend a lot of money on moving supplies or be left with extra items that will clutter your new home after the move.

4) Use Bags Over Boxes

Boxes are great for stacking and protecting your items, but bags can be useful during your move too. Bags conform to the shape of whatever you put in them, which saves space when moving fabrics such as clothes, blankets, towels, or even your prized rug or custom tapestry.

Buying extra heavy-duty garbage bags will also help ensure that you don’t run out of boxes on moving day as you pack up the bare essentials. It’s often surprising how much space those last items take up!

5) Plastic Wrap Your Furniture

Anything with drawers can benefit from a secure, light, and easily removable plastic wrap to prevent damage. You don’t need to buy a special wrap for your furniture. The plastic wrap that you use in your kitchen will work.

If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly way to protect your furniture, consider reusable moving blankets and rope to keep drawers closed and your furniture safe and secure during transport. 

6) Use Furniture For Storage

You can save money on moving boxes by storing small items, pots, and pans in your furniture drawers. Keep in mind that if you pack your furniture full of items, they’ll be weighed down, so you’ll have to move the drawers separately from the rest of the furniture. If the drawers aren’t removable, it’s best to leave them empty so the furniture will be easier to carry.

7) Create A Moving Checklist

As soon as you’ve decided to move, create a checklist to help you stay organized. If you’re moving with your family or partner, consider keeping the checklist online so anyone can add to it as they remember things that need to be done for the move.

If you’ve sold a home and have bought another home, it can be tough to keep your to-do list straight, as you’ll need to meet with your realtor and speak with a lawyer to close on your home. Making a calendar with all of your important dates will make sure you don’t miss an appointment.

8) Keep Essentials Close

Keep your personal hygiene and other essential items with you in a separate bag. You’ll need these items on hand, so don’t pack them with the other items that you won’t immediately need. 

Having to buy a new set of essentials because you’ve packed your own deep into the moving truck can be inconvenient. If you’re not moving into your next home on the same day, make sure you’ve prepared a bag for your stay at a hotel or someone else’s home.

9) Pack Up Early

Start packing far in advance and plan to finish packing a full 24 hours before you move. This gives you time to remember items you may be forgetting.

If you’re renting a moving truck, having everything packed up before it arrives will speed up moving day. It’s best to avoid rushing when you’re on a time limit and need to exit the premises.

You might want to consider hiring a moving company to help you transport your belongings long distances. Realizing you can’t move furniture alone or with the people helping you move can be a real bummer on moving day. 

10) Take Photos 

Take pictures of your old home right after you’ve packed all your belongings and have swept the floor clean. It’s possible something could happen between you moving out and the next person moving in that causes damage to the home.

If you have photo evidence that everything was in order as you left, you can avoid being held responsible for damages you didn’t cause. Taking photos is an excellent way to say goodbye to your old home and protect you from future liability.