15 Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Move
Find Free Moving Boxes
Don't underestimate the costs of purchasing moving boxes.
Grocery stores and clothing stores are great places to find free boxes. Go speak with someone either stocking shelves or working in customer service and you will general have access to as many boxes you can handle.
Pack Your Clothes on Their Hanger
Don't make the mistake of taking your clothes off the hanger, folding them, packing them, unfolding them, and hanging them up again. Zip tie your hangers together and stick a garbage bag overtop of them to keep them clean.
Color Code or Label What Room Each Box Is Going to
This will prevent boxes from piling up in common spaces because you don't remember where they are supposed to go.
Pack Plates Vertically
To prevent dealing with broken glass, back your plates vertically like records.
Reserve the Elevator
Nothing is worse than showing up to move in and finding out you were supposed to reserve the elevator ahead of time.
Pack an Overnight Bag
Include all the essentials you will need in the next 24 hours such as toiletries, clothes, shower curtain, sheets etc. This will allow you to take your time unpacking the rest of your boxes after a busy day of moving.
Take Pictures
If you are renting, take photos of the rooms and any previous damages to ensure you don't end up having to pay for a past tenant's damage.
Cover the Openings of Your Toiletries with Saran Wrap
Cover the tops and then screw the lids back on to avoid a bottle leaking while moving.
Use Press'n Seal for drawer belongings
Instead of unloading all your drawers, potentially losing items, and refilling them afterwards, use Press'n Seal to keep them all in one place.
Take a Photo of How Your Electronics Are Currently Hooked Up
This will avoid the frustration of having to try to re-wire everything again once you have moved in.
Change Your Address a Few Weeks Ahead
Although this is common sense for cable and utilities, make sure you don't forget your Amazon account, bank, license, any subscriptions etc.
Pack Beforehand
Finish your packing before the move in day. This will help save time and give you enough notice to fix any issues that may arise when packing (running out of boxes).
Use Sandwich Bags to Hold Any Small Parts (Screws, Bolts, etc.)
Make sure you label the bags too so you don't accidently mix up the pieces.
Consider Purchasing a Roll of Stretch Wrap
Stretch Wrap will not only help you bundle items together for easy transport, but it will protect your belongings that much more. You can find a large roll of stretch wrap on amazon for $30.
Pack Your Heaviest Items in Your Suitcases
Don't make the mistake of filling boxes with books or other heavy items and then not be able to lift it or accidentally rip the box.
Big enough to serve you…small enough to know you