Raise your hand if you like moving! We’ll wait…
… Still waiting…
Ok, let’s be honest- no one likes moving. But a move can mean many exciting things! Your first apartment on your own, an exciting new city, downsizing to travel the world- you name it!
Moving is inevitable. We’ve done a lot of it, helped others do a lot of it, and we’re here to help you too! We’ve narrowed down our top 5 favorite tips for your upcoming move.
1. Create a Moving Checklist
There’s so many teeny tiny details to consider while moving that it’s best to create a checklist for yourself a few weeks before the move (you’ll also be less stressed day of if some of the items on your to do list have that heavenly “check mark” next to them). The checklist we’re talking about isn’t for the “physical” move such as what room to pack first, etc. It’s actually for more of the behind the scenes items like utilities, cable/internet, mail forwarding, updating your bank, renter’s insurance. Seriously, the list could go on and on and on and on… One of the simplest yet useful checklists we’ve used can be found HERE.
2. Use Your Drawers as a Moving Box
This is probably our favorite tip. Plastic wrap your drawers with everything that’s already “packed away” inside them! Wow. What an “ah-ha” moment. Why did it take 10 moves before we figured this one out? You can either plastic wrap your entire dresser, drawers and all, so that the drawers don’t slide open; or, if that becomes too heavy, remove each drawer and wrap those individually. Either way, you won’t be unloading your neatly organized items just to put them right back when you get to your new place.
Side note: Don’t limit the plastic wrap technique to just your drawers. Use it for essentially anything that is already in a container… utensils, laundry baskets, etc. And don’t use the plastic wrap you get at a grocery store. Get something that’s actually meant for moving. Like THIS. Obvious or genius? Haven’t decided yet- just do it.
3. Pack a First Night Box
By the time you’re finally in your new place will you really feel like immediately unpacking? Or will you actually feel like ordering a pizza and kicking your feet up? That’s what we thought. If you don’t pack a first night box you’ll be rummaging through everything, destroying any hopes of organization tomorrow. Select a few essentials to keep separate. These could include:
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4. Take Photos of your Electronics
OK I guess it’s hard to choose a favorite because this is another one. Take pictures of the backs of your TVs, game consoles, or other electronic devices BEFORE you unplug them. This way you know exactly which wires go to where when you’re setting things back up at your new place! OMG. We just saved you a few hours of head banging frustration. You’re welcome!
5. Find Free Moving Boxes
Why spend the money on boxes when you can re-use a box that needs a good home? Chances are you’ll need to purchase some boxes, but see how many freebies you can get first! The best places to try are grocery stores, the “free” section on Craigslist, and liquor stores. The bonus about liquor stores is that most of their boxes have dividers so the bottles don’t break. Leave the dividers in to use for packing glassware, shoes, light bulbs, etc. We’ll give you that 6th hack for “free.” 😉
So that wraps up our top 5 favorite moving tips and tricks! Now take a deep breath and start embracing your upcoming move and share your favorite moving tip below!
