Moving is about more than just finding a new home to fit your needs.
In fact, we know all too well that the actual process of moving can be overwhelming, and maybe even stressful, too.
That’s why we’ve come up with a list of some of the best packing hacks. They’re easy things you can do to make sure you’re on the right track to a successful move.
Get Organised!
One of our top recommendations is to organise from the very beginning! In fact, we cannot stress how important this is.
So, you’re probably wondering, how do I do it? That’s easy.
- Plan ahead
- Stick to your plan
- Organise removalists
To help you in the process, here are some of our best suggestions:
Packing Hack #1 Colour-coding or Post-it note descriptions:
It sounds pretty simple, but colour coding and post-it notes can go a long way in terms of organisation.
Grab some different coloured stickers or even different coloured permanent markers, and then colour-code your cartons by room.
- For example, blue for all of your kitchen cartons and red for the bathrooms.
Don’t forget to make yourself a colour-coded sheet for reference.
It will make it easier to pack and to unpack.
If you only have plain coloured post-it notes handy, you can still easily reference what is inside the box by labelling them with rooms of the house.
Packing Hack #2 Wrap parts together
Another great idea is to keep all parts together.
You can probably imagine the confusion of getting to your new house only to find out you’ve lost a few things along the way.
- Use small plastic bags: A great solution is to put small screws and other parts from dismantled furniture in sealed, plastic bags. Securely tape the bag to the furniture it came from.
- Use plastic wrap
In this case, grab a few rolls of plastic shrink-wrap or an inexpensive roll of protective plastic.
You’ll simply wrap it around your furniture a few times. This is a great way to help secure things like loose drawers. Plus, it can help prevent damage if it happens to rain.
Use smaller pieces of the same plastic wrap to cover the openings of lotion and shampoo bottles to prevent leakage. Once you seal the top, just put the original cap back on.
Packing Hack #3 Protect your breakables
Obviously, you don’t want anything to break during the move and we’ve found simple solutions are best.
- For example, use extra clothing & linens
Protect things like drinking glasses and mugs with socks and use your extra t-shirts to wrap larger breakables.
Not only does this help keep fragile items in one piece, but it also helps you move some of your bulky clothing items without taking up extra space. You can even use extra towels or bedding.
Packing Hack #4 Reinforce your cartons
As with any of your moving cartons and supplies, make sure they are sturdy.
- Use packing tape
We suggest reinforcing the bottoms of all of your cartons with strong packing tape.
- Grab some packing supplies
Use bubble wrap or even scrunch up old newspaper to fill in the extra space in cartons and give better protection.
Packing Hack #5 Pack smartly
Don’t forget to pack smart, either!
- Designate fragile items
Pad the corners of things before you seal up the cartons, and write “fragile” or “this way up” on cartons containing things like computers.
- Not too heavy
Put the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest ones on top.
But remember, you never want to put something really heavy with something extremely fragile. That’s just a recipe for disaster.
Also, you don’t want to overfill, especially when it comes to cartons full of books or documents.
- Prevent damage
Speaking of books, place them flat in a carton so they don’t bend.
Packing Hack #6 Move your closet in one swoop
If you’re dreading moving your closet, don’t despair. It’s actually one of the easiest areas to move.
You’ll want to purchase a couple of portable wardrobe cartons.
All you’ll have to do is move your hanging items directly to the carton, then directly into your new closet.
It’s easy plus it keeps your hanging clothes fresh and ready to wear.
Packing Hack #7 Take photos
Remember the packing hack from earlier about keeping small parts together? We have another hack that helps with electronics.
With all of those plugs and cords running from computers and TVs it can be a real pain to try to put the puzzle pieces back together again.
To help, take photos before you unplug anything!
- Bring back colour-coding
You may also want to go back to the colour-coding system. Take a few of your leftover coloured stickers and attach them to things that go together.
- Use cable ties
You could also use cable ties to keep wires from being damaged or tangled in the move.
Packing Hack #8 Make a priority carton
One more solution is to take a single carton, and then fill it with all of your priority items.
- Non-perishable foods
- A change of clothing
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and a few personal items
- Laptop or tablet, including chargers
Basically, think about anything you’ll need for the first day in your new place.
You’ll find it makes it easier to adjust when you have everything together.
Packing Hack #9 Use a removalist
Finally, if you don’t have time to think about packing yourself, consider using your removalist.
Not only can a qualified removalist do the packing for you, but you can also choose to have everything unpacked for you in your new home.
Ready to move!
This brings us to the big day!
Remember, if you organise from the beginning with things like:
- Colour-coding
- Taking photographs
- Wrapping up items together
- Using a removalist
You are well on your way to a successful move, leaving you to the simple enjoyment of making new memories in your new home!
