A Seller’s Complete List of Packing Tips, Tricks, and Other Hacks

Last Updated on September 6, 2022

No matter if you’re moving to or from an apartment, house, condo, or other space, packing is a necessary part of the process.  To help make it less stressful, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to make your move a breeze.

General packing tips

• Declutter and donate before moving to save space. Not only does this save space, but you won’t have to move as much stuff either.
• Create a number system or a spreadsheet to help stay organized.
• Use smaller boxes for heavier items so they’re easier to carry.
• Ask local businesses for their empty boxes so you don’t pay a fortune on storage supplies.
• Pack hollow items with other items to save space. Use pots and pans to store spices or other kitchen knick knacks.
• Label your fragile boxes!
• Label all of your boxes on the tops and sides so you can read the contents from any angle. Also, add a brief description of the items inside.
• Use color coded tape to color coordinate your boxes. Use green tape to indicate kitchen boxes or blue for the bathroom etc.
• Get rid of boxes as you empty them to free up space in your new place.
• Use suitcases for heavy items, particularly books. The handles and wheels will make moving these things loads easier.
• Put all of your hanging clothes into large trash bags to make transport 10x easier.
• When packing folded clothes, roll them to maximize space.
• Put your toaster in a bag or its own small box to prevent a mess of crumbs.
• Put a fitted sheet on both sides of mattresses so they don’t get dirty during the move.
• Wrap sheets and pillowcases around furniture and secure with rubber bands to prevent scuffs.
• Put paper towels or styrofoam plates between dishes for extra protection during your move.
• Use socks to wrap your breakables. Bubble wrap, tissue paper, old newspapers and magazines, and dust rags can also be used to pack fragile items.
• Flat art? Place inside, and then label, mail envelopes.
• Plastic grocery bags are easy to add to any box to create extra cushioning.
• Keep a supply of Ziploc bags on hand to gather last minute knick knacks and miscellaneous items like screws and nails, keys, or knobs.
• If you disassemble anything, put the items in a Ziploc bag and tape it to the pieces so nothing gets separated.
• Fill a hamper with moving supplies. This way you can find tools like a hammer or painter’s tape easily when packing/unpacking.
• Pack a cooler so drinks and snacks are readily available for when you need a break.
• Have a first aid kit nearby in case there are any accidents during the move.

Moving + packing hacks:

• Box with no handles? Use a boxcutter to cut holes into the side of boxes.
• Use plastic wrap to keep items together.  Wrap it around a utensil tray to keep silverware in place. Or wrap it around dresser drawers so you don’t have to pack and unpack all of your folded clothes.
• Place plastic wrap underneath the caps of toiletries and screw the lids on to prevent leakage.
• Tie rubber bands around a set of door knobs so you don’t get locked out.
• Rubber bands are also great for keeping lids and pots together.
• Put knives inside of oven mitts to keep the sharp edges covered.
• Take pictures of your electronics so you know which cords go with what.
• Take pictures of the inside of boxes to easily reference what’s inside of them to avoid digging through 10 boxes to find what you need.
• Use masking tape to make an X over glass items like mirrors to prevent them from breaking.
• Cover razors with binder clips to prevent knicks and other cuts during the move.
• Keep cords of electronics and appliances tidy and organized by putting them inside of empty toilet paper rolls.
• Clasp your necklaces and other long jewelry around empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls so they don’t get tangled.
• Or use an empty egg carton to keep jewelry separate and prevent pieces from getting tangled.
• Put cotton balls inside of your makeup compacts to prevent breakage during transport.
• Liquor boxes are great for moving drinkware or pairs of shoes.
• Use pool noodles to cover the edges of picture frames or mirrors so they don’t get scuffed.

Loading and Unpacking:

• The first boxes you want to unpack in your new space should be the last ones loaded into a truck or car.
• Place all boxes and items into their designated room before unpacking.
• Unpack one room at a time so items don’t get messed up or out of place.
• The first thing to do upon arrival at your new destination is make the bed.  That way, after a long day of moving, you can crawl into bed and crash.
• Another thing to unpack the first day is a shower curtain so you can shower after a long day of physical labor.
• Place towels under your furniture so you don’t ruin the floors.

Commonly Overlooked Parts of Packing and Moving:

• Stop buying groceries a week out. This way you don’t have leftovers or other food to worry about throwing away.
• Defrost your fridge a day or two before you move out so you don’t have to deal with condensation and weird smells the day of.
• If you can, clean your new bathroom(s) before you move in so they’re all bright, white, and ready to use.
• Important items, such as prescriptions, should be kept in a purse or on a person to be easily found when needed.
• Pack an overnight bag so you can have clean clothes and a toothbrush and toothpaste at your fingertips and you won’t have to rummage through 10 boxes just to find some pajamas.
• Don’t forget to change your address for your subscriptions and other mail.
• Set up your utilities in your new place and cancel the ones in your current space.