Weird packing tips that really work

Last Updated on September 2, 2022

Moving is thought to be one of the most stressful times in one’s life. Between the huge change, there’s the daunting task of packing up everything you’ve ever owned only to unpack it when you get to your new destination. 

Sometimes it’s in the budget to hire movers who will pack for you, but for those attempting to DIY-it, packing items up on your own can save you big time. 

Here’s how to pack like a pro with our genius tips:

First things first

• You likely decluttered before you put your home on the market, but before you pack, it’s time to declutter again. Make three piles-keep, donate and storage.
• Ask friends for moving boxes or find them at stores like Home Depot or Lowes, copy paper boxes are also excellent, as well. 
• For the best rates, book your moving truck sooner, rather than later. 
• Don’t wait until it’s too late. Spend an hour or so packing each day.
• Make a master list and give each room in your new place a number. Label boxes and also assign them a number corresponding to the room number in your next home. This way friends and family will know exactly where each box should go when unloading.
• Make sure to leave items that you’ll need day of out and accessible. Think cleaning supplies, toilet paper, plastic utensils, paper plates and cups, basic toiletries, change of clothes, towels, medications, sheets for your bed, snacks, etc. 
• Save heavy items for smaller boxes and make sure every box can be lifted (ideally keep boxes to 50 lbs or less).
• Make sure you get enough small to medium-sized boxes. You don’t want it so that two people have to carry every single box. 
• A few days before you move, schedule groceries to be picked up through your local grocery store or have them delivered via Amazon Fresh. 
• Use all container type items to maximize space–suitcases, hampers, storage crates and containers, etc.

In the kitchen

• Wrap plates in bubble wrap and instead of stacking them on each other, stack them sideways, instead of stacking them on top of each other.
• Consider using dish towels/rags in between kitchen breakables.
• Use socks to transport glassware.
• Pack spices and smaller kitchen items in pots/slow cooker, etc.
• Leave your silverware in its tray and just use shrinkwrap to contain it.
• You can use foam plates in between glass dishes and other breakable items.

Jewelry 

• Thread necklaces and bracelets through a straw to prevent from tangling. 
• Use an egg crate to place earring sets in each spot and top with a cotton ball to keep them from moving during transport.

Clothes

• Don’t take clothes off hangers to pack. Simply cut a small hole in the top of a garbage bag and thread hangers through. Consider banding together hangers with a rubber band. Tie off bags at the bottom. When you get to your new space, just hang the bags directly in closets.
• Take out the drawers of your dressers, but leave your clothes intact and place directly in moving truck. 

Misc

• Tape cords, remotes, instruction manuals to the items they go with. 

Have any moving tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!

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