Let’s face it: moving is a hassle. Packing, in particular, can feel like a special kind of torture, but it has to be done. So, with that in mind, below you’ll find a slew of genius packing hacks to make your life easier both during and after your move.
- Request gently used boxes from your local grocery store or big-box retailer – they’ll usually provide them for free as long as you pick them up and transport them yourself!
- Utilize all of your laundry baskets, trash cans and suitcases as boxes, too. Secure plastic wrap over openings to better contain packed items.
- Don’t remove your clothes from their hangers; simply lift a trash bag over them while they’re still hanging and fasten it at the top.
- If you don’t want to shell out cash for store-bought bubble wrap, use clothing and bedding to wrap and protect fragile items.
- Put glasses and stemware inside clean socks for extra security, then nestle them into soft packing materials.
- When you disassemble furniture, put all the screws and fasteners into a plastic bag, then use painter’s tape to tape the bag to the underside of the furniture. Once it’s time to reassemble, you’ll know exactly where everything is.
- Label both the tops and sides of your boxes so you know what’s inside even when you can’t see the top.
- Use plastic wrap so that you can leave items in the container they’re in, like your silverware organizer or dresser drawers.
- You can also use plastic wrap on refrigerators, washers or dryers you’re taking with you so the doors won’t open in transit.
- Put dangerous objects like knives inside oven mitts for safe transport.
- Pack smaller kitchen items, like spices, inside pots and pans.
- Take a photo of the back of your television and other electronic devices so you’ll know which wires fit where in your new home.
- Loop cords and wires through empty paper towel holders to avoid tangles once packed.
- If you’ll be making lots of trips in and out of the house, use rubber bands keep the door from locking. String one side around the inside doorknob and stretch it over the lock to fasten it on the outside doorknob.
- You can also use rubber bands to keep pots and lids together so you won’t lose track of their mates.
- Use egg cartons to pack jewelry without the fear of tangles or damage.
- Stack dinner plates vertically, as you might do on a dish rack, and place Styrofoam plates in between to prevent breaks.
- Prevent spills of toiletries or cleaning products by placing a piece of plastic wrap over the opening and then screwing the cap into place over top of it.
- Add a cotton ball to the inside of makeup compacts to prevent cracking.
- Make your own moving boxes by using a box cutter to cut handles into your boxes exactly where they’re most comfortable for you.
Moving may be a hassle, but it’s necessary at times. When you find yourself needing to prepare for your next move, use these hacks to level-up your packing game.
Image via Unsplash/Bench Accounting
