Moving can seem like a pretty easy task on the surface: put your stuff into boxes and bring them to the new place. However, it’s very rarely that straightforward. To make your move as painless as possible, check out the top moving hacks you should consider.
Start Early
In the months and weeks before your big move, make a list of things you can pack up immediately. If you’re moving in the summer, you can start by packing away your winter attire or vice versa. Anything you have that’s not for the current season is quick and easy to pack and set aside. You can also begin to pack up kitchen stuff and stick to the bare essentials. Box up most of your utensils and dishes, and leave yourself just enough to get by. Pack away your valuables early but make sure to note which box they’re in—the last thing you want is to be scrambling to find your favorite watch on move-out day.
Get a Truck
If you need to move a lot of stuff very quickly, consider a pickup truck as your next vehicle. Pickup trucks can store a massive amount of stuff in the bed, and you can also equip most with covers to keep the elements out. Of all the top moving hacks you should consider, this is the one that can really streamline the whole process. If you’re moving things around in a smaller car, you’ll end up wasting a lot of time and energy hauling small loads back and forth.
Get Rid of Stuff
This process can be tricky. We all have things that we just can’t bear to give up because of their sentimental value. Looking beyond that, take inventory of what you have that’s essential and non-essential. If you’re holding on to a beat-up old toy or a way-too-small shirt, it might be time to consider whether these things are worth keeping. You probably have a dozen or more donation centers in your area, depending on where you live, and they’re always happy to accept donations.
Use the Hanger-and-Trash-Bag Method
Packing clothes used to be one of the most difficult steps in the moving process. You can’t keep them all in your drawers because then the drawers are too heavy. A super creative and easy way to remedy this is by using the hanger-and-trash-bag method. First, cut a hole in the bottom of a trash bag big enough for a bunch of hanger hooks to go through. Tie a rubber band around as many hangers as you can, and then put the hooks through the bottom of the bag. Tie the bag up, and you’re ready to move them! You can repeat this process for your entire closet.
Moving takes a long time, even if it’s the tenth time you’ve done it, but there are ways to speed up the process and make it a little easier. If you start early by getting the small things out of the way, dispose of unwanted items, get some garbage bags, and get yourself a truck, you can cut down on a lot of unnecessary stress during this already stressful time.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
