Moving for the first time can feel overwhelming. If you’ve never done it before, you might not know where to start or what to expect. But don’t stress — with the right tips, the whole process can go a lot smoother than you’d think.
Getting advice from people who’ve already moved can really help. The tips below are perfect for beginners and can make packing quicker and help you stay more organized throughout the move.
The main goal when you’re preparing to move is to make things as simple and stress-free as possible. That’s where a few clever moving hacks can save the day. They’ll help you stay calm and keep everything on track from beginning to end.
Use Garbage Bags to Pack Clothes Quickly
Packing clothes doesn’t have to be a hassle. Instead of taking clothes off the hangers, just bunch a few together and pull a large garbage bag over them. Then tie the bag at the top, right around the hangers. This way, your clothes stay neat and are super easy to carry.
Most people don’t realize how useful garbage bags can be when moving. They’re not just for clothes — you can use them to pack lots of lightweight stuff too. So stock up on them — you’ll be surprised how often they’ll come in handy during the move.
Use Styrofoam Plates to Keep Glass Plates Safe
Wrapping each glass plate one at a time takes a lot of time. A faster and easier way is to stack your glass plates with a Styrofoam plate in between each one. The Styrofoam acts like a cushion, so the glass plates don’t bump into each other or get scratched.
This simple hack helps protect your dishes from breaking during the move — and it saves you a bunch of time too.
Use Cotton Balls to Keep Makeup from Breaking
Makeup can be tricky to pack because it’s so easy to break, especially powders and compacts. A simple way to protect them is by placing a few cotton balls inside before closing the lid. The cotton adds a soft layer that helps keep the makeup from cracking if it gets jostled during the move.
It’s a quick and easy trick that can save your makeup from getting ruined.
Take a Photo of Your Electronics Before Unplugging Them
All those wires behind your TV or computer can get confusing when it’s time to set everything up again. To make things easier, take a picture of how everything’s connected before you unplug anything. That photo will help you remember where each wire goes when you’re setting it all back up in your new place.
It’s a simple trick that can save you a lot of hassle later.
Use Socks to Protect Glasses While Packing
Wrapping each glass in paper takes time. A quicker and smarter way is to slide your glasses into socks. The soft fabric cushions them and helps prevent cracks or breaks during the move. If you’re worried about using worn socks, you can always buy a cheap pack of new ones — they work great and keep things clean.
Use Plastic Wrap to Keep Drawer Items in Place
Emptying out your drawers just to repack them later is extra work you don’t need. Instead, leave everything inside and cover the drawer with plastic wrap. It holds your stuff in place so nothing falls out or shifts around during the move. This saves you time both when packing and unpacking.
Use Sandwich Bags to Organize Small Parts
Small items like screws, bolts and nails are easy to lose when you’re moving. A simple fix is to toss them into sandwich bags. Label each bag with the name of the furniture or item they belong to so you’re not guessing later. You can also use these bags for cords — just put the cord inside and tape the bag to the device it goes with. It’s an easy way to keep track of everything.
Color-Code Your Boxes for Each Room
Moving can get messy fast but color-coding your boxes helps keep it all under control. Use a different color for each room and mark the boxes clearly. That way, when you’re unpacking, you’ll know exactly where each box belongs — saving time and keeping things simple.
Use Egg Cartons to Pack Jewelry
Packing jewelry can be a bit of a headache but there’s a super easy solution — use an empty egg carton. The little compartments are just the right size for rings, earrings and other small pieces. Drop your jewelry in, close the lid and tape it shut to keep everything in place. It’s a smart, low-cost way to keep your jewelry safe and tangle-free while moving.
Put Heavy Items in Rolling Suitcases
Carrying heavy stuff can wear you out fast. That’s why it’s a good idea to pack things like books, pots or small weights into rolling suitcases instead of boxes. The wheels make it much easier to move them around. Just double-check that the suitcase is strong enough to hold the weight — not all of them are made for heavy-duty use. A sturdy suitcase with wheels can really take the pressure off your back.
A Few Moving Tips Can Make a Big Difference
Using these simple moving tricks can really cut down on stress and save you a lot of time. Whether you’re moving locally, across the country or even to another country, some kind of help is always useful. That help might come from guides like this, a moving company or even just friends and family pitching in.
If it’s your first move, try not to get overwhelmed. With a little planning and the right tips, moving can be a lot smoother and easier than you might expect.
