Moving—it’s a universal experience that no one can avoid. Whether you’re upgrading to a larger home, moving for a new job, or just shifting to a new city, the process of packing up your entire life can feel overwhelming. Boxes everywhere, fragile items at risk, and the stress of ensuring everything arrives at your new place safely and in one piece. But don’t fret! With the right packing strategies, you can turn this chaotic experience into a manageable task—and dare we say, even enjoyable!
We’ve compiled the best packing hacks to help you tackle the challenge and make your move as stress-free as possible. From clever ways to organize your belongings to genius tips for saving space, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s grab those boxes and start packing smart, not hard!
1. Start Early—The Early Bird Gets the Smooth Move
Packing always seems like a task you can put off, but trust us—starting early is one of the most important packing hacks to reduce stress. Begin a few weeks before your move date to avoid last-minute panic. If you’re moving in a hurry, even an extra day or two of prep can make a big difference.
Pro Tip: Start by packing up non-essential items like books, off-season clothing, and décor. Save the items you use daily for last. It’s also a good idea to pack one room at a time—this keeps you organized and avoids a scattered, chaotic packing process.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
Before you even think about packing, take the time to declutter your home. Moving is the perfect opportunity to say goodbye to things you no longer need or use. Plus, it will make packing easier and lighter.
Pro Tip: Go through every room and set aside things that are broken, outgrown, or unused. If something hasn’t been touched in the last year, it’s time to part with it. Donate gently used items, sell what you can, and recycle or toss the rest. Less stuff means less packing—and less stress on moving day!
3. Use the ‘Boxes Within Boxes’ Method
One of the most genius packing hacks is to use the “boxes within boxes” method. This allows you to pack multiple small boxes into one large box for easier transportation.
How it works:
- Begin by packing small boxes (think kitchen items, books, or office supplies) and then nestle these inside a larger box.
- Make sure to pack them tightly to avoid shifting during the move. Use packing paper or bubble wrap to fill gaps.
Not only does this help reduce the number of boxes you need, but it also minimizes space wastage during transportation.
Bonus Tip: Label the larger box with the contents of the smaller boxes inside to stay organized and avoid confusion.
4. Pack Clothes in Their Drawers—It’s Like a Magic Trick
One of the most time-consuming parts of moving is packing clothes. But here’s a game-changing hack: Leave clothes in drawers and simply wrap them up in plastic wrap!
How to use it:
- For light clothes like t-shirts, sweaters, or socks, leave them in your dresser drawers.
- Use plastic wrap to seal the drawers shut so that clothes don’t fall out during the move.
This not only saves you time packing and unpacking clothes but also keeps things organized and prevents wrinkling. Simply slide the drawers straight into your moving truck or car and unload them at the other end—easy peasy!
5. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items
You have suitcases, right? Well, they’re perfect for packing heavy or fragile items. Instead of overloading boxes with heavy books or items that could easily break, use your luggage or travel bags to transport them.
Pro Tip: Pack heavy items like books, tools, and kitchen supplies in your suitcase (but be mindful of the weight). The wheels make transporting them a breeze, and the hard shell of the suitcase offers extra protection for fragile items. Just remember to secure everything tightly inside, and you’re good to go!
6. Wrap Clothes Around Fragile Items
Packing fragile items like glassware, ceramics, or electronics can be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the move. But here’s a genius hack: Use clothes as padding!
How to use it:
- Instead of using tons of bubble wrap or packing peanuts, wrap your delicate items in t-shirts, towels, or even socks.
- The fabric will absorb shock, keep your breakables safe, and prevent them from getting scratched or damaged.
Not only does this save you money on packing materials, but it’s also an eco-friendly choice. Plus, your fragile items will smell great with all those fresh clothes around them!
7. Label Everything (And We Mean EVERYTHING)
One of the best packing hacks we can offer is labeling your boxes clearly and efficiently. While it might seem like a tedious task, it will save you so much time and frustration when you’re unpacking at your new place.
Pro Tip: Color-code your boxes based on the room they belong to (use colored tape, markers, or stickers). Label each box with both the room it’s going to (e.g., “Kitchen”) and a quick description of what’s inside (e.g., “plates, cups, utensils”).
Not only will you know exactly where each box goes, but you can also prioritize what to unpack first based on necessity—keeping your kitchen box or toiletries box at the top of the pile will make settling in much easier!
8. Pack an “Essentials” Box for the First Day
Moving into a new place can be a whirlwind of chaos. To make sure your first night goes smoothly, pack an “essentials box” that contains everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours in your new apartment.
What to include:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
- Medications
- A change of clothes (for the next day)
- Phone charger
- Snacks and bottled water
- Paper plates, cups, and utensils
- A few cleaning supplies (all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, etc.)
By packing these items separately, you won’t have to rummage through every box to find what you need when you first arrive at your new place.
9. Use Pool Noodles for Extra Fragile Protection
Pool noodles are not just for summer fun—they’re also perfect for protecting your furniture during the move! Instead of using bubble wrap for sharp edges or corners, use pool noodles to cushion them.
How to use it:
- Cut pool noodles into small pieces and slip them over the sharp corners of your furniture, like coffee tables, desks, or dressers.
- For long pieces like mirrors or pictures, simply cut the noodles lengthwise and tape them to the edges for extra protection.
This trick is simple, cheap, and can save your furniture from unnecessary scratches or dents.
10. Use Egg Cartons for Small Breakables
Egg cartons, believe it or not, are excellent for packing small fragile items like jewelry, ornaments, or small kitchenware.
How to use it:
- Carefully place your delicate items in each egg compartment. The carton will keep them separated and cushioned during the move.
- You can also label each compartment to stay organized, and it’s easy to pack the carton in a box or bag once everything is secure.
It’s an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to repurpose materials you already have while keeping your small items protected!
11. Protect Your Mattress with a Plastic Cover
Your mattress is one of the largest (and most expensive) items to move, so protect it properly during transit. A plastic mattress cover will keep it clean and safe from dirt, moisture, and potential damage.
Pro Tip: Mattress bags are sold at most moving stores, but if you don’t want to spend money on a fancy cover, you can easily use a large trash bag or plastic sheeting to wrap it up. Just ensure the cover is secure enough to prevent dirt from getting inside.
12. Keep All Your Cables in One Place (Use a Shoe Organizer!)
Cords and cables are the ultimate packing nightmare—chargers, electronics, and extension cords can easily get tangled and lost during the move. To keep them organized, use a shoe organizer!
How to use it:
- Use the pockets of a hanging shoe organizer to store all your cables and small electronics.
- Label the pockets for each item to avoid confusion, or simply keep similar cables together (e.g., “computer cables,” “TV cords”).
This hack keeps everything in one spot and prevents those cords from getting tangled up in your other items!
13. Move in Phases: Don’t Try to Pack Everything at Once
Moving can feel like one giant, never-ending task if you try to do it all in one go. Instead, break the process into manageable phases.
Pro Tip: Dedicate each day to packing one room or section of your home. For example:
- Day 1: Pack books and media
- Day 2: Pack kitchen items
- Day 3: Pack clothing and personal items
This method prevents you from feeling overwhelmed and allows you to check off small victories along the way.
Embrace the Chaos
Moving doesn’t have to be the stress-filled, chaotic experience that it’s often made out to be. By following these packing hacks and starting the process early, you’ll find yourself managing the move with more ease and less panic.
Remember, it’s okay to feel a bit overwhelmed at first—but with these strategies in your back pocket, you’ll have your belongings packed, moved, and settled into your new home before you know it. Now, go forth and move like a pro!
