Being that we’re in the business of moving, we’ve seen it all when it comes to moving tips. Good moving tips, bad moving tips, and tips that are downright weird. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that weird isn’t so bad. Check out these 11 quirky moving tips and prepare to have your mind blown by packing hacks you have never heard of.
Use your shoes as storage
Trust us: it’s not as gross as it sounds. Your shoes provide you with an opportunity to stow away small items and miscellaneous knick knacks. What’s the point of paying for boxes and packing tape for items that are already being packed away on their own? Now, we know what you may be thinking: Ugh, but my shoes smell. If that’s the case, ya know what we have to say? Sounds like a personal problem… that could easily be solved with a little baking soda.
Whip out your socks
Speaking of footwear, you can use your socks to pad glasses and stemware. You’ve got to keep those precious wine glasses safe, after all. And this should go without saying, but make sure those socks are clean.
Plastic bins are your new BFFs
You may be using plastic containers as storage in your home, but you can use them for moving as well. Bonus! Use clear plastic bins to pack the items you need first. Because they’re clear, you can easily see what is inside them and access them immediately after the move.
A picture is worth a thousand words
…Or worth saving a thousand headaches, at least. Take pics of what cords go where when you’re dissembling electronics. It’s always hard to remember exactly what cords each device uses and where exactly they should be plugged in. Having pictures to refer to make that a lot easier.
Ditch the bubble wrap on dishes
Skip the expensive bubble wrap and specialty moving boxes to pack your dishes. Instead, save major money by purchasing Styrofoam plates and alternately stacking your dishes as follows: real plate, then Styrofoam plate, then real plate, and so on.
Use luggage
You may not be flying the friendly skies, but luggage comes in handy for moving as well. Pack heavy stuff like books, canned goods, and cumbersome odd and ends within rolling luggage. This quirky moving hack will make it easier to transport heavy items since you can just wheel them around!
All containers matter
Save big on boxes and tape by using laundry bins, baskets, and suitcases as boxes. Viola! Luggage comes in handy again, and that laundry bin becomes a little less disdainful.
Saran wrap to the rescue
Looking for a way to get rid of those food storage items that are clogging up your cabinets? Look no further. Use Saran Wrap to cover toiletries like fragrances, shampoos, and lotions. This will prevent toiletries from leaking everywhere — and potentially ruining other belongings in the process.
Prepare to Press’n Seal
Kitchen items come to save the day once again. Press’n Seal will become your best friend when it comes to packing your drawers. Most people know about packing your closet into boxes right on the hanger, but many people don’t realize that they can save valuable time and energy when it comes to their drawers as well. Put your clothing in Press’n Seal bags before taping up your drawers. This way, you don’t have to empty your drawers out — and can save tons of time skipping the need to refold everything when it’s time to unpack.
Sandwich bags are for more than sandwiches
If you thought we were done with kitchen items, think again. Sandwich bags are perfect for storing small parts that could be easily lost during the move, like screws for curtain rods, disassembled furniture bolts, and TVs. Place these miscellaneous screws, nuts, and bolts in a sandwich bag, then clearly label what’s in each bag in order to make your life a whole lot easier.
Save the TV for last
It’s so easy to zonk out after a long day of moving, and having the TV on makes it even more tempting. As you’re getting to the end of your unpacking, unpack your TV last. Not only will the distractions be less, it’ll be that much more gratifying when you can finally hit the hay while falling asleep to your favorite TV show.
Number boxes instead of labeling them
No one ever wants to think about what could happen if their boxes were lost or stolen. Here’s where this unique moving hack comes in handy. Instead of labeling boxes with labels like ‘fine China,’ ‘jewelry,’ or ‘video game consoles,’ try numbering your boxes instead. This way, you can jot down the corresponding numbers in a notepad or note on your phone — and nosy/opportunistic people will be none the wiser. Hiring a reputable moving company will also help you feel a sense of peace of mind that your valuable items are protected. Peace of mind is priceless.
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful — and neither does packing. With the help of these quirky tips, preparing to leave your old place behind will become a little bit easier. And if you need a little help moving to your new home, we’re always happy to help. Give us a call at 715.410.4054 to discuss how Daymakers can make your day.
