Oz understands that moving is annoying, a key reason why it’s important for us to always have a positive attitude to help our customers deal with the intense stress of the process. In the 21st century, scientists and engineers have not yet created some kind of end-all problem solving gadget that turns moving into a quick and easy process. The Internet has filled the gap, and become a great place to find tons of useful and innovative moving “hacks” creating simple solutions to common moving problems. We reached out to the web’s most enthusiastic “hackers” to share some of their innovative moving tips, and even provided some of our own; hopefully, they can help you with your move.
1. GET STARTED EARLY
You’d be surprised how many things are not essential to your everyday life that you can pack beforehand to reduce the stress of moving.
2. ORGANIZE BOXES FIRST
Staying organized is an easy way to avoid stresses on moving day. Try organizing your boxes by rooms. Use color-coded stickers or just write on the boxes to keep organized. A reference guide of all boxes in the move could help.
3. LABEL WITH LOVE
The best way to label your boxes is use as specific language as possible (ie, “kitchen dishes” or “master bathroom”) on the sides - not the top - so that the labelling can be seen when boxes are stacked.
4. PACK A “FIRST DAY” BOX
Set aside all your essential items, like clothes, toiletries, and medications to be packed together for easy access on your first day. If you’re hiring movers, make sure to pack or set aside items you do not want the team to pack on the packing day as well.
5. ORGANIZE A “GIVEAWAY BOX”
A lot of your belongings may no longer be useful to you, but they could be vital to someone else less fortunate, like blankets or coats. Put these items together and give them away before you move to make your inventory a little smaller.
6. PUT STUFF ASIDE TO SELL
A quick way to make moving easier is to make your inventory smaller. Sell what you can online via Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, and/or Glyde, or try a garage sale. More Oz Tips on Selling Your Unwanted Items
7. USE PLASTIC BINS
Plastic bins make moving easy and convenient, and are great for heavier items. These are more sustainable and can be re-used for in-home storage. (They’re particularly great for kids’ toys.)
8. USE THE ORIGINAL BOX
If you have the box one of your items came in - why not use it? After all, it should be a perfect fit. Keep your old boxes around and save yourself some money and some hassle.
9. USE “TO BE PACKED” POST-ITS
Use post-its on each drawer, cupboard, closet, cabinet, and whatever else is in your home to signal there are things still inside them to pack. Remove the notes as you pack.
(Tip via Marshall Aikman, owner of Amazing Moves)
10. TAKE THE KNOBS OFF
Take the knobs off of dresser drawers and any other items that have removable parts like knobs that can stick out and scratch other items. Put them in a plastic bag or inside of the larger item.
(Tip via Marshall Aikman)
11. DISASSEMBLE IN ADVANCE
Work ahead by disassembling items before moving day so that your crew isn’t bogged down unbolting beds on moving day. Keep all screws and other small parts together by placing them in a sandwich bag and taping it to the furniture to which it belongs.
(Tip via Duck Brand)
12.TAKE PICTURES
It’s hard to remember how things were aligned before your move - pictures will make it easier. Use your phone to take photos of furniture to show their condition before the move - and the alignment of other stuff, like your computer cords - to re-align at your new place.
13. WRAP IT UP
Make dresser drawers into "boxes" by wrapping them in stretch wrap. You won't have to unpack and refold clothes.
(Tip via Marshall Aikman)
14. PUT A SOCK IN IT
Stuff smaller breakable items into your socks. It saves having to use lots of old newspaper and provides a pretty good cushion.
(Tip via Chris Huntley, owner of Huntley Wealth & Insurance Services)
15. EASY LAMP PACKING
For easier packing of lamps, take the bulb and shade off and put the table lamp between sweaters or towels when you pack boxes, eliminating your need for a lamp box.
16. BOX IT IN
Put everything in a box of some sort, even the “small stuff”that you think will just “go in the car.” You never know what might happen to stray items during the move, and no one wants to have to carry them.
(Tip via Janet Nast, author of “Shifting the Business of Life: A Survival Guide for Young Adults”)
17. TAP AN APP
To help you truly organize the chaos of moving day, you can download a free app (like Move Advisor or MyMove) to create checklists and timelines to prepare for moving day.
(Tip via Duck)
18. WRAP IT UP
Saving your holiday wrapping paper? Use tights or pantyhose and slide the roll in the leg to keep it from unraveling. (Tip via Marshall Aikman)
19. STAY CALM, FIDO
Keep your pets closed in the last room you’ll need access to on the day of the move. Pets mostly don’t like changes (like people) and keeping them stress free away from the hectic moving situation is a good idea.
20. HIRE A SITTER
Hire a babysitter or pet-sitter for your kids or pets to save some vital time on moving day; an extra pair of hands will help a lot on such a stressful day.
21. TRAVEL WITH A PET PEN
If you’re driving a long distance with your pets, try using a makeshift “Pet Pen”: A cage with food, water, and carriers inside. Make sure you set this pen up so it’s easily accessible. This way you don’t have to situate your pets in the car with you. More Tips on Moving with Dogs.
(Tip via Dr. Laura Reed of Artistic Cosmetic Solutions)
22. LUGGAGE LOAD-IN
If you decide to fly instead of drive, some airlines will let you check multiple heavy suitcases. Use this to your advantage and load up your luggage with extra stuff to lessen the hassle on your movers. If you fly multiple times, load up and unpack every time!
(Tip via Karen Hoxmeier of MyBargainBuddy)
23. PREP THE HALLS
If you've got the time, prep wall corners and door frames to prevent nicks and scrapes before the big day.
(Tip via Marshall Aikman)
24. PUT THIS TO BED
Make sure to unpack and assemble your bed(s) first; you will definitely want to rest after a tough day of moving and unpacking. Make sure you’re not exhausted by the time you have to move it in.
(Tip via Trish Hoffman, PR at Blitz Group)
25. CLEAR A PATH
Unload boxes into closets first, even if it is temporary. This will help keep walkways clear so you can move the rest of your items in easily.
(Tip via Marshall Aikman)
