10 Time and Space-Saving Hacks for a Stress-Free Move
Moving can be an overwhelming process, but with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re relocating to a new apartment down the road, downsizing, or even moving across the country, these tried-and-true hacks will help you save time, maximize space, and make your move as smooth as possible.
1. Declutter Before You Pack
Now this one may sound obvious, but it could be one of the hardest things to do. Packing is easier (and cheaper!) when you have less stuff. Before you start boxing up your belongings, take the time to declutter. Use the “four-box method”: sort everything into keep, donate, sell, or trash. Not only will this save you time during the move, but it will also help you start fresh in your new space. Many movers charge by weight or volume, this is a great way to start getting ready and organized for your upcoming move.
Read Here: How to Find Cheap Packing Materials
2. Pack an Essentials Box
Avoid the frantic search for your toothbrush or phone charger by packing an essentials box. Include items like clothes, toiletries, medications, and chargers that you’ll need for the first few days in your new home. Think of it as your “survival kit.” The average move will have anywhere between 40-80 boxes. Imagine trying to find that one item you need and needing to dig through 80 boxes to find it.
Read Here: Is Self-Packing for a move worth it?
3. Use Vacuum Sealed Bags
Bulky items like clothes, blankets, and pillows can take up a lot of room. Vacuum-sealed bags are a game-changer—they compress these items, freeing up valuable space. Plus, they’re reusable for storage later! You can double and sometimes triple the amount of clothes and linens you can get into a box with this strategy.
4. Label Boxes by Room and Priority
Skip the guessing game when unpacking by clearly labeling your boxes. Use color-coded stickers or markers to identify the room each box belongs to. Add a priority number so you know which boxes to unpack first. Many movers use color-coded stickers already to keep things organized for themselves but this may not be the way you would like to organize your own things.
Read Here: Packing Boxes for an Overseas Move
5. Pack Heavy Items in Suitcases
Books and other heavy items are easier to transport when packed in rolling suitcases. Not only does this save your back, but it also makes efficient use of your luggage. Similar to number 2, you can use suitcases to pack essentials that you will need right away since they will be easier to find once you get to your new home.
6. Disassemble Furniture Strategically
When taking apart furniture, store screws, bolts, and small hardware in labeled plastic bags. Tape these bags to the corresponding furniture pieces to avoid losing them. This simple step can save you hours of frustration during reassembly. This is also something many movers do for you but can be a great way to speed up the process if you find yourself with extra time before moving day.
Read Here: 9 Tips for Moving Day Preparation
7. Pack by Categories, Not Rooms
Packing by category instead of room can streamline your unpacking process. For instance, box up all books together, regardless of where they are in your home. This method keeps similar items organized and easier to find later. It is also recommended to gather items together in your house so that way when movers arrive, they can pack these items together for you so you know where everything is going.
Read Here: How to Pack for a Small Move
8. Maximize Empty Spaces
Think outside the box, literally! Use empty spaces like drawers, hampers, and bins to store smaller items. This maximizes your packing efficiency and reduces the number of boxes you’ll need. Now keep in mind you don’t want to overload your furniture as that can cause unwanted damage while your items are in transit. It’s best to use dressers and cabinet drawers for light items instead of putting heavy things inside.
Read Here: Tips to pick the best moving company
9. Schedule Utility Transfers Early
Moving day is stressful enough without arriving at your new place to find no electricity or Wi-Fi. Schedule utility transfers well in advance to ensure everything is up and running when you move in.
10. Digitize Paperwork
Now this idea may add a bit of work but can be a huge benefit down the road. Piles of paperwork can add unnecessary clutter to your move. Scan important documents like leases, contracts, and identification, and store them securely in the cloud or physical hard drive. This not only saves space but also ensures they’re safe and easily accessible. Another big benefit of this is reducing overall weight on your move. Boxes of papers and documents can significantly increase the total weight of your move which will cost you more money!
Know More Here: How to cope with the stress of moving
Wrapping Up
Moving doesn’t have to be a chaotic, stressful experience. By implementing these 10 hacks, you can save time, maximize space, and set yourself up for a smoother transition. Whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, these tips will help you save money, and stay organized and efficient. We hope that these 10 Time and Space-Saving Hacks will help you organize your upcoming move more efficiently.
International Van Lines (IVL):
The World’s Premier Long-Distance Moving Company
Whether you’re moving to the other side of the street or the other side of the planet, we deliver a smooth, predictable, and stress-free moving experience. Believe us when we say: you’ll never regret choosing IVL. We guarantee that your personal possessions will arrive on time, on budget, and in pristine condition.
Based in Coral Springs, Florida, but now serving over 180 different countries worldwide, IVL’s reputation for excellence continues to grow. Over the past 25 years, we’ve mastered every aspect of full-service door-to-door relocation. No other local, long-distance, or international mover does it better.
IVL relies on the following transport methods: air freight, ocean freight, and our enormous and growing fleet of high-end moving vans and trucks. We also offer our customers a wide variety of storage services (see below), so whatever your plans may be upon arrival at your new home, we’ve got you covered.
Is IVL Fully Licensed?
Yes. Per requirements of the federal government regarding proper licensing, IVL is licensed by DOT, FMC and AMSA (the latter having been recently absorbed by ATA).
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