16 Ways to Make Your Move Stress-Free

Whether you’re going across country or just across the street, any move is bound to be met with some level of dread. But it doesn’t have to be a completely hectic experience; in fact, we’ve got the perfect tips to make it as easy for you as possible. Read on to find out our 16 moving tips and tricks to make your move stress-free — and we promise none of them include a back brace.

Moving Tips and Tricks

1. You should spring clean regardless of season.

No matter what time of year it is, engage in some spring cleaning. Downsize your belongings: duplicates and outdated possessions can easily pile up, especially if you’ve moved in with your partner, gotten married or had kids in your current home.

2. Organize the things you don’t want.

While purging, organize things into piles according to whether you want to donate, sell or throw them away. If you have large items like furniture to donate, most Goodwills will make a house call to pick it up for you.

3. Pack a “first night” box or bag.

Just like packing an overnight bag for a flight in case your luggage is lost, you should do the same when you’re moving. Include clothes, pajamas, toiletries, towels and other necessities you don’t want to forget like toilet paper and soap.

4. Keep a variety of box sizes on hand.

By doing so, you’ll be able to safely fit your belongings into the correct size and won’t have to worry about breakables like plates smashing in a large box. Also stock up on a few extra pairs of scissors, box cutters, markers and packing tape – they are very easy to lose in the mess of moving.

5. Label ziploc bags containing screws for specific pieces of furniture.

It may be tempting to quickly throw all those pieces of hardware into one large bag, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re reassembling everything at your new place.

6. Wrap breakables in towels.

You’ll save money on bubble wrap, and also save space by combining towels and dishes in one box.

7. Label boxes with corresponding room and contents.

This is a pretty basic one, but be specific when labelling contents. You don’t want to rifle through ten boxes labeled “dishes” when looking for just a few dinner plates.

8. Plastic wrap your dresser drawers.

Purchase a heavy duty roll of plastic wrap for your dresser drawers. Not only will this save you time unpacking a repacking your dresser contents, it will also make the furniture itself a lighter load to carry.

9. Pack your books in roller luggage.

Don’t risk hurting your back by carrying boxes full of books. Make good use of your luggage by simply rolling them in and out of the moving van.

10. Photograph your electronics’ plugs.

Remember which plug goes where, rather than wasting time trying to figure things out. Just like your furniture screws, also be sure to label baggies when storing the plugs so you don’t mix up your computer monitor plugs with your Blu Ray player’s.

11. Fill nail holes in the wall.

This one is especially important if you’re renting to ensure you get that security deposit back. If you’re selling your house, it’s also a nice courtesy for the next homeowner. You can easily find the supplies you need to do this at your local hardware store.

12. Remember to change your address with the post office.

You can choose what date you want your mail to start being forwarded when you change your address through the USPS website, so go online a few weeks in advance of your move. You’ll have plenty of other things to worry about once you move into your new place.

13. Also send moving announcements.

Everyone loves receiving mail, so send your friends, family and colleagues a moving announcement so they can update their address books. Make it extra special by including a photo of yourself in front of your new house.

14. Finish off any perishables left in your refrigerator.

You definitely don’t want any funny smells lingering on move-in day, so get creative with your cooking skills to get rid of the last of your veggies and other perishables. Plus, the sooner you finish them, the sooner you can treat yourself to some tasty takeout — guilt-free.

15. Defrost your refrigerator in advance.

You only need to do this if you’re moving your appliances. Be sure to give yourself a few days so the refrigerate fully defrosts. If you need to expedite the process, simply place a pan of hot water in the freezer after you unplug it.

16. Use different colored duct tape on boxes that you want to unpack first.

This quick trick will help you prioritize unpacking over the first few days. Make it even more fun by experimenting with bright colors and patterns (including mustaches and zebra print).
Moving doesn’t have to be a total burden, and can actually be empowering when you do it right. Our 16 moving tips and tricks will help turn your next move into the exciting adventure it’s meant to be.
What moving tips and tricks do you have ? Share in the comments below.