Packing Tips and Tricks
Our comprehensive guide of packing tips and tricks for your next move!
Before You Move
- If possible, clean the bathroom and kitchen in your new place before you move in.
- Designate a donate pile for all clothing and items that you don’t want to take with you, then schedule a pickup with the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Don’t forget to ask for a receipt to claim your donations as a tax deduction!
- Measure all your furniture. If a piece of furniture can’t fit in your new home, donate or sell it!
- For the 2-3 weeks leading up to your moving day, plan your meals around whatever frozen food, perishable items, or half open containers that you have around the kitchen. You can also donate your unopened nonperishable items to a local food bank!
Save Time and Money When Packing
- Ask local retailers and businesses for their gently used boxes.
- While your clothes are still hanging in the closet, put them inside a trash bag to make unpacking simpler. Use laundry baskets, trash bins, and suitcases as boxes.
- Instead of bubble wrap, protect your dishes and fragile items with clothing and linens.
- Place glasses inside clean socks for extra padding.
- Write the contents of each box on the box, or on an inventory list.
- Label the sides of boxes so you can read the labels even when the boxes are stacked.
- Unpack your boxes by room to prevent constant back and forth trips around the house, especially if you have stairs!
BONUS Packing Hacks
- Snap a picture of the back of your TV and other electronic devices before packing them up. That way, you know exactly which wires go where when you’re setting up in the new place!
- Put knives inside an old oven mitt to prevent injuries.
- String electronic wires through paper towel rolls to avoid tangled messes.
- Put jewelry in egg cartons to keep your necklaces from knotting and tangling.
- Place a cotton ball in makeup compacts to keep them from breaking. Use rubber bands to keep pots and lids together.
- Stack plates vertically to prevent them from breaking and put a styrofoam plate between plates for extra protection.
- To keep toiletries from leaking during transit, put a piece of plastic wrap over the opening, then screw on the cap.
When you’re ready for your next move, we’re ready to help you sell or buy your next home! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477
