From color coding to smart packing tips, these moving hacks are pure genius. Learn how to make moving easier and faster.
Of course, this free printable moving checklist kit is a MUST HAVE. Before trying any of these hacks, you’ll want those printables.
You know who thinks moving is easy? NO ONE, that’s who. Mention that you’re moving and people will gaze at you with pity-filled eyes. It’s been two months since we moved out of state, and we have about 3 more months until we move everything AGAIN. Which means we will have done it twice in under 6 months.
The only way to navigate that without losing your mind is to use these easy moving hacks. They will help make things simpler and reduce the amount of work upfront (and on the unpacking side as well). I can attest that many of these work because we did them ourselves during our first move, and the ones we didn’t try will be tested with our next.
25 Clever Moving Hacks
Let’s just jump into the hacks, shall we? How many of these moving hacks will make you say, “now why didn’t I think of that?!”
1. Seal Drawers
Instead of emptying out your drawers and packing them in boxes, put plastic wrap over the drawers. Make sure the plastic wrap is wrapped around the drawers at least 2-3 times so that things don’t spill out of them.
2. Pad Plates
There is nothing quite as annoying as getting to your destination with broken plates. Place packing paper or paper towels between plates before boxing them to cushion them during the move.
3. Use Disposable Plates And Cups
Pack a first day basket with disposable plates, cups, and cutlery so you can eat without digging out your dishes. You’ll be exhausted after the move! (or order from Amazon Prime and have it waiting for you at your front door like I did.)
4. Fill Nail Holes With Soap
Fill nail holes with bar soap if you’re not handy with spackle. Or use MY FAVORITE 3-in-1 spackle tool that allows you to apply it, spread it, and sand it in one handy bottle!
5. Reuse Toilet Paper Tubes
Use toilet paper tubes to keep wires and cables organized. They are the perfect size and keep all your cords from getting tangled up in the boxes.
6. Seal Toiletries
Put plastic wrap on toiletries under the lid to keep them from spilling during the move—guys, DO THIS! I thought the lids were tight on several bottles and they spilled out and ruined several boxes! Don’t make my mistake!
7. Put The Room Name On The Box
Label boxes with the contents of the box as well as the room it belongs in…or use my printable moving checklists to keep yourself organized.
8. Protect Plates
Pack plates vertically so they’re less likely to break. Make sure you wrap them well! I didn’t know this, but when you stack them horizontally, they are more likely to crack.
9. Pack Clothes On the Hangers
Don’t take clothes off their hangers. Instead, move them in bunches in garbage bags still on the hangers. Easy and way cheaper than wardrobe boxes.
10. Use What You Have
Use all your suitcases and bags to pack clothing and other items in to save money on boxes. It may not seem like much but it can really add up! But don’t stop there—fill every single duffle bag and reusable grocery bag. It’s amazing how much you already own.
11. Pack Appliances In A Basket
Put essential appliances (like your coffee maker) in a laundry basket so you can put them on your counter right away in your new place.
12. Color Code As You Pack
Color code each box according to room so you can identify what needs to go where at a glance. Don’t forget to create a chart that explains what each color is. The less you have to remember, the better. Trust me.
13. Cut Out Handles
This is one of my favorite moving hacks of all because boxes can get super heavy. Take a load off and cut triangles in boxes about 1/3 of the way down to create handles for easy carrying.
14. Change Your Address
Changing your address seems simple enough, but there are lots of places that you need to notify of the change. Use this change of address checklist to simplify things. Don’t you wish this could just happen automatically? Me too.
15. Store Hardware Together
Keep hardware organized in plastic bags. Keep the nuts, bolts, and screws all together with the user manual so you can easily put everything back together when you arrive.
16. Pack The Packing Supplies Last
Keep packing supplies in a basket that you can easily move from room to room. Pack them last because you will probably need those markers and that tape over and over as you find things you forgot.
17. Create A Key
Contain the chaos with a moving room key. This is a color-coded guide that tells you where everything should go. This is also really helpful because you don’t have to sit and bark out orders over and over. Just hand your helpers the key and they will know where things belong.
18. Buy Quality Storage Bins
Invest in storage bins for holiday decor and other items that stay in storage for most of the year. Trust me, do not buy the budget bins. They are more likely to crack and break during the move and then you’ll have to buy more anyway.
19. Use Egg Cartons For Jewelry
Pack jewelry in egg cartons to keep it tangle-free and organized during the move. Then, put this egg carton in another box so that it doesn’t get crushed or spill.
20. Sell Your Stuff
Less stuff means less packing (and unpacking!) Have a yard sale to get rid of things you don’t need. You might just make a few extra dollars.
21. Pack Books In Suitcases
Pack books in suitcases with wheels. You’ll thank me when you don’t have to carry back-breaking boxes full of books.
22. Keep Doors Unlocked
Put a rubber band around the doorknob to prevent it from latching every time you carry a box out the door. I use this hack when I am moving into a house. It’s so much easier to open a door with my hip than to try and finagle that doorknob when my hands are full of boxes.
23. Mark Boxes As Fragile
Remember to mark boxes with breakables as fragile. Whether you’ve hired movers or are doing it yourself, you don’t want someone to be too rough with those boxes.
24. Use Plenty Of Padding
Add some padding to your boxes. Plastic grocery bags are great for cushioning your breakables. Don’t leave room at the top without padding because otherwise they may get crushed.
25. Use IKEA Bags
Buy some IKEA bags! They’re lightweight but tough, so they’re perfect for moving clothes, stuffed animals, blankets, etc., and you can use them for storage when you’re done.
ESSENTIAL TIP: Create a ‘moving day’ basket filled with your important papers, keys, cleaning products, tape, your color-coded list, and anything else you’ll need on moving day and in your new home.
Top 5 Moving Hacks and Tips
This quick video shows you how to organize cords, color-code boxes, create an essential moving crate, and more of our top moving hacks and tips!
Get a FREE Printable Binder to Organize Your Entire Move
This printable binder has everything you need to organize your move from start to finish. Click here to get this free printable moving binder delivered right to your inbox and experience the easiest move ever.
Make your move even easier by shopping the helpful moving supplies below.
These moving hacks may seem little but are HUGE timesavers when it comes to moving. Try them out and let me know which ones worked best. If you’re not moving now, PIN this so you’ll have it handy for when and if you do!
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Elaine Ness says
Clever, practical, easy ideas, Carrie. Thanks!
Karen Simon says
We moved to a different state in April and we’ll be moving into our forever home next spring. This post was very imely for us and we thank you.
Jfred says
Oh, do not pack your plates like that! I did that….and nearly every plate I owned broke! They are more fragile when packed on their side (vertically) than when packed horizontally!! Just wrap each plate well in newsprint, and stack them as you would in your cabinet. I’ve moved 7 times since that error in plate packing, and have lost ZERO plates (in a move) since!
Patti says
Thank you so much for that I have tons of China to pack. Your comment is timely to find!
Elaine Briggs says
I give my friends and family “care packages” as housewarming gifts when they move. I tell them to keep the package in an easily-accessed place because it’s stuff they may want to use right away. These packages consist of sample/trial sizes of laundry detergent, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, toiletries, a few inexpensive towels (thrift stores and yard sales are great for this, and the towels can later be used as cleaning rags), and some non-perishable snacks. The snacks are great for long drives, or to quiet hungry kids (or both). And after a busy day of loading and/or unloading stuff, a hot shower or bath is wonderful — but they may be too tired to hunt for the bath supplies. I’ve gotten a great many positive responses to these care packages, ranging from a simple “Thanks” to “OMG, you saved the day!!”
Carrie Higgins says
That is such a generous thing for you to do! Love this idea!
Kris says
I hate to move, but with the right ways it makes it easier. I use my broom handle over the top of a large deep box to move my clothing. Already hanging it is easy to raise the broom handle and rehang the clothes. No more mixed up hangers. Put duct tape over the top of the box to strengthen it.
Also for kitchen and bath cabinet drawers I use boot boxes, just dump the contents of each drawer, label and then just dump back into the respective drawers in your new place. Easy peasy.
I think the best storage containers are cardboard file drawers, legal size, They stack easily then when you need to get to your things, just pull out the drawer. No more unstacking boxes to get to the bottom box. Finished just put the drawer back in.
Mimi says
Gosh, I wish I would have known about those cardboard file drawer boxes before today!!!
Using the old standard moving box and having to keep moving stacked boxes around just to find X– wastes so much time and energy. I googled them and see that Staples carries the cardboard file drawer boxes.
I’m definitely going to invest in those!!! One thing- I have done in the past is : take pictures of my kids’ bedrooms before they are packed up so if they wish to recreate the same room in the new house– they can. Another thing- I have done is try to do all the goodbyes and get togethers 2 weeks prior to the movers coming, this helps me enjoy the goodbyes and have better focus when the movers have arrived.
Nikki says
We are frequent movers and We do a lot of these great ideas. I do agree about the dishes, though… vertical packing has not worked well for me. I am a huge IKEA bag horder and use them for everything!! They are great for clothes, linens, stuffed animals, couch cushions, shoes, etc. I also do the books in suitcases every time and it’s much easier! Great post!!
Michele says
I agree NEVER pack your dishes on their sides this is for mirrors only. Love the other tips=)
Krista says
Another suggestion for padding plates– Styrofoam plates. They work great and are the right shape!
Carrie Higgins says
That is BRILLIANT!
Michele Pace says
They are the best no doubt! If you run out of just run to dollar tree or Dollar General and woo- la your good. =) I also use the styrofoam bowls to do my bowls as well and I haven’t had any issues yet. In a pinch you can use the plates to separate mugs. Great moving advice Carrie! <3
Caroline says
Another suggestion is bubble wrap.
Gerri says
Dollar store sells vacuum bags for hanging clothes. Much less space than garbage bags and no worry of the clothes getting dirty on the open end of the bag!
Brittany says
That’s what I do!! Only$1 at dollar tree.
Debbie says
I always use garbage bags to move my hanging clothes but instead of poking a hole in the bottom for the hangers I slip the clothes in the bag and loop the top handles around the hangers. This way the clothes are protected on the bottom, nothing falls out if it slips off the hanger and the bags can be used again as there is no hole in the bottom.
Cheryl says
Marshall’s Home Goods shopping bags are a great alternative if you don’t have IKEA nearby.
Joi says
I have moved several times in the past 6 years, we are finally purchasing our first home in February YAY!! I use all my extra towels for my plates, vases and other glass items, so much better than newspaper. For glasses I used brown paper lunch bags, glasses fit perfectly and no black residue on your hands afterwards, it’s only $2 for a bag of 100.
Antoine Garrison says
There are many problems when we are moving. Packing is a major problem when we have to move. Was searching for information about packing and moving and i get the your blog. I read your blog and i get the best ideas for moving. Thanks for sharing the great information. Good Luck!
Heidi says
Put styrofoam disposable plates in between your glass plates then wrap with paper as usual you won’t have any breakage and I agree don’t put them on the side I did that myself and broke nearly everyone I owned just laying flat like you normally would use disposable grocery bags to fill in gaps and spaces the less room they have to move the less chance of breakage
Camila Hughes says
One of the most, keep all your moving day essentials in an overnight bag. It’ll prevent having to sift through boxes to find your laptop, toiletries, clothes, and medications!
Anita says
I have everyone in the house pack a weekend bag. That way everyone has their change if clothes, toiletries, phone charher. No running around confusion asking mommy where is my “blank”.
I also use the laundry basket idea too. I put my coffee pot, coffee, creamer, paper cups plates plastic utensils, snack, water or juice, most important my sheets.TP, soap. I put this in my car I’m riding in. This way 1st thing to do is set up your bed you already have sheets nearby and your overnight bag
That covers must haves and trust me after moving it gets down to just the bed and necessities is all you care about your so tired.
Cara Queen says
Great Ideas. I like it. I am use your ideas in my home moving. Thanks!
Samantha says
Thank you so very much for this!! I feel so much lighter now!
Carmen says
That’s great to hear!