With well over 2,000 miles from one side of the country to another, it’s easy to see why moving can become a huge cause of stress in your life. From figuring out the logistics of getting your things moved to where you’ll live, there’s a lot you’ll have to figure out. While the task is undoubtedly a lot of work, the moving hacks below can help make it a little bit easier.
1. Stop Buying Groceries
Perishable foods, such as those in the freezer or refrigerator, cannot be moved across the country. While you can take packaged non-perishable foods with you, these can be heavy and take up a lot of added space in the moving truck. For these reasons, it’s best to make a plan months ahead of time to clear your pantry, fridge, and freezer out.
2. Stop Folding Your Clothes
When it comes to packing clothes that are hanging up, don’t take them down. Instead, use a rubber band to hold several hangers (with clothes) together. Then, cut a hole in the bottom of a trash bag and place it over the top of the hangers. Tie at the bottom and then place inside of a wardrobe box to finish.
3. Make Your Own Space Bags
Another great hack for packing clothes is to place those that are folded into a trash bag. Then, push all the air out of the bag until it’s flat and tie the end tight enough to block out any incoming air. This technique will save space inside of boxes and help prevent your clothes from wrinkling.
4. Wrap Breakables in Towels
Save money on packing supplies by using towels to wrap breakable items around your home. This works with vases, picture frames, candle holders, lamps, and just about anything else you can wrap a towel around.
5. Color Code Your Boxes
If you don’t have time to label each box, then buy tape in a variety of different colors. After you’re finished packing boxes, stick a piece of tape on each side and you’ll easily know what goes where when you arrive at your new home.
6. Plan Out Moving Day
Moving day should be planned out well in advance to avoid any bumps in the road. This means knowing when the moving company will arrive, knowing when your car will be picked up, and knowing when your flight leaves. If you’re doing the driving, then it’s important to have a route planned out ahead of time.
7. Get Rid of Old Furniture
Old furniture that’s barely holding together will not make it in a move across the country. Either sell or throw away these types of pieces before you move to save yourself the stress.
8. Keep Items Aside
Designate a box of things to keep with you as you move. This could be work clothes, electronics, chargers, snacks, or anything you’ll need that shouldn’t be packed away.
9. Downsize
Get rid of clothing you won’t need or any other belongings that you haven’t used in years. Downsizing will save space in the moving truck, which translates into money and time.
10. Write Your Name on Boxes
If you are hiring a moving company, write your name on every single box you pack. This will help ensure your belongings don’t get mixed up with someone else’s in the same truck.
A New Adventure
Moving across the country takes planning but can be worth it when you start your new adventure. Whether you’re hiring a moving company or doing everything yourself, you shouldn’t hesitate to use the hacks above to get yourself started.