Share your Moving Hacks!

[khorrell]

We're getting ready to move (again!) and I was hoping that people could share their moving hacks. I imagine that there are still some tips that I haven't heard yet.

[hermione]

The Moving Optimization Thread in the Frugal Living board has a few tips (including a few from me ). We've moved a lot and are thoroughly sick of it, but we've learned a few things. Though I still hope we never have to do it again unless we really want to.

Good luck!

[Megan]

Watch Craigslist or other swap sites for free boxes! You'd be amazed how many people are willing to give away boxes, but you have to be quick.

[khorrell]

Hermione - Thanks for the direction...I never thought to look there!

[Ronni]

I'm moving in fewer than three weeks. One hack that is helping me is that I started packing a week and a half ago, or something like that. I can take my time to sort and pack efficiently, rather than throwing a bunch of crap in boxes and hoping for the best. I still panic--this will be my biggest move ever, but I know I'll get it all done. Doing it this way is giving me time to organize and plan before doing the actual packing. It's also giving me a chance to declutter and figure out what I REALLY NEED/WANT to take with me. I have a huge pile of stuff ready for Goodwill and I know I'll have more soon.

Also, and I've heard people complain about them, but SPACE BAGS are awesome. (http://www.spacebags.com). I got 8 coats into one. It'll be so much easier to move that than to try to move 8 full-sized coats.

I work at a publishing company, and we get boxes all the time. The receptionist and the administrative assistants are on scout and saving boxes for me, which is a great help. They're nice paper boxes, or nice-sized boxes from Staples.

*deep breath* I can DO this.

[USCGamecocks]

Moving sucks.


I suggest using a big sharpie to label your boxes so you know what you have in each box on a bird eye's view.

Dwindle down your groceries prior to moving so you don't lose a lot of those perishable goods in between getting electricity turned on and all that good jazz.

Have a yard sale to get all that extra junk out of your house.

Most Salvation Army's or Goodwill's will pick up large furniture or goods so you don't have to move them.

Have a hand truck to make less trips in and out

Save money on your move by not being implusive by having to buy something new to fill that gap that remains in your new dwelling. I always tend to go to Target and spend $300 buck on each move because things don't fit like they did at the old house. Be patient.

[gt0163c]

Originally Posted by USCGamecocks

I suggest using a big sharpie to label your boxes so you know what you have in each box on a bird eye's view.

And, label the boxes on at least one side and the top, ideally on at least two sides. That way, when the boxes are stacked up, you can still figure out what's in them.

I've heard people suggest taking pictures of what's in each box, printing them out and then attaching them to the boxes.

If you're having friends help you move, give each room a distinctive name (by wall color, function, etc. Put signs up if there's nothing good and distinguishing, like bedroom one, bedroom two, etc). Then, label the boxes according to which room they should go in.

Pack a box(es)/suitcase(se) of "things you need to unpack right away", underware, toiletries, basic kitchen stuff. Make sure these boxes are well labeled and are put somewhere that you can easily find them...I've had these boxes be stacked in the shower in the bathroom in past moves. Makes the first few days in the new house much less stressful because at least you've got the basics for living.

For your actual move day, have a box, bag or something full of last minute packing/labeling supplies. Include string, rope, a box cutter, tape, markers, etc. Keep this somewhere easy for everyone to get to (hang the bag from a handle on the back of the truck if you have to). Similarly, have a few extra boxes, packing material and such in a corner somewhere. This will save a lot of frustration when you're doing all the last minute things that you meant to do but didn't get around to prior to the actual move day.

[jdp]

I'll be watching this. Moving, sometime, hopefully sooner rather than later, before end of June.

[Milehimama]

We move a lot (avg. every 8 months).
Get boxes from liquor stores or grocery produce boxes. I have some banana boxes that I've used for 6 or 7 moves! Otherwise, check Craigslist.

Using newspaper for cushioning is cheap, but stick dishes, etc. in a grocery bag first so it doesn't get newsprint on it.

I number the boxes, and keep a list of the contents. It's much easier to find something if I know I'm looking for box #34. Label on the sides! For really big moves I'll color code (blue marker for kitchen, green marker for living room). We've never hired movers, but I tape a piece of construction paper to the doorway so our free labor aka friends and family can sort instantly.

Pack a survival box and take it with you (not in the moving truck). Include lightbulbs, basic cleaning stuff, trash bags, soap, towel, and cups for drinking. Duct tape and a sharpie always seem to come in handy too!

[Ronni]

All great tips. Most of which I've already been following (I used to move every year, being a college student). I'm very happy to know that Goodwill or Salvation Army will pick up furniture--I will call them in about a week to get rid of stuff I'm not taking.

Hand truck? Check.
Suitcases? Check.
Leaving a few boxes out for last-minute stuff? Check.

I only bought one thing on impulse to move with me. An space heater that was on clearance. It was 7.49, marked down from $29.99. I could NOT pass that up, and I'm moving to Chicago, where the space heater will be very much needed.

I should go pack now.