Household Moving Tips to Save You Time and Money

Moving to a new home can be a daunting task, but with the right planning and strategy, you can save time and money. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of a long-distance move is around $4,000.

To start, it's essential to declutter and downsize your belongings. This not only reduces the amount of items to move but also saves you money on moving costs. For example, if you have 10,000 pounds of items to move, you'll pay around $3.50 per pound, but if you can reduce that to 5,000 pounds, you'll save around $1.75 per pound.

A well-planned moving day can also help save time and money. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the most common moving day is Saturday, which is also the busiest day for movers. To avoid congestion and higher costs, consider moving on a weekday or early in the morning.

Preparation is key when it comes to a smooth move. Knowing about a move weeks or even months in advance allows you to start packing off-season items and non-essential items, giving you less to stress about on moving day.

Create a realistic timeline for your packing process by starting with non-essential items well in advance of your moving date. This will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and ensure a steady pace.

The time it takes to pack a house varies significantly depending on the size of the house and the amount of belongings. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for one person to pack an entire house.

Here's a rough estimate based on house size:

Before the move, it's essential to determine the best time to move, create a timeline, budget, and hire professional services if needed.

To pack like a pro, you'll need the right supplies. Start with sturdy cardboard boxes in various sizes, including small boxes for heavy items like books and larger boxes for bulky but lightweight items like pillows and blankets.

Packing tape is essential for securing boxes and keeping contents safe during transport. Invest in a tape dispenser for ease of use. You'll also need protective wraps like bubble wrap and packing paper for fragile items.

A comprehensive list of packing and moving supplies might include:

Fill in gaps in boxes with clothing, towels, or packing paper to prevent items from shifting during the move.

Packing is a daunting task, but it's a great opportunity to start fresh and get rid of clutter. Cutting back on clutter as much as possible will make packing, moving, and unpacking a whole lot easier.

You'll have less to pack, which means less time and money spent on moving boxes. Packing all your possessions into boxes, bags, and more can be overwhelming, but with a ruthless approach to decluttering, you'll be able to tackle the task with ease.

Go through each room and be merciless in your decisions - donate, sell, or discard items you no longer use, need, or love. This will significantly reduce the volume of items you need to pack, saving you time and money on moving boxes.

You'll start life in your new space with a clean slate, and that's a great feeling.

Creating a comprehensive inventory is essential for a smooth move. It serves as your packing blueprint, helping you estimate the number of boxes and supplies needed.

A packing inventory list can seem like a hassle, but it's a game-changer for long-distance moves. This extra step ensures that nothing gets left behind and allows you to plan your packing strategy strategically.

Assigning a number to each packed box and prep each item with a number is a great way to keep track of your belongings. You can use a thick piece of painter's tape to label the boxes, making it easy to locate the number later.

On your list, write down the corresponding number and a brief description of the item or what's inside the box. This will help you check against your list to ensure nothing went missing during the move.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating your inventory list:

* Use a consistent numbering system to keep track of your boxes.Include a brief description of each item to help you identify what's inside the box.Use a thick piece of painter's tape to label the boxes, so the number is easy to locate later.

You'll want to start by gathering the essential supplies for packing. Free boxes can be found at your local liquor store, or you can purchase them from Home Depot or Amazon for between $1 and $3 per box. Consider getting matching boxes to make the most of your space.

A good packing tape is essential for securing boxes and keeping their contents in place. High-quality packing tape is a must-have for any move. You can also use bubble wrap and packing paper to protect fragile items like glassware, dishes, and electronics.

To make labeling easier, use permanent markers and clear labels. This will help you quickly identify the contents of each box during unpacking. A sharp box cutter or scissors will come in handy for opening boxes and cutting tape.

In addition to the basics, you may also want to consider furniture pads, moving blankets, plastic stretch wrap, and dollies or hand trucks for moving heavy items. Here's a list of essential supplies to get you started:

Remember, it's always a good idea to stock up on painter's tape, which can be used to mark boxes, tape together loose items, and secure loose fixtures on furniture or decor.

Enlisting help can make a big difference in the packing process. Many hands make light work, and having extra help can significantly speed up the process.

It's okay to ask for help, especially when disaster strikes and you need emergency moving assistance for a home disaster. Friends and family members can be a great resource.

Assign tasks to different people to make the most of their help. This could be packing specific rooms, wrapping fragile items, or labeling boxes.

Having a team of people can make the process more enjoyable, especially if you make it a fun social event with snacks and music to keep everyone motivated.

Mocking up your moving space can be a lifesaver when working with a tight squeeze. Creating a mock version of the moving or storage space you're working with is a great way to determine if everything will fit.

This hack works best for car cargo and smaller storage spaces. I used the mark-up method to work out how best to pack the cargo area of my SUV for my move across the country.

If you're working with a small space, it's essential to create a mock up to avoid leaving anything behind. If something doesn't work, it will have to be left behind, which is a last resort.

There are three ways to go about mocking up your space: I'm not sure about the other two methods, but the mark-up method is definitely worth trying.

When packing a TV, you can't treat it like ordinary furniture.

Plasma TVs need special wooden crates for shipping if you don't have the original box.

Double-boxing your TV is a good idea if you're packing yourself, setting the box containing the TV into another box padded with packing paper.

You should avoid laying flat a TV that's not in its original box to prevent damage.

Determine the best time to move to avoid peak season and potential delays.

Before unloading, take stock of your belongings and ensure everything has arrived at the new location.

To avoid confusion and damage, create a clear plan for where each item will go in the new space.

This includes labeling boxes and furniture to match the corresponding rooms.

As you're packing up your life and getting ready to move, it's easy to forget about the essentials you'll need in the first few days of your new home. Don't worry, we've all been there!

According to Example 3, it's a good idea to keep everyday essentials like a change of clothes, a toothbrush, and medications in a suitcase or bag that you'll keep with you in the car, truck cab, or on the plane.

On moving day, you'll want to have a "moving day survival kit" packed with items like toiletries, toilet paper, and phone chargers. This will be your lifeline until you have time to fully unpack.

In Example 4, we talk about creating an "Open First" suitcase, also known as your moving day survival kit. Pack it with essentials like basic kitchen supplies, medication, and important documents.

If you're short on time, consider hiring professional packers to pack your entire house, but if you're packing alone, it may take longer. As a rule of thumb, it can take anywhere from 1-3 days to pack a studio/1-bedroom apartment, 3-5 days for a 2-bedroom house/apartment, and 5-7 days for a 3-bedroom house.

Unloading is a crucial part of the moving process, and it's essential to do it correctly to avoid damage to your belongings and your new home.

Start with large pieces of furniture, such as your living room set, dining room table, mattresses, and bed frames, as they are the heaviest and most cumbersome items.

Allow your movers to do their job, and stand by for any questions they may have, as they will know the best way to unload their trucks.

Tipping your movers is standard practice, consider tipping $4 to $5 per hour or between 5% and 10% of the total cost of moving.

As you're unpacking, keep in mind that your movers will likely have a system for unloading, so it's best to let them take the lead.

Don't forget to take care of yourself during the moving process, pack small snacks and drinks to curb your appetite until after the move when you can finally cook a meal or grab some take-out.

Transporting a TV requires some special care to avoid damage. Plasma TVs need a wooden crate for shipping if you don't have the original box.

Plasma TVs can be ruined if laid flat, so it's essential to take extra precautions. You can use a double-box method, where the TV is set inside another box padded with packing paper.

Some movers might treat TVs like furniture, but that's not the best approach. Wrapping a TV in quilted furniture pads can still cause damage.

If you're packing yourself, use the double-box method to ensure your TV arrives safely. This means setting the TV box into another box filled with packing paper.

Before you start packing, determining the best time to move is crucial. This will help you avoid peak moving seasons and reduce costs.

It's essential to create a timeline for your move, including milestones like hiring professional services and budgeting. A well-planned timeline will help you stay organized and on track.

Budgeting is also a critical step in the moving process. According to the list of items to consider before your move-in day, determining your budget will help you prioritize your spending and avoid financial stress.

Scheduling utilities for your new place is a crucial step in the moving process. Contact your utility providers to schedule service at your new home as soon as possible.

You don't want to arrive at your new place, exhausted from the move, only to find that the electricity, water, or heat is off. Schedule the utilities ahead of time to avoid this inconvenience.

Request service stops for your move-out date at your current home, so you're not left with unexpected bills or charges. Keep records of your requests in your moving folder for easy reference.

Hiring professional movers can make a big difference in the moving process. They have the expertise and equipment to safely transport your belongings.

You can still pack your belongings yourself, but have the movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics. This way, you retain control over the packing process.

Professional movers will navigate unfamiliar routes for you, saving you time and stress. They'll also handle the loading and unloading of heavy items, freeing up your time for other tasks.

By hiring movers solely for transportation, you can focus on other moving tasks, like unpacking and settling into your new home.

As you prepare for your next adventure, don't forget to take pictures of complex setups, like the back of your TV, so you can easily reassemble it when you get to your destination.

Rolling your clothes is a game-changer when it comes to packing efficiently. It can help you fit more in a suitcase or box.

If you're planning to bring books, pack them in small, sturdy boxes to avoid them becoming too heavy. Alternate the spines and open sides to distribute the weight evenly and prevent damage to the books.

To keep hardware organized, place screws, bolts, and other hardware in a small labeled bag and tape it securely to the corresponding furniture piece.

Packing clothes and shoes in suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks can save you from using additional boxes.

You can transform a box into almost anything, from a furniture protector to a space filler, if you think outside the box. No rule says a box must be used as a box.

For example, you can reinforce the tops and bottoms of soft boxes to make them sturdier and load-bearing. This can be especially useful for boxes packed full of clothes or pillows.

You can also cut up a large box and wrap it around flat-edged furniture for extra protection or if you run out of moving blankets. This can be a lifesaver on moving day.

If you have an odd-shaped item, you can make a custom box by cutting up boxes and taping them back together. This is a great way to protect fragile items during a move.

PODS has you covered if you desperately need more boxes or moving supplies. You can have any items you need delivered to your door by visiting PODSBoxes.com, with fast and free shipping.

Packing strategically is key to a smooth move.

Consider the weight and fragility of each item, distributing heavier ones into smaller boxes and lighter ones into larger ones to prevent boxes from becoming unwieldy and reduce the risk of breakage during transit.

Leave some space at the top of each box for cushioning to protect your belongings from getting crushed.

Treat fragile items like precious cargo by wrapping each piece individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, using plenty of padding to prevent them from shifting or colliding with other items.

Clearly marking each box with its contents and destination room is a simple yet essential step that will save you hours of unpacking time.

Packing a house can be a daunting task, but with a clear plan, you can make it more manageable. The most efficient way to pack a house is to start with the least-used rooms and gradually move towards the most frequently used ones.

To get started, pack the attic, basement, or garage first, as these areas often contain items you rarely use. Guest rooms are next, followed by the living room and dining room. The kitchen requires extra care due to the abundance of fragile items, so pack it carefully. Bedrooms should be packed towards the end, leaving out essentials you'll need until moving day. Finally, pack bathrooms last, only packing what you won't need in the final days.

Here's a rough guide to help you plan your packing schedule:

Packing a house can be a daunting task, but by following a logical order, you can make the process much smoother. The most efficient way to pack a house is to start with the least-used rooms and gradually move towards the most frequently used ones.

Begin by packing areas that contain items you rarely use, such as the attic, basement, or garage. These areas often have items that can be safely packed away for a long time. Guest rooms are also a good place to start, as they're likely less essential for daily life.

Pack the living room and dining room next, as they tend to be used more frequently than guest rooms. However, be sure to pack the kitchen with extra care, as it contains many fragile items.

The kitchen requires special attention due to its abundance of delicate items. Pack the kitchen carefully to avoid breakage and damage. Bedrooms should be packed towards the end, leaving out essentials you'll need until moving day.

Bathrooms are the last to be packed, as you'll likely need to use them until the final days. This will help you avoid last-minute scrambles to find essentials.

To pack a house efficiently, start by understanding that the time it takes varies greatly depending on the size of your home and the number of belongings you have. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for one person to pack an entire house.

If you're short on time, consider hiring professional packers to expedite the process. For a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, it can take around 1-3 days to pack, while a 3-bedroom house may take 5-7 days.

Before you start packing, take some time to create a timeline and budget for your move. This will help you stay organized and ensure that everything gets done on time. Here's a rough estimate of the time it takes to pack different sized houses:

By understanding the time it takes to pack your house, you can plan accordingly and make the process less stressful.

When moving expensive art, it's crucial to ask your mover about special crating to ensure it's handled with care.

You should never wrap oil paintings in regular paper, as it will stick, and instead consider using a frame box with a piece of cardboard between each framed piece for protection.

To pack pictures for moving, make an X with masking tape across the glass to strengthen it and to hold it together if it shatters.

Documenting the disassembly process is a game-changer, trust me. It's a big part of how to pack for a move, and it will save you so much stress in the long run.

You'll want to take photos or videos of the critical parts of the process, focusing on things like which hardware goes where. This will help you remember the order in which reassembly must be done.

It's also a good idea to put the hardware in a bag marked with the name of the furniture item. This way, you can easily find the right parts when it's time to reassemble.

Jotting down how many pieces of hardware you put in and where they're used is a great way to keep track. This may seem like a hassle, but it's worth it to avoid confusion later on.

You should never wrap oil paintings in regular paper, it will stick. If you're moving expensive art, ask your mover about special crating.

Special crating is a must for valuable art pieces, as it provides extra protection during the move.

To pack artwork for moving, make an X with masking tape across the glass to strengthen it and to hold it together if it shatters.

Wrap the pictures in paper or bubble wrap and put them in a frame box, with a piece of cardboard between each framed piece for protection.

Handling plants with care is crucial during a move.

Load larger plants directly into your car and strap them in when possible.

Don't water your plants right before you move them, as this will make the soil heavier and increase the risk of dampness getting on the boxes or in your car.

For smaller plants, place them in an open box and fill the space between the planters with towels for extra cushioning.

Tall and large potted plants can be moved in a wardrobe box for added protection.

You can repurpose regular household items to pack and organize your jewelry easily. Those weekly pill organizers are perfect for packing rings, earrings, cufflinks, and necklace pendants.

Thin necklace chains can be threaded through straws and clasped together, so they don’t get tangled. This is especially useful for chunky necklaces or thicker chains that can get knotted easily.

Carabiner clips are great for looping bracelets and keeping them organized. This is a game-changer for people who have a lot of jewelry that needs to be packed.

To keep your jewelry safe, you can place it inside a food container or a smaller box. You can also wrap items you're worried about scratching in tea towels or tuck them inside a sock.