Moving Hacks to make Moving Day Easier

The Thought of Moving. 

Whether moving homes is something you choose to do or whether it is forced upon you, packing up your belongings can be daunting. It is considered by many to be one of the most stressful life events. 

One of the best things you can do is face the situation head-on as early as possible. Armed with an organized and well-thought-out plan, you will feel more in control and eliminate some of the stress of moving. 

Moving can be an opportunity to clear clutter and get organized. So, how do you go about it? Our home moving hacks and tidbits will help.

Even if you are only contemplating a move and haven’t started the search process yet, it is never too early to think about the packing preparations. 

You can accomplish so much ahead of time – things that will be beneficial even if plans change or contracts fall through. Many of the suggestions below will be helpful for your current home if you end up staying put.

So, check out our packing and moving hacks, which will keep your existing home clean and organized or help you plan what you need to do for a pending move.

Before Moving Day. 

Take Stock – Start by taking an inventory of your current home. You might be surprised by how much you have that you don’t need. 

Purge each Room – Decluttering is a good idea whether or not you are moving. Never take along things that need to be purged. That just adds to your packing time and stress – for no good reason. Declutter by making three categories:

1. Items to keep & take,
2. Items to donate and
3. Items to toss. 

Then assess each item in your home and assign it to a category.

The $20 in 20 Minutes Rule – Do you have items you are not sure about keeping or not? Houselogic by Realtors suggests a rule where you ask yourself if you could find the item again for under $20 in 20 minutes.

Consider a Yard Sale – A yard sale is a great way to make some extra money while getting rid of items you no longer need. In addition, your sale proceeds can help pay for packing supplies.

Gathering Packing Supplies – Moving boxes can be costly. Ask for free or cheap boxes via online marketplaces (some people sell their used moving boxes). Some stores allow you to take their discarded boxes too. Always ask first, though. Don’t assume any boxes stored at the back are yours for the taking. Keep a lookout for bubble wrap and other fillers.

A Deep Clean and Organize of the Home – Perhaps you can arrange things into plastic containers ahead of any move. Then if there is a change of plan, things are cleaner and tidier should you stay but significantly packed up if you move. See our section below called A Dang Good Clean for your Move.

Getting Quotes for Moving Day. 

You’ll need a variety of quotes. Contact the following and ask about package deals (for example, what discounts are available for using the same cleaning company for move-out and move-in). Consider:

• Moving Companies
• House Cleaning Companies
• Carpet Cleaning and Furnace Cleaning Companies (carpet and furnace cleaning may be part of your contract or lease).

Moving Hacks, once you have a Date. 

• Book the Contractors ASAP – You need to act as soon as things are a go. Moving services are in high demand and time slots fill up fast. So do what you can ahead of time to save money, as these services can also be time-based. 
• Book the Cleaning Services as soon as possible.
• What packing supplies are provided by the moving company? – There may be specialized boxes or portable wardrobes provided within the agreed price ahead of the move. 
• Create a Moving Binder – A ring binder with protective sheets or an office-in-a-box that stays with you and doesn’t go into the moving truck is a good idea. Put all your important papers in this box or binder (house deeds, insurance papers, etc.) Alternately, put it all in a portable fire-rated office safe that stays with you.
• Do you need Moving Insurance? – What if something gets damaged? Make sure you are covered. 
• Create a Packing, Moving Calendar – Plan regular, hourly chunks of time for packing as early as possible. Little and often will make the packing process less daunting.
• Address Change Notifications – What other tasks need to be on that Calendar? Addresses will need changing, such as notifying Utility Companies.
• Assess your Budget – What can you afford? Can you keep costs down by doing it yourself?
• Use up Existing Food – If you have already cleaned and organized your fridge and pantry, what could you start using up rather than taking?
• Gather up Valuables – take valuable items separately. Please don’t leave them with the moving company.

More Packing and Moving Hacks. 

• Securely Seal Box Bottoms – You don’t want everything falling out.
• Pack heavier items at the bottom of the boxes – And pack the lighter stuff at the top.
• Don’t make the boxes too heavy.
• Fill pots and pans with smaller items – place smaller items in larger ones.
• Place sharp knives in oven mitts.
• Label boxes on top and sides. – Colour-code the labels according to rooms with coloured masking, painter’s tape, or sticky labels.
• Use a black marker to make labels big and bold. – Make sure each box shows the designated room and brief details of contents. If you are going to place valuables in the boxes, you may want to abbreviate those items. Something that makes sense to you but is not glaringly obvious to anyone else. 
• Mark boxes “Fragile” where necessary. 
• Cut triangles halfway down boxes – to create handles where necessary. 
• Use straws – to prevent jewellery from getting tangled.
• Breakables can be wrapped in towels and linens.
• Store plates vertically – and use paper plates in between each ceramic plate.
• Make an X of tape across mirrors – to prevent the glass from shattering.
• Use vacuum-sealable bags – to shrink sweaters and t-shirts for packing.
• Make use of suitcases – and sturdy bags for heavier items.
• Take photos of things – like the back of the TV or computer so that you know how to reconnect everything easily.
• Use empty toilet rolls – or kitchen paper towel rolls to hold wires and cables.
• Cover liquid items in plastic wrap – to prevent spillages.
• Protect mattresses with fitted sheets – rather than buy mattress protectors.
• Leave clothes on hangers – group them with rubber bands and cover them with a garbage bag. Place a hole in the bottom of the bag to place it over the hooks.
• Pictures and ornaments – perhaps in your new home, you will arrange photos and trinkets differently. If so, pack them all together (rather than room by room) and then leave them for a few days until you get a feel for the new place before deciding where each item will go.

The Most Essential of Moving Hacks. 

Create an Essentials Box that helps you transition from your old home to your new home. Consider what you need for the first day and night. There are things you need quick access to, but don’t realize it until it’s too late! Fill your box with these items and keep it with you during the move. And you will be ready to tackle unexpected messes, prepare a meal, or find a bandage.

• Disinfectant wipes
• Basic first aid supplies
• Handheld vacuum if you have one – great for accidental spills and messes.
• An Extension Cord
• Chargers and Tablets
• A toolbox of Basics.
• Scissors
• Kettle or Coffee Maker and Drink Supplies
• Snacks and possibly dinner for the first night. 
• Disposable plates, cups, bowls and utensils.
• Can and bottle openers
• Toilet Paper and Paper Towel
• Towels – for drying hands and after washes
• Dish soap and multipurpose cleaner, kitchen/Bath Cleaner.
• J Cloths
• Rubber Gloves
• Bowl or Bucket
• Coolbox. 
• Bottles of Water
• Pet supplies (including a litter box if needed)
• Personal care and hygiene products (including toothpaste and toothbrushes). 
• Bedding
• Garbage bags
• Cat or Dog Food and Cat Litter Box
• A lamp plus a spare light bulb. 

Once  Packing is Complete. 

• Take furniture measurements – If you are unsure where all your furniture will go in your new place, note their dimensions ahead of time to determine if it will fit. Try to visualize your new home so you know ahead of time where things will be placed; then, you can direct the movers accordingly.
• Use Ice cubes to remove carpet dents. 

Need some Visual Inspiration?

If you are more of a visual person, check out these videos on moving hacks:

• MOVING HOUSE HACKS! PACKING HACKS & TIPS FOR MOVING | Emily Norris
• 16 Stress-Free Moving Hacks and Packing Tips Everyone Needs!! By Blossom
• ORGANIZING | Hacks for Organizing Your New Home | Moving and Unpacking Tips by Sharrah Stevens – The Kinwoven Home

Moving Hacks for the Big Day. 

• Keep some old sheets and mats to one side for dirty feet.
• While moving home, keep keys in the door so that you don’t lock yourself out.
• Think about children and pets – how to keep them safe and entertained. See these Moving Hacks.  

At the New Home. 

• Use masking/Painters Tape to label rooms. – The main room might be obvious, but the movers are not going to know which bedroom is number one, two or three or whether you have designated one of the bedrooms as a study.
• Make up the beds as soon as possible and keep items off the bed so you can crash if needed or let the little ones sleep.

A Dang Good Clean for your Move. 

Whether you are moving in or out, cleaning is a necessary part of the process. We have several in-depth guides on how to clean and organize any space. Check them out below. 

• Clean and Organize the Bedrooms. – Do you have outdated or outgrown clothes? 
• Give your Closets a Cleanout.
• Have you done a deep clean of your Bathroom recently?
• What about Cleaning the Fridge or Freezer? Are you taking them with you? Do you need to use things up? Or throw things out? 
• Is there a jumbled mess in the Home Office/Study to clean out? Is it time to sort out your financial affairs? While you are at it, start storing bags of shredded documents. The shredding will be helpful for packing.
• And oh dear… are you going to pay someone to clean the oven or keep the cost down by doing it yourself?
• When was the last time you had a good sort out of the pantry? Staying or going, isn’t it time you stopped stockpiling? 
• On that note, what about the Basement, Garage or Junk Drawer? How much stuff are you just accumulating? If you sort it now (if you don’t end up moving), look how much more space you will have.

Finally, if you live in Calgary, Alberta or surrounding areas, look to Dang Good Carpet and Furnace Cleaning for:

• Steam Cleaning
• Duct Cleaning
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Window Cleaning and other Outdoor Cleaning services. 

Or simply give us a Call at 403-984-3680 for a free quote. 

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