By Andrew J. Harrington, RMP
Real Estate Broker since 1999
Moving day can be exciting, but it’s also one of the most stressful experiences if you’re not well-prepared. Between packing, organizing, and ensuring everything arrives safely at your new home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with a few smart moving day hacks, you can make the entire process much smoother. Whether you’re relocating to a new apartment, a bigger house, or downsizing, these expert tips will help simplify your move.
1. Maximize Space with Vacuum-Sealed Bags
One of the biggest challenges of moving is fitting all your belongings into boxes efficiently. Bulky items like blankets, pillows, and winter clothes can take up a lot of space. A great way to save space is by using vacuum-sealed bags. These bags compress soft items, significantly reducing the amount of space they take up. Not only does this make packing easier, but it also keeps your belongings protected from dust and moisture.
2. Use a Suitcase for Heavy Items
Lifting heavy boxes can be a struggle, especially if they contain books, kitchenware, or other weighty objects. Instead of packing these items in cardboard boxes, use a rolling suitcase. The wheels on a suitcase make it much easier to transport heavy belongings without straining your back. This simple trick can save you time and energy, making the moving process much more manageable.
3. Pack an Overnight Bag with Essentials
The last thing you want after a long day of moving is to dig through boxes just to find your toothbrush, phone charger, or a change of clothes. Pack an overnight bag with all the essentials you’ll need for the first night in your new home. Some key items to include are:
- A change of clothes
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo)
- Medications
- Phone charger
- Important documents
- Snacks and bottled water
Having everything in one easily accessible bag ensures that you’ll have what you need without the stress of unpacking right away.
4. Keep Clothing on Hangers and Protect Them with Garbage Bags
Packing clothes can be a hassle, especially if you have a lot of items hanging in your closet. Instead of removing them from hangers and folding them into boxes, keep them on the hangers and use garbage bags to protect them. Here’s how:
- Gather a group of clothes (about 10–15 items) while they’re still on their hangers.
- Slide a large garbage bag over them, making a small hole at the top for the hanger hooks.
- Tie the bottom of the bag to keep the clothes protected from dust and dirt.
This trick makes unpacking effortless—just remove the bag and hang your clothes directly in your new closet.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Moving Experience
- Label Your Boxes Clearly – Write down the room each box belongs in to make unpacking easier.
- Pack Fragile Items with Extra Cushioning – Use towels, blankets, or bubble wrap to protect delicate items.
- Create a Moving Day Checklist – A checklist keeps you organized and ensures nothing is forgotten.
- Ask for Help – Whether it’s hiring movers or getting assistance from friends and family, moving is much easier with an extra set of hands.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. With these simple and practical hacks, you can stay organized and make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible. From using vacuum-sealed bags for extra space to packing an overnight bag with essentials, these small tricks can make a big difference.
Are you planning a move soon? Try these tips and enjoy a stress-free moving experience!