You know that friend that’s always got a backpack half-packed, rental boxes in the garage, and a detailed plan of what’s in every drawer? If not you should get to know him fast to make your move smoother.
I’ve moved apartments, cities, and even countries multiple times in the last decade. I’ve done moves with six weeks to prep and one that happened in 48 hours. I’ve packed entire kitchens by myself, lived out of laundry baskets for weeks, and lost one shoe in a U-Haul (never found it).
So, consider this your shortcut through all the trial and error. If you’re about to move—or even thinking about it—here are the packing tips I wish someone had drilled into me earlier. These aren’t your average “start early” clichés (though yes, start early). These are the real-deal, experience-backed, possibly-life-saving tricks from someone who has lived too many box-filled days.
1. You Don’t Need So Many Boxes
In my first move, I hit up every grocery store in town to collect free boxes. Half of them were wet, some too weak, too small, or fell apart halfway to the truck.
What you actually need are strong and stackable boxes in a few sizes. Medium boxes will fit most things and are easy to carry. Large boxes are for light, yet bulky items and small boxes are perfect for books, tools, and heavy kitchen gear. Don’t over stuff any box- it’s always better to use another one.
Eco Tip: Rent reusable moving crates if you can. They’re sturdy, stack perfect, and save the environment from cardboard chaos.
- Pack Your Personal Bag First
Imagine this- you finally arrive in your new place at midnight, sweaty and tired, and having to dig through eight boxes labeled “things” just to find a fork and bedsheets.
Solution: pack a “lifeboat” duffel with the essentials you’ll need for the first 48 hours. Mine includes:
- Toiletries (and a roll of toilet paper!)
- Chargers for all the key devices
- A few changes of clothes after getting sweaty
- Pajamas and other shoes
- Meds
- Basic tools (scissors, screwdriver, tape)
- Coffee supplies
- Cleaning supplies
Label this bag like it’s sacred and never let it out of your sight. My tip would be to leave it in your personal car.
3. Tape Is Your Friend
Buy the good packing tape.Yes the one that costs a few USD more. The thick kind that doesn’t split or peel off in little strands. Trust me- bad tape turns every packed box into a nightmare. If you really want to feel pro splurge on the tape gun.
4. Label To Make Mom Proud
Stop writing “Kitchen” on the box. Be specific. Use a permanent marker and write:
- The room
- A few key things inside
- “Open first” if it’s urgent (like your coffee machine- asap)
Ex:
Kitchen – #3
Toaster, spatulas, spice rack – OPEN FIRST
Even better: color-code by room with bright tape or colored labels. It makes unloading faster so your movers (or your future self) can spot where things belong at a glance. One less time you need to walk across the house is a bonus.
5. Wrap Like a Pro
Bubble wrap is good. Too much bubble wrap is overkill. For fragile things, use towels, clothes, or even your socks to pad them. You’re already moving them anyway—might as well let them double as padding. Don’t underestimate the soft items you already own.
6. Don’t Pack Your Closet Like a Newb
Instead of folding all your clothes into boxes or bags which takes hours- leave them on their hangers and group them together with garbage bags—poke the hanger hooks through the top, cinch the bottom shut, and you have instant wardrobe bundles. They go straight from closet to truck to closet, no folding required.
If you really want- go ahead and get wardrobe boxes. They have a hanging rod inside and make closet moves a non-task.
7. Declutter Before You Pack.
You know that candle you never use? The shoes that haven’t seen the street since the early 2000s? The cords you’re sure go to some item you have no idea what? Now is the time to let them go. Become one with it.
Don’t waste time, energy, and box space on stuff you don’t use.You don’t need this junk in your new home. Create three piles: Donate, Trash, Keep. Trust me, your future self will thank you when she’s unpacking in a new place without dealing with six boxes of mystery items.
8. Pack Room by Room
Don’t mix kitchen with bathroom, or office with living room items. It makes unpacking a logistical nightmare. Finish packing one room at a time. It keeps things organized and makes it easier to load the truck logically—big items first, boxes from the same room together and so on.
9. Take Photos of Everything
Before you unplug your cords, take a quick photo of how all things are plugged in. Before you pack your gallery wall, snap a shot of the layout. Before you dismantle a piece of IKEA furniture, take photos at every step so you will have a slight chance of putting it back together.
10. Water, Stretch, and Snacks
This isn’t just a list of tips- it’s more of a survival guide. Packing is hard on your body. Keep a water bottle nearby. Take breaks. Stretch your legs. Snack on those favorites. You deserve it and will feel better, when you’re not hungry and dehydrated.
12. Hire Help If You Can—Even Just a Little
I’ve done DIY moves with nothing but a rental van and goals, and I’ve hired full-service movers who packed, lifted, and drove. Let me tell you: even hiring someone for a few hours moving labor to lift furniture or pack the kitchen is worth it!
Final Thoughts from a Seasoned Mover
Packing doesn’t have to be the most stressful part of your move. With the right tips, a few smart tricks, and a well-taped box or ten, it can actually feel like organized chaos! So pack like a pro, label like your life depends on it, and don’t forget to keep your personal essentials bag close. You’ve got this.
