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Make Your Move As Easy As Possible!
Moving into a new apartment is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with stress, heavy lifting, and endless to-do lists. I’ve gone through at least five moves, with more coming up in the next few months Moving into a new apartment is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with stress, heavy lifting, and endless to-do lists. I’ve gone through at least five moves, with more coming up in the next few months (yay…). With some preparation and strategies, you can transform the experience into a smooth, manageable process.
Here, I’m sharing 17 detailed tips to make your move more manageable and highlight helpful tools to ensure your transition is as stress-free as possible.
Top Six Products to Make Moving Easier
Hefty Recycling Bags – Handy for decluttering and separating donations.
Home Depot Moving Boxes – Durable boxes with easy-to-carry handles for secure transport.
Duck Brand Bubble Wrap Roll – Essential for protecting fragile items.
Harper Lightweight Hand Truck – This makes moving heavy furniture effortless.
Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags – Perfect for compressing bulky items like blankets or out of season clothes.
U-Haul Wardrobe Box – A convenient solution for transporting clothes.
1. Start Planning Early
The earlier you begin planning your move, the smoother it will be. Creating a timeline can help you break down tasks into manageable steps. Start with the big picture—confirm your moving date, and book movers if needed (I used the company College Moving Hunks, and they were fast and quick! Nothing broken and a smooth booking process. I was not sponsored; I just really liked using them!), and gather supplies. As the move gets closer, update your checklist to include tasks like utility shutoffs/transfer, transferring renters’ insurance, and updating your address with the post office.
2. Declutter Before Packing
Moving is the best time to purge your closet and belongings. Go through each room, sorting items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or toss. Decluttering saves space in your moving truck and reduces the time and effort required to pack. Plus, fewer belongings mean a fresh start in your new space. Use large, durable bags like Hefty Recycling Bags to separate donations from trash while keeping everything organized.
3. Gather High-Quality Packing Supplies
Investing in sturdy packing supplies pays off during your move. Cheap boxes or flimsy tape can lead to broken items or messy unpacking. Opt for durable materials like these Home Depot moving boxes. I like these because they come with built-in handles and can hold A TON before they break (trust me, I pushed the limits…and my back). Don’t forget bubble wrap or packing paper to protect fragile items.
4. Label Boxes Clearly
Labeling is a simple step that can save hours of frustration during unpacking. As you pack, label each box with what is inside and the room it needs to go in. This makes unloading the moving truck SO much easier. Use color-coded markers or stickers for added organization. This system helps movers know where to place each box and makes it easier to find specific items once you’re in your new apartment.
5. Pack an Essentials Box
An essentials box is your lifeline on moving day and the first night in your new apartment. Include items like toiletries, a change of clothes, basic cooking supplies, phone chargers, and important documents. This ensures you won’t have to dig through boxes to find your needs. If you have pets, create an essentials box for them as well!
6. Take Photos of Your Electronics Setup
Cables and connections can be a headache to figure out after a move. Before unplugging your electronics, take clear photos of the wiring setup behind your TV, computer, or entertainment system. These visual references make reassembly much quicker and save you the frustration of trying to reconnect everything from memory.
7. Use Wardrobe Boxes for Clothing
Packing your clothes doesn’t have to mean shoving them into suitcases to have to refold and organize later. Wardrobe boxes allow you to move your clothing directly on hangers, saving time and effort. These tall boxes with built-in hanging bars keep clothes wrinkle-free and ready to wear. Consider investing in the U-Haul Wardrobe Box for a hassle-free solution to packing your wardrobe.
8. Protect Fragile Items
Fragile things like dishes, glassware, and mirrors need to be wrapped with bubble wrap. If you’re looking for a reusable option, towels and blankets can also provide cushioning. The Duck Brand Bubble Wrap Roll is my go-to for protecting fragile items.
9. Rent a Moving Dolly or Hand Truck
Heavy furniture and appliances can be difficult to move without the right equipment or a handful of people. Renting or buying a dolly or hand truck saves time and reduces the risk of injury. These tools are handy for moving bulky items like refrigerators, dressers, or stacks of boxes. The Harper Lightweight Hand Truck is lightweight and easy to move and maneuver.
10. Notify Important Parties of Your Move
Before moving day, update your address with places such as your bank, employer, subscription services, and the post office. Be sure to forward your mail to make sure you don’t miss bills or packages. Many companies, including the USPS, allow you to change your address online, making this an easy task to check off your list.
11. Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags
Bulky items like bedding, winter coats, and throw pillows can occupy much space. Vacuum-sealed bags compress these items, making them easier to pack and transport. They also protect your belongings from moisture or dust during the move. The Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags maximize space and keep items safe while moving or in storage!
12. Disassemble Furniture Ahead of Time
Bigger pieces can be hard to move in one piece. Disassembling items like bed frames, desks, and bookshelves makes them easier to move and lowers your chances of breaking them. Be sure to keep screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled zip-top bags and tape them securely to the furniture for easy reassembly.
However, if you are moving using a moving company, check in with them before disassembling things. They moved my large IKEA bedframe in one piece, saving me so much time!
13. Clean Your New Apartment Before Moving In
An empty apartment is the perfect canvas for a deep clean. Before your belongings arrive, take the time to sweep, mop, and sanitize all surfaces. Pay special attention to often-overlooked areas like baseboards, cabinets, and appliances.
14. Pack Smartly for the Moving Truck
14. Pack Smartly for the Moving Truck
Make sure you load the moving truck correctly. The last thing you want is a bunch of broken items because things moved around while in transit. Load things like bed frames, mattresses, and appliances first, positioning them toward the front of the truck. Be sure to place light boxes on top of heavier ones, and secure everything down with straps to avoid shifting during transport. A well-packed truck also makes unloading more efficient.
15. Unpack Room by Room
Start with the important spaces like the bedroom and bathroom to quickly gwt all of your essential items out of the way. As you unpack, recycle empty boxes and keep your new space organized from the start.
16. Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated
Moving day can be physically demanding, so don’t forget to care for yourself. Schedule short breaks to rest and drink water throughout the day. I like to schedule a mini pizza party if I have other people helping me so that we can all get off our feet and keep calories flowing in!
17. Celebrate Your Move
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time for a mini celebration! Moving is no easy feat, so congrats on getting it done! Order your favorite takeout and slowly begin to decorate and unpack! Small touches like flowers or candles can make your apartment feel like home from day one.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully these tips will help you move with minimal stress and create a seamless transition to your new home. Trust me, as someone who has moved at LEAST five times over the last five years, you don’t want to make the process more stressful than it needs to be.
Here’s to a fresh start in your new apartment—happy moving!
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