10 Packing Hacks to Make Your Move Easier.
Moving into a new place is exciting, but packing? Not so much. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re surrounded by piles of stuff and an ever-growing to-do list. But with a little strategy, packing can go from stressful to seamless. Here are 10 game-changing packing hacks to make your move easier, more efficient, and maybe even enjoyable.
1. Start Early—But Not Too Early
The earlier you start packing, the better—just don’t pack the things you’ll need in the short term. Start by tackling items you rarely use, like seasonal decorations, specialty kitchen gadgets, or books. Packing these non-essentials weeks in advance gives you a head start without disrupting your daily routine. Save everyday items—like clothes, toiletries, and cookware—for the final days.
Pro tip: Break packing into small, manageable sessions instead of trying to do it all at once. You’ll avoid burnout and keep the momentum going.
2. Declutter Like You Mean It
Moving is the ultimate excuse to declutter. Before you pack, ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” Create three piles: keep, donate, and toss. Be ruthless—if you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s probably not worth the hassle of moving. Decluttering not only lightens your load but also saves time and money by reducing the number of boxes (and truck space) you’ll need.
Want an extra incentive? Host a yard sale or sell items online. The cash you make can help cover moving expenses—or treat yourself to some new decor for your new space!
3. Color-Code Your Boxes
Avoid the confusion of deciphering smudged Sharpie labels by using a color-coding system. Assign each room a color: green for the kitchen, yellow for the living room, blue for the bedroom, and so on. You can use colored tape, labels, or stickers to make it easy.
When you arrive at your new home, place a matching color label on the corresponding doors or walls. Your movers (or friends helping you out) won’t have to ask where things go, and everything will end up in the right place the first time.
4. Skip the Cardboard—Go Reusable
Cardboard boxes are the moving norm, but they’re far from ideal. They’re flimsy, prone to breaking, and leave you with a mountain of waste to deal with after your move. Instead, switch to reusable plastic bins like the ones offered by Bin on the Move. These bins are sturdy enough to handle heavier loads, stack securely, and are weather-resistant. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and included in your move for free when you book with us.
Bonus: You’ll save time because there’s no need to hunt down boxes or worry about them falling apart mid-move.
5. Create a “First-Night” Bin
Picture this: It’s 10 PM on moving day, and you’re rummaging through boxes, desperate to find your toothbrush. Avoid this chaos by packing a “first-night” bin or suitcase. Include essentials like:
• A change of clothes
• Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, etc.)
• Chargers for your phone and devices
• Snacks and water bottles
• Basic kitchen items like a pan, utensils, and paper plates
• Bedding (pillows and a blanket)
This one bin will make your first night in your new home so much smoother, and you’ll wake up ready to tackle the next day.
6. Wrap Fragiles in What You Already Have
Bubble wrap is great, but why buy something extra when you can use what’s already in your house? Wrap fragile items like glasses, plates, and vases in soft items such as towels, blankets, and even clothing. Socks are perfect for small, breakable items like stemware. Not only does this protect your belongings, but it also means you’re packing two things at once—double the efficiency!
Pro tip: Stack plates vertically in bins or boxes. This reduces the risk of them breaking compared to stacking them flat.
7. Take Photos Before You Unplug
Cables. Cords. Devices. They’re the bane of every mover’s existence. Before you unplug your TV, computer, or entertainment system, snap a few pictures of how everything is connected. This quick step will save you hours of frustration later, especially if you’re dealing with multiple HDMI cords and power strips.
Better yet, label the cables with masking tape or zip ties for even faster setup at your new place.
8. Use Stretch Wrap Like a Pro
Stretch wrap is a mover’s secret weapon. Have a dresser full of clothes? Don’t bother emptying the drawers—just stretch wrap them shut! This keeps everything in place during transit and saves you from packing and unpacking twice. You can also use stretch wrap to bundle odd-shaped items like brooms, mops, and curtain rods together so they don’t scatter in the moving truck.
Pro tip: Use it to protect furniture from scratches or dirt, especially if you’re moving on a rainy day.
9. Pack by Zone, Not by Type
One of the biggest unpacking mistakes is organizing boxes by item type rather than where they’ll go in your new home. Instead of packing all your books together, pack a box with the books, decor, and items for your living room shelves. This way, when you’re unpacking, everything for one area is already grouped together.
It’s all about making your future self’s life easier. Trust us—this method saves time and prevents the chaos of bouncing from room to room.
10. Label Like Your Life Depends on It
A generic label like “Kitchen” might seem helpful—until you’re unpacking and have to dig through 10 “Kitchen” boxes to find your coffee maker. Instead, be specific: “Kitchen – Coffee Maker, Mugs, Toaster” or “Bedroom – Bedding, Alarm Clock.” The more detailed your labels, the easier it’ll be to find what you need when you’re in a rush.
For added organization, number your boxes and keep a master inventory list. If you’re looking for something specific, just check your list to find the box it’s in.
Final Thoughts
Packing doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With these hacks, you’ll not only save time and effort but also make the unpacking process far easier. Ready to make your move even simpler? Let Bin on the Move deliver reusable bins straight to your door. With our eco-friendly, hassle-free solution, you’ll wonder why you ever used cardboard in the first place.
