8 Packing Hacks for Your Next Relocation
Relocation is never only about moving from point A to point B. It’s about all those tasks that precede it. And one of the most important ones, that takes the most time and energy, is packing. Whether you’re moving to your new home for the first time or not, we’ve got packing hacks for your next relocation to help you out. It’s quite useful learning how to speed up the packing process and keep your belongings safe at the same time!
What are these packing hacks about?
What is so special about packing hacks? They’re not just simple tips, although they too have their important spot in the moving preparations. Packing hacks are there to show you how to speed up packing, keep it organized, and use materials you already have to wrap and protect the items for transport. Have you thought of some of these hacks before?
- You can wrap your crystalware and glassware in socks.
- Kitchen cloths and towels can help you protect plates.
- You can fill pots with smaller items like spices and canned goods.
- Use oven mitts to store knives and other sharp kitchen objects.
- Place your precious but heavy books in a spinner suitcase.
- Put your clothes in batches in a garbage bag while they’re still on hangers.
- Utilize bubble wrap envelopes to pack breakables.
- Fill your plastic laundry box with small kitchen appliances.
And don’t forget to inventory and clearly label the boxes. If you make an effort to pack in an organized manner, it will save you a lot of time later when the moment comes to unpack. Instantly knowing what belongs where will help you get every room ready in no time, allowing you to rest, relax, and start settling in after the move.
1. Match socks… with glasses!
Place each one of your glasses in a crew sock, bottom first. Fold the upper part of the sock into the glass, and voilà, you have a personalized wrap for your fragile items. Not only do you not have to purchase packing materials, but you’ll know where to find your socks. Use longer socks for highball glasses as well as thicker socks for more fragile glassware like champagne flutes.
2. Make kitchen cloths your packing paper
Instead of packing your kitchen cloths and towels separately, use them to protect more fragile items. Place them in moving boxes in layers, between pieces of your china. Ensure there’s no space left and that dishes can’t move before you tape the box shut. The same goes for towels and pillowcases, and the selection of items you can wrap and protect is limitless. Depending on their size, you can wrap paintings or photo frames, serving trays, and similar stackable objects.
3. Don’t waste any storage space
Undoubtedly, self-storage is helpful when moving large pieces of furniture, but you should utilize every bit of storage space when packing for the move. Placing tiny spice jars in pots is an excellent way to use these dishes as sturdy containers and keep your kitchen inventory together. Cover the bottom and sides of the pot with a kitchen cloth or towel, and then place spice or food containers inside it. As always, fill empty space with kitchen cloths to prevent movement within the pot and tape the lids shut once you are sure not even a toothpick can fit.
4. Insulate knives
Stuffed oven mitts are a recipe that will keep your kitchen inventory (and your hands) safe during packing for relocation. Securing any sharp kitchen utensils can be tricky if you haven’t kept their original cases, as knives tend to cut through paper and plastic wrapping with ease. Among all the packing hacks for your next relocation, can you imagine anything better for wrapping knives than layered mitts?
5. Books on wheels
Avid readers will agree that books deserve the best treatment during packing for home relocation, but regular moving boxes may not be strong enough to keep them safe. The solution lies in sturdy but mobile containers. Luggage on wheels is ideal for the packing and relocation of books as it makes moving smooth and easy on your back.
6. Bag your hanging clothes
Packing clothes takes time and space. But what if you could pack your whole wardrobe in an hour instead of a full day? Prepare a couple of large, thick garbage bags and group your hanging clothes in several batches. Pull the garbage bag over clothes and tie it at the lower end of the hanger. Leave the handles free so that your chosen movers can easily pick up the packs on a moving day. Your clothes will be safe from dust, and if you place them on top of all other belongings, they are less likely to develop creases.
7. Reuse those bubble wrap envelopes
If you have been ordering online recently (who hasn’t?), you might have kept those bubble wrap envelopes. They are incredibly handy when it comes to packing framed photos, paintings, and similar flat but fragile belongings. Once you put all the items in envelopes, stack them vertically in a moving box, as you would do with vinyl records. This way, you’ll reduce the pressure on items at the bottom of the box.
8. A new way to apply your laundry bin
A spacious and sturdy laundry bin often comes with its own cloth bag, making it an ideal container for sensitive items like small kitchen appliances. If you have, like most, disposed of the original packaging, wrap your appliances in beach towels and then stack them carefully and gently in your laundry bin. Keep in mind that you should pack heavier items at the bottom of the bin and lighter ones on top. Before wrapping them in your towels, take the time to clean your kitchen appliances.
Pack with a hack
The above mentioned packing hacks for your next relocation are tried-and-tested recipes for a quicker, safer, and more affordable move. Of course, you can always ask local packing pros to help you handle it. But you wouldn’t be out there looking for packing tricks if you didn’t think you could do it yourself, right?
Credit to – Lindsay Denton | https://miamimovingguide.com
