Essential Moving Tips & Hacks for a Smooth Transition

Redefyne Moving’s Essential Moving Tips & Tricks

Try to make sure the bathroom and kitchen at your new place are all cleaned up before you start moving in.
Rather than throwing unwanted items in storage (or even the dump), look into donating said items instead! Make sure to ask for a receipt to claim a tax deduction.
Plan your meals for the next 2-4 weeks around all the leftover, perishable, or frozen food you have stored. Also, look into donating your nonperishable foods to Move for Hunger!
Make sure to update your address for all of your accounts, subscriptions, and utilities long before the day you move in.
Get estimates for moving-related services to find the best deal before settling for a higher price!
Measure ALL your furniture. If something doesn’t fit in your new space, donate it!

Take photos of your previous place as you move out, and take photos of your new place when you move in.
Get stains out of the carpet with a mixture of 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts water. Add a bit of lemon essential oil, spray the area, and scrub after a minute.
Use ice cubes to remove dents left by furniture in the carpet. Place ice cubes in the dents, let them melt, and lift the fibers with a spoon.
Wrap a rubber band around a hammer to eliminate scuffs on the wall when removing nails.
Remove scuff marks on hardwood floors by attaching a tennis ball to a broom handle and rubbing out the mark.
Fill holes in the wall with toothpaste, white soap, or other simple household items.

Check in with local retailers and businesses for spare, used boxes in good condition.
Use magazines or newspaper to pack fragile items instead of packing peanuts (watch for ink stains!).
Protect glasses and stemware by packing them in socks.
Use trash cans, suitcases, and laundry baskets as alternative boxes.
Pack spice containers, dish towels, etc., inside pans and pots to save kitchen packing space.
Defrost and clean your refrigerator the night before moving to avoid leaks or bad odors.
Wrap your refrigerator/freezer in plastic wrap to keep doors shut during transport.
When disassembling furniture, store all screws and hardware in a labeled plastic bag and tape it to the furniture.
Organize your boxes using colored packing tape or stickers, and label them by room.
Use clothing and linens to wrap dishes and fragile items instead of bubble wrap.

Take a picture of the back of your TV or other electronics to remember how to reattach cables.
Use paper towel rolls to organize and prevent tangled electronic wires.
Avoid getting locked out during the move by placing a rubber band around both door handles to keep the door from locking.
Store jewelry in egg cartons to prevent tangling.
Use rubber bands to keep pots and lids together.
Stack plates vertically and place Styrofoam between them to prevent breakage.
Cut handles in boxes using a box cutter for easier carrying.
Pack cotton balls in makeup compacts to keep them from breaking.
Stick kitchen knives inside oven mitts to prevent injuries during the move.

Pick up easy breakfast foods, like cereal and milk, for the next morning.
Pack essential items (bedding, towels, hand soap) in an “open first” box.
Keep snacks and water available to stay energized throughout the move.
Keep valuables like your Social Security card with you during the move.
Pack an overnight bag with essentials to avoid rummaging through boxes for necessities.

Declutter Digitally: Clear out emails, digital files, and unsubscribe from services you no longer use.
Create a Moving Playlist: Keep a playlist ready to stay motivated during the move.
Take a Virtual Tour: Familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood online before moving.
Set Up Utilities Early: Arrange for essential services (water, electricity, internet) to be turned on the day before moving in.
Use Saran Wrap for Drawers: Wrap dressers with plastic wrap to move them without unpacking the drawers.
Tape Inventory Lists to Boxes: Tape a list of contents on each box for quick reference.
Label Cords Before Unplugging: Use twist ties and labels to organize cords from electronics.
Create a Packing Station: Dedicate a space in your home for packing supplies to streamline the process.
Unpack One Room at a Time: Start with the most essential rooms like the bedroom or bathroom.
Set Up Wi-Fi First: Prioritize setting up your internet connection upon arrival to stay connected.