Packing Tricks and Hacks to Make the Process Smoother

July 7, 2016
IN Organization

At this point I’m basically a professional mover. Including my first move to Chicago in 2013 and my move to Evanston in a few days, I’ll have moved five times in just over three years. Pro status! Over the various moves, I’ve compiled an arsenal of packing tricks, hacks and products to make the process smoother.

Exhausting as it sounds, every single move was worth it. I’ve lived in a walk-up in Lakeview, a high rise in the Gold Coast, a flat in Lincoln Square, and a cozy little studio in Lakeview East. I’ve hit just about every type of unit and building Chicago has to offer, and every single place offered a different experience.

Likewise, I also learned that no matter where you go, you’re going to have a bad neighbor once in a while. Whether its band practice at 1 am on Tuesday, or a screaming match at 9 am on Saturday, you’ll figure it out.

Nostalgia aside. Now let’s talk about how you can make the process less stressful.

Fold Over Baggie Packing Tricks

Good for something at last, these accidentally purchased fold over baggies were just gathering dust so I’m glad to have found them a use.

Things I packed more easily by using fold top baggies:

Necklaces, jewelry that tangles
Lint rollers, prevents them from sticking to other things
Containers without lids (i.e. pencil holders), securing with a rubber band
Magnets
Decorative stones/marbles
Chargers/cords that tangle
Basically anything that is a tangle risk, to keep it separate

Using Reusable Bags for Packing

It’s hard to pack some items simply because of their shape or function. Here are some great items to skip on boxing and bag instead.

Pump bottles (lotions, soaps, shampoo, conditioner)
Keurigs or other small appliances
Delicates; mine are in my dresser but I’m not about having my moving help carry an open drawer of my unmentionables down the street, these are stashed in a zipped up extra duffle bag so I know exactly where they are
Cold food; if you don’t have a cooler, these bags plus an ice pack make a great short term food carrier

Wine Glasses and Candle Transportation

Wine glasses are especially fragile and candles can be both fragile and heavy, with both being very breakable. Boxes can be too big for these heavy/fragile items because of all the excess space, allowing room for them roll around and smash. So, I recommend a shoe box or other smaller container.

I wrapped my wine glasses in bubble wrap and tucked them snuggly into my dish pan. My candles were padded with bubble wrap and secured in a spare plastic crate with other fragile items.

With enough bubble wrap and padding these fragile items very well survive in a traditional box. Just be sure your help knows that box is fragile. Label it like crazy because no one cares about your stuff as much as you, that’s just the truth!

Other Packing Tips

Luggage: You have to move it anyway, may as well pack some clothes in something nicer than a cardboard box. Keep shirts rolled to minimize wrinkling and optimize space. Almost all of my hanging shirts fit into my carry-on luggage.
Hangers: One of the most awkward items to pack are hangers. Toss them in a spare tote bag, one that doesn’t even have to close. They’re a lightweight item you can bring on a trip you’re already making with a heavier box.
Old Towels/Blankets: Moving a TV or other electronics? If you have any old blankets or sheets, maybe some you even plan to toss soon, save money on moving supplies and protect against scratches with an old towel or blanket instead.
Important Papers: You’ll always still have important papers like your SSN card or birth certificate, which need to be stored and moved securely. I invested in a portable file box that has functionality for hanging folders but also acts as a storage bin for bigger paper items at the bottom. These are great for everyday storage aside from just moving.

Have some of your own packing tricks or hacks you recommend? Let me know in the comments, the more efficiency we can spread around for all, the better! As for right now, I’m just excited for a new adventure with my two guys. ♥

More Tips and Tricks

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