Going Mobile This Summer? Here are Our Top Packing Tips for a Stress-Free Relocation

We’ve entered peak moving season, an exciting albeit stressful change that can take a toll on your mind, body, and even wallet. The moving process involves various stages, from planning and packing to transporting and unpacking. 

If you're doing your own packing, chances are you'll be doing your best to packing the things you love with care. But what about the things that can go that you no longer use? Instead of bringing them home to home, there are ways to ensure they are properly disposed of. We’ll dive in deeper as we go over the top tips for moving to help you have your most seamless and beneficial move yet - and even earn some cash in the process!

Packing Tips for Moving

If you’re just getting started on your moving adventure, make sure to stock up on moving boxes to ensure you have enough supplies. Here are some general packing tips: start packing early, label your boxes clearly, and use creative techniques like the Russian doll method to maximize space. Check out these packing moving tips to make your transition a breeze instead of a bummer.

1. Plan Ahead as Much as Possible

If you’re able to, plan ahead as far as reasonable for your move, especially during the busy season (April - September). You should book moving services, supplies, and professionals earlier to avoid higher prices, giving yourself at least 3 months prior to your move. Make sure to organize and label your packing boxes to make unpacking easier. Additionally, securing a moving truck in advance is crucial to ensure availability and avoid last-minute hassles.

To plan ahead with packing, start with non-essential household items first such as seasonal clothes and holiday decor. This will make for a smoother packing process when it comes time to pack more essential items.

2. Don't Pack Any Harmful Chemicals

While it may seem easy to throw in your cleaning supplies and garage chemicals with all your belongings, you should not be transporting these materials. Harmful chemicals may leak and cause damage both to your items and whoever is moving the items. Safely dispose of any toxic or harmful cleaning or garage chemicals prior to moving. 

3. Pack a "Last In, First-Out" Box

We don’t realize the few items we use daily until we’ve accidentally packed them away with the dozens of other boxes for moving day. Instead, have a “last in, first-out” box that contains loose items you use frequently.

Frequently used items include:

4. Recycle Your Old Tech Before You Move

Cutting back on clutter can make packing easier, and there’s nothing quite like a merciless purge of unused or unnecessary items before you start packing. Start life in your new space with a clean slate by selling, recycling, or donating items you no longer use.

Set aside a few boxes before you pack up your belongings. One can be reserved for when you donate items, and one can be for items you intend to sell or recycle. If you come across old tech you no longer use, you can bring your used phones to your local ecoATM kiosk. Not only will you properly dispose of something that’s been collecting dust in your drawer, but you could also make instant cash to put towards the rent or mortgage of your next place!

5. Color Code Boxes with Colored Packing Tape

Did you know that there are different colors of packing tape? You can assign each room a specific color and use the tape to easier distinguish which boxes go where in your new home. You can also go the old-fashioned route with label boxes, but this method may be easier for those with messy handwriting or a preference for color code boxes. 

6. Create a Moving Folder

Whether you're a physical paper person or keep everything on your computer or phone, having a designated moving folder is crucial for all your new home-related documents. You can use this to collect new address info, rental, or purchase papers, and moving contracts in one folder.

Even if you prefer digital, it's a good idea to consider a hard copy of the folder in case of a power outage. Keep records of agreements, payments, and more in the folder. 

7. Use Compression Bags for Clothes and Linens

Packing clothes efficiently is crucial for an organized move. While you can use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes to keep them protected and wrinkle-free during transit, you can also pack clothes by using compression bags to save space for bulkier clothing items. 

You can buy these bags at just about any home goods store or online and will save you a great amount of space for moving day. All they require is a vacuum to help shrink the bag.

8. Skip the Bubble Wrap for Your Fragile Items 

Instead of sinking your money into a bunch of packing supplies, utilize t-shirts, socks, sweaters, and other soft stuff to pad your fragile items. Not only will this save you money, but you'll also be opting for a more sustainable way to pack boxes. 

Earn Moving Day Funds with ecoATM

Moving is always an exciting change, but what not's so exciting is the toll that it takes on your budget. From hiring a moving crew to new items for your new homestead, moving can prove to be costly. Luckily, there's a way to earn instant cash while getting rid of old tech you no longer use! 

ecoATM has over 5,000 locations across the country in many popular retailers and grocers. You could earn instant cash in just under ten minutes to put towards moving day, rent, mortgage, or even that new coffee maker you've been eyeing. Price your device online today to save time at the kiosk and find an ecoATM near you for some sweet additional moving money.  

Packing Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Remove Light Bulbs?

Yes, you should remove light bulbs from lamps prior to your move. While you're doing so, you can also assess if your current lightbulbs are the best option for your new home. Swap out any old bulbs with more energy efficient models to help cut down on your electric bill. 

Should I Use a Moving Company or Do This Myself?

If it's within your means, using a moving company will prove to be a much less stressful process both physically and mentally. You can also rent a moving truck and pack it yourself, but this takes more time and energy. You'll also want to be extra careful moving large boxes and furniture.