50 Genius Moving Hacks and Unconventional Tips

Uncover 50 genius moving hacks! From sneaky packing tips to smart storage solutions, the moving advice here is set to make your move a tad easier.

5 min read

Moving is one of those things that nobody really looks forward to. It's stressful, time-consuming, and usually involves at least one or two minor meltdowns. But it doesn’t have to be so bad. With the right hacks, you can turn your move into a smooth, efficient, and maybe even enjoyable experience. Here are 50 genius moving hacks that are a bit out of left field but totally clever.

Plan ahead

1. Pack by the hour, not by the room: Instead of packing by room, pack by the hour. This way, you have boxes of items you need at specific times of the day, making it easier to find essentials during the first few days in your new home.

2. Declutter before you pack: Go through each room and get rid of things you don’t need. Donate, sell, or dispose of these items to lighten your load.

3. Use the right packing materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong tape to protect your belongings.

4. Label your boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Use a colour-coded system for extra efficiency.

5. Pack a moving day essentials box: Prepare a box with all the essentials you’ll need for the first day and night in your new home.

6. Use what you have: Use towels, blankets, and linens to wrap fragile items. Suitcases and laundry baskets can transport clothes and other belongings.

7. Take photos of electronics: Before disconnecting electronics, take photos of the cables and connections.

8. Pack an overnight bag: Include clothes, toiletries, medications, and daily essentials.

9. Utilise wardrobe boxes: Keep your clothes on hangers and use wardrobe boxes to save time on folding and hanging.

10. Hire professional movers: Use platforms like Find a Mover to compare quotes and hire reliable movers.

Clever tricks

11. Vacuum-seal bags for clothes and linens: These save space and protect items from dirt and moisture.

12. Create a “moving night survival kit”: Include snacks, a portable speaker, board games, or a streaming device for a relaxing first night.

13. Wrap drawers as they are: Save time by wrapping drawers with contents still inside.

14. Use egg cartons for jewellery: Perfect for storing small items like rings and earrings.

15. Transport hanging clothes in garbage bags: Keep clothes on hangers and cover them with garbage bags.

16. Turn off the fridge and let it defrost: Prevent leaks and keep your fridge in good condition.

17. Use pool noodles for fragile items: Protect edges of large items like mirrors and frames.

18. Label cords with toilet paper rolls: Keep cords organised by placing them in labelled toilet paper rolls.

19. QR code inventory system: Attach QR codes to boxes linked to a list of contents for easy identification.

20. Pack a “first week” box: Include essentials you’ll need for the first week to avoid unpacking everything immediately.

Unconventional ideas

21. Use a slow cooker for easy meals: Have a hot meal ready on moving day without any effort.

22. Tape screws and hardware to furniture: Place screws and small hardware in a plastic bag and tape it to the furniture.

23. Rent reusable moving bins: Sturdier and eco-friendly, these are a convenient option.

24. Host a packing party: Invite friends over for a fun packing event.

25. Photograph box contents: Take photos of box contents for a visual inventory.

26. Use socks for fragile items: Slip fragile items into socks for extra protection.

27. Use cardboard rolls for cords: Store extension cords in toilet paper rolls to keep them tangle-free.

28. Stuffed animal cushioning: Use stuffed animals as padding for fragile items.

29. Turn your bed into a flat surface: Lay the mattress flat against a wall to slide large items like mirrors and artwork.

30. Use bread tags to label cords: Write the name of the device each cord belongs to on bread tags and clip them onto the cords.

More quirky hacks

31. Foam plates for protection: Use foam plates between your glass plates for cushioning.

32. Pack clothes in garbage bags: Group clothes on hangers and cover them with garbage bags to keep them clean.

33. Rubber bands to secure doors: Wrap rubber bands around door knobs to prevent them from latching shut.

34. Protect furniture with old sheets: Wrap furniture in old sheets to prevent scratches.

35. Wine box dividers for glasses: Use wine box dividers to pack glassware safely.

36. Shower caps for shoes: Cover the bottoms of shoes with shower caps to keep dirt off other items.

37. Cotton balls in makeup containers: Place cotton balls inside makeup compacts to prevent breakage.

38. Sandwich bags for small parts: Keep screws and small hardware in labelled sandwich bags.

39. Dryer sheets in boxes: Place dryer sheets inside boxes to keep clothes and linens smelling fresh.

40. Use a muffin tin for small items: Organise small items like jewellery and office supplies in a muffin tin.

Even more ideas

41. Screws and small parts organiser: Use an ice cube tray or pill organiser to keep track of screws and nails.

42. Wrap furniture in cling film: Keep drawers shut and protect surfaces by wrapping furniture in cling film.

43. Clear bin with essentials: Pack a clear bin with essential items so you can see what’s inside.

44. Paper plates for protection: Use paper plates between your regular plates to prevent breakage.

45. Laundry baskets for last-minute items: Keep a couple of laundry baskets handy for last-minute packing.

46. Hardware in a tackle box: Use a tackle box to keep all screws and small parts from furniture in one place.

47. Binder for important documents: Gather all important documents in a binder and keep it with you.

48. Portable lockbox for valuables: Transport valuables in a portable lockbox to keep them secure.

49. Fill gaps with soft items: Use towels, scarves, or stuffed animals to fill gaps in boxes.

50. Label furniture pieces: Use masking tape to label furniture pieces with the room they belong to.

And there you have it! Fifty genius moving hacks that will make your move a breeze. Whether you're moving locally or interstate, these tips will help you stay organised, save time, and maybe even have a little fun along the way. Happy moving!