4 Moving and Packing Hacks for 2022 You Need

4 Moving and Packing Hacks for 2022 You Need

man and woman packing boxes for their move

Moving is a big deal. It is stressful to pack, load, drive, and unload. You’re also leaving behind plenty of memories and experiences. Thus, it’s safe to say that most of us are looking for ways to make moving easier.

Fortunately, there are many easy ways to move that save time and money (while keeping stress levels manageable). From box-packing tips to special discounts, here are four moving and packing hacks for 2022.

tips to save money on your move graphic

Plan the Packing Schedule

With moving plans finalized, it’s time to organize the packing. Leaving packing until the last minute causes unnecessary stress during an already stressful time. To start your move smoothly, create a packing schedule a couple of months in advance.

Creating a schedule helps break all of the work into manageable parts. For example, two months before the move is the best time for cleaning and sorting. Decide what items are coming along. For everything else, decide what gets sold, recycled, and junked.

A month before moving day, start packing everything you won’t need before it’s time to go. Spread this out over as many days as you need. Move on to the next-most important items as you go. Ideally, you’ll be well-packed before the two-week mark comes around.

During the final two weeks, start packing your essential items. Unless you need them on hand, pack the items two weeks beforehand to ensure that you know they make the move with you.

Along every step of the way, label everything. Either with markers or colored tapes, create a system to know which boxes are the most important.

When packing, be sure that you have all the needed tools and materials to keep the job easy. These include:

  • Markers
  • Labels
  • Packing tape
  • Furniture pads
  • Bubble wrap and packing paper

With supplies on hand, getting ready for the move is that much easier. Plus, you can start as soon as you have boxes and tape. Don’t wait until the last minute. Start packing away the non-essentials as quickly as possible.

Study Up on Box-Packing Hacks

Once you start packing, you’ll realize it’s a bit more complicated than simply throwing stuff into boxes. Indeed, how you pack your boxes will save time, effort, and stress.

First, make sure that you have enough boxes in various sizes. Use larger containers to fit the lighter, non-fragile items. Smaller boxes work best for heavier items or fragile goods.

Several stores sell moving boxes. Local U-Haul stores and big box home improvement stores typically sell boxes. U-Haul will often rent out boxes, or simply buy back unused boxes when you finish.

You should also have a selection of box sizes, especially for unique objects. Wardrobe boxes have a hanger bar to keep your closets together and organized. TV boxes are flat to fit most current flat-screen TVs.

Once it’s time to pack, follow these rules:

  • Keep certain room items together (don’t mix things from different areas of the house).
  • Label the boxes before you pack, and afterward for verification.
  • Pack heavy items first to create a solid box base.
  • Delicate items and glass should be carefully wrapped, and possibly packed separately.

Use ample protection within each box. Bubble wrap, packing paper, and even towels help keep your items safe on the road. Wrapping towels around glasses, mirrors, and TVs protects the materials, especially if you hire a mover. As well, your towels are ready for the move.

Following these rules ensures that your boxes are secure, sturdy, and ready for unpacking. Always remember to label each box. As noted earlier, writing the name of the items directly on the box with a permanent marker is the easiest method. However, feel free to come up with whatever labeling system works best for you.

Look for Awesome Discounts

discounts for different moving needs graphic

Aside from the planning and physical labor of moving, it isn’t cheap. In fact, average prices range from as low as $875 for local moves to nearly $6,000 for out-of-state relocations.

Fortunately, there are ways to knock some costs down at nearly every stage of moving. Many packing and storage services provide discounts for students, first responders, and the elderly. The same is true with many moving companies. There are often savings available for teachers, students, and older adults.

Also, avoid moving on a weekend or during the summer, if possible. These times often carry higher peak rates, adding extra costs to the move. Look for low-demand moving times, such as the middle of the month, to get the most bang for your buck.

Consider selling some of your items to recoup a bit of the expense. Selling your unneeded stuff also reduces what you have to move. It’s a win-win. You can host garage sales, visit consignment shops, or even sell on local online marketplaces to offload some items.

By planning ahead, you mitigate several of the extra costs that surprise many on moving day. Additionally, starting early allows you to save and prepare for the move.

Consider Hiring Movers and Packers

average cost of moving graphic

When it comes down to it, some aspects of your big day will call for some expense. You don’t want to buy cheap boxes. Moving blankets are worth the cost to keep your furniture safe. As well, let’s be honest, loading and unloading a moving truck is often a dreaded task.

No matter how fit you are, consider hiring a professional mover. Though it is an added expense, it is worth it. Hiring a professional allows you to focus on other vital tasks, such as securing important documents, turning on utilities, and ensuring that your kids, partners, and pets are out of the home.

Many companies will send an appropriate number of movers based on the home’s size. However, some allow you to ask for a certain amount. This lets you determine the best balance of cost vs. job completion speed.

Searching for moving specialists near you is often the best way to get the most for your money. Professionals like UniMovers provide a range of services, including:

  • Home and apartment moving.
  • In-home moving and item rearranging.
  • Commercial services, including office and warehouse moving.
  • Packing and unpacking services.
  • Special bulky item moving.

Sometimes, avoiding stress and hassle is worth the money. And with a great many people agreeing that moving is the most stressful experience of their lives, a bit of cost is worth the peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Moving is a significant experience for anyone. No matter how many times you’ve moved in the past, there is always a lot to do and plenty of stress.

For your next move, start early and devise a plan of attack. Pack in stages to save time (and your mind). Master your box packing to save space and money. Find whatever discounts you can to offset the costs of moving. Lastly, think about hiring a professional moving company, like UniMovers. Although it’s another expense, reducing your anxiety makes it worth the cost.

Headshot of Ashlyn Cook, UniMovers' Community Outreach Manager
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Ashlyn is a homegrown Iowan (go Cyclones!). She graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2023 with a degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications. Now, she serves as UniMovers' Community Outreach Manager. In her free time, she loves to try new restaurants, travel, watch baseball, and spend time with her dog!

To get in contact with her regarding blog partnerships at UniMovers please email blog@unimovers.com.