4 Moving and Packing Hacks for 2025 You Need

4 Moving and Packing Hacks for 2025 You Need

Man and woman packing boxes for their move

Moving is a big deal, and it’s often stressful. Packing, loading, driving, and unloading can feel overwhelming, especially when leaving behind a place full of memories. It’s safe to say most of us are looking for ways to make moving easier.

The good news is there are plenty of simple strategies to save time, money, and stress. From packing tips to finding discounts, here are four essential moving and packing hacks for 2025 that can help you stay organized and make the process more efficient.

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1. Plan the Packing Schedule

Once your moving plans are in place, it’s time to tackle the packing. Procrastinating until the last minute only adds unnecessary stress to an already overwhelming process. To start on the right foot, create a packing schedule well in advance. Ideally, you should begin this process 6-8 weeks before the big day.

A clear schedule helps break down the daunting task into manageable steps. About two months out, begin by cleaning and sorting through your belongings. Decide which items are making the move, and separate the rest into categories: sell, recycle, or discard.

A month before moving day, start packing up anything you won’t need until after the move. Spread this out over several days to avoid feeling rushed. Aim to pack most of your non-essential items before the two-week mark.

In the final two weeks, focus on packing your essentials – things you’ll need right up until the day of the move. Unless absolutely necessary, pack these items a bit earlier to avoid last-minute scrambling and to ensure they’re accounted for.

Throughout the process, be sure to label everything clearly. Use markers or colored tape to create a system that helps you identify boxes based on priority and the desired room.

To make packing easier, make sure you have all the necessary supplies before you begin. These include:

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

Having your materials ready means you can start packing as soon as you have boxes. The earlier you begin, the easier the process will be.

Piles of cardboard moving boxes

2. Packing Hacks for Boxes

As you begin packing, you’ll quickly realize it’s more than just throwing items into boxes. How you pack your boxes can significantly impact the time, effort, and stress involved in your move. A little organization and strategy can go a long way.

Start by making sure you have enough boxes in a variety of sizes. Use larger boxes for lighter, non-fragile items. Smaller boxes can be used for heavier or more fragile goods. Local U-Haul stores and big-box home improvement retailers are good sources for moving boxes. U-Haul also offers reusable box rentals and will often buy back any unused boxes once your move is complete. But if you’re on a budget you can ask local retailers, grocers, or friends, or stockpile boxes from your online orders.

Having the right box size is crucial, especially for unique items. Wardrobe boxes with built-in hanger bars are perfect for clothes, keeping your closet organized. For electronics, like flat-screen TVs, make sure to use specially designed TV boxes for a secure fit. Dish pack boxes can be used to pack fragile items like glassware, knick-knacks, and ceramics.

When it’s time to pack, keep these essential packing tips in mind:

  • Group items by room: Avoid mixing items from different areas of your home to make moving easier.
  • Label before and after packing: Label each box clearly both before and after packing to double-check contents and prevent confusion.
  • Start with heavy items: Pack the heaviest items first to create a sturdy base for lighter items on top.
  • Wrap delicate items: Carefully wrap fragile items with bubble wrap or packing paper. Consider packing them individually to provide extra protection.
  • Use protective padding: Fill empty spaces inside boxes with bubble wrap, packing paper, or even towels. Wrapping moving blankets around fragile items or furniture will offer extra cushioning.

By keeping these packing tips in mind, your boxes will be secure, organized, and ready for the move.

UniMovers moving a mattress

3. Save On Moving Costs

Moving isn’t just physically demanding – it can also be expensive. On average, local moves can cost around $1,700, while long-distance relocations can cost up to $6,000 or more. However, there are several ways to reduce moving costs at almost every stage of the process.

Fortunately, many moving and packing services offer discounts to specific groups. Discounts may be available for students, teachers, first responders, and seniors. These discounts are available not only for packing materials but also for moving companies, so it’s worth asking about potential savings when you’re booking services.

Timing your move is another smart way to save. Moving during peak seasons, such as weekends or the summer, typically leads to higher rates. If possible, schedule your move during the middle of the month or on weekdays. Typically, this is when demand is lower, and prices tend to be more affordable.

Another cost-saving tip is to sell items you no longer need. This helps offset some of your costs and reduces the volume of items you have to pack and transport. Consider hosting a garage sale, visiting consignment shops, or listing items on local online marketplaces to make some extra cash before moving day.

By planning ahead and taking advantage of available discounts, you can significantly reduce moving costs. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you’ll have to save and prepare, making the entire process more manageable.

4. Consider Hiring Movers and Packers

While moving on your own can seem like a budget-friendly option, some aspects of the process are worth the investment. There are ways to cut costs on moving supplies, like boxes, without compromising on quality. But let’s face it – loading and unloading a moving truck is rarely anyone’s idea of fun.

Hiring professional movers can alleviate much of the physical and mental strain. While it’s an added expense, the value they bring is undeniable. Professionals allow you to focus on other important tasks, like setting up utilities and securing documents.

Many moving companies assess the size of your home and send the appropriate number of movers. Some even allow you to request a specific crew size, giving you flexibility in balancing cost with the speed of the move.

To get the best value for your money, it’s wise to search for reputable moving specialists in your area. Companies like UniMovers offer a broad range of services, including:

Sometimes, avoiding stress and hassle is worth the money. Ultimately, the added cost of professional movers is worth the peace of mind and the reduced stress. With many people ranking moving as one of life’s most stressful events, a little extra investment can make the experience much more manageable.

Conclusion

Moving is undeniably a major life event, filled with excitement but often accompanied by stress and a long to-do list. Whether it’s your first move or your fifth, there’s always a lot of work involved, and the pressure can add up quickly. However, with the right strategies in place, you can streamline the entire process and make your move more manageable.

By preparing early, staying organized, and using smart moving hacks, you can turn a daunting task into a smoother, more efficient process. With these moving and packing tips, your next move will be easier, faster, and less stressful. This will give you more time to focus on settling into your new home and making it your own.

Family receiving keys from a realtor

FAQs

How far in advance should I start planning my move?

It’s ideal to start planning at least 6-8 weeks before your move. This gives you ample time to organize your packing schedule, secure moving supplies, and find any discounts or professional moving services that can help reduce stress and costs.

Is hiring professional movers worth the cost?

While hiring professional movers adds to your expenses, it can be well worth the investment. Professional movers help reduce physical strain, save you time, and ensure your belongings are safely packed and transported. It allows you to focus on other important tasks and reduces the overall stress of moving.

What are the best ways to pack fragile items?

There are a few packing tips to keep in mind for fragile items. Be sure to wrap every individual piece or section in bubble wrap or packing paper. You can also use towels or clothing for added cushioning. For extra protection, pack delicate items separately in smaller boxes and clearly label them as “fragile.” If you can, save room for fragile items in the truck cab so you can secure them and prevent them from getting squished by anything that shifts in your moving truck.

How can I save money on my move?

You can save money by looking for discounts on moving services, packing materials, and storage. Many companies offer special deals for students, seniors, and first responders. Additionally, try to avoid peak moving times like weekends or the summer, and consider selling unneeded items to reduce the load.

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.

Content Editor/Guest Blogger at UniMovers |  + posts

Skylar Sanders is an Atlanta native and earned her BA in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University in 2022. She is currently a graduate student at GSU studying Communications with a concentration in Digital Media Strategies. In her free time she enjoys being in nature, volunteering, creating digital art, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.