8 Moving Hacks for People Who Hate Packing

Packing is often the most stressful part of moving, especially for people who dread the process. Sorting, boxing, and organizing can feel like a never-ending chore, but it doesn’t have to be. By using a few clever strategies, you can make the whole process much more manageable, and even save time and money in the process. 

Why Packing Feels So Overwhelming

Packing can quickly turn into a daunting task for many reasons. The sheer volume of items you need to sort through, the stress of deciding what to keep or discard, and the worry of getting everything packed properly can be overwhelming. In addition, many people tend to procrastinate, which only adds to the stress when the moving day nears. By breaking the task down and using smarter strategies, you can make the packing process more manageable and less stressful.

8 Moving Hacks to Make Packing Less Miserable

1. Start with the Easiest Room First

The best way to tackle a big job like packing is to build momentum by starting small. Choose a room that doesn’t require much effort to pack, like a guest bedroom or the linen closet. These are often rooms with minimal personal items and less heavy furniture. Once you finish this easy room, you’ll feel more motivated to tackle the more challenging spaces in your home.

Starting with the least stressful room also sets a positive tone for the rest of your packing. You’ll quickly see progress, which will make you feel more confident about handling the next, more complex rooms. Plus, it’s always easier to start with a simple win than to dive straight into a room that requires more effort and decision-making.

2. Use a Colour-Coding System

Packing can become chaotic without a clear organizational system. A colour-coding system is a simple and effective way to keep your boxes sorted. Assign a different colour to each room in your new home (for example, blue for the kitchen, green for the bedroom, and yellow for the living room). You can use coloured stickers, tape, or markers to label your boxes, ensuring they are easy to identify when unloading.

The colour-coding system saves you time when it comes to both packing and unpacking. It helps you quickly distinguish where each box belongs, reducing confusion on moving day. You’ll spend less time sorting through boxes and more time getting settled into your new home.

3. Pack an “Essentials First” Box

When you start packing, it’s easy to forget the small items you’ll need immediately after the move. To avoid scrambling around looking for your essentials, pack a special box that contains the items you’ll need during the first few days in your new home. This box should include things like toiletries, a change of clothes, essential kitchen items, and any medications.

Having an “essentials first” box ensures that you aren’t left searching for toothpaste or your favourite mug after a long day of moving. It’s also a lifesaver when you arrive at your new home late in the evening and don’t want to spend time digging through boxes. Make sure this box is easy to access, and label it clearly so it’s the first thing you find.

4. Leave Clothes on Hangers

Packing up your wardrobe can be a hassle, especially if you’ve got lots of clothes. Rather than folding everything, keep your clothes on hangers and group them together. You can cover them with a garbage bag or invest in a wardrobe box, which allows you to hang your clothes directly in the box, keeping them neat and wrinkle-free.

This hack not only saves you time folding clothes but also keeps your garments in good condition during the move. Simply remove them from the box or bag when you arrive and hang them up in your new closet. It's a quick and easy way to streamline the packing process.

5. Don’t Empty Dresser Drawers

One of the most time-consuming parts of packing is taking everything out of drawers. Instead of emptying your dresser, simply secure the drawers with plastic wrap. This prevents your clothes and other items from shifting, making the dresser easier to move.

Leaving your drawers full also means you won’t have to repack everything when you reach your new home. You’ll save time and effort by moving the dresser as-is, and once you get to your new place, you can simply slide the drawers back into place. Just make sure the wrap is tight enough to hold the drawers in place during the move.

6. Skip Bubble Wrap — Use Soft Items Instead

Many people turn to bubble wrap when packing fragile items, but you can save both money and space by using soft items you already own. Use towels, blankets, socks, or linens to wrap fragile items like glassware, ceramics, or electronics. These soft items provide adequate protection while reducing the need for extra packing supplies.

This hack saves you money on bubble wrap and helps reduce waste by reusing materials you already have. Plus, it saves space in your moving boxes, allowing you to pack more efficiently. It’s a win-win situation that makes your packing process smoother and more eco-friendly.

7. Set Daily Micro-Goals

Packing is a big task, and trying to complete it all in one go can feel overwhelming. Instead, set daily micro-goals to break the job into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, aim to pack up the kitchen in one day or tackle all the bookshelves in another. Setting these small goals helps you stay on track without feeling buried under the weight of the entire move.

By creating small, achievable tasks, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment each day, making the overall process feel less daunting. As you tick off each task, you’ll build momentum and gain confidence. Plus, these micro-goals help keep your packing organized and prevent procrastination.

8. Label Boxes on Multiple Sides

When packing boxes, it’s easy to forget to label them correctly, especially if they get stacked up. To avoid confusion, label each box on multiple sides with the room it belongs to and a brief list of its contents. This makes it much easier to locate specific items when you’re unpacking in your new home.

Labeling on multiple sides ensures that even if the box is stacked or turned upside down, you’ll still be able to read the label. It saves time during the unpacking process and helps prevent mix-ups when trying to find specific items. This simple hack helps you stay organized and efficient throughout the entire move.

Need Professional Help? Let Advance Moving Do the Heavy Lifting

If you’re ready to make your move with ease, don’t hesitate to reach out to Advance Moving, the top-rated movers in North York. With years of experience and a team of professionals, we’ll take care of everything from packing to transportation, making your move as stress-free as possible. Call us today at (437) 989-7726 and let us help you start your new chapter with ease!