Ultimate Moving Hacks for an Easier Relocation in 2020

Written by: Chloe Platt

We all know that relocating can be a difficult process, and it requires a lot of work. However, there are moving hacks and tips that have been proven to make the process go by faster and save you some money. To help you get through your relocation process, we’ll take you through a quick guide with some of the most effective packing hacks for moving.

A couple happily packing

Moving Preparations are Key

You can’t have a good relocation experience without making some preparations first. It’s an essential part of relocating in general and can make the process easier. Your first step in the process should be to create a moving to-do list and write down each task that has to be done before moving day. Think of this list as a map, guiding you through each part of your process to the finish. But here’s the real pro tip: make sure to leave at least two days before the move empty, because there is bound to be something you remember to do only last-minute.

Take Pictures of Everything Before and After Moving

It’s no secret that no matter where you move in NYC, having to pay a security deposit and first month’s rent isn’t cheap. For example, if you plan on living in Manhattan, the median rent value is around $1,700, so you’ll have to pay a total of $3,400. According to NYC’s Renter’s Relief Plan, renters are required by law to pay back the full security deposit within 90 days provided there isn’t anything that needs fixing in the apartment.

With that said, if you want to get your full payment back, you should take pictures of the apartment or house before you move in and after you move out so that the owner sees that everything is the same way it was when you moved in.

Schedule Your Utilities Early for a Smooth Transition

Utilities in NYC typically cost a total of $146 a month, according to Numbeo, not including the internet. Though it isn’t as expensive as the national average, it’s still pretty costly and can be a hassle to have scheduled to turn on in your new home. The best thing you can do for your relocation is to schedule your utilities to be switched one month in advance to make sure you have working resources by the time you relocate.

Always prepare and plan with a checklist before you start your relocation process.

Use Household Items to Pack

Various supplies and materials are great to have, but they’re an expense that can quickly add up. You would be surprised by what you can find around your house and use for free. If you’re looking to pack your belongings, but you don’t want to go over budget on your moving expenses checklist, there are plenty of objects at home you can utilize.

At-Home Objects to Pack Electronics

For your electronics, you’re going to want to keep a few extra objects around when you start the packing process. Though it may seem a bit strange for some of them, you’ll be happy you kept them around. Here are some objects and hacks to make moving easier that you’ll want to try:

  • Shoe boxes – They’re small, easy to manage, and can store things like cables, controllers, small parts, etc.
  • Toilet paper rolls – These can be used to organize and hold cables in place.
  • Ziploc/sandwich bags – These bags can be used for small objects, tools, parts, cables, etc.
  • Old blankets – Instead of throwing away these old raggedy blankets, you can utilize them to wrap your flat screens and monitors. Just make sure they’re static-resistant.

Items You Can Use to Make Packing Fragile Items Easier

It can be hard figuring out how to pack glasses for moving and expensive buying the right materials to make sure they remain undamaged. However, you have plenty of stuff at home to help you get your easily breakable objects packed and ready to go. Here are some things you can utilize:

  • Towels and rags – Your towels and rags have dual uses. You can utilize them to wrap your plates and glasses or to stuff boxes.
  • Paper plates – If you place a few paper plates between your glass plates, they provide a barrier so that your glassware doesn’t get potentially scratched or damaged.
  • Clothes – You can always donate clothes in NYC, but they can also be used for wrapping and padding your fragile objects.

Tips for Quickly Packing Clothes

Getting clothes packed can be a long process depending on how much you have, but you can follow a few of these life hacks for moving to get the job done faster. Check out some of these objects you can use for getting your clothing packed:

  • Laundry basket – You already use it for your clothes, so why not use it now? Just add some cling wrap when relocating, and you’re set.
  • Trash bags – Trash bags are great for getting your clothing on hangers packed quickly. You simply just cut a hole in the middle on the bottom of the bag for the hook and slide the bag down and tie the opening.
  • Drawers – If you have dresser drawers with clothing already in them, all you need is cling wrap to secure them. It’s much easier to transport and saves space.

Who would have thought that your regular household objects can be used for packing your belongings efficiently? Some of these objects can also be used to store and move items movers won’t move like food and hazardous materials. For more advice on handling clothes, check out the video below.

Hacks and Tips For Packing Boxes

Whenever you think of relocating, one of the first things that come to mind is boxes. People often run into issues with boxes when they run out of space or fail to adequately organize them. Instead of taking a trip back to the hardware store, you can try some handy boxing tips.

Why You Need Colored Tape

Colored tape is great for organizing your belongings before and after your relocate. You can coordinate the color with a room or a type of item you’re dedicating to each box. When you move into your home, unpacking will be a breeze since you’ll know goes where. Having colored tape can also be a fun activity if you’re having a moving away party.

Packing Small Items Around Bigger Items

The best way to save space for each box is to place a single large item in your smaller boxes and place other smaller objects around it. Not only will you be utilizing more space, but you’ll be adding extra padding inside the box.

Getting smaller objects packed around bigger objects is an excellent use of space and convenient for decluttering.

Packing Paper Alternatives

Packing paper is a fantastic material you can have to cushion and wrap all kinds of things, but it can add up in cost and cause you to go over budget. You can try a few objects that you have at home as alternatives to packing paper, so you won’t have to go out and buy extra material. A roll of 24 x 900 paper can cost you anywhere between $34 to $55 depending on where you get it from. If you buy craft paper or newspaper, you can get as much as you need for less. Twelve sheets of craft newspaper on amazon costs $7, so for 50 sheets, you’re likely to spend up to $28.

Craft Newspaper and Toilet Paper Are Perfect for Packing

If you already receive weekly newspapers, you can save them and utilize them for getting boxes packed or wrapping dishes. Toilet paper is also great for cushioning fragile objects – just make sure to leave one or two rolls for yourself.

You can try newspaper, crafting paper, and toilet paper as alternatives for paper

Hire Reputable Local Movers

The best way to get your move done as smoothly as possible is to contact local New York movers. An excellent choice is the Twin Brothers Movers. We offer exceptional moving services for your relocation with movers that are well trained, equipped, and experienced to make your relocation easy.

Book New York City Movers One Month in Advance

Depending on the time of the year, you should book a local New York moving company one month in advance of your moving day. It’ll be much easier to book a date, and you’ll give yourself plenty of time to get everything done. You’ll also cut back on a lot of work as if you’ve booked a packing service to help you get packed. With all of the great relocating hacks you’ve learned and hired help, relocating to your new place will be a breeze.

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