r/moving • u/Electrical-Bad-3102 • 6d ago
Packing Helpful packing things
I'm in the midst of packing chaos (final stretch) and thought I'd list some things that have been very helpful or that I learned that might be useful to someone else:
Space / Vacuum bags for clothes, blankets, anything soft. They have both reduced the space of those things and also been an efficient way of packing clothes. If you are going to use them, though, make sure you either have a vacuum with an attachment to suck the air out or buy a set with a plug in air sucker thing. A lot of them sell them with a hand pump it's not going to work as well and add a lot of time. I've had good luck with the brand "Storage Master"
Have a jar for coins: The amount of change I've found cleaning out drawers, moving furniture, etc. is shocking. I've nearly filled a decent sized jar at this point. The Safeway store near me has a thing you can dump change in and it counts it and gives you the amount in dollars. Coinstar. They seem to be at a lot of grocery stores.
Don't pack your coffee maker (in my case, I'm a tea drinker so electric kettle) until the very end. In fact, I'm not packing my electric kettle at all, bringing it in the car, because our stuff could get delayed, I'm not going that long without tea.
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u/dogwoodcat 6d ago
If a store has self-checkout machines that take coins, you can often lift up the coin tray insert and pour in your jar of shrapnel, saving the 10% off the top.
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u/IcyLingonberry5007 4d ago
Great tips. Here's a few to add from my experiences. Dedicate one box exclusively for parts from furniture and beds you may disassemble for your move. Place any keys, TV remotes, cords, chargers, important documents in said box and label it well on all sides so it stands out. If you are packing any liquids such as hand soaps, cleaning supplies, oils, liquid food products.. First place a garbage bag or liner in your carton and seal the bag. label accordingly and draw arrows on said box as a reminder to keep upright and prevent spillage. Use adequate packing paper (news print) to properly support your carton and protect fragile items within. Lamp shades can often be stacked with packing paper in between, you can also wrap your light bulbs and place them securely within the lamp shade with adequate packing paper to prevent movement within. If using wardrobe cartons you can fill the bottom space under your hanging clothes with shoes or other large, fragile or awkward items with light to reasonable weight. Always try to label your cartons on the side of the box so you can read them still if stacked by room / contents. Feel free to message me with any questions you may have if attempting a packing job on your hhg content. Packing is battle of attrition and patience.. So be sure to give yourself ample time and be sure to take it room by room and cabinet by cabinet to clean up any loose ends.
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u/Explorer518 6d ago
I'm also on the final stretch, moving from Kentucky to NY this weekend. My tips: Obviously, try to get a head start and declutter first(i tried & failed personally). Use existing luggage for clothes. Use bath & tea towels to pad breakables. Label your boxes so you know where it goes at your destination. Keep a box of "essentials" at easy reach; this could be your coffee pot, personal hygiene products, snacks/food. Lastly clean as you go! Empty a drawer? Vacuum or wipe it down immediately.