Moving Tips and Tricks

Find free moving boxes at recycling drop-off points. Reuse original boxes for electronics and appliances. Small changes like these can make your move smoother, cheaper, and more organized — if you know a few smart tricks ahead of time.

At Making Moves of GA, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t on moving day. That’s why we’ve put together our favorite moving tips and tricks to help you save time, protect your belongings, and keep your stress level as low as possible.

Smart Packing Starts Before You Pack

A successful move begins weeks before the truck arrives. The more you prepare on the front end, the less chaos you’ll have on moving day.

  • Declutter first, pack second. Go room by room and separate items into piles: keep, donate, recycle, and trash. There’s no reason to pay to move things you don’t want or need.
  • Gather more boxes than you think you’ll need. Check recycling centers, local stores, and online community groups for free boxes. Always inspect them to make sure they’re sturdy and dry.
  • Reuse original boxes for electronics and appliances. They’re designed to protect that specific item and are often the safest way to move TVs, monitors, and small appliances.
  • Create a moving folder. Keep contracts, checklists, receipts, and important phone numbers together — either in a physical folder or in a digital folder on your phone.

A little planning now will save you hours of scrambling later — and help you avoid last-minute runs to the store for more tape and boxes.

Packing Tips: Room by Room

Packing room by room keeps things organized and makes unpacking much easier. Here are some practical tips for the most common areas of your home.

Kitchen Tips

  • Use small boxes for heavy items. Canned goods, dishes, and cookware quickly become too heavy in large boxes.
  • Wrap dishes vertically. Plates and bowls are less likely to break when packed on their side with plenty of padding between them.
  • Seal open containers. Use plastic wrap under lids of oils, liquids, and spices to prevent leaks.

Bedroom & Closet Tips

  • Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. They save time on both ends — just move hangers from closet to box and back again.
  • Use suitcases for heavy items. Books and shoes are easier to move in rolling suitcases than in boxes.
  • Keep a “first night” bag. Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, a change of clothes, and any medications so you’re not digging through boxes on the first night.

Living Room & Electronics

  • Take a photo of cable setups. Before disconnecting TVs or entertainment systems, take a picture of the back so you know exactly where each cable goes later.
  • Use bubble wrap and blankets. Protect screens and glass surfaces with soft padding and clearly mark boxes as “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP.”
  • Remove batteries. Take batteries out of remotes and battery-powered devices to prevent leaks.

Labeling & Organization Tricks

A few simple labeling tricks can turn a pile of boxes into a well-organized system that makes unloading and unpacking faster and easier.

  • Label by room and contents. Instead of just writing “Kitchen,” add a few key items: “Kitchen – pots & pans” or “Bathroom – towels & toiletries.”
  • Use color-coding. Assign each room a color and use matching colored tape or stickers on boxes. At the new home, put a colored sign on each room’s door.
  • Number your boxes. Keep a simple list: “Box 12 – Living Room – books and décor.” If something is missing, you’ll know exactly which box to look for.
  • Mark essentials clearly. Write “OPEN FIRST” on boxes that contain items you’ll need right away: basic kitchen tools, bedding, and toiletries.

Protecting Fragile & Valuable Items

Some items need extra care — both for their monetary value and their sentimental value.

  • Double-box fragile items. For extremely delicate pieces, pack them in a small box with padding, then place that box inside a larger one with additional cushioning.
  • Use towels and linens as padding. Wrap glassware, vases, and frames in clean towels, blankets, or clothing to save on packing materials.
  • Carry important documents with you. Birth certificates, passports, financial papers, and small valuables should travel with you, not on the moving truck.

When in doubt, pack fragile items as if they’re going to be stacked and jostled — because they probably will be.

Moving Day Tips to Keep Things Running Smoothly

Moving day can be busy, but a simple plan keeps it from becoming chaotic. A few habits make a big difference in how smoothly everything goes.

  • Clear pathways. Make sure hallways, stairs, and doorways are free from clutter before the movers arrive.
  • Protect floors and doorways. Use floor runners, cardboard, or plastic covers in high-traffic areas.
  • Keep kids and pets safe. Arrange for a friend, family member, or separate room so they’re out of the way and less stressed.
  • Have a “command center.” Choose one counter or table for keys, documents, markers, tape, and a running checklist.
  • Do a final walkthrough. Check every closet, cabinet, and drawer before leaving. Don’t forget the garage, attic, and outdoor storage areas.

Staying organized on moving day doesn’t require perfection — just a few smart habits and clear communication with your moving team.

Settling In: Tips for the First Week

Once the boxes are off the truck, it’s tempting to try to unpack everything at once. Instead, focus on creating a comfortable, functional home one step at a time.

  • Start with the bedroom. A good night’s sleep makes the rest of the unpacking go faster. Set up your bed, bedding, and basic clothing first.
  • Unpack the kitchen essentials. You don’t need a full gourmet setup on day one — just enough to cook simple meals, make coffee, and use dishes.
  • Build a daily routine quickly. Set up your coffee spot, a place for keys, and a small work or mail station so life feels less “temporary.”
  • Take breaks. Unpacking is a marathon, not a sprint. Schedule breaks and give yourself a few days (or weeks) to finish non-essential rooms.

The goal isn’t to unpack everything in one day — it’s to feel “at home” as quickly as possible while you finish the rest at a realistic pace.

Want More Than Just Moving Tips?

Moving tips and tricks can make your move easier — but having an experienced, professional team on your side makes an even bigger difference. At Making Moves of GA, we combine proven techniques with friendly service to give you a smoother, more efficient moving experience.

Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on your new beginning.
Contact Making Moves of GA today to schedule your move or ask questions about your upcoming relocation.

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