Moving Soon? These 10 Packing Hacks Will Save You Time

Moving to a new home? That’s so exciting! Packing for the move? Not so much.

We get it. For many of us, packing is the least fun part of moving. Lucky for you, we’ve been putting together a collection of pack hacks to make that part easy-peasy. Read on for our top 10 packing hacks for moving. 

Pack Hack for Dressers

Want to know how to move a dresser by yourself? Don’t try to do it all at once. If you’ve ever tried to move a full dresser from one side of your room to another, you know it can get heavy! Use this pack hack to avoid straining your back and reduce time spent packing and unpacking. 

1. Keep all your clothes in the dresser
2. Remove the drawers
3. Secure each drawer with stretch wrap to keep your clothes from falling out during the move and to avoid collecting dust
4. Move the drawers and dresser, one-by-one, to your PODS moving container

Pack Hack for Moving Large Items

Sometimes it’s necessary to take apart larger pieces of furniture before a move. Use this pack hack to avoid losing pieces or forgetting how to put everything back together. 

1. While disassembling the furniture, take pics to keep track of what goes where
2. Bag and label all the small parts (screws, washers, nuts, etc.)
3. Pack up all the pieces (and don’t forget about the bag of small parts!)
4. Load it all in your PODS moving container

How to Ship a Plant

Wondering how to pack plants for moving? Use this pack hack to keep your plant friends happy during your move, so they can arrive at your new home intact and ready to soak up the sun.

1. Remove the plant from the pot
2. Prune the roots and remove the dead leaves
3. Wrap the roots first in wet paper towels and then in plastic wrap to keep them moist on the journey
4. Return the plant to the pot
5. Place it in a box and secure it with packing materials (paper, blankets, etc.)
6. Label the box, so you know which way is up and to move it with care

How to Move with Pets

Moving with pets can be stressful, especially for our furry friends. Use this pack hack to keep them as comfy as possible during the trip to your new home.

1. Map out pet-friendly stops along the way
2. Pre-portion food in separate containers for easy meal times on the road
3. Use a pet seat cover to help keep your pet secure, and make it cozy with some of their favorite toys

How to Pack Hanging Clothes

You hang your clothes up to keep them from getting wrinkled… and then packing day comes (ugh!). No worries, though! Keep your clothes organized and crease-free during your move with this pack hack for hanging clothes.

1. Cut a hole in the bottom of a plastic garbage bag
2. Pull the bag over the clothes, fitting the hanger hooks through the hole
3. Use colored tape to track which bag of clothes goes to which closet

How to Pack a Kitchen for Moving

Packing up and moving all of your kitchen things can be a daunting task. Use this pack hack to keep everything together and organized during your move. The best part? You’ll actually save on space!

1. Put spices in large pots
2. Store sharp knives in oven mitts
3. Secure utensil trays with plastic wrap
4. Pack everything up into boxes and label clearly 

How to Pack Jewelry for Moving

While keeping jewelry nice and organized can be a challenge on a good day, it may seem impossible to accomplish this during a move. Worry not! Here’s how to move jewelry without it getting tangled.

1. Hang bracelets on a carabiner to keep them together
2. String necklaces through paper straws to keep them untangled
3. Organize small items in pill boxes
4. Put everything in a dedicated bag for the move

How to Pack Shoes for Moving

Don’t default to just throwing your shoes in the trunk or a random box. Use this pack hack to move your “kicks” with confidence (and keep them together and in pristine condition).

1. Set aside your comfy, moving day shoes
2. Tie each pair of sneakers together
3. Stuff socks in boots to help them keep their shape
4. Pack your shoes neatly into a box, and add a dryer sheet to keep things fresh

How to Move a Flat-Screen TV

Don’t let the idea of packing up your big (and expensive) flat-screen TV intimidate you. Use this pack hack to get the job done right, so you can be ready for movie night in your new home.

1. Unplug and organize all cords (use colored tape to remind yourself what plugs in where)
2. Wrap the screen with a blanket
3. Place the TV in a box (use foam or other firm packing material to fill any gaps and keep the TV from shifting)
4. If it’s not already labeled, clearly mark the box so you know to move it with care and not to place anything on top of it while loading your PODS moving container

How to Pack a Toiletry Bag

Don’t just throw everything in a plastic bag and hope for the best. Use this pack hack to keep all your bathroom essentials organized and protected during your move.

1. Protect razors with binder clips
2. To avoid leaks, cover soap bottles with plastic wrap before securing the lids
3. Use cotton pads to protect makeup
4. Place everything in your toiletry bag

All right! Now you’re ready to get packing like a pro. Looking for more tips? Check out the PODS YouTube channel and follow us on social for everything from #PackHacks to #HomeHacks. And while you’re at it, be sure to visit the PODS blog for more packing hacks and moving tips from the pros.

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Based in Arlington, Texas, Heather Magness is a member of the PODS blog creative team. When she’s not formatting images and blog layouts, you can find her writing a song, watching a movie, or enjoying the great outdoors.