Moving to a new home is stressful. You never realize how much stuff you’ve accumulated until it’s time to move. Packing and unpacking all of your belongings is a drag, but it doesn’t have to be.
1. Think Like a Russian Nesting Doll
You’ve probably seen Russian nesting dolls before, but did you know they inspired an effective method for packing your belongings?
Russian nesting dolls, also known as Matryoshka dolls, are dolls that fit snugly inside of one another. What do these ornately painted dolls have to do with moving? It’s called the Matryoshka Way of packing for a reason.
Start by stacking household items together:
- Stuff socks in shoes.
- Stack bowls, cups, plates, pots, and pans.
- Use pillowcases to hold your delicate laundry and pajamas.
- Chairs can be stacked to save space.
- Bins, buckets, crates, baskets, and hampers are made for stacking.
- Roll up thin summer clothing and stuff it in your winter coats and sweaters.
- Stack your hats to save space.
Use the last item in a stack as a container:
- Use the top bucket in a stack to store cleaning supplies.
- Store utensils, cutlery, and spices in your stacked pots and pans.
- Personal hygiene products and beauty products will fit nicely in stacked baskets.
- You’ll save time, money and space in your moving van if you use the Russian nesting doll method for packing.
2. Take Pictures
Take pictures of everything, and we’re not talking about selfies. Take pictures of your walls, your floors and all of your belongings. If you’ve been living in a rental, taking pictures can help you get your security deposit back. You’ll have proof that you left your former abode in good condition.
If you’re moving into another rental, take pictures of your new place too. Photos can save you money in the future if there’s ever a dispute over your security deposit. Take photos of how your electronics are set up. You’ll save yourself the time and hassle of finding out which wires go where.
3. Dollar Store Finds
Don’t waste money on packing materials. Have your friends save their egg cartons and boxes for you. Ask local stores for their unwanted boxes, paper, and newspapers. What you can’t get for free, you can buy cheap at a dollar store.
Partially inflated balloons are great for protecting fragile items. Rice, Ziploc bags and lentils also work well.
4. Use Your (Clean) Laundry
Line your moving boxes with clothes, and put fragile glassware in thick socks. You need to take your clothes to your new place anyway; you might as well make good use of them.
5. Don’t Empty Your Drawers
Instead of emptying your drawers, leave them the way they are. Wrap dresser drawers in plastic, and use them as moving containers. You’ll be one step closer to having an organized new home.
With a little creativity, you’ll be settled in your new home in no time at all.