I Swear By These 7 Moving Essentials—Don’t Pack Without Them
Swapping cardboard boxes for reusable moving bags was a game-changer.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
I was elated when I signed the lease for my new apartment — it promised more space, extra sunlight and an awesome neighborhood to explore. Then I remembered the monumental task that stood between me and my new digs: packing and moving 12 years of stuff, including shelves of books, mounds of clothes, art, hair tools and far too many pots and pans for someone who cooks twice a week.
Luckily, my new place wouldn't be ready for a month, which gave me exactly four weeks to figure out my plan of attack. First, I hired a moving company; I learned that the earlier you reserve movers, the cheaper it will be. Plus, you'll save even more cash if there's flexibility around your moving date. Then, I started researching hacks on how to pack and move as seamlessly as possible. Thanks to these five must-have moving items, the process turned out to be easier than I anticipated and actually kind of fun!
Gone are the days of single-use cardboard boxes for moving. I decided to skip the waste and use these durable moving bags instead. Each sack can hold up to 50 lbs (for instance, most of my winter wardrobe fit in one bag) and has thick straps for easy lugging. Plus, they're waterproof! Look for the style with zipper extensions, which make it easier to zip the bag closed when it's stuffed to capacity.
Post-move, fold up the bags and stow them in a drawer or closet. Better yet, use them to store home essentials (toilet paper, paper towels, linens) or to tote your supplies when heading to the beach or camping.
I used vacuum bags to compress my jeans, sweaters, and bath towels. I was impressed by how much stuff I could shove into each one. The pump makes the suctioning process easy, and the bags are super durable — the movers were less than gentle, but there were no tears or holes by the end of the day. Plus, they're clear, so you never have to struggle to remember what's inside.
Shoes are one of the most annoying items to move, but these bags made it a snap. Each bag holds 12 pairs and stacks flat, meaning they fit nicely in the moving truck. The durable straps make them easy to transport. I kept my shoes stored neatly in the bags when I got to my new place. They easily slide under the bed.
The fact that they are see-through is a game-changer in terms of keeping track of what's where.
I'll let you in on one of my favorite game-changers for moving: extra large garbage bags (at least 95 gallons)! With your clothes on hangers in the closet, slip the garbage bag over your clothes from the bottom, pull the bag up and tie a knot at the top, leaving the hook of the hanger exposed. This way, your clothes are organized and still on the hanger — ready to be hung in your new closet. And because they are see-through, you can hang them accordingly.
Luckily, the moving company I hired had its own moving blankets. But if I ever move again, I'm definitely going to grab a set of these just in case. They're used to wrap furniture and other bulky items to protect them from scratches and dings that can happen in the moving process. They also protect the walls and doorways from damage, which is important if you're trying to get your security deposit back!
Hypothetically, if someone were to accidentally scratch their hardwood floor while moving a piece of furniture, these markers do an incredible job of making it look like nothing ever happened. They come in different shades, making it easy to find the one that matches the grain on your floor.
These labels are designed to let movers know which room different bags or boxes should go in as everything is being unloaded. But honestly, I found them incredibly helpful for the first week or so as I settled into my new place. Rather than tearing through four different bags in search of an item, I could easily find what I needed.
Bonus tip: Don't pack your towels!
Instead, use them to wrap art, dishes or anything fragile. Then, spend the money you saved on bubble wrap to buy yourself a nice meal in your new neighborhood. You've earned it!
Readers Also Read
8 Packing Tips That Make Moving Easier
The Decluttering Checklist Organizing Pros Use
36 Most Clever Amazon Gadgets
The 9 Best Face Creams
