Unconventional Moving Hacks You’ve Never Heard Of

Featured Image Caption: Couple carrying cardboard boxes in living room

Moving can be marked by stress, chaos, and unexpected challenges, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many unconventional moving hacks that you’ve probably never heard of. These ingenious tricks go beyond the typical advice of labeling boxes and securing bubble wrap. From using plastic wrap creatively to repurposing your suitcases, these hacks will simplify your move and make the process smoother than ever imagined.

Furniture Sliders: The Silent Heroes of Moving

Every good moving plan starts with a checklist. But writing down “pack your furniture” is much easier than actually doing so. This is where our first unconventional moving hack comes into play: furniture sliders.

Furniture sliders are flat, smooth discs that are placed under the legs or corners of heavy furniture pieces like sofas, dressers, and tables. They turn these unwieldy items into smoothly gliding objects, making them effortlessly maneuverable.

The beauty of furniture sliders lies in their simplicity. Just slip them under the furniture’s legs, and you can push or pull with minimal effort, even on carpeted surfaces—no more strained muscles or scratched floors. As a result, these unassuming devices can save your back and your floors.

Dish Soap as a Packing Aid

Moving often involves a long list of supplies and expenses, but what if we told you there’s an unexpected and cost-effective item in your kitchen that can help? Yes, we’re talking about dish soap. While it’s a household staple for cleaning dishes, it has surprising potential as a packing aid.

Dish soap is a versatile and readily available item that can simplify your packing process in several ways:

1. It can be used to lubricate the rails of drawers and furniture hinges, making them easier to disassemble and reassemble.
2. It’s excellent for removing stubborn stickers or adhesive residue from furniture and other surfaces.
3. Dish soap can also serve as a protective coating for delicate items like glassware. A thin layer of diluted soap applied to fragile pieces can help prevent chipping or cracking during the move.

The Power of Plastic Wrap

When it comes to unconventional moving hacks, one item that often goes unnoticed but can be a total game-changer is plain old plastic wrap. This versatile and easily accessible material can provide ingenious solutions to some common packing problems.

Plastic wrap is ideal for securing loose items together, such as utensils, jewelry, or small kitchen appliances, preventing them from getting lost in the shuffle. It also works wonders for keeping dresser drawers and cabinet doors closed during transport, saving you the hassle of emptying and refilling them.

In addition, you can use plastic wrap to protect fragile or valuable items like artwork, mirrors, and glass tabletops. By creating a protective layer, you can shield these items from scratches and damage.

Utilize Your Suitcases

When it comes to moving, you don’t need to invest in extra boxes or containers. Look no further than your luggage collection – your suitcases can save you a lot of space. Repurposing your suitcases as moving aids can save you time, money, and hassle.

Suitcases are designed to hold heavy items, making them perfect for transporting dense objects like books, electronics, and shoes. Their sturdy construction ensures your belongings stay protected during the move.

What’s more, suitcases with wheels provide added convenience, allowing you to effortlessly roll your items from one place to another. Plus, you’re using your existing storage solutions efficiently, reducing the need for extra packing materials.

Color Coding Your Boxes

Navigating a sea of cardboard boxes during a move can be a lot, but one of the unconventional packing hacks can bring order to the chaos: color coding your boxes. This simple method can save you time and stress during packing and unpacking phases.

The concept is straightforward: assign a specific color to each room or area of your new home. Then, use colored markers or adhesive labels to mark each box accordingly. For instance, you could label all kitchen-related boxes red while you mark bedroom items blue.

Color coding streamlines the packing process by allowing you to identify where each box belongs quickly. When it’s time to unpack, you can easily direct movers or friends to the correct rooms, making the process more efficient and less overwhelming.

Create a Digital Inventory

There’s no reason to rely solely on pen and paper for your moving inventory. Instead, you can use a virtual moving assistant. Creating a comprehensive digital inventory is one of the unconventional moving hacks that can save you both time and headaches.

A digital inventory lets you keep track of every item you’re moving, making it easier to ensure that nothing is lost or left behind. You can use a smartphone app or spreadsheet software to create and update your inventory as you pack.

Furthermore, you can take this one step further with a virtual moving assistant. These smart tools can help you catalog your possessions, generate labels for your boxes, and even provide packing tips based on the items you have. It’s like having a moving expert at your fingertips.

A Few More Fun Hacks

• Clothing as Packing Material: Instead of bubble wrap, use your clothes to wrap and protect fragile items. Socks, scarves, and other soft clothing are great for cushioning dishes and glassware.
• Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save space in boxes and suitcases. This is particularly useful for bulkier items like jeans and sweaters.
• Photograph Electronics Setup: Before unplugging your electronic devices, take a photo of how the cables are connected. This will make it easier to set them up again in your new home.
• Utilize Pot and Pan Space: Fill pots and pans with spices, dish towels, or other small kitchen items. This maximizes space and keeps similar items together.
• Egg Cartons for Jewelry: Use egg cartons to transport small jewelry items like earrings and rings. This prevents them from getting lost or tangled.
• Trash Bags for Hanging Clothes: Slip a trash bag over a group of hangers with clothes on them. This creates an instant garment bag, making it easy to move clothes without taking them off the hangers.

Streamline Your Move with Ingenious Moving Tricks

These unconventional moving hacks have the potential to transform your next move into a smooth and stress-free experience. From furniture sliders to vacuum storage bags, dish soap to plastic wrap, these creative solutions will simplify your move. Say goodbye to moving woes and hello to efficiency!

By Dan Lawrence
is a seasoned relocation expert at Fairfax Transfer and Storage Northern VA, one of the oldest moving companies in Northern Virginia. With years of experience in the moving industry, Dan has helped countless individuals and families navigate the complexities of moving with ease. His passion for sharing unconventional moving hacks stems from his commitment to making moves smoother and stress-free for everyone.

Member since January, 2024
View all the articles of Dan Lawrence.

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