Minimalist Moving

Some of you have been asking about tips and tricks on moving, so here they are!

As for my credentials, I’ve moved at least twice a year, and in 2010, I think about 10 times, which includes only changing domestic addresses and not commuting to other cities for work.

Update: I wrote this a while ago in 2010, I actually moved 19 times in 2010.

1. Plastic Wrap

It isn’t eco-friendly, and I’m pretty sure I’ll burn in plastics hell for this, but wrapping your plates, cups and even your iron in plastic wrap has been one of the best moving tips I’ve shared with colleagues and friends over the years.

When you wrap things in plastic wrap, they don’t shift when you pack them into boxes (they stick together, plastic + plastic) and it creates an immediate cushioning effect by trapping in the air.

If you’re used to wrapping with newspapers, you will notice that when you unwrap everything, it leaves newspaper printed smears that you will have to wash or wipe off after unpacking. Very uncool.

If you really feel bad using plastic wrap, then instead of newspaper, use your clothes and towels instead.

2. Use garbage bags

Again, plastics hell. Me. Burning.

If you have a wardrobe of freshly ironed shirts that you are dreading having to pack and end up creasing, try this:

Grab a whole hunk of your shirts on hangers (not more than you can carry at one time), and tape around the necks of the hangers to keep them neat and in order. You can also try tying rope or wire.

Take a garbage bag, and poke a hole through the bottom with the hangers. Voila, instant garment bags.

You can also use garbage bags to put in your clothes and towels, but I’d suggest using them to pad out your shoes or other things that might shift or get scratched when left uncovered.

We like to wrap our futon in garbage bags and then use moving straps to hold it all together because we can’t seem to find a sturdy enough, big enough bag on wheels to carry our futon in when we move.

(Yes, we’ve even tried hockey bags, but they’re too small, unfortunately).

3. Stalk grocery stores early for good, and FREE boxes

Start stalking boxes 3 months early and start packing things you know you won’t need to bring out again.

The best kinds of boxes are the ones that hold pears or delicate fruit. They have a double layer of corrugated cardboard on the sides, and the covers aren’t just flaps, but they’re another half box that fits securely on top and secures everything into a tight fit.

These are the best kinds of boxes because anything you put in there (liquids, and so on) if packed tightly enough, won’t shift or bulge out on the edges as you are carrying them.

What’s even better, is it usually comes with handles (very sturdy handles) on the sides and they are just as good as the boxes buy and you pay for.

The good boxes look like this:

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