7 TikTok-Backed Moving Tips To Make Packing and Changing Locations a Breeze

Moving is one of those inevitable things we have to face as adults. And no matter how much you plan, it’s a stressful time and it doesn’t go smoothly a lot of the time. But outside of just “Plan and you’ll be fine” advice, how can you make sure packing up and moving out is an easier process? The internet can be a magical place, with really helpful information, and this is one of those situations where that’s definitely the case.

We’ve found the best moving tips and mistakes to avoid from TikTok and we’re sharing them with you. Read on to find out the best ways to make sure you have a smooth move.

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Related: 100 Moving On Quotes To Inspire You

7 moving and packing tips and mistakes to avoid from TikTok

1. Do your research

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Okay, this one does kind of fit under the whole “Plan better” category of advice. But this doesn’t just mean making a checklist or taking inventory of just how much stuff you own. TikTok user @simonealyssa shared that you might want to figure out how to move your car if you’re moving across the country. It might be better to drive your car instead of shipping it to wherever you’re going, if you’re able to. This could save you money, but, again, do the math since gas is pricey at the moment.

She also says to do your research when it comes to what moving company you use. This, of course, includes Google reviews and testimonials, but she also warns not to use a moving brokerage. These are companies that are a third-party business that then pairs you with a moving company and acts as a middleman. Simone Alyssa shared that this is an easy way to get scammed; all of her stuff was lost due to her going with a brokerage instead of a straight-up moving company.

And yes, you should definitely think about using movers if you can afford it. User @discoverotpliving said that professional movers are “worth their weight in gold” if you get a good company and make a move so much better.

2. Use stretch wrap

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Stretch wrap is one of those items that sometimes gets overlooked by people packing and planning a move. Simone Alyssa shared that as a “serial mover” herself, this product is great to wrap light-colored couches or furniture in (so that it doesn’t get stained in the move, since it can’t go in a box).

And TikTok account @theshoppingexpert shared that stretch wrap is also a great hack for keeping loose things secure. This recyclable material can be used to wrap around utensils or desk organizers, lidless bins, loose makeup or other items. You don’t want a ton of small things rolling around in the bottom of a box; that’s a surefire way to get them lost.

3. Make an emergency box for the move

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In all of the hustle and bustle of moving, it might be hard to remember that you need to be able to live in your new place on the first night. This means that if you’re packing toiletries and more in several different places, it might be a struggle to get necessities out that first night. This is where an emergency box comes in handy. User @sierra.honeycutt shared her emergency box hack, stating that you should put toilet paper, Ziploc bags and other new home essentials in it so that they’re easily accessible. This can include scissors, snacks, soap, permanent markers and even books if you have kids who need distraction.

You might even want to pack a multi-use tool in the box as well. The Shopping Expert suggests the LEATHERMAN Skeletool, which is a 7-in-1 tool that can be used as pliers, hard-wire cutters, a knife and more. There are cheaper options too, like the M-Tac 7-in-1 keychain tool that should get the job done as well.

4. Use colors to label which box goes in the correct room

Labeling everything you’re putting in the moving van is essential to a smooth move. And one hack to do that well is to color-code those labels, as well. Sierra suggested pre-made color-coded packing labels that already have the different names of rooms in corresponding colors. You can even go to the new house before the movers get there and put those labels on the doors or walls of the rooms those boxes belong in (this is good for bedrooms and offices, because kitchens and living rooms should be easy to find).

You don’t even have to get them pre-made (though those are really cute). You can just use different colored labels or tape and use Sharpy to write on them, @tidycademypro suggested. They also suggested using “FRAGILE” tape on fragile boxes so that movers 100 percent know those boxes need to be handled with care.

5. Use different methods for packing your hanging clothes

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While it’s pretty simple to pack up clothing in drawers since they’re already folded, it can be difficult to figure out how you want to pack your hanging clothes. You can always just take them off the hangers and fold them too. But Sierra suggested the garbage bag method for hanging clothes.

Basically, take a garbage bag, put as many hanging clothes as you can—still on the hanger—into the bag bottom-first, and then crisscross the garbage bag's handles at the top to secure it. This makes it easier to put hanging clothes up in your new home and not have to worry about storing and packing hangers.

Kaylie, owner of the TikTok account @tidycademypro, suggested splurging on wardrobe boxes instead. Wardrobe boxes already have a bar in them, so keeping clothes on their respective hangers and putting them in that way is an easy and hassle-free way to transport them to your new closet.

6. Use Airtags on your most important boxes

This one is a bit on the expensive side, but if you have valuables or things that are irreplaceable, this tip could be a lifesaver. The Shopping Expert suggested hiding Apple AirTags in moving boxes with the most important things in them. This makes sure they’re always accounted for and could save you a headache later.

Related: Get Moving! 4 Tips for a More Organized Moving Day

7. The best moving tip for saving time later on

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If you’re all about saving time later on (who isn’t) and also decluttering or planning on new storage in your new home, user @organizedetroit has a hack for you.

“If you’re packing stuff up that is not going to be unpacked, then pack it the way it’s going to get stored,” she said. This refers to things like photo albums, framed photos and keepsakes that are going to go into storage in your basement or a closet. Instead of putting them in boxes with the rest of your belongings, invest in bins for storage and put them in there.

This way they’re already in their new storage container and you don’t have to unpack them just to repack them up later. She also suggests getting nothing bigger than a 66-quart bin, because then it’ll just be too heavy to carry or hold things for the move.

With these new moving tips and hacks up your sleeves, your upcoming move should go nice and smooth.

Next up, if this upcoming move is the first time your partner are living together, here's how to know if it's too soon.