20 Time-Saving Packing Hacks for a Faster, Smarter Move
Moving to a new home or office is exciting, but the process of packing can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. Whether you’re moving across town or between cities, smart packing strategies can make a big difference. Whether you are moving into a new house, office, or moving intercity, these packing hacks are designed to make the experience more efficient, stress-free, and even enjoyable. Many people have already used these packing hacks to save time and avoid stress during their move, and you’ll find them just as helpful when it’s your turn to pack.
To help you pack faster, stay organized, and reduce stress, here are 20 proven packing hacks you’ll wish you knew sooner.
1. Start Early & Create a Checklist
Begin packing at least two to three weeks before your moving date. Use a checklist to break tasks down room by room and track your progress. This is especially helpful for house movers who often underestimate how long packing takes. Starting early gives you the freedom to sort through your belongings methodically, avoid rushed decisions, and even take breaks without feeling pressured. Most professional furniture movers agree that organized packing ensures smoother loading and unpacking.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
Decluttering is a key part of any successful move. You don’t want to carry things you no longer need. Donate gently used items, recycle or discard damaged ones, and consider selling higher-value items online. Many movers often suggest creating three piles: keep, donate, and toss. This step lightens your load and can reduce moving costs, especially during intercity moves where space and weight significantly affect pricing.
3. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items
Rolling suitcases aren’t just for travel; they’re perfect for transporting heavy items like books, files, or kitchen tools. A professional mover will recommend this because it prevents boxes from breaking and reduces the physical strain of lifting. Suitcases with wheels are particularly effective for moving in multi-story buildings or across uneven surfaces.
4. Label Everything Clearly
Labeling helps prevent confusion on moving day. Be specific. Instead of writing “Shoes“, “kitchen,” write “kitchen – glassware” or “kitchen – utensils.” You will get benefit from labeling boxes by department, so unpacking and desk setup can happen efficiently. Use permanent markers or printed labels and stick them on the top and sides of the boxes.
5. Room Color-Coded
First, color-code every room with a piece of tape or sticker. For example, use red for the kitchen, blue for the living room, and green for the bedroom etc. Moving companies find this technique very helpful when offloading to a new property, which can be especially helpful for when customers have moved into a property they have never been to. Moving companies can scan every box quickly to find the matching room without having to read every label box of items.
6. Pack an Essentials Box
The essentials box should contain essentials such as toiletries, medications, snacks, cell phone chargers, cellphones, a change of clothes, a small toolbox, and basic kitchen items ready for when you arrive at the destination. This is the last box you will pack, as well as the first box to open when you arrive. A professional movers often put together a similar box called a “go box,” which includes router cables, extension cords, keys, and security passes for their new office space.
7. Use Towels and Blankets to Cushion Items
Use the items you already own for packing materials and save some money! Use towels, bedsheets or blankets to wrap fragile items like glassware or picture frames. A mover uses this hack to protect wood finishes and mirrors. It is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than buying bubble wrap, and creates a nice cushion to fill items inside boxes.
8. Wrap Dressers Draw with Cling Film
Instead of emptying your dresser drawers with clothes, you might consider wrapping them instead with cling film. If it is a smaller dresser, perhaps leave the clothes in the drawers. Furniture movers typically will find this saves them a lot of time when loading the boxes of clothes onto a truck.
9. Take Photos of Electronics Setups
Take clear pictures of your current cable setups for your TV, internet router, and office workstations. These visuals serve as quick reference guides when reconnecting devices. Office movers especially rely on this method to get operations up and running swiftly.
10. Use Ziplock Bags for Small Parts
Keep screws, bolts, and other tiny hardware pieces in labeled ziplock bags. Tape the bag to the corresponding furniture or place it in a clearly labeled “Parts Box.” This ensures you don’t lose essential components during the move. Furniture movers use this for beds, tables, and modular shelves.
11. Pack Plates Vertically
Plates are stronger when stacked on their edges. Use bubble wrap, dish towels, or foam plates between them and place them snugly in a box. This technique reduces the risk of breakage. Intercity movers prefer this method because it withstands long travel better.
12. Seal Bottles with Plastic Wrap
Prevent spills by removing the cap from liquid bottles, covering the opening with plastic wrap, then screwing the cap back on. Store toiletries, oils, and cleaning supplies upright in plastic bins. Many house movers pack these last and keep them easily accessible.
13. Use a Garbage Bag to Hang Clothes
Slide a garbage bag over a pile of clothing and hangers. After, tie it at the bottom with string, twine, or rope. This will keep your clothes together and clean. Wardrobe boxes are common with intercity movers, but this is a very affordable and ingenious DIY that will move a certain amount of clothes together while probably saving you hours of work unpacking.
14. Do Not Empty Your Dresser Drawers
Leave lighter items, like clothing, in the drawers. Secure the drawer closed with stretch wrap or rope. It saves time and space. You do, however, want to make sure the dresser is strong enough to carry the weight. Furniture movers often do this for short-distance movers.
15. Use Egg Cartons for Jewelry
For rings, earrings, and other small jewelry, place the jewelry in an egg carton, shut the lid, and tape it shut. If you have a long move, put the egg carton in a small plastic container. Office movers can use this trick to protect the organization of USB drives, SD cards, and other items.
16. Mark Boxes ‘Heavy’, ‘Light’
You can use stickers or colored tape to indicate the level of weight for each box. Movers will appreciate the heads up, and it will help them if you are hiring somewhere like professional house movers or office movers. Using the box marking system will also help if you plan on stacking your boxes in the moving truck.
17. Keep Cables and Chargers Together
Bundle each set of cables with rubber bands or zip ties. Place them in labeled bags or pouches. If possible, keep the cords with the devices they belong to. Office movers especially benefit from cable management strategies to avoid delays in reassembling workstations.
18. Use Rolling Luggage for Fragile or Valuable Items
Laptops, family heirlooms, or expensive devices are safer when transported with you in rolling luggage. Intercity movers often recommend keeping such valuables in personal vehicles rather than in the moving truck.
19. Utilize Every Inch of Space
Fill empty spaces in boxes with socks, linens, or lightweight clothes to prevent shifting. House movers who optimize space can reduce the total number of boxes, making loading and unloading faster. For fragile items, this also adds an extra layer of protection.
20. Stay Calm & Ask for Help
Don’t try to do everything yourself. You can take help from friends, family, or hire a professional mover like Moving Champs NZ. The key is staying calm, sticking to your checklist, and staying flexible if unexpected issues arise.
Pro Packing Tips Based on Your Move Type
For House Moves:
- Keep your essentials box handy and separate from the rest.
- Unplug and defrost your fridge at least 24 hours before moving.
- Disconnect major appliances and drain water lines if needed.
For Furniture Moves:
- Use corner protectors to prevent furniture damage.
- Shrink-wrap delicate wood pieces and remove legs from large tables.
- Secure all screws and attachments with labeled tape or storage bags.
For Intercity Moves:
- Arrange for overnight bags with essentials, especially for long drives.
- Notify your movers about stairs, elevators, or restricted access at both ends.
- Track weather conditions to avoid unexpected delays.
For Office Moves:
- Make a digital inventory of your IT equipment.
- Clearly label departments and priority equipment.
- Notify clients and vendors ahead of time about potential downtime.
Final Words:
Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. With appropriate preparations and smart packing tricks, you can restore (or at least feel like you have restored) control over the process and even find pleasure in transitioning to a new place. Regardless of whether you are moving to a home location, an office location, or moving from one city to another, using some of these hacks will save you time, minimize damage, and reduce the hassle that packing often brings.
For the best results, make sure you plan ahead of time, stay organized, and ask for help when you need it. At Moving Champs, we understand that every move is unique. Our qualified, professional, and affordable Packers and Movers are trained to handle every aspect of your move with care and professionalism.
We’d like to take the stress off your next move so you can focus on your new home instead of worrying about what still needs to be done. Contact Moving Champs today for moving made easy.
FAQs About Moving to New Zealand
Q1: How early should I book professional movers?
Ans: Always aim to book at least 3–4 weeks before moving, especially if you’re hiring house movers or office movers in peak seasons, like January or July. Booking early guarantees availability and better pricing.
Q2: Are there any days when it’s cheaper to move?
Ans: Yes. Clearly, weekdays and mid-month are cheaper than weekends or toward the month-end when demand is higher. Moving offices and homes around school breaks in New Zealand are also higher, so keep this in mind too.
Q3: Can movers help pack things, too?
Ans: Yes. Many companies, such as Moving Champs, often have full or partial packing options. This is perfect for families on the go or offices with little time to do a careful workplace move.
Q4: What does a usual move cost in NZ?
Ans: A usual move in New Zealand can cost anywhere from $300 to $5000+, depending on the type of move, the distance, and the amount of belongings. If you’re moving to another region and moving an office, then it will depend on the distance, volume, and services required. Always ask the company to quote for your specific move.
Q5: How do I protect my furniture if its raining?
Ans: Most professional moving companies will use tarps or plastic sheets to provide protection against rain as they are moving your furniture from a house. You can also protect it further when packing to ensure that your furniture doesn’t get wet during bad weather.
Q6: Should I tip my movers in New Zealand?
Ans: Although not expected, it is appreciated. Giving drinks, snacks or a small tip is a great way to show your appreciation for what they do, and it also creates goodwill for your future moves.
Q7: What if I’m moving a small apartment or single items?
Ans: Even for small moves, these hacks help, especially using suitcases, totes, and cling wrap. Moving Champs also offers handy “partial move” packages for smaller jobs.
Q8: Are there regulations about interstate moving?
Ans: Notably, if you’re moving to remote areas or across islands, companies must follow weight limits and transit rules. Good interstate movers will manage permits and logistics for you.