Top 5 Moving and Packing Hacks for a Stress-Free Move

I am moving and packing different things for different people. Some work best under a time crunch, leaving it to the last minute. I am not the latter; I am a list maker, sometimes making too many lists that I confuse myself. I created an essential list using the tools below, which I will attach at the bottom of the page. Everyone's living situation is different. This is not a strict list, but it might help create yours, especially if you're moving into your first place or abroad.

1. labelling

I did this at the start of university. Every box did not just say what room it goes to, which is essential for movers to know when you move houses. However, I also put a list on the side of the box, paper sellotaped, so it is not permanently on the box that says the exact items within it. I also have a ticket box, so I know that that product is in the box. Also, storage boxes can be labelled from summer clothing or Christmas decorations, so you do not have to go through each box to find those Christmas tree lights. Get a label maker. I use it to label boxes and crates of what's in things.

2. Boxes

you do not need to spend loads of money on boxes. If you know you're moving, spare some big boxes from deliveries. You can also go to your local supermarket, where there are likely to be boxes at the checkout point or ask a staff member for them. Also, once finished with a box, do not throw it away; flatten it and store it for your next move if applicable. If you do not need large cardboard boxes, think of storage items like baskets, ottomans, etc., which can also be used as furniture and room accessories, saving money, space and the planet all at once.

3. Clothes

do not waste money or damage the environment by buying bubble wrap or tissue paper unless these come with the product when bought. Use clothes as a form of security and prevent damage or smashing from occurring. This is a perfect use of resources and reduces your packing amount. With your surplus clothing, think about the season you are moving. If you're moving in winter, put your summer clothes in storage boxes that can be stored away in winter. Use vacuum suction bags to reduce the size of all the clothing. If you have suits or items, you do not want to get damaged, use a bin bag from the bottom and tie it around the neck of the hook of the hanger. If you want a more environment way, you can get boxes that have the same purpose, and you can hang your clothes in them on their hangers still

4. Lists, lists, lists.

The biggest tip of the day. Create a document and write down what you need to get and pack. Then, write a couponing list of the rooms and places it will be; remember to be realistic with your space and the amount of storage you will have. Also, consider whether you will be doing any renovations or decorating that might impact the colours or materials used in a room. Remember to cross or tick as you pack. This could even be on a whiteboard where it can be more visual. Do not leave packing to the last minute, but I am sure you know that otherwise, it will look like a jumble sale in your living room. I also use a different colour for the products I need to get or that have not been packed, so it is usually automatically not in the box for those who are visual learners.

5. Spring clean.

When moving places, even back home, for university accommodation, you will likely accumulate rubbish you do not need. Do I need it? What's its purpose? Do I have it at home or in my next accommodation? If you are a university student, you are likely to have multiple things. Remember to overhaul your wardrobe. Do you need all those clubbing outfits now that you live in the sticks and work five days a week?

Things to bring to University by area

Bed

• Mattress protector 
• Fitted sheets x2 
• Pillows 
• pillow protectors
• Duvet
• Duvet cover x2 
• Pillowcases
• Laundry bag

Kitchen

• Plates
• Bowls
• Straw 
• Measuring jug
• 4 Cups
• 2 Mugs
• Cutlery  
• Washing up liquid  
• Cloth washing-up 
• brush  
• Measuring spoons
• Ice cream spoon
• Oven gloves❤️ the emoji is to shoe. I have not packed this item. Remember to make a key at the top for all correspondence differences so you can go back days later and know what you meant.
• Two cocktail glasses❤️
• Four coaster
• Wooden spoon
• Cooking utensils 
• peeler
• Cocktail measurer
• Shot glass
• Tea towel
• Knife 
• Scissors 
• Spatula
• Tong 
• tin opener
• Cheese grater
• Saucepan x2
• Frying pan
• Scales 
• Baking tin 
• Smoothie maker 
• Pizza wheel 
• Bottle opener 
• sieve 
• Chopping board 
• Oven tray 
• Can opener
• Tupper ware 
• Mixing bowl
• Cookie cutter
• Pallet knife 
• Meal planner
• Apron
• Rolling pin
• Teaspoons - this is an example of something I have yet to get and, therefore, is not packed yet, so when I go through the list, it is easily visible 

Bathroom

• Shower gel
• Pink stuff
• Soap/ hand wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Bath mat
• Towels 
• First aid kit
• Shower puff
• Razer
• Shaver's heads
• Shower cream
• Tan lotion
• Mouth wash
• Body scrub
• Storage baskets
• Storage pots 
• Toilet cleaning 
• Toilet roll
• Storage make up
• Toilet brush 
• Body exfoliant
• Hand towel 

Clothes

• Hangers
• Peg octopus
• Laundry box 
• detergent 
• Bras
• Sport bra
• Socks
• Underwear
• Jumpers
• Tops
• Jeans
• Smart trouser
• Smart clothes
• PJs
• Coats
• Jackets
• Shorts
• dresses/jumpsuits/playsuits
• Skirts
• Swimming costumes/ bikini
• Workout gear- bra, leggings, top
• Party outfits
• Loungewear
• Fluffy socks
• Hair turban
• Hats, scarf gloves
• Dressing gown

Electronic

• Batteries
• Polaroid camera
• Hp sprocket
• Phone 
• Laptops 
• Chromebook
• Charger
• Portable charger
• Camera
• Extension cords
• Straighter
• Hair drier
• Curling tongs
• Speaker
• Headphone 
• Spear wirings 
• Earphones
• iPhone headphones
• Label machine
• Disco light
• Polaroid and LP sprocket paper  

Desk

• Books recommended for your course  to get
• Pen 
• Paper
• Post-it notes
• Stationary 
• Things for notice board
• Books related to law

Room accessories—These are specific to each person. This is just a list of things I was using to decorate my university room, but remember, if you're moving into a flat or a house that is not shared with strangers, you will need more decorations and room decor.

• Reed diffuser
• Flower tube
• Wicker pot
• Wall print
• Pot
• Vase 
• Photo frames
• Table weight
• Fake plants
• Human mannequin 
• Two white spots
• Gold pot
• Shell tray
• Two extra pots
• Happiness is a day at the beach sign
• Duvet bag
• Plant pot
• Fake plant
• blue/grey pot
• Fairy light photo clips
• Blanket
• Letter E
• Flask
• Star
• Disco light 

Personal accessories

• Sport Trainers
• Boots
• Sliders
• Trainer 
• heels/ sandals
• Headbands and scrunchies
• Hairbrush/come
• Necklace
• Earrings
• Handbags
• Purse
• Glasses
• Belt
• Sunglasses
• masks

Beauty products- This can be broad if you do not have many products or specific if you are likely to forget

• Shower cap
• Heat  protector
• Knot spray
• Hairspray
• Hair mask
• Hair oil
• Skin mask
• Dry shampoo
• Cleanser
• Face wash  
• Cloth 
• Spot cream
• Moistures
• Serum
• Eye cream
• Acid pads
• Face sun cream
• Lip product
• Eyebrow product
• Mascara
• Concealer
• Blush
• Powder
• Eye shadow/ liner
• Bronzer
• Makeup/ wash bags
• Makeup brushes
• Nail kit
• Deodorant
• Perfume
• Cotton pad reusable/one-use
• Sanitary products
• Lip balm

extra/ personal items

• Shopping bags
• Water bottle
• Hand cream
• Hand sanitiser
• Other medication 
• Plasters  
• Sun cream
• After sun
• Photobook
• photos
• Cooking books
• Books
• sport equipment

What's in each box

This is where you can write and colour code the boxes so you know where it is and what is in the box