Packing Hacks: 10 Tips to Save Time and Space When Moving

Written by Zach Richards
·13 mins read

Moving can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between organizing your belongings, getting rid of clutter, and figuring out how to safely pack everything, it’s easy to feel stressed. That’s where time-saving packing hacks come in handy. By following these 10 space-saving tips and best practices, you can speed up the packing process, protect your belongings, and make your move much smoother.

At Caddy Moving, we’ve seen firsthand how strategic packing can transform a chaotic relocation into a manageable project. Keep reading to learn how to pack like a pro and save money and time in the process.

1. Declutter First, Pack Second

Before you start sealing boxes or searching for tape, devote time to decluttering. This crucial step can significantly reduce the number of items you need to move, ultimately saving on both packing materials and moving fees.

  • Create a Pile to Donate or Sell: Gather items that are still in good condition but no longer serve you. Selling valuable items online or hosting a garage sale can help recoup some of your moving costs.

  • Recycle or Throw Away: If you haven’t used an item in over a year and it holds no sentimental value, it’s probably time to let it go.

  • Sort Items by Category: Group items in categories (e.g., kitchen gadgets, clothing, electronics) to see redundancies. Reduce duplicates or out-of-date items whenever possible.

By tackling clutter early on, you’ll minimize the sheer volume of belongings, making it easier to pack the remaining must-keep items.

2. Gather the Right Materials

Nothing slows down the packing process like having to pause and hunt for more boxes, tape, or bubble wrap. Avoid these interruptions with an efficient strategy.

  • Boxes in Various Sizes: Stock up on small, medium, and large boxes. Smaller boxes are best for heavier items (like books) to prevent overpacking. Large boxes are ideal for lighter, bulky items (like bedding).

  • Tape Dispensers: Use high-quality packing tape and keep at least one tape dispenser handy to speed up box sealing.

  • Padding Materials: Bubble wrap, packing paper, or even towels and clothing can protect fragile items during transport.

  • Permanent Markers & Labels: You’ll need more labels than you expect. Buy a fresh pack of markers to ensure visible, clear writing on boxes.

Having plenty of packing supplies at your fingertips lets you maintain momentum and avoid frustration.

3. Leverage Everyday Items as Packing Materials

One of the best packing hacks for saving space is reusing what you already have. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also cuts down on the cost of purchasing bubble wrap or packing peanuts.

  • Suitcases and Duffle Bags: Turn these into storage for clothing, linens, or shoes. Rolling suitcases are ideal for heavier items because you can easily wheel them around.

  • Laundry Baskets and Hampers: Use them for bulky items like pillows, towels, and blankets.

  • Towels, Blankets, and Linens: Wrap delicate items like picture frames or mirrors for extra padding. This hack protects your fragile belongings and reduces the need for additional packing paper.

  • Clothing as Cushioning: T-shirts and socks can fill in gaps in boxes containing glassware or other fragile pieces.

By getting creative with everyday items, you’ll reduce the number of boxes, saving on space during your move.

4. Master the Art of Labeling

Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, clear labeling is a must to keep you organized.

  • Color-Code Your Boxes: Assign each room in your new home a color. For example, kitchen items get a green label, while bedroom items get blue. Using colored stickers or markers can help movers instantly identify where each box belongs.

  • Write Detailed Descriptions: Instead of labeling a box “kitchen,” specify what’s inside: “kitchen – pots and pans” or “kitchen – mugs and glasses.” This is especially useful if you need to find specific items right away.

  • Mark ‘Fragile’ Prominently: Use bold or brightly colored labels for fragile items. Make sure the label is visible on multiple sides of the box.

When your boxes are clearly labeled, you can quickly find what you need during and after the move. Plus, your movers will know which boxes require extra care.

5. Keep an Essentials Box

One of the most time-saving packing tips is to create a dedicated “essentials box” that you keep easily accessible. This box will be your survival kit for the first day or two in your new home.

  • What to Include:

    • A few sets of clothes

    • Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap)

    • Medications

    • Basic cleaning supplies

    • Important documents (ID, lease, moving contract)

  • Mark It Clearly: Label this box “ESSENTIALS” or “OPEN FIRST” so that you or your movers don’t accidentally stack it away.

An essentials box spares you the hassle of rifling through multiple boxes to find a toothbrush or a clean shirt after a busy moving day.

6. Vacuum-Seal Bulky Items

If you want to save space in your boxes, consider investing in vacuum storage bags. These bags can compress bulky items like winter coats, pillows, and blankets, drastically reducing the space they take up.

  • How to Use Them:

    1. Place items inside the vacuum bag.

    2. Use a standard vacuum hose to suck out the air.

    3. Seal the bag tight.

  • Benefits:

    • Saves space in boxes or suitcases.

    • Protects fabrics from dust and moisture.

    • Keeps items fresh and ready for storage even after you move.

Vacuum-sealing is especially useful if you have limited storage space in your new home or if you’re moving long-distance and need to maximize every inch of your moving truck.

7. Use Smart Packing Techniques for Fragile Items

Fragile items like dishes, glassware, and electronics require extra care to avoid damage. Here are a few proven methods:

  • Layering Method for Plates: Wrap plates individually with packing paper or bubble wrap, then stand them on their edges vertically in a box. Add foam or linens at the bottom and top of the box for cushioning.

  • Stemware Protection: Roll wine glasses or other delicate stemware in bubble wrap, then fill the inside with tissue paper or socks to prevent shifting.

  • Electronics Packaging: Whenever possible, pack electronics in their original boxes. If not, use foam inserts or thick padding to stabilize them. Label cords and cables in separate Ziploc bags.

Taking these extra steps can prevent cracks, chips, or major breakage, saving you from replacing expensive or sentimental items.

8. Plan Ahead for Liquid and Spillable Items

It’s easy to overlook lotions, perfumes, cleaning supplies, and other liquids until they leak all over your boxes. Prevent spills and damage by packing liquids properly.

  • Seal Bottles with Plastic Wrap: Unscrew the cap, cover the opening with plastic wrap, then screw the cap back on tightly. This extra layer helps prevent leaks.

  • Store Liquids Upright: Place bottles in upright positions. If you can’t keep them upright, label the box accordingly with arrows or caution stickers.

  • Use Zip-Top Bags: When in doubt, place spillable items in a sealed plastic bag for extra protection.

A small leak can ruin an entire box of belongings. By planning for liquid items, you minimize risk and keep everything clean.

9. Pack Room by Room

A chaotic move often happens when you jump from one part of the house to another. Instead, pack one room at a time to maintain focus and stay organized.

  • Benefits:

    • Easier to label and sort items by their final destination.

    • Reduces mix-ups between different types of belongings.

    • Helps you gauge how many boxes or supplies you still need.

  • Time-Saving Tip: Start with rooms you use the least, like a guest bedroom or storage closet. Leave high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen or your main bathroom, for last so that you can continue to use them until moving day.

Following a structured, room-by-room approach streamlines your workflow and gives you a clear sense of accomplishment as you move from space to space.

10. Maintain a Packing Inventory

It might sound like extra work, but maintaining a packing inventory can save you hours of frustration later on—especially for a long-distance move.

  • Simple Spreadsheet: Create a spreadsheet listing each box with a short description (e.g., “Box #4 – Cookware and Pots”).

  • Photo Documentation: Snap a quick photo of items in the box before sealing it. This visual reference is handy if something goes missing or gets damaged.

  • Combine with Labels: Match your box labels to the inventory log so you can easily find the items you need once you arrive.

An inventory list can also help you keep track of valuable items and streamline your unpacking process. When you know exactly which box to open for your blender, your first breakfast in your new home will feel like a breeze.

Bonus Tip: Call in the Pros

If you’re strapped for time or facing a complicated move, hiring professionals like Caddy Moving can make a world of difference. Our experienced movers understand how to pack efficiently, protect your belongings, and handle all the heavy lifting so you can focus on other aspects of your relocation. From providing eco-friendly packing materials to offering custom packing services, Caddy Moving has you covered.

Packing for a move doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these 10 space-saving and time-saving tips, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth relocation. From decluttering before you pack to employing creative solutions like vacuum-sealing and using clothes for cushioning, the smallest details can make a huge difference in reducing stress and saving money.

Ready to experience a stress-free move? Contact Caddy Moving today for expert advice, professional packing services, and a seamless moving process from start to finish. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your new home!