Getting Ready to Move? Don't Pack a Thing Unless You Have These 4 Items
The clear shoe bags are a game-changer.
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I was elated when I signed the lease for my new apartment — it promised more space, extra sunlight and an awesome neighborhood to explore. Then I remembered the monumental task that stood between me and my new digs: packing and moving 12 years of stuff, including shelves of books, mounds of clothes, art, hair tools and far too many pots and pans for someone who cooks twice a week.
Luckily, my new place wouldn't be ready for a month, which gave me exactly four weeks to figure out my plan of attack. First, I hired a moving company; I learned that the earlier you reserve movers, the cheaper it will be. Plus, you'll save even more cash if there's flexibility around your moving date. Then, I started researching hacks on how to pack and move as seamlessly as possible. Thanks to these five must-have moving items, the process turned out to be easier than I anticipated and actually kind of fun!
6 Pack Extra Large Moving Bags with Zippers & Carrying Handles
Gone are the days of single-use cardboard boxes for moving. I decided to skip the waste and use these durable moving bags instead. Each sack can hold up to 50 lbs (for instance, most of my winter wardrobe fit in one bag) and has thick straps for easy lugging. Plus, they're waterproof! Look for the style with zipper extensions, which make it easier to zip the bag closed when it's stuffed to capacity.
Post-move, fold up the bags and stow them in a drawer or closet. Better yet, use them to store home essentials (toilet paper, paper towels, linens) or to tote your supplies when heading to the beach or camping.
I used these vacuum bags to compress my jeans, sweaters, and bath towels. Each bag holds up to 5 lbs, and I was impressed by how much stuff I could shove in. The pump makes the suctioning process easy, and the bags are super durable — the movers were less than gentle, but there were no tears or holes by the end of the day. Plus, they're clear, so you never have to struggle to remember what's inside.
Shoes are one of the most annoying items to move, but these bags made it a snap. Each bag holds 12 pairs and stacks flat, meaning they fit nicely in the moving truck. The durable straps make them easy to transport. I kept my shoes stored neatly in the bags when I got to my new place. They easily slide under the bed.
The fact that they are see-through is a game-changer in terms of keeping track of what's where.
I'll let you in on one of my favorite game-changers for moving: extra large garbage bags (at least 95 gallons)! With your clothes on hangers in the closet, slip the garbage bag over your clothes from the bottom, pull the bag up and tie a knot at the top, leaving the hook of the hanger exposed. This way, your clothes are organized and still on the hanger — ready to be hung in your new closet. And because they are see-through, you can hang them accordingly.
Bonus tip: Don't pack your towels!
Instead, use them to wrap art, dishes or anything fragile. Then, spend the money you saved on bubble wrap to buy yourself a nice meal in your new neighborhood. You've earned it!
Keydra is a digital editor at Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, culture, entertainment and Beyoncé. Keydra has a Master’s degree from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY and a Bachelor’s degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She is a proud Buffalo, New York native (Go Bills!) who now calls Harlem home.
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