Let’s face it—moving is rarely anyone’s favorite part of a real estate transaction. But as a real estate professional, sharing smart, out-of-the-box moving tips with your clients can make you a hero long after they sign their documents! Here are 10 unique and practical tips we gathered so you can pass along (or use yourself) to help take the stress out of packing and moving:
1. DIY Vacuum-Seal Bulky Items
Skip the expensive vacuum bags. Place bedding or winter clothes in a heavy-duty garbage bag, insert your vacuum hose, and suck out the air. Twist the top and tie it off—voilà! Compact and space-saving.
2. Create a “First Night” Survival Kit
Pack a clear plastic tote with must-haves: toothbrush, pajamas, chargers, meds, snacks, tape, scissors, and your new keys. Keep it close—it’s your lifeline when you’re too tired to unpack.
3. Snap Photos Before You Seal Boxes or Unplug Electronics
Take a quick pic of box contents before taping it shut. And photograph the back of your TV or router setup—you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to reconnect everything.
4. Pad Fragile Items with Shredded Mail or Clothes
Bubble wrap is great, but so are clean towels, T-shirts, and even shredded junk mail. Wrap breakables in what you already have and save on packing materials.
5. Turn Drawers into Moving Boxes
Instead of emptying dresser drawers or utensil trays, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Move them as-is—less packing, no re-sorting!
6. Color-Code Boxes by Room
Use colored tape or markers to label each box and match the color to the destination room (green for kitchen, blue for bathroom, etc.). Tape the same color to each doorway at the new house for easy unloading.
7. Bag Hanging Clothes with Heavy-Duty Trash Bags
Gather 10–12 hangers of clothes, pull a contractor bag up from the bottom, and cinch the drawstring at the top. Clothes stay clean, and they hang right back up at the new place.
8. Tape Hardware Bags to Furniture
Disassembling furniture? Store screws and bolts in a labeled zip-top bag and tape it securely to the furniture itself—no mystery parts later.
9. Use What You Already Own to Pack
Rolling suitcases? Ideal for heavy books. Duffel bags? Perfect for pillows and clothes. IKEA bags? Basically moving magic. Use what you’ve got before buying boxes.
10. Schedule a Deep Clean Before Moving In
Even if the seller did a basic clean, your client will appreciate walking into a freshly scrubbed space. Recommend scheduling a professional cleaner to tackle the kitchen, bathroom, baseboards, and more before move-in day.
Looking for more resources to help your clients settle in smoothly? Contact your local title and escrow team at Land Title—we’re here to support every step of the way, from contract to closing and after!
References:
- U.S. News & World Report – “The Ultimate To-Do List for Moving Into a New House”
https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/the-ultimate-to-do-list-for-moving-into-a-new-house - The Spruce – “The Only 30 Moving Hacks You Need to Pack Like a Pro”
https://www.thespruce.com/incredibly-useful-packing-hacks-4054126 -
Making Lemonade Blog – “25 Clever Moving Hacks to Make Your Move Easier”
https://makinglemonadeblog.com/25-clever-moving-hacks-to-make-your-move-easier/ -
Better Homes & Gardens – “Professional Packers Share Their Top Moving Tips”
https://www.bhg.com/professional-packing-tips-11696565
