bedroom
Settle in Like a Boss
Pack to Perfection
Prep With Care
12 Hacks to Help You Move Without Losing Your Mind
What to do before, during and after to make the moving process a whole lot smoother.
Do a purge.
If you have time, get rid of anything you don’t wear or use so you’ll have less stuff to pack (and subquently unpack). Have a yard sale, donate, or use services like Letgo, OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace to off-load bigger-ticket items and make some cash.
Schedule disconnection times.
Call your cable, internet, electricity and gas providers two weeks before the move to close or transfer your accounts, and set aside time to return company-owned modems or cable boxes. This way, you won’t end up with extra bills or fees.
Want to set yourself up for success? Make these your first to-dos.
Prep With Care Pack to Perfection Settle in Like a Boss
Get a quote to cap the cost of your move.
To compare quotes from moving companies in your area, try a site like Unpakt.com. Or have a mover do a visual survey of your home ahead of time to seal the price and ensure there won't be any surprises once you’re hit with the bill.
Stock up on supplies.
Instead of shelling out for moving supplies, start stashing away boxes and newspaper to pack up your stuff. Specialized boxes for dishes and glassware can be expensive, but worth it; check online to see if you can score lightly used ones.
Set up a system.
Label boxes with the room they belong in and assign them a number, then list everything that's in each box in a spreadsheet or list app. Also, pack a box of essentials for the first day in your new place: sheets and towels, kitchen must-haves, a phone charger and toiletries.
Give pets a break.
Ask a friend to take your pet while you pack. Not only will they be out of your hair; they’ll also be less stressed. No one to pet sit? Keep them in the room you plan to pack last so things feel familiar. On moving day, shut them in a room so they can’t make a run for it as the movers go in and out.
Take photos of electronics.
Before you start unplugging your TV, sound system and other devices, take photos of the cords and their inputs and outputs— knowing which goes where will make setting up the systems way easier later on. (Check out more packing tips here.)
Clean as you go.
After packing up a room, do a clean sweep. A compact, cordless vacuum like the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute is lightweight and can handle everything from hard floors to carpets, and it even transforms to a handheld vac so you can easily reach high corners. Plus, with Dyson's longest lasting battery yet, you won't be left stranded.
There’s an art to packing that will ensure you— and your belongings—make it to your new pad all in one piece.
Pre-clean your new place.
If you have access, do a deep clean of the kitchen and bathrooms before you move in. Then set up an air purifier like the Dyson Pure Cool to reduce allergens or pollutants in the air. If the walls were freshly painted, it can even help filter out harmful VOCs.
Go one room at a time.
It might seem smart for you and your partner to split up to cover more ground, but if you tackle each room together, you can jointly decide where to store things. Trust us, one of you will have a very strong opinion about where the plates or glasses should go.
Open boxes strategically.
Depending on how far you’re moving—or how late you stayed up packing!—you might be too exhausted to face that tower of boxes. Only unpack the essentials box you put together earlier, order takeout and just relax for the night.
Do a safety check.
Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work and replace batteries if needed, and locate the circuit breaker and gas and water shutoff valves. It's also wise to change the locks—you never know who may have keys to your new home.
Here’s how to make the unpacking process as painless as possible.
bathroom
Living Room
Kitchen
Cold, dry air mixed with regular home allergens can irritate your airways. Try sleeping with the Dyson AM10 Humidifier, which projects clean, hydrated air for up to 18 hours.
Pro tip
Bedroom
Particles like dust mites, dander and pollen can hide in your bed linens and pillows. They can be inhaled during the night— triggering your asthma and allergies.
Wipe baseboards, molding and ceilings with a microfiber cloth.
Clean dust and pollen from windowsills with microfiber cloth.
Launder all bedding, including pillows, mattress pads, dust ruffles and shams.
Air out the room by opening all windows and doors while cleaning.
Use vacuum attachment on any curtains or drapes—or launder if they’re washer safe.
Vacuum floors or consider vapor steam-cleaning wall-to-wall carpeting.
Clean or change out filters on air purifiers or humidifiers.
Pay attention to seams and crevices where dust and dirt can collect.
Vacuum mattress surface with upholstery attachment.
