Time to move? It’s that dreaded activity that all renters must face from time to time. While it’s exciting to be moving into your new Toronto apartment, the whole moving process can be such a hassle.

Luckily we put together this list of 17 moving tips to make the process WAY easier this time around!

1. Pack an overnight bag with the essentials.
   That way, after a long day of packing and unpacking, you won’t have to scrounge around to find PJs, clean undies, a toothbrush and deodorant when all you want to do is crash.
2. Pack by room and label each box.
   Pack items that belong in the same room together in a box. On the outside of the box, write what’s inside each box and what room that box is meant for.
3. Pack the non-essentials first.
   Things like out-of-season clothes and shoes, decorative items and other stuff you don’t use on a daily basis can get packed first – up to two weeks before moving day. You won’t miss these items in the meantime.
4. Pack the essentials last.
   Stuff like pots and pans, the clothes you wear most often, dishes, toiletries and a clean towel and set of sheets should be some of the last items to go in a box. Also, save cleaning products till last, too, so you won’t have to hunt for them in order to clean just before leaving your old apartment.
5. Label boxes on 3 sides – at least!
   Probably better to go with 4 sides: the top and 3 actual sides. It’ll make things way easier when the boxes are stacked.
6. Use towels to pad breakable stuff.
   Wrap tea towels and bath towels around plates, glasses and other fragile objects. Socks and T-shirts work well too!
7. Put plates vertically into boxes, rather than stacking them.
   They’re more likely to stay intact that way! Remember to put some kind of padding between each plate.
8. Don’t unpack drawers.
   Save yourself tons of time by not unpacking stuff from your dresser drawers. Instead, use duct tape inside the drawers to keep stuff in place, then tape the drawers shut so they won’t fly open during the move.
9. Leave stuff on hangers.
   No need to take every item hanging in your closets off the hangers. Instead, grab a big garbage bag and put the bottom of each item into the bag. Pull it up as high as possible. Everything will pretty much stay together and the hangers will still be there when you get to your new apartment!
10. Use zippable plastic bags for hardware.
    Got tables, couches and other furniture that needs to be taken apart? Don’t lose the screws you’ll need to put it all back together. Keep zippable plastic bags around and put the screws, etc. from one piece of furniture into a bag. Seal and label it, then tape it onto that piece of furniture – or pack it somewhere secure where it won’t get lost.
11. Pack into the stuff that needs to come anyways, like suitcases, laundry baskets and random baskets.
    It’ll save space and money.
12. Stop buying groceries about 10 days before the move.
    It kind of sucks moving food. Let your fridge get empty before you move and avoid wasting anything.
13. Go for takeout for the last few days.
    Save yourself the hassle of looking for that one pan you need, and searching for a plate and fork.
14. Take photos of the old and new apartments.
    Before you leave your old place, take pictures showing that it’s in good, clean condition. It’ll help you make sure you get your deposit back. Do the same for your new apartment to keep a record of its condition before you moved in.
15. Ask for help.
    Get your friends to help with the move. Just remember to return the favour when they ask for your help. And buy them beer.
16. Got lots of stuff? Think about hiring a moving company.
    You’re going to need a reputable and insured company. Read our blog about how to find a good moving company in Toronto.
17. Moving with pets?
    Consider getting a friend or pet sitter to watch your pet the day of the move. It’ll make your life and your pet’s life much easier!

Got moving tips of your own? Share!