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Moving house

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

How this was put together

If you only read a few

  1. Color-code moving boxes by room using colored tape, dots, or tags to speed up sorting.

    It was so much better.

    5 people, independently

    • Use colored address labels to designate rooms for quick visual sorting.1

  2. Use a rolling suitcase for heavy loads such as books instead of boxes to make transport easier.

    Heavy boxes are difficult to haul and often rip apart under the weight.

    • Wheels can burn through due to heat from friction.
    • Handles can snap off.

    3 people, independently

    • Place heavy objects in small containers and light ones in large ones; avoid making big boxes heavy.3

  3. Phone stores first to ask for boxes instead of just showing up.

    Calling ahead is key; some stores stopped giving out boxes because people were rude about it, and asking first helps avoid assuming stuff is free.

    3 people, independently

  4. Label each box with its target room and mark corresponding doors in the new home to cut down on placement errors.

    This prevents confusion and stops you from wondering why specific boxes ended up in the wrong spots.

    • Never perfect

    3 people, independently

    • Label boxes with specific room names rather than codes.1
    • Label the inside of boxes with specific contents.1
    • Label boxes with their destination room name.5

  5. Throw away items you haven't touched in months or years before packing.

    People keep more stuff than they ought to.

    2 people, independently

boxes, sturdy, stores, ask61

  1. Ask grocery stores for free banana boxes to use for packing.

    They are sturdy, have handles, allow airflow, and stack easily.

    • Banana boxes may contain fruit fly eggs; unpack and discard them quickly.

    4 people, independently

    • Ask local liquor stores for free moving boxes, as they are often sturdy and have handles.2
    • Seek out banana boxes from grocery stores for sturdy, layered packing material.1

  2. Spray Craigslist-sourced boxes with cockroach spray and seal them the day before use to ensure safety.

    Roaches love cardboard and you don't want to bring them with you.

    one person who lived it

    • Inspect used cardboard boxes for bugs before using them, as pests like cockroaches may inhabit them.3

  3. Keep boxes to 15 pounds or less to make them easier for movers to handle.

    Most people prefer moving multiple light boxes over fewer heavy ones.

    one person who lived it

  4. Digitize physical media like CDs and DVDs to hard drives to reduce volume and weight.

    It reduces the bulk you are carrying around.

    one person who lived it

47 more on this

  1. Use liquor store boxes for moving books as they are small, sturdy, and often free.

    They are strong and the right size for one person to carry.

    one person who lived it

  2. Place pool noodles underneath cargo tied to a vehicle roof to prevent scratches if you do not have a rack.

    To prevent scratches.

    one person who lived it

  3. Seal plastic totes with cling wrap instead of tape.

    Cling wrap seals well against moisture and pests, comes off easily with a razor blade, and leaves no residue.

    one person who lived it

  4. Once you have decided to keep an item long-term, get rid of its original box to save space.

    Boxes accumulate and become a disposal burden later.

    one person who lived it

  5. Use Rubbermaid Roughneck totes instead of Sterilite or other brands, as they hold up better.

    Sterilite and others are described as crappy and prone to breaking by kids.

    • Based on one person's experience with their specific totes.

    one person who lived it

  6. Ensure all voids in boxes are filled with padding, paper, or bubble wrap to stop contents from shifting.

    It prevents contents from shifting.

    one person who lived it

  7. Seek out Kellogg's cereal boxes for their strength and variety of sizes.

    They are unusually strong and sturdy compared to other cereal boxes.

    one person who lived it

  8. Use liquor store boxes with bottle dividers to transport fragile items like glasses or hobby materials.

    The dividers provide small individual rooms for safe transport.

    3 people, independently

    • Use cardboard dividers from liquor boxes to pack glasses, mugs, and dishes.2
    • Ask liquor stores or restaurants for empty wine cases to use as moving boxes with dividers for glassware.1
    • Obtain sturdy boxes with dividers from local liquor stores to pack cups and glasses.1

  9. Check U-Haul or similar big-box moving companies for free used boxes.

    • Unused purchased boxes may be returnable unless the new location lacks a nearby store.

    3 people, independently

  10. Ask butcher shops or grocery meat departments for clean boxes designed to hold heavy items.

    These boxes are incredibly strong, uniform in size for stacking, and have handles.

    one person who lived it

    • Use meat department boxes for heavy items.1

  11. Include scissors or a box cutter in your first-night box to open packages and set up house items.

    They are invaluable for setting up the house before other items arrive.

    one person who lived it

  12. Get a tape gun instead of using a tape roll with scissors or a knife.

    It is much faster.

    one person who lived it

  13. Get fry boxes from McDonald's or Chick-fil-A.

    They are super thick since they carry heavy fries.

    one person who lived it

  14. Use trash bags for clothes, linens, and soft rugs.

    They provide great padding and stuffing for your items.

    one person who lived it

  15. Use white sheets and dark towels to conceal stains between washings.

    This helps hide stains until you can wash them.

    one person who lived it

  16. Ask Lowe's employees for '99' boxes, which are sturdy, have handles, and are often discarded.

    Store employees usually throw them away.

    one person who lived it

  17. Buy plastic totes with see-through sides and lids.

    Opaque boxes make it hard to remember what is inside each one.

    one person who lived it

  18. Use bike boxes for transporting wall art and frames.

    They are sturdy and narrow.

    one person who lived it

  19. Avoid big retailers for boxes, as many bale and sell their cardboard for profit.

    Stores can receive significant revenue from selling cardboard, such as over a million dollars annually.

    one person who lived it

  20. Remove clothes from hangers and fold them gently in a box to cut down on wrinkles.

    This results in minimal wrinkles.

    one person who lived it

  21. Scavenge packing materials from removalist fleet yards or rubbish piles to avoid buying supplies.

    Using flimsy or varied boxes can slow down loading, increasing hourly labor costs.

    one person who lived it

  22. Do not pack chemicals, including dish soap, in boxes.

    Leaks can cause significant problems.

    one person who lived it

  23. Prefer liquor store boxes over fast food boxes to avoid pest eggs and rancid smells from leaky products.

    Liquor boxes are less likely to contain trace amounts of rodent droppings.

    one person who lived it

  24. Use a staging area like a garage, basement, or attic for all boxes to keep living spaces clear.

    This prevents living areas from becoming disaster zones and allows you to unpack at your own pace.

    one person who lived it

  25. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes.

    They offer huge capacity and are sturdy.

    one person who lived it

  26. Use clear plastic wrap to secure furniture parts and protect corners from scratches.

    It prevents doors from flopping open and stops couch corners from getting scratched or cut.

    one person who lived it

  27. Ask hardware stores like Lowe's or Menards for free, sturdy boxes, and request they save pop-open boxes for you.

    3 people, independently

    • Ask grocery or liquor store employees for free boxes, specifically looking for staff moving carts of empty cardboard.4
    • Visit bookstores or libraries to obtain sturdy, uniform-sized boxes.1

  28. Wrap fragile items like dishes and glassware in dish towels, sheets, or other kitchen linen instead of using paper.

    It saves packing material and reduces mess at the destination.

    2 people, independently

  29. Use copy paper boxes from office supply stores to prevent overpacking and stack neatly.

    They cannot be overpacked, so they never get too heavy, and they stack neatly.

    one person who lived it

  30. At Walmart, take only the smaller inner boxes; do not take larger boxes marked 'RETURN FOR VALUE'.

    The store must return the larger boxes marked for value.

    one person who lived it

  31. Call ahead to grocery or retail stores like Kroger, KFC, or Shopko to request saved boxes.

    Some stores regularly save boxes for customers who ask in advance.

    one person who lived it

  32. Cut handles into your moving boxes to make carrying them easier.

    It makes moving easier.

    one person who lived it

  33. Use clothes as packing material to incentivize faster unpacking.

    This method encourages you to unpack everything quickly.

    3 people, independently

  34. Consider buying quality moving boxes to save time and ensure sturdiness, rather than spending extra time hunting for free ones.

    Quality boxes stack perfectly, do not break under weight, and save time despite costing money.

    one person who lived it

  35. Rent plastic totes from companies like FrogBox instead of buying them.

    You can return them after moving, avoiding the cost and clutter of ownership.

    one person who lived it

  36. Ask retailers for free boxes on freight days, as larger shipping boxes are typically available then.

    Most product is shipped in larger boxes on these days.

    one person who lived it

  37. Put individual plates or bowls inside t-shirts for protection during transport.

    The fabric cushions the dish.

    one person who lived it

    • Use clothes to cushion dishes when packing them.1

  38. Focus only on getting items into boxes designated for specific rooms while packing; save sorting and organizing for unpacking.

    You either sort when packing or when unpacking, so focus on one stage.

    one person who lived it

  39. Tape cables directly to their associated devices to avoid confusion later.

    It prevents having a bag of mixed cables where you cannot identify which is which.

    one person who lived it

  40. Place clothes still on hangers into garbage bags to simplify assembly and transport.

    It makes the process super easy to assemble.

    one person who lived it

  41. Avoid using Tetra Pak boxes from grocery stores for packing.

    Although bomb-proof, their awkward openings make them poor packing boxes.

    one person who lived it

  42. Resist labeling box contents as 'miscellaneous' to ensure you can locate specific items later.

    Labeling items as miscellaneous makes it difficult to find specific things, such as a sauce maker.

    2 people, independently

  43. When unloading with limited manpower and time, do not label boxes by room or be picky about placement; unload large items into proper rooms but leave other boxes in a central area.

    It isn't worth the effort given limited resources.

    one person who lived it

  44. Remove plastic tape from cardboard before recycling it.

    This ensures it is sorted and recycled properly.

    one person who lived it

  45. Ask Costco for free huge boxes from bulk warehouse deliveries.

    Warehouse items arrive in large packaging.

    one person who lived it

  46. One approach that helped: ask produce workers at grocery stores to set aside apple boxes after work hours.

    one person who lived it

  47. Check with local churches that organize sales for free boxes, as they often have excess inventory to get rid of.

    one person who lived it

bed, mattresses, frame, bugs11

Thoroughly inspect secondhand furniture for bedbugs and other pests before bringing it home.

  1. Avoid loft beds if your ceiling height is low, as it can feel oppressive.

    Low ceilings can make the space feel cramped and unpleasant.

    • Depends on roof height; one person found it the worst experience.

    one person who lived it

  2. Place the mattress on a frame to keep it off the floor.

    This helps keep the mattress away from bugs.

    2 people, independently

  3. Thoroughly inspect secondhand furniture for bedbugs and other pests before bringing it home.

    Getting rid of bugs is expensive and annoying.

    • Consider proper treatment before introducing secondhand items into your living space.

    3 people, independently

    • Be cautious when taking discarded furniture into your home due to potential pests.1

  4. Buy mattresses and box springs new, but purchase bed frames second-hand.

    You don't want other people's bed bugs.

    one person who lived it

6 more on this

  1. Sleep on a mattress without a frame and prop it against the wall during the day to free up floor space.

    It adds a significant amount of usable space.

    one person who lived it

  2. Avoid buying used fabric furniture, such as sofas or mattresses, due to the risk of bedbugs.

    Bedbugs can nest in wood, fabric, carpet, clothes, and books; they cannot nest in metal.

    one person who lived it

  3. Do not buy a futon.

    It is not particularly great at functioning as either a couch or a bed.

    one person who lived it

  4. Look for used mattresses in late April or early May when college students leave and flood the market with second-hand options.

    The influx of supply forces retailers to temporarily lower prices.

    one person who lived it

  5. Pack bedding, sheets, blankets, and pillows together in one easily identifiable location.

    Allows you to make a bed immediately on the first night, which can be an emotional lifesaver.

    one person who lived it

  6. Exercise caution when buying secondhand fabric items.

    Potential hygiene issues.

    one person who lived it

apartment, furniture, video, neighbors28

Assemble and make your bed immediately after arriving at a new residence.

  1. Take photos of any existing stains, dings, scratches, or paint issues in your apartment before moving in and save them in a folder.

    Some landlords may try to charge you for pre-existing damage if you cannot prove it was there before you moved in.

    6 people, independently

    • Video your apartment upon moving in with the day's newspaper in frame to timestamp its condition.1
    • Take photos or video of the apartment before moving in and after moving out to have proof of its condition.1
    • Walk through the unit with the landlord upon move-in to document existing damages and agreed repairs, ensuring both parties sign off on the list.1

  2. Get roommates while you are young.

    It keeps you social and cuts down on expenses.

    one person who lived it

  3. Pay your bills the first time around to avoid accumulating late fees.

    Late fees add up fast.

    one person who lived it

  4. Assemble and make your bed immediately after arriving at a new residence.

    The process of moving is draining, so having a prepared place to rest provides immediate relief.

    7 people, independently

21 more on this

  1. Check that you have good cell phone reception inside the apartment before moving in.

    One person found they only had reception if they hung off the balcony, which got old quickly.

    one person who lived it

  2. Use the 'Pay Yourself First' method to improve your financial life.

    This method helped level up my financial life.

    one person who lived it

  3. Thread screws back into the holes from which they were removed.

    So you do not have to remember which screw went where.

    one person who lived it

  4. Check Goodwill for markdowns on furniture after a week.

    Some locations lower prices on unsold items to make room for new donations.

    one person who lived it

  5. Post requests on Nextdoor for neighbors to donate furniture from closets and spare rooms.

    Neighbors have furnished places for new arrivals this way.

    one person who lived it

  6. Read your lease contract carefully before signing.

    Boilerplate clauses are written out for a reason and may matter.

    2 people, independently

  7. Choose small apartments run by the owner rather than large complexes managed by full-time staff.

    Large complexes can feel like low-security prisons.

    one person who lived it

  8. Spend time meeting your neighbors to build relationships that can help with loans, house watching, and other needs.

    Good neighbor relationships are a real life saver for practical support like borrowing tools or having someone watch your home while traveling.

    one person who lived it

  9. Wait a few days after moving in to judge what is missing before making additional purchases.

    You'll find out what you're missing.

    one person who lived it

  10. Clean the apartment thoroughly, including bleaching walls if necessary, before moving furniture in.

    It is easier to clean before moving stuff in; one person had to bleach walls because the previous place was gross.

    one person who lived it

  11. Bring entertainment options like video games, books, or hobbies if living alone initially.

    A phone alone won't cut it.

    one person who lived it

  12. Purchase renter's insurance to avoid future headaches.

    It generally doesn't cost much money but is worth it.

    one person who lived it

  13. Focus on indoor parking, especially if you live in an area with regular snow.

    On-street parking is difficult in snowy conditions.

    one person who lived it

  14. Ask friends, family, or social networks for unwanted furniture they are storing or willing to donate.

    Many people have stored items waiting for the right person to take them.

    2 people, independently

  15. Inspect under sinks for cleanliness and dead roaches when viewing apartments.

    Finding dead roaches or remains indicates a pest problem you should avoid.

    one person who lived it

  16. Avoid getting involved with neighbors or other tenants in extended stay hotels.

    It is not worth it.

    one person who lived it

  17. Consider living alone if possible to avoid roommate conflicts, as people can be difficult.

    People are fucking weird.

    one person who lived it

  18. Do not let your apartment become a party location.

    You will likely need your security deposit back.

    one person who lived it

  19. Pick up free furniture near universities during move-out periods in May or December.

    4 people, independently

  20. Choose roommates based on compatibility regarding cleaning and bill paying, not just friendship.

    Incompatible living habits can lead to lost deposits or severely damaged relationships.

    one person who lived it

  21. Look for resident manager jobs at retirement communities or apartment complexes for free or discounted rent.

    one person who lived it

movers, move, items, moving29

Specify if you need assistance with packing or moving when asking friends for help, so they know what is expected and are not caught off guard.

  1. Do not let movers pack your kitchen; pack it yourself.

    Movers wrap each item individually, which takes longer (e.g., 5 hours).

    one person who lived it

  2. Pack all belongings in advance so helpers only need to load and unload.

    Packing takes longer than expected and doing it on the day wastes hours.

    one person who lived it

  3. Consider how difficult it will be to move heavy furniture before buying it, especially if you are unlikely to stay long-term.

    The chances of staying in one place for five years or more are low.

    one person who lived it

  4. Do the hardest tasks first so you can rest during transit and find lighter work easier.

    Resting on drives makes small stuff a breeze.

    one person who lived it

24 more on this

  1. Sell as many items as possible before moving to reduce volume and generate extra cash.

    Having less stuff to move is easier, and the extra money can be helpful.

    • Selling things can be a waiting game and may not have enough time.

    one person who lived it

  2. Provide a case of beer to help ensure the move goes smoothly if friends are assisting.

    It helps make sure the move goes smoothly, especially with friends helping.

    one person who lived it

  3. Use moving straps when moving yourself to assist with lifting heavy items.

    One person found them absolutely worth the cost.

    one person who lived it

  4. Reevaluate your book collection before moving and donate books you no longer need to avoid the hassle of transporting them.

    Moving is tedious and transporting large collections is a hassle.

    one person who lived it

  5. Ask friends for help with moving, even if just for an hour; if you do not have enough friends, pay students to assist.

    Extra hands simplify the process exponentially.

    one person who lived it

    • Specify if you need assistance with packing or moving when asking friends for help, so they know what is expected and are not caught off guard.4

  6. Consider renting a van from Lowe's or Home Depot instead of U-Haul for short-distance moves to save money.

    It may be more cost-effective depending on the distance.

    one person who lived it

  7. Ensure all items are packed into boxes before asking friends to help with the physical move.

    • Friends are willing to help move furniture and load/unload boxes, but not pack up belongings if nothing is ready.

    4 people, independently

  8. If you are hiring movers, tape signs to the walls in new rooms indicating where large items should go.

    Movers found it really helpful.

    one person who lived it

  9. Be aware that expensive cameras can be stolen by movers and may be impossible to prove missing.

    It can be impossible to prove the item was missing even if you know where it was

    • Based on one person's experience

    one person who lived it

  10. Keep your first-day survival kit in your personal vehicle rather than on the moving truck.

    This prevents the box from being misplaced and ensures you have essentials if other items are delayed.

    one person who lived it

  11. Hold onto items you might donate until the last minute before moving out.

    You can keep using them and then donate them right before you leave without packing them.

    one person who lived it

  12. Assign a helper to manage logistics like stocking drinks, picking up food, and communicating between groups.

    It is a life saver.

    one person who lived it

  13. Be aware that expensive items like watches can disappear during a move and may not be noticed for months.

    • Based on one person's experience with their father

    one person who lived it

  14. One approach that helped when moving interstate: sell most furniture before leaving, then pick up free or low-cost replacements at the destination.

    It saved a lot of money.

    one person who lived it

  15. Transport breakable and important items yourself in your car if practical.

    Movers may seem rushed and careless due to pressure from management.

    one person who lived it

  16. Serve alcohol to helpers only after the moving work is finished.

    To prevent them from being intoxicated while carrying heavy or fragile items.

    one person who lived it

  17. Transport critical valuables like jewelry in your car trunk rather than with movers.

    Movers may go through boxes and items can go missing, sometimes discovered only later.

    one person who lived it

  18. Unpack entertainment items like computers or TVs last.

    Unpacking them first can distract you from finishing the rest of the unpacking.

    one person who lived it

  19. Decline to help someone move if they have previously failed to show up for your moves or treated your help poorly.

    one person who lived it

  20. Discuss special considerations or potential problems with movers upfront.

    It helps the crew plan accordingly.

    one person who lived it

  21. Take photos of precious items before moving to document their condition in case damage occurs.

    Shipping companies usually don't ensure certain breakables.

    one person who lived it

  22. Buy lunch for professional movers to show appreciation.

    It is much appreciated.

    one person who lived it

  23. Direct traffic explicitly to movers to ensure boxes are placed in specific rooms.

    Without direction, movers may randomly deposit labeled boxes.

    one person who lived it

  24. Use planks with wheels to move furniture on horizontal surfaces.

    It makes moving furniture easier and saves energy compared to carrying it.

    one person who lived it

baby5

  1. During the first 24 hours, create one calm, clutter-free room (usually a bedroom) to rest when feeling overwhelmed.

    It provides a place to rest when you feel insane.

    one person who lived it

  2. Use earplugs while rocking a crying baby.

    It takes the edge off the sound of crying.

    one person who lived it

  3. Keep a dozen cloth diapers on hand even if you primarily use disposables.

    They are useful for cleaning up frequent baby leaks and bodily fluids.

    one person who lived it

  4. Buy baby clothes second-hand.

    Children outgrow clothing very quickly.

    one person who lived it

1 more on this

  1. Keep battery-operated toys to an absolute minimum.

    They can be extremely annoying for parents.

    one person who lived it

food, cheaper, buy, cooking26

Search Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, local Buy Nothing groups, and FreeCycle for free or cheap furniture.

  1. Search online classifieds or free exchange sites for specific desired items to find them cheaper or free.

    You can find exact items for less than retail prices or for free.

    2 people, independently

  2. Buy kitchen supplies, cleaning tools, and household items at Dollar Tree to save money.

    There is a lot you can save by grabbing everything needed there.

    • The foil is thin; Walmart has the heavy duty kind.

    one person who lived it

    • Buy basic kitchen utensils and bathroom supplies at Dollar Tree.2

  3. Make baby food at home rather than buying it.

    Store-bought baby food is expensive.

    one person who lived it

  4. Start with basic cookware and dishes from a thrift store and add more later as needs arise.

    You do not need to buy everything at once before knowing what you need.

    one person who lived it

21 more on this

  1. Plan your meals ahead of time and cook at home to avoid eating out frequently.

    Being away from your own kitchen causes you to blow your budget faster.

    one person who lived it

  2. Try Baby Led Weaning by skipping puréed foods and letting the baby eat what adults eat.

    It is cheaper and considered better.

    one person who lived it

  3. Purchase cookware, pots, pans, and dishes from thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or Freecycle groups.

    These sources offer better prices for functional items.

    • Items may not be beautiful but will work.
    • Nonstick cookware generally needs to be bought new.

    2 people, independently

  4. Buy spices from bulk sections or ethnic food aisles (such as Hispanic, Asian, Mexican, or Indian) to save money.

    They are often cheaper due to less packaging.

    2 people, independently

  5. Reuse spaghetti sauce jars as drinking cups.

    They are Mason jars.

    one person who lived it

  6. Include a cooking pot, pasta, and sauce in your immediate supplies to cook a quick meal upon arrival.

    It allows you to cook something quick at the end of the day.

    one person who lived it

  7. Buy large jugs of cleaning supplies rather than many small bottles.

    Smaller bottles are usually not a good buy.

    one person who lived it

  8. Use 5-gallon buckets from Walmart instead of small trash cans for multi-purpose uses such as mopping, water storage, or sickness.

    They are inexpensive and versatile for tasks like manual flushing or holding water when sick.

    one person who lived it

  9. Use washable cloth rags or bar rags instead of paper towels for cleaning.

    Cloth rags are cheaper, more efficient, and effective; paper towels are an unnecessary expense.

    one person who lived it

  10. Reduce social media usage to lower FOMO and prevent impulse splurging triggered by ads.

    Social media posts are often ads that trigger fear of missing out.

    one person who lived it

  11. Shop thrift stores in high-income areas for quality goods at low prices.

    People in these areas often donate high-quality items.

    2 people, independently

  12. Search Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, local Buy Nothing groups, and FreeCycle for free or cheap furniture.

    • Avoid buying used fabric items due to bedbug risk.

    3 people, independently

  13. Use a thermometer when cooking.

    It makes tasks like roasting chicken doable.

    one person who lived it

  14. Use tortillas or flatbreads instead of regular bread.

    They last longer and are usually lower in carbs.

    one person who lived it

  15. Build DIY furniture using raw materials cut at home improvement stores, then sand, stain, and assemble them yourself.

    The result is better quality and provides pride in your work.

    one person who lived it

  16. Focus on survival essentials like food, hygiene items, and basic cooking utensils when on a tight budget.

    • Do not sleep on Food Banks or Food Pantries to get starter food.

    one person who lived it

  17. Cook food from the freezer instead of the refrigerator.

    Food in the refrigerator spoils faster.

    one person who lived it

  18. Stock 409, Purple Power, Bleach, and Window Cleaner for general cleaning needs.

    Purple Power is particularly effective for removing pet and food residue from hard surfaces.

    one person who lived it

  19. Reframe unplanned purchases by asking if you would choose the item or an equivalent amount of cash.

    one person who lived it

  20. Avoid hoarding large quantities of detergent.

    You create unnecessary work for yourself and waste plastic; it will not become currency in an apocalypse.

    one person who lived it

  21. Ask parents for unused kitchen equipment to improve cooking capability and reduce food ordering costs.

    A more functional kitchen enables cooking rather than wasting money on ordered food.

    one person who lived it

toilet, shower, plunger, paper13

Prepare a compact bag containing necessities for the initial days or week, such as clothing, hygiene items, linens, and meals.

  1. Purchase a toilet plunger right after moving into a new home, ahead of any emergency.

    You typically don't realize you need one until an urgent situation arises, which is stressful if you are unprepared.

    • Ensure it is a toilet plunger, not a sink plunger.

    3 people, independently

    • Purchase toilet paper and a plunger before moving into a new place.1
    • Purchase a toilet plunger before an emergency occurs.3

  2. Prepare a compact bag containing necessities for the initial days or week, such as clothing, hygiene items, linens, and meals.

    This prevents the hassle of searching through storage when exhausted, enabling immediate rest and hygiene.

    7 people, independently

    • Pack a clearly labeled 'first night' box containing toilet paper, toiletries, sheets, a towel, and a change of clothes to arrive with essentials immediately.7

  3. Buy a shower curtain and rings if your apartment does not come with them.

    apartments usually don't come with them

    one person who lived it

  4. Place towels, shower curtains, rings, and soap in the cab of your moving truck for immediate use upon arrival.

    You will be sweaty after unloading and want to shower immediately.

    one person who lived it

6 more on this

  1. Replace the old showerhead with a new one to improve the shower experience.

    It makes the shower nicer and more refreshing rather than something to dread.

    2 people, independently

  2. Place toilet paper and hand soap in all bathrooms before moving in so you do not forget them.

    to avoid forgetting

    one person who lived it

  3. Install a bidet to reduce toilet paper usage and save money.

    It is cheap, lasts forever, reduces the need for toilet paper immensely, and saves money even when you aren't struggling.

    one person who lived it

  4. Buy a shower curtain liner immediately when moving into a new place.

    One person frequently forgot this item, leaving them unable to shower after moving.

    one person who lived it

  5. Keep separate plungers for the sink and the toilet.

    Sink and toilet plungers are designed differently; using the wrong one causes social embarrassment.

    one person who lived it

  6. Include basic toiletries, such as a bar of soap, in your immediate supplies.

    3 people, independently

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