Moving can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming, but there are ways to make it easier. In this episode, Wirecutter travel writer Kit Dillon–who moonlights as a professional mover–shares insider tips on how to make the process less painful.

From selecting the best packing supplies to hiring the right crew, Kit’s advice will help you save time, money, and hassle.

If you’re in the weeds of an upcoming move and need even more guidance, check out Wiriecutter’s series on moving (including a moving checklist, the best supplies for moving, tips for packing a moving truck, and essentials for the first week of your move).

This episode covers:

Why you should get uniform boxes: Professional movers can stack brand-new, uniform boxes neatly on a hand truck and more efficiently inside a van, potentially saving you hours in labor costs. In contrast, a hodgepodge of different-sized boxes is harder to move, and used grocery store boxes can harbor bugs or break easily.
Supplies that will actually protect your stuff: A heavy-duty mattress bag with handles offers far better protection than flimsy plastic versions. Light newsprint is the professional’s choice for packing kitchen gear and delicate items, and you should choose packing tape designed specifically for your storage conditions (such as cold or high-moisture environments).
Why you should pack a “first night” box: Pack a single, clearly marked box with your immediate essentials—a bathrobe, toothbrush, chargers, and a favorite book—to make your first night in a new home bearable.
Strategies for hiring movers: Kit advises getting at least a few quotes from different movers.A suspiciously low bid can be a red flag for cut corners. Always ensure a company is insured and dive deep into user reviews to see if specific movers are mentioned by name for their consistency.
Tipping etiquette: While not strictly required, tipping is highly encouraged for such physically taxing work. If the move goes well, try to give cash directly to each individual mover at the end of the day.

Products we recommend:

Uniform medium boxes: uBoxes Medium Moving Boxes (pack of 20) or uBoxes Basic Moving Kit
Light newsprint for packing: uBoxes Newsprint Packing Paper - 10 lbs
Heavy-duty mattress bag: Belador Extra-Thick Queen Mattress Bag with Handles
Great all-purpose moving tape: Scotch Tough Grip Moving Packaging Tape
Packing tape for long-term storage: Scotch Long Lasting Storage Packaging Tape
Packing tape for additional weather resistance: Gorilla Tough & Wide Shipping Tape (currently out of stock)
An easy to use tape dispenser: Uline H-150 Tape Dispenser
Kit loves: Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max

Additional reading:

Plan Your Move With These Tips from Wirecutter
The Best Supplies and Packing Advice for Making Moving Less Miserable
The Ultimate Moving Checklist and Tips for a Seamless Move
4 Easy Tips for Packing a Moving Truck Like a Pro
The Fire Extinguisher, Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide Detector, and Other Safety Essentials You Need in Your Home

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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Pro Tips for an Easier Move

The Wirecutter Show

Pro Tips for an Easier Move