Moving tips for twenty-somethings from seasoned pros

Dawson and I are moving into a place of our own in just a few weeks, and yikes! It really came up quick, and I don’t feel quite as prepared as I should be (especially because we still need to find a place, but that’s an essay for another time).

Seeing as this will be my first time moving as an—ahem—“adult,” I wanted to get some moving tips from those who have done it before. A quick Facebook post and some comments later, and here’s what I got:

Label all the boxes well and what room they go in.

U-Haul has boxes super cheap and if you don't use them they will buy them back.

Walmart sells boxes in different sizes and much cheaper than U-Haul.

If you need boxes many times wine and beer stores will let you take some that they would trash.

Don’t leave anything out because you’ll need it, except clothes! You can always go back in the boxes!

Save up and gather as many newspapers as you can—you’ll need them to wrap your items.

Start packing things you can do without early. Like seasonal clothes, sandals, wall hangings, etc.

For furniture, buy only your mattress and couch new—get everything else secondhand.

Set up and make your bed first, so at the end of that exhausting day, you can just tuck in and sleep.

A huge thank you to everyone who submitted tips! They’ll be super helpful for this move, and no doubt, future relocations as well.