Moving as a university student comes with its own unique set of challenges that most traditional moving guides don’t address. Between juggling final exams and move-out dates, coordinating with roommates who have completely different schedules, working with a student budget that’s already stretched thin, and somehow fitting all your belongings into a space half the size of what you had before, student life relocations can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a first-year UBC student moving into residence at Walter Gage Tower, an upper-year SFU student relocating to off-campus housing in Burnaby, or a recent graduate transitioning from student life to your first apartment in Vancouver, the moving process doesn’t have to drain your bank account or your sanity.
At Richmond Moving Company, we’ve helped hundreds of students navigate moves throughout Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, and the Lower Mainland over the years. We understand the specific challenges students face—tight budgets, limited time between semesters, shared living situations, and the need to move quickly and affordably without sacrificing the safety of your belongings. From our experience with countless student relocations, we’ve learned exactly what works and what doesn’t when it comes to student moving tips Vancouver. This comprehensive guide will share practical, budget-conscious strategies that actually work for real students dealing with real constraints, plus show you how professional moving help can be more affordable than you might think.
Understanding Student Moving Challenges in Vancouver
Vancouver’s student housing landscape presents unique obstacles that make moving particularly challenging for university students. UBC’s Point Grey campus sits on the western edge of the city, somewhat isolated from the rest of Vancouver, which affects transportation options and costs. SFU’s Burnaby Mountain location creates similar challenges, with limited transit connections and steep hills that complicate DIY moving attempts.
Timing adds another layer of complexity to student moves. Most students need to relocate during narrow windows at the end of April or early May when winter semester ends, and late August or early September before fall semester begins. These compressed timelines coincide with everyone else’s moving needs, creating competition for resources and potentially higher costs. Understanding these timing pressures helps you plan strategically rather than scrambling at the last minute.
Budget constraints define most student moves. Between tuition, textbooks, rent deposits, and living expenses, most students don’t have thousands of dollars available for moving costs. Yet moving still needs to happen, and your belongings still need to arrive safely at your new place. The key is working smarter, not just cheaper, to accomplish your move within realistic budget limitations.
Budget-Friendly Student Moving Timeline
Starting your moving preparations early saves money and reduces stress considerably. Here’s a realistic timeline designed specifically for students balancing academics, work, and social life.
Six to Eight Weeks Before Moving Day
If you know your moving date this far in advance, you’re already ahead of most students. Use this time to start decluttering gradually. Go through your belongings room by room, identifying items you haven’t used all semester. That textbook from first year? Sell it back to the bookstore or online. Clothes that haven’t left your closet in months? Donate them or sell through campus buy-and-sell groups.
Research your moving options during this period. Compare costs between renting a truck yourself, hiring full-service movers, and hybrid approaches. Get quotes from student-friendly companies like our affordable student moving services in Vancouver that understand student budgets and offer flexible options tailored to your needs.
Start collecting free packing materials. Visit local grocery stores and ask for spare boxes, particularly liquor stores which have sturdy boxes perfect for books and heavy items. Campus notice boards and Facebook groups often have students giving away moving supplies after their own relocations. Building a stash of materials gradually costs nothing and prevents last-minute scrambling.
Three to Four Weeks Before Moving
Create a detailed inventory of what you’re moving. Knowing exactly what needs to be transported helps you choose the right-sized moving solution and prevents paying for more space than you actually need. For most students moving from dorms or shared apartments, belongings fit comfortably in a cargo van or small truck rather than requiring large moving vehicles.
Coordinate with roommates if you’re in shared housing. Can you split moving costs and transportation? Perhaps one person has access to a vehicle and another can provide labour in exchange. Collaborative moving among students often provides the best balance of affordability and efficiency.
Book your moving date or reserve rental equipment now. Waiting until the week before your move means facing limited availability and potentially higher prices, especially during peak student moving season in late April and late August. Our student moving services in Richmond offer student discounts and flexible scheduling, but availability depends on booking early during busy periods.
One to Two Weeks Before Moving
Begin packing systematically, starting with items you don’t need daily. Off-season clothing, books you’ve finished with, and decorative items can be packed early. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room—this simple step saves enormous time and confusion when unpacking.
Confirm all moving logistics including transportation, helpers, building access at both locations, and elevator reservations if moving to or from apartments. Many Vancouver buildings require advance notification and deposits for elevator use during moves. UBC residence buildings have specific move-out procedures and timeframes you must follow to avoid fines.
Handle address changes and service transfers. Update your address with the university, government agencies, banks, and any subscription services. Arrange for internet and utilities at your new place if you’re responsible for these. Transfer or cancel your current services appropriately to avoid paying for unused months.
Smart Packing Strategies for Student Moves
Packing efficiently makes your move easier, faster, and cheaper by maximizing space and protecting your belongings without expensive materials.
The Ultimate Student Packing Kit
You don’t need to buy expensive packing supplies to protect your belongings effectively. Here’s what actually works on a student budget:
Sturdy cardboard boxes from grocery and liquor stores provide free containers for most items. Small boxes work best for heavy items like textbooks, while larger boxes suit lighter items like bedding and clothes. Avoid overloading any box—if you can’t lift it comfortably, it’s too heavy.
Your existing luggage, suitcases, backpacks, and duffel bags should be filled with belongings rather than moved empty. These containers are going anyway, so maximize their utility by packing them full of clothes, shoes, and soft items that don’t require protective wrapping.
Use towels, sheets, and clothing as padding for fragile items instead of buying bubble wrap. Wrap plates and glasses in t-shirts or dish towels, cushion electronics in sweaters, and fill empty spaces in boxes with socks or other soft items. This approach protects your belongings while reducing the number of boxes needed for linens and clothing.
Garbage bags work surprisingly well for clothing on hangers. Simply gather a bunch of hanging clothes, pull a garbage bag up from the bottom over the hangers, and tie at the top. Your clothes arrive at your new place already on hangers, ready to transfer directly into your closet.
Room-by-Room Student Packing Guide
Bedroom and Clothing
Roll clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce wrinkles. Pack an essentials bag with several days’ worth of clothing, toiletries, and necessities so you can function comfortably even if unpacking takes longer than expected.
Vacuum-seal bags can compress bulky items like winter coats and bedding, though these require purchasing the bags and access to a vacuum. For most students, simply stuffing bedding into garbage bags works almost as well without the cost.
Kitchen and Food Items
Moving food isn’t usually worth the effort unless it’s non-perishable items or expensive specialty ingredients. Plan to use up or donate most refrigerated items before your move. Pack dishes and glasses carefully using soft items as padding, and fill pots and pans with lighter items to maximize space efficiency.
Study Materials and Books
Books are deceptively heavy. Use small boxes for textbooks and course materials, and never fill a large box entirely with books—you won’t be able to lift it. Consider whether you actually need to keep all your course materials or if some could be sold, donated to the campus library, or recycled.
Electronics including your laptop, tablet, and phone should be backed up before moving. Pack these items in their original boxes if you still have them, or cushion them well with soft materials in appropriate-sized boxes. Consider keeping your most valuable electronics with you during the move rather than packing them with other belongings.
Miscellaneous Items
Posters and wall art can be rolled and secured with elastic bands or stored flat between layers of cardboard. Don’t invest in expensive poster tubes unless you have particularly valuable prints. Most posters can be replaced more cheaply than the cost of specialized packing materials.
Transportation Options for Student Moving in Vancouver
Understanding your transportation options helps you choose the most cost-effective approach for your specific situation.
DIY Moving: Pros and Cons
Renting a cargo van or truck yourself seems like the cheapest option initially, but hidden costs add up quickly. Rental fees, insurance, fuel, parking, and your time all contribute to the true cost. For UBC students, navigating campus access and parking during move-out days can be particularly challenging and time-consuming.
If you’re considering the DIY approach, ensure you’re comfortable driving a larger vehicle and have enough reliable help. Moving furniture and boxes alone is exhausting and risky—injuries from improper lifting are common. Factor in at least one full day of your time, probably more, which could be spent studying, working, or just recovering from a busy semester.
Equipment matters too. Basic rental vehicles don’t include moving equipment like dollies, furniture blankets, or tie-downs. You’ll need to improvise or purchase these items, adding to your costs and potentially damaging your belongings or the rental vehicle if items aren’t properly secured.
Professional Student Moving Services
Professional movers designed for students offer surprising value when you calculate total costs and benefits. Our student moving services in Burnaby are specifically priced for student budgets and include everything needed for a successful move—truck, equipment, insurance, and experienced crew.
Professional movers work efficiently, completing in hours what might take you all day or multiple trips. This efficiency particularly benefits students moving to or from UBC or SFU where access and parking complications slow DIY moves considerably. Professional crews navigate building regulations, elevator reservations, and parking restrictions routinely.
Labour-only services provide a middle-ground option. If you can access a vehicle but need help with heavy lifting, some moving companies offer just the labour portion without the truck rental. This hybrid approach works well for students with limited budgets who can borrow or rent a vehicle from friends or family.
Public Transit and Alternative Transportation
For students moving minimal belongings—perhaps just suitcases and a few boxes—TransLink’s transit system can work. The Canada Line connects UBC to Richmond and Vancouver, while the Millennium and Expo Lines serve SFU students. However, transit only works for very light moves and requires good timing and physical stamina to manage multiple trips with heavy items.
Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can transport small amounts of belongings, though costs add up quickly with multiple trips. This option works best for moving a few last items after your main move is complete rather than as your primary transportation strategy.
Money-Saving Tips Specifically for UBC and SFU Students
Location-specific strategies help students at Vancouver’s major universities save money and avoid common moving mistakes.
UBC-Specific Moving Considerations
UBC residences have strict move-out procedures and timelines that are worth understanding thoroughly. Missing your assigned move-out time slot can result in fines or complications with your damage deposit return. Review your residence contract carefully and mark your calendar with important dates and times.
The UBC campus has limited parking and vehicle access, especially during busy move-out periods. Professional movers familiar with UBC know which access routes work best, where to park loading vehicles legally, and how to navigate residence building requirements efficiently. If moving yourself, arrive early in your time slot before parking becomes congested.
UBC’s Free Store, operated by the AMS, accepts donations of used furniture, household items, and other belongings at the end of each semester. Rather than paying to move or dispose of items you no longer need, donate them for other students to use. You can also shop the Free Store when moving into your new place to furnish it inexpensively.
SFU-Specific Moving Strategies
SFU’s Burnaby Mountain location creates unique transportation challenges. The steep roads up the mountain slow larger vehicles and require careful driving, particularly in wet weather. Winter and spring moves may encounter weather conditions that complicate transportation up and down the mountain.
SFU residence move-out dates often fall during exam periods, creating time pressure for students who need to study while also packing and relocating. Start your packing early and work gradually rather than leaving everything until after your last exam. A little bit each day for a couple weeks is far less stressful than trying to pack your entire residence room in a single night.
The SFU UniverCity neighbourhood offers off-campus housing within walking distance of campus. Students moving within UniverCity or between residence and nearby apartments can sometimes manage with minimal professional help, though furniture and heavy items still benefit from proper moving equipment and transportation.
Campus Resources and Student Discounts
Both UBC and SFU have online marketplaces where students buy and sell used furniture, textbooks, and household items. Selling items you won’t move reduces your moving volume while putting cash back in your pocket. Similarly, furnishing your new place from these student marketplaces saves money compared to buying everything new.
Student unions and campus organizations sometimes organize group moving services or discounts with local moving companies. Check with the AMS at UBC or SFSS at SFU to see if any moving-related resources or partnerships are available during peak moving seasons.
Campus notice boards and social media groups connect students who need moving help with those offering it. While informal arrangements with other students can save money, ensure you’re comfortable with the reliability and capability of anyone you’re trusting with your belongings and new place access.
What Student Movers Should Look for in a Moving Company
Not all moving companies understand student needs or price their services appropriately for student budgets. Here’s what to look for when comparing options.
| Service Feature | Why It Matters for Students | Questions to Ask |
| Student Pricing | Direct impact on affordability | Do you offer student discounts? What’s included in the base price? |
| Flexible Scheduling | Accommodates exam schedules and residence timelines | Can you move on short notice? What are your weekend/evening rates? |
| Transparent Pricing | No surprise costs on moving day | Are there any additional fees? What could cause price changes? |
| Appropriate Insurance | Protects your belongings without over-insuring | What insurance is included? What are my liability options? |
| Small Move Experience | Efficiency with studio/1-bedroom volumes | Do you handle small student moves? What’s your minimum charge? |
| Local Knowledge | Understands campus access and parking | Have you moved students from UBC/SFU before? |
Red Flags to Avoid
Be cautious of moving companies that require large deposits upfront or only accept cash payments. Legitimate companies like Richmond Moving Company accept multiple payment methods and require minimal or no deposits for small student moves.
Avoid companies without verifiable contact information, physical addresses, or online presence. Fly-by-night operations occasionally target students with low prices but provide terrible service or damage belongings with no recourse.
Companies that refuse to provide written estimates or clearly explain their pricing structure probably have something to hide. Reputable movers provide transparent pricing breakdowns showing exactly what you’re paying for.
DIY Moving: Step-by-Step Guide for Budget-Conscious Students
If you’ve decided to handle your move yourself, following a systematic approach prevents common mistakes and injuries.
Gathering Your Moving Crew
Never attempt to move alone—you need at least two people, preferably three or four for any move involving furniture. Ask friends and roommates well in advance, and be prepared to reciprocate by helping with their moves. Offering pizza and drinks is standard payment for volunteer moving help.
Assign specific roles to each person in your crew. One person should manage organization and decision-making to prevent the chaos of everyone trying to direct simultaneously. Others focus on specific tasks like loading the vehicle efficiently, carrying items, or managing doors and elevators.
Safe Lifting and Moving Techniques
Improper lifting causes injuries that can affect you long after your move is complete. Bend at your knees, not your waist, when lifting heavy items. Keep items close to your body rather than extended out in front of you. Move your feet rather than twisting your torso when changing direction while carrying something heavy.
Know your limits and ask for help with heavy or awkward items. That dresser or desk might look manageable alone, but furniture is heavier and more awkward than it appears. Two people working together move items more safely and efficiently than one person struggling.
Protect floors, walls, and doorways from damage during your move. Banging furniture into walls or doorframes can cost you your damage deposit. Move carefully and considerately, using cardboard or blankets to protect corners and surfaces in both your old and new places.
Loading Your Vehicle Efficiently
Load heavy items first and low in the vehicle to create a stable base. Distribute weight evenly from side to side to prevent shifting during transport. Fill gaps with softer items to prevent things from sliding around while driving.
Secure your load properly with tie-down straps or rope. Items shifting during transport damage each other and create dangerous driving conditions. If you can’t secure items properly, you’re using the wrong vehicle or overloading it.
Make a loading plan before you start carrying things out. Knowing what goes in first and where prevents repeatedly rearranging or making multiple trips because you’ve run out of space with items remaining.
How Richmond Moving Company Makes Student Moves Affordable
We understand that students have limited budgets but still need reliable, professional moving services. Here’s how we make quality moving accessible for university students throughout Vancouver.
Student-Specific Pricing Options
Our student moving services in Vancouver are priced specifically for student budgets. We offer student discounts and flexible service levels so you can choose exactly the help you need without paying for services you don’t require.
Hourly rates work well for student moves since most students don’t have massive amounts of belongings requiring full-day service. Pay only for the time you actually need rather than flat-rate pricing that assumes larger household moves. Most student relocations between dorms, apartments, or shared housing complete in just a few hours with our efficient crews.
Labour-only options let you rent your own vehicle while still getting professional help with the heavy lifting. This hybrid approach provides the physical assistance and expertise of professional movers at a fraction of full-service costs.
Serving All Lower Mainland Student Housing Areas
We serve students throughout Vancouver and surrounding communities. Whether you’re at UBC’s Point Grey campus, SFU’s Burnaby Mountain, downtown Vancouver, or moving to Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta, or New Westminster, our moving services cover the entire Lower Mainland.
Our crews know the unique access challenges at UBC residences, SFU housing, and popular student apartment areas throughout Vancouver and Burnaby. We navigate these locations efficiently, saving time and money compared to movers unfamiliar with student housing logistics.
What’s Included in Student Moving Services
Professional moving equipment including dollies, furniture blankets, and proper straps protects your belongings and makes moves safer and more efficient. You don’t need to hunt down or purchase this equipment yourself when working with professional movers.
Basic insurance coverage is included in our moving services, providing peace of mind that your belongings are protected during the move. Additional coverage is available for students with particularly valuable items who want extra protection.
Experienced crews complete moves efficiently without the fumbling and false starts common in DIY attempts. What might take you and friends all day, our professional teams often complete in a few hours, freeing your day for other priorities like studying, working, or simply recovering from a busy semester.
Packing Services: Are They Worth It for Students?
Professional packing services seem like a luxury students can’t afford, but they’re worth considering in specific situations.
When Packing Services Make Sense
Students moving long distances who need to ship belongings might benefit from professional packing that ensures items survive transit. Proper packing techniques and materials reduce the risk of damage during long-distance transportation significantly.
If you’re moving during exam periods and genuinely don’t have time to pack properly, professional packing services free you to focus on your studies rather than spending hours wrapping dishes and folding clothes. The peace of mind and time saved can be worth the investment during particularly stressful academic periods.
Students with valuable items like musical instruments, electronics, or artwork might want professional packing for these specific pieces even if packing most belongings themselves. Our packing and unpacking services in Richmond can handle just your fragile or valuable items while you pack the rest.
Budget Packing Alternatives
Partial packing services strike a balance between DIY and full-service packing. You pack your clothing, books, and general items while professionals handle fragile kitchen items, electronics, or furniture disassembly. This approach saves money while ensuring difficult items receive expert care.
Packing consultations provide professional guidance without the full service cost. A moving professional can teach you proper techniques, recommend what materials work best, and answer questions about tricky items. You then handle the actual packing yourself using proper methods.
After Your Move: Settling Into Your New Place
Your move isn’t complete when the last box arrives. These post-move steps help you settle in quickly and efficiently.
Unpacking Strategically
Resist the urge to unpack everything immediately. Start with essentials—bedding so you can sleep comfortably, bathroom items, and a few basic kitchen supplies for meals. Functional basics matter more than perfect organization in your first few days.
Unpack and organize room by room rather than jumping between spaces. Complete your bedroom entirely before moving to the bathroom or kitchen. This focused approach provides a sense of accomplishment and creates fully functional spaces rather than half-unpacked chaos everywhere.
Dispose of packing materials properly and quickly. Empty boxes and packing paper pile up fast in small student apartments. Break down cardboard boxes and either recycle them or offer them free to other students in campus groups—many students moving soon after you will appreciate free moving supplies.
Making Your New Space Home
Small touches transform a generic apartment or residence room into your personal space. Hang posters and artwork, arrange furniture thoughtfully, and organize your study space for optimal productivity. Creating a comfortable environment affects your wellbeing and academic success throughout the semester.
Meet your neighbours and roommates intentionally. Building positive relationships with people you’re living near or with makes your daily life more pleasant and creates a support network in your new location. A few minutes introducing yourself now prevents awkwardness later.
Update your campus records, student ID, and U-Pass if applicable with your new address. Ensuring the university has current information prevents complications with important mailings or verification needs later.
Common Student Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learning from others’ mistakes saves you time, money, and stress during your own move.
Underestimating Time Requirements
The biggest mistake students make is thinking they can pack and move in a single day. Even small student apartments contain more belongings than most people realize, and packing always takes longer than expected. Start early and work gradually to avoid last-minute panic.
Forgetting About Damage Deposits
Protecting your damage deposit should influence how you move. Damage to walls, floors, or doors during your move can cost hundreds of dollars from your deposit. Move carefully, use proper padding, and take time to protect surfaces in both your old and new places.
Not Measuring Furniture
Assuming your furniture will fit through doors and up stairs at your new place leads to problems on moving day. Measure furniture and doorways/staircases beforehand. Finding out your couch won’t fit up the stairs after you’ve already moved everything else is a frustrating and expensive mistake.
Neglecting to Communicate with Roommates
If you’re moving into shared housing, communicate clearly with new roommates about who’s bringing what furniture and how shared expenses will work. Arriving at a new apartment to discover you and your roommate both brought full kitchen sets wastes money and creates unnecessary conflict.
Ready for Your Student Move in Vancouver?
Moving as a student doesn’t have to be the stressful, exhausting experience you might fear. With proper planning, smart packing strategies, and the right support—whether from friends, affordable professional movers, or a combination—you can relocate efficiently without breaking your student budget.
Richmond Moving Company is here to make student moving in Vancouver affordable and stress-free. Our student moving services in Vancouver are specifically designed for university students with tight budgets and busy schedules. We understand the unique challenges UBC and SFU students face and provide flexible, affordable solutions tailored to student needs.
Whether you need full-service moving, just labour to help with heavy lifting, or advice on planning your DIY move, we’re here to help. Our transparent pricing means no surprise costs, and our student discounts make professional moving more accessible than you might think. We serve the entire Lower Mainland including all major student housing areas in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and surrounding communities.
Don’t struggle through your student move alone or risk your belongings and damage deposit with inadequate preparation. Contact Richmond Moving Company today for a free quote customized to your specific situation and student budget. Call us at +1 (604) 330-5130 or visit our contact page to discuss your upcoming move. Let us show you how affordable professional moving can be for students, and help you start your next academic chapter in your new place without the moving stress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Moving in Vancouver
Q: How much does it cost for students to move in Vancouver?
Student moving costs in Vancouver vary based on distance, volume of belongings, and services needed. DIY moves using rental vehicles typically cost $150-$300 including truck rental, insurance, and fuel, plus your time and effort. Professional student moving services range from $200-$600 for typical student moves, with small dorm room relocations on the lower end and full apartment moves costing more. Richmond Moving Company offers student-specific pricing and discounts that make professional moving surprisingly affordable. Most student moves complete in 2-4 hours with professional crews, so hourly rate services keep costs reasonable. When calculating costs, factor in your time, risk of damage, and physical effort—professional movers often provide better overall value than DIY approaches, especially during busy exam periods.
Q: When is the cheapest time for students to move in Vancouver?
The most expensive times for student moves are late April/early May when winter semester ends and late August/early September before fall semester begins. These peak periods coincide with when most students need to move, creating high demand for moving services and rental vehicles. If you have flexibility, moving during mid-summer (June or July) or mid-semester typically costs less due to lower demand. Weekend moves cost more than weekday moves since most students have classes or work during the week. Booking your move well in advance—at least 3-4 weeks—secures better rates than waiting until the last minute when availability is limited. Winter semester moves in December/January also tend to be less expensive than spring or fall moves.
Q: Can students get discounts on moving services in Vancouver?
Yes, many Vancouver moving companies including Richmond Moving Company offer student discounts to make professional moving more accessible for university students. Present your valid student ID when requesting a quote to receive applicable discounts. Student discounts typically range from 10-20% off regular rates depending on the company and services needed. Some companies also offer referral discounts—if you refer other students who book moves, both you and your referral might receive discounts. Booking during off-peak times (weekdays rather than weekends, mid-month rather than month-end) also provides savings. Ask specifically about student pricing options when comparing moving companies since not all advertise these discounts prominently.
Q: Should UBC and SFU students hire movers or move themselves?
The right choice depends on your specific situation, budget, and what you’re moving. DIY moving works reasonably well for students with minimal belongings (just suitcases and a few boxes), access to a vehicle, and reliable friends to help. However, if you’re moving furniture, don’t have vehicle access, or are relocating during busy exam periods, professional movers provide better value. UBC’s campus location and parking challenges make DIY moves particularly difficult during peak times. SFU’s mountain location with steep roads complicates driving rental trucks, especially for inexperienced drivers. Professional movers familiar with these campuses navigate access challenges efficiently. Consider hybrid approaches like labour-only services where professionals provide the muscle while you supply the vehicle. Calculate total DIY costs including rental fees, fuel, your time, and potential damage—professional movers often cost less than students expect.
Q: How can students pack efficiently for a move on a budget?
Start by collecting free packing materials from grocery stores, liquor stores (sturdy boxes!), and other students who just finished moving. Use what you already own—suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, laundry baskets—as containers rather than buying boxes. Soft items like towels, sheets, and clothing work as excellent padding for fragile items instead of expensive bubble wrap. Pack books in small boxes since they’re heavy—large boxes filled with textbooks are impossible to lift. Roll clothes instead of folding to save space. Use garbage bags for hanging clothes. Declutter aggressively before packing—selling or donating items you don’t need reduces moving volume and costs. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room. Pack an essentials bag with several days’ worth of necessities so you can function even if unpacking takes longer than expected. Start packing non-essential items weeks before your move rather than rushing to pack everything the night before.
