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5 Packing Hacks for Moving Day

It's the night before moving day and you're camped out amid the wreckage. Note: You will get through this — especially with a little help from Costco.com.

Armed with these tips, moving day has nothin' on you.

1. Make a wrinkle-free transition

With your clothes still hanging, slide garbage bags upward around garments, tying the strings around the hangers. Place them directly into your new closet — no boxes (or unfolding) required.

Pro-Tip: Use colored packing tape on bags and boxes to mark what goes where. With a box knife, cut upside-down triangles into the sides of moving boxes for handles.

2. Pack a clear bin with overnight essentials

Set aside necessities that the family will need for the first night in the new digs. As you pack the bin, visualize each room in the house and anticipate what you'll need from it.

Pro-Tip: Help ease the kids into new surroundings by adding some treats, board games and a small, decorative item for their new room.

3. Prevent product leakage

When packing gels or liquids, take off the cap, cover the opening with plastic wrap and then restore the cap to prevent any unnecessary oozing.

Pro-Tip: Use plastic wrap to secure items you don't intend to box. Bond the mop, broom and Swiffer handles together for easy transport; encircle nightstands with plastic wrap to keep the drawers from sliding open.

4. Protect your ceramic plates with paper plates

Place one paper plate atop each ceramic plate as you stack them, creating individual buffers. If need be, roll them up for more flexible support

Pro-Tip: Hold on to extra paper plates and use them for takeout meals until the kitchen is unpacked.

5. Keep breakables safe and sound

Before wrapping your mirrors or framed art in bubble wrap, use packing tape to mark an "X" across the front of the surface. This offers yet another safeguard should they shift in the moving van.

Pro-Tip: Before you unplug and box up the television or other electronics, take a photo of the wiring in the back for a seamless installation at the new spot. Stow the cords in labeled zip-lock bags.