Let’s be real, moving day isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Between the early wake-up, last-minute packing, and “where the hell is the coffee maker” chaos, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before the first box even leaves the house.
But it doesn’t have to be like that.
At 10 Men Movers, we’ve helped hundreds of Nebraskans move homes, apartments, offices, you name it. Over the years, we’ve learned a few tricks (mostly the hard way) that make the whole thing smoother. These aren’t just generic tips, they’re hacks we use on actual jobs, with real families, every single week.
Here’s what we wish more people knew before moving day.
1. Pack a “No Matter What” Box
Every family we move gets the same advice: pack one box or bag that never goes on the truck. Think phone charger, medication, snacks, toilet paper, basic tools, pet food, and maybe even a roll of paper towels (washing machines leak!). One client last month in Bellevue called it her “survival kit,” and it saved her from digging through 30 boxes just to find her toddler’s bedtime blanket.
2. Clear Bins Are Your Best Friend
One couple in Gretna packed all their immediate kitchen needs, coffee, mugs, paper plates, into a clear storage bin. When we unloaded, they found it within 30 seconds. No guesswork. No frantic box-cutting. Just coffee within reach. That’s a win.
Clear bins are great for essentials or fragile items you want to see instantly. If it’s a “must-have” in the first 24 hours, don’t bury it in cardboard.
3. Take Photos Before You Unplug
We moved a family from Elkhorn who had a full home theater setup, three TVs, a sound system, and even color-coded HDMI cables. Before unplugging, they snapped a photo of every connection point.
Genius.
The husband had everything reconnected and running before dinner. Meanwhile, we’ve seen others spend days staring at their routers like it’s a bomb they’re scared to defuse.
4. Label Like You’re Giving Instructions to a Stranger
This one’s simple, but critical. “Kitchen” isn’t helpful if you have 12 kitchen boxes. Instead, go with:
Kitchen – Plates – Open First
Kitchen – Crockpot & Spare Utensils – Low Priority
When we’re unloading, we love it when people do this. It tells us exactly where to place things so you’re not stuck with 50 boxes in the hallway.
Want to level up? Use colored duct tape for each room. Stick a matching strip on the box and the doorframe in the new place. (One of our clients in Papillion did this, and it was… beautiful.)
5. Suitcases Are for More Than Clothes
Books, canned goods, weights, anything heavy that can break your back in a flimsy box? Toss it in a rolling suitcase, without overloading it!
One of our guys, Riley, learned this trick after seeing a woman pack her entire kitchen pantry into a Samsonite. Not only did it roll easily, but it didn’t tear halfway down the stairs like some overstuffed box tends to.
6. Use Clothes to Wrap Breakables
You don’t need to buy a thousand sheets of bubble wrap. T-shirts, towels, and even socks make great padding for dishes, glassware, and small electronics.
We once had a customer who wrapped every wine glass in her yoga leggings and tank tops. She told us later, “It’s the first time moving felt eco-friendly and efficient.”
7. Do a Final Video Walkthrough
Right before you lock the door, take your phone and film a slow walkthrough of the old place. Check closets, drawers, under sinks—everywhere.
This habit has saved people from leaving behind prescription meds, heirloom jewelry, and (in one weird case) a whole air fryer.
Plus, if you’re renting, it’s proof of the condition you left it in.
8. Call Your Trash Company—Yes, Really
People always remember the big stuff: utilities, internet, mail forwarding. But the number of times we’ve seen overflowing trash bins on day one at the new house? Too many to count.
If your city’s garbage pickup day doesn’t align with your move, call ahead and ask for a one-time extra pickup.
Try this resource: Nebraska Waste & Recycling Directory It’s actually pretty helpful.
9. Mark Doors at the New Place
Put signs on the doors of each room.
“Guest Bedroom”
“Mia’s Room”
“Office”
We once moved a family of seven (yes, seven), and every single room had a labeled note taped to the wall. It wasn’t just helpful; it made the unloading process go at least 30% faster. No exaggeration. No one had to stop and ask where anything went.
When customers do this (label each room with a clear note), it allows the movers to simply glance at the wall and know exactly where each box belongs. Post-it notes are a good idea in theory, but they tend to fall off. We’ve found that a small piece of removable tape to hold the note in place works best.
10. Hire a Crew That Knows the Drill
We’ll be honest: you can do all this yourself, but it’s a lot to juggle. When you hire pros who’ve done this hundreds of times—like our crew at 10 Men Movers—you’re getting more than muscle. You’re getting systems, backup plans, and a crew that’s already thinking 10 steps ahead.
We bring extra shrink wrap, color-coded labels, tools for unexpected disassembly, and we keep track of which boxes you actually need that night.
You focus on starting the next chapter—we’ll handle the chaos.
How early should I start on moving day?
We recommend starting by 8 AM if possible. Mornings are cooler, and you’ll want buffer time in case anything unexpected comes up
Should I tip my movers?
Tipping isn’t required, but always appreciated. Most clients tip $5–$10 per mover, or offer cold drinks and lunch if that feels more doable.
What if I forgot to pack something last minute?
Keep a few empty bins or bags handy for last-minute stragglers for stuff from the fridge, phone chargers, pet bowls, etc. Happens all the time!
Do I need to be present the whole day?
It helps. At least have someone on-site who can answer questions, especially toward the end when we’re placing things in specific rooms
Can I leave clothes in drawers?
Yes, but only soft clothes. Remove anything heavy or breakable. Please rember, clothes are HEAVY! We’ll wrap and move the entire dresser carefully.
Simplify Your Move with 10 Essential Hacks
No move is ever truly stress-free, but with the right mindset (and maybe a few of these hacks), it can be a whole lot easier than you think.
And if you want a team that already works this way? We’re right here.
Get a free quote from 10 Men Movers, or just give us a shout if you need moving advice from people who’ve seen it all.
