10 Packing Tips for Moving Across Town Without the Chaos

Here are 10 packing tips for moving across town without the chaos that’ll keep your local move on track—and maybe even fun.

Just because you’re not crossing state lines doesn’t mean your move will be simple. In fact, short-distance moves can sneak up and steal your entire weekend (and your sanity) if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re relocating a few blocks away in Minneapolis or just upgrading apartments down the street, smart packing can mean the difference between a quick hop and a full-blown hassle.

1. Use Reusable Moving Boxes from Day One

Forget flimsy cardboard. Reusable moving boxes from Banana Boxes.com are stackable, crush-proof, and come ready to roll. No tape. No tools. No waste. Just fill, close, and go. They’ll even pick them up when you’re done.

Pro tip: For a short-distance move, efficiency beats volume. Using uniform boxes makes it easier to load your vehicle or moving truck.

2. Pack by Room, Not by Category

When you’re only moving a few miles, it’s tempting to just toss everything in boxes. But when you pack items together by room—kitchen stuff with kitchen stuff, bathroom items with bathroom items—you’ll unpack in record time.

Color-code your Banana Boxes or use bold labels so each one knows exactly where it’s headed in your new place.

3. Create a “First Night” Box

Even if your move takes just one day, you’ll want immediate access to essentials: toilet paper, chargers, bedsheets, toiletries, snacks, and maybe a celebratory beverage. Keep this box handy in your car—not the moving truck.

4. Wrap Breakables in Stuff You’re Already Moving

No need for bubble wrap. Use towels, t-shirts, and socks to protect fragile items. It saves space, saves money, and saves the planet. That’s what we call a triple win.

5. Don’t Empty Dresser Drawers—Wrap Them

Why unpack and repack when you can stretch-wrap dresser drawers and move them as-is? For a short-distance move, this is a time-saving lifesaver.

Just be sure to remove heavy or fragile items first to avoid damage (or hernia-level lifting).

6. Keep Clothes on Hangers

Take a bunch of hanging clothes, group them together, and slip a large garbage bag over them like a makeshift garment bag. Tie at the bottom and toss them in your backseat. At your new place, just hang them up and pull the bag off. Done.

7. Use Suitcases and Hampers

Your rolling luggage and laundry baskets are begging to be helpful. Fill them with books, pantry items, or cleaning supplies. Every container is fair game during a short-distance move.

8. Make Multiple Trips If You Can

One of the perks of moving in Minneapolis (or anywhere nearby) is the ability to make a few smaller trips instead of one massive move. Pack up high-priority items and drive them over before the big push.

Bonus: Fewer things in the truck means faster unloading and less risk of damage.

9. Secure Items with Bungee Cords or Towels

You’re not driving across state lines, but you still want your stuff to stay put. Use bungee cords or roll towels around delicate stacks to minimize shifting during transport. Banana Boxes are especially great for this because their lids lock closed and stack tight.

10. Don’t Forget to Breathe

Local moves can still be overwhelming. Take breaks, eat food, drink water, and maybe even sneak in a celebratory banana. 🍌 You’ve earned it.

Why Banana Boxes Is Built for Local Moves

If you’re moving in Minneapolis or anywhere in the Twin Cities area, Banana Boxes is your local best friend. Our reusable moving boxes:

• Are delivered to your door and picked up after your move

• Stack neatly and reduce the number of trips needed

• Keep your stuff safe, dry, and secure

• Help you avoid tape, cardboard cuts, and landfill guilt

We make it easy to move short distances without losing your weekend (or your mind). So, moral of the story, rent Banana Boxes and follow our 10 packing tips for moving across town without the chaos!