The Hottest Accessories & Beauty To Enhance Your Luxury Resort Vacation
Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21" Carry-On Expandable Spinner
Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21" Carry-On Expandable Spinner | $729
Briggs & Riley luggage is so well thought out that you can instantly tell that true travel experts designed it. One of my favorite features is the expandable packing system that compresses from the outside with one push! I also love the inside pocket that acts as a folding garment bag inside your suitcase to protect your best outfits and minimize wrinkles. This bag is the ultimate luxury luggage for any trip, globally.
Bosca Dolce Italia Cortina Duffle
Bosca Dolce Italia Cortina Duffle | $825
Bosca is your go-to for all things premium leather. My favorite duffle from them will stand the test of time in both quality and style. I use this classic bag when I want to elevate my travel look. It's perfect for weekend road trips, an overnight stay at my favorite beach spot, or if I'm jetting off to a resort.
Bandolier Isla Pouch Set in Black/Gold
Bandolier Isla Pouch Set in Black/Gold | $194
I love the design of the Isla set from Bandolier. This is the only phone case I want to use nowadays! The black leather and metallic details are in line with the summer chrome trend, but it will also be perfect for any time of year. The gold wrist chain looks and feels designer, and the extra pouch gives me enough room for my essentials when I'm walking around the resort.
Songmont Drippy Roof Bag
Songmont Drippy Roof Bag | $579
For the ultimate travel handbag, I love the Drippy Bag from Songmont. This bag is a work of art, and you can tell from all the details that it was designed with care. The secure magnetic flap over the zipper makes this a safe bag for all your day trips and gives any outfit a luxe look. The stunning Stardust color is truly special and will pair well with all your resort outfits.
SKULLPANDA The Paradox Series Figures and Hair Clip Set
SKULLPANDA The Paradox Series Figures and Hair Clip Set
The only hair accessory you need is this head-turning clip from POP MART. You can wear it in your hair for a polished look or on the strap of your purse for more of a statement. The pastel colorway and pearl finish add an ethereal touch to any look. POP MART is known for its high-quality collectibles, but the new SKULLPANDA Paradox Collection is truly a work of art. Each design is incredibly detailed, so you cannot go wrong no matter which one you pick.
RØDE Wireless Pro Premium Wireless Microphone System
RØDE Wireless Pro Premium Wireless Microphone System | $399
Upgrade your vacation videos with professional sound from RØDE. This set comes with two compact microphones and a receiver, and the setup is simple, even if you're not a pro. The flexible gain controls are a game changer! You'll be amazed at the difference these microphones make, especially in outdoor videos where the elements can ruin your sound. Even with an iPhone camera, the quality is crystal clear and syncs up perfectly to every video.
Pair Eyewear The Horn Sun Top
Pair Eyewear The Horn Sun Top | $30
Pair Eyewear is my go-to for sunglasses these days. When I'm on vacation, I'm wearing sunglasses the entire day, but I sometimes prefer to wear prescription glasses for a long day in the sun. I love Pair's new polarized Horn Sun Tops over my lenses for a tropical touch to my look.
Quince 14K Gold Diamond Bezel Station Bracelet and 14K Gold Gemstone Vintage Inspired Ring
Quince 14K Gold Diamond Bezel Station Bracelet ($249) and 14K Gold Gemstone Vintage Inspired Ring ... More ($379)
I go for staple pieces with my travel jewelry, which means focusing on high-quality items. Quince makes the highest quality pieces at low prices, which means I don't have to worry about anything tarnishing. The 14K Gold Diamond Bezel Station Bracelet has to be my most-loved piece; I wear it all the time and always catch myself looking at the diamonds sparkling on my wrist. For a resort dinner date, I would pair this with the 14K Gold Gemstone Vintage Inspired Ring to add a statement piece to my look.
Mignon Faget Medium Bow Ring
Mignon Faget Medium Bow Ring | $130
For unique jewelry that stands out, Mignon Faget makes stunning pieces. Their designs are inspired by New Orleans, and you won't find other jewelry out there quite like theirs. I love my sterling silver Bow Ring from the brand and always have people asking where I got it!
Astrid & Miyu Cosmic Star Dome Hoops in Gold
Astrid & Miyu Cosmic Star Dome Hoops in Gold | $114
Jewelry from Astrid & Miyu is always something I look forward to wearing with my resort looks. My go-to earrings are the Cosmic Star Dome Hoops. These 18K gold-plated earrings are the perfect size to go with any outfit, and the star detailing gives them an out-of-this-world quality that elevates them from a standard gold hoop.
Glamnetic Siren's Cove Collection
Glamnetic Siren's Cove Collection | $169
Glamnetic makes my favorite press-ons, so they are a must-have for every trip. Their new Siren's Cove collection knocks it out of the park! Each of these designs actually looks better than a luxury salon manicure, and the last time I wore these, they lasted me two and a half weeks. There's a design for every vacation vibe out there in this collection, but I'm obsessed with the Sunny Shores design. It actually looks like you have little shells and starfish on your nails!
FabFitFun x Vacation Limited-Edition Box
FabFitFun x Vacation Limited-Edition Box
This collaboration has everything you need for your resort getaway. From sunscreen and fragrance to aloe and shimmering body lotion, these products will transform your resort experience in the sun. Plus, the packaging is absolutely adorable for all your seaside pictures!
Bloomeffects Kim's Morning Routine
Bloomeffects Kim's Morning Routine | $133
Bloomeffects' CEO and founder, Kim van Haaster, has curated the perfect morning routine for your vacation glow. This bundle has everything you need, starting with a lightweight Vitamin C face oil that gently creates radiant skin. I am obsessed with the Tulip Dew Drops; I use them every day under my makeup for a glowy base. For a resort look, I need my SPF, and the Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum has an SPF of 50! Plus, it gives the most beautiful finish with a little tint.
Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid SPF 30
Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid SPF 30 | $54
For more of a full coverage look, I love the Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid SPF 30. It has a beautiful dewy finish with buildable coverage, making it perfect for a pool day. Because it's formulated by dermatologists, it has added skincare benefits that leave my skin glowing even after I take it off.
AV Laboratories Face Mist
AV Laboratories Face Mist | $88
This face mist is the perfect thing to spritz on your face and hydrate after a long day of travel, and it's a must-pack item for any getaways. Not only does it hydrate your skin, but it features the brand's proprietary AVL SOM3®, which helps make your skin appear plumper and more youthful. It also helps eliminate redness, which I always find helpful when traveling!
Liis In This World Eau De Parfum
Liis In This World Eau De Parfum | $175
This captivating scent isn't your typical beach day fragrance, but it should be. For an ultra-fresh daytime scent, In This World by Liis is perfect for your next getaway. With notes of blood orange, fig, violet, and tonka wood, this is a perfect blend of earthy and fresh.
Sol de Janiero Limited Edition Perfume Mist Trio and Body Badalada™ Lotion
Sol de Janiero Limited Edition Perfume Mist Trio and Body Badalada™ Lotion
Sol de Janiero creates the most delicious scents in every product, but their trio of summer scents is definitely a standout combo. This set has a mist for every phase of your vacation experience, from day to night. I love to layer any scent from this trio with their new Body Badalada™ Lotion, which keeps my skin hydrated 24/7. This body lotion is another way to get your memorable vacation scent in, as it smells like a tropical vacation.
Imaginary Authors Yesterday Haze Fragrance
Imaginary Authors Yesterday Haze Fragrance | $115
Imaginary Authors' perfumes are inspired by books, so each scent has a story. Yesterday Haze has notes of iris, tree bark, cream, and orchard dust, and it creates a beautiful all-day scent on the skin. It is described as 'a long-deserved Mediterranean getaway, the cheeseboard of your dreams, paying cash for a two-hundred-year-old crumbling stone cottage on the outskirts of a small village with one great wine bar where there is always a cat sleeping in the window.' After smelling this, I can safely say this lovely fragrance has me believing I can create these same memories while I wear it.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
7 Things Rich People Never Waste Money On (But the Middle Class Often Does)
If you are middle-class, then you'll know all about the conspicuous shows of having money. Far too many people's lifestyle is funded by debt. According to Federal Reserve data, U.S. consumer debt now exceeds $18.2 trillion, and the average per-household debt rate is $105,056. Read More: Find Out: Now, one of the problems with being middle-class is that you generally aren't wealthy enough to not worry about money. Depending on your personality, a side effect of that could be making unwise or unhealthy financial choices that people with more money tend to avoid. Here are seven of the most common financial mistakes that middle-class people and families often make. Designer Labels and Status Items Wealthy individuals tend to prefer quality products and assets that are going to last over visible, flashy status symbols. The Millionaire Next Door found that millionaires avoid conspicuous consumption. This means budgeting wisely and purposefully choosing modest homes and used cars. A real millionaire is more likely to drive a Ford than a Bentley. Picking actual, high-quality value over flashy, name-brand alternatives is a sign of wealth. Unlike middle-class people, the truly wealthy are focused on preserving and growing their financial resources. Discover Next: Lottery Tickets and High-Risk, Low-Return 'Gambles' More wealthy households focus on risk-adjusted, wise investments, rather than speculative gambles. One study found that 23% of people with incomes below $25,000 regularly play the lottery. Meanwhile, most wealthy people avoid the lottery or other forms of gambling. The reasons for this are pretty obvious. Whether you've made your own wealth or are born into a wealthy family, rich people know there's no shortcut to financial comfort and security. Conspicuous Consumption During Lifestyle Creep An 'expenditure cascade' or 'lifestyle creep' concept explains how middle-income earners spend more than they expect. This can happen subtly across so many areas of life. Why buy cheap towels, dishes, shoes, or cars when you can afford better? In some ways, this is simply treating yourself or your family to nice things and replacing older, cheaper items with newer ones. But it gets to a point where 'treats' are costing you money you could be saving, investing, or putting to better use. Wealthier individuals avoid the lifestyle creep trap by maintaining a consistent, values-based spending plan, instead of upgrading necessary and unnecessary items with every increase in income. Resisting the psychological pressure to match their neighbors' spending patterns, or people they follow on Instagram, is a great way to avoid overspending. Hidden Bank and Credit Card Fees Bank and credit card charges, like overdrafts or annual card fees, are a silent drain on your finances. During 2024, banks and credit card providers kept increasing fees, charging people even more for having accounts and cards. While middle-class consumers often overlook them, wealthy people work to eliminate any unnecessary costs proactively. People with money can negotiate better terms, get credit more easily, maintain minimum balances, avoid fees, and choose financial products that fit with their needs and lifestyle. Extended Warranties and Pointless Extras Extra warranties and service plans may seem reassuring, but they rarely provide good value. Why take out insurance on an item that costs less than $100? If the cost of replacing it is more than the insurance, and the chance of it breaking and needing replacing is limited, then it's a pointless extra. When you've got more money, you can use savings or disposable income to cover repairs. This way, you don't need to worry about extended warranties that aren't worth the money. You can calculate the statistical likelihood of needing repairs compared with the cost of coverage, and choose to handle the cost yourself instead of having a pointless extra insurance policy. Unused Gym Memberships and Subscriptions According to research, approximately 67% of gym memberships go unused. About 32.42% of Americans pay for a gym membership, with the majority going once or more per week. However, a silent minority are just wasting money and never or hardly ever going to the gym. Higher-income individuals are more likely to cancel underutilized subscriptions or choose pay-per-use options actively. Or have a gym at home, or a personal trainer. Either way, they're investing in their physical health, instead of paying for a gym they never visit. Wealthy people regularly audit their recurring expenses and remove anything that doesn't provide ongoing value. It's important to understand that small monthly charges accumulate into annual financial waste that is unnecessary. Impulse Purchases and Emotional Spending Wealthy people have money, keep and retain it for themselves and future generations because they focus on strategic investments that generate long-term returns. Immediate gratification and impulse purchases are less common than those among middle-class consumers. Emotional spending decisions, which mean buying items they don't need during sales or when stressed, are less common for wealthy individuals. There is a fundamental difference in mindsets: while middle-class spending often reflects aspirations or immediate desires. Wealthy spending reflects calculated decisions designed to preserve and grow wealth over time. Each purchase is evaluated not just for its immediate benefits, but for its impact on long-term financial health. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard Are You Rich or Middle Class? 8 Ways To Tell That Go Beyond Your Paycheck Clever Ways To Save Money That Actually Work in 2025 This article originally appeared on 7 Things Rich People Never Waste Money On (But the Middle Class Often Does) Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Forbes
27 minutes ago
- Forbes
Using Media Exposure To Drive Growth: Lessons From Reality TV
Devin Haman is the CEO and Founder of Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, a leading medical spa & wellness franchise. Today, visibility is just as vital as viability. A strong product or service may earn you initial traction, but building a brand that stands out requires strategic storytelling and mass exposure. My entrepreneurial journey, particularly through my wellness and rejuvenation centers, taught me that when used intentionally, media can do far more than generate buzz—it can fundamentally accelerate your business growth. Credibility Through Association When we launched our first center in Los Angeles, our goal was to create a high-end tanning experience that aligned with the Hollywood lifestyle. However, when we partnered with a media company to develop a reality show, everything changed. Our brand wasn't just featured—it became the focal point of a national cultural conversation. During the show's run, we leveraged high-profile celebrity appearances to captivate audiences and drive viewership. Their presence not only attracted loyal fans but also enhanced the aspirational appeal of the brand. By featuring these celebrities organically within the show, we reinforced the brand's authenticity and created powerful marketing moments that directly translated into business growth. Beyond simply attracting celebrity clientele, I also strategically brought celebrity investors to amplify the brand's credibility and reach. By aligning with influential figures who not only endorsed but also financially backed the business, we created an ecosystem of authentic partnerships that fueled rapid growth and helped solidify our status as a cultural phenomenon. Media Isn't Just Exposure: It's Brand Architecture A common misconception is that media exposure brings only temporary spikes in attention. But if used strategically, media can serve as long-term brand infrastructure. To this end, it's essential to start with a story that resonates. By showcasing real team members, an authentic culture and a unique atmosphere, you can connect emotionally with potential customers in the long term. This type of narrative shapes public perception and creates a loyal following, turning passive viewers of your content into active customers. From Viewers To Customers To Franchisees As can be seen, strategic media exposure can be a powerful growth lever. When our business was featured on E!, we saw an immediate uptick in foot traffic, revenue and interest from potential franchisees. This type of visibility helps establish credibility, making it easier to attract experienced, multi-unit operators and scale quickly. The key was having systems in place to convert that attention into opportunity. Because we were ready—with a franchise model, brand messaging and operational support—we were able to sell 173 franchise locations nationwide. Later, we applied the same principles in our next venture—leveraging media relationships, expert positioning and celebrity partnerships to great success. The takeaway is that media exposure, combined with a strategic foundation, can accelerate momentum and open doors that might otherwise take years to unlock. Four Media-Driven Business Lessons For Leaders Based on my experience, here are four broader lessons: 1. Own your narrative. Media is powerful, but only if you're intentional about the story you tell. Align every appearance with your brand values and customer promise. 2. Authenticity wins. Our success stemmed from showcasing real people and real moments. Consumers crave transparency and emotional connection—lean into that. 3. Prepare for the surge. Visibility can create demand, but your infrastructure must be ready. Ensure your operations, training and systems can scale with your exposure. 4. Think long term. Media should not be viewed as a quick promotional fix. It's a long game—an investment in brand equity, trust and top-of-mind awareness. Final Thoughts Media isn't just marketing—it's a multiplier. Whether you leverage traditional outlets, social media, podcasts or influencer networks, storytelling can transform how the world sees your business. Reality TV gave me an unconventional path to brand success—but the fundamentals apply across every industry. In a crowded market, it's not enough to be great—you have to be seen. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
CNN
27 minutes ago
- CNN
Got a move coming up? I asked experts for their top moving tips for a stress-free day
Moving organization product quick picks Recyclable packing paper: LuckyGuard Honeycomb Packing Paper Easy-to-store moving bags: Veno Moving Bags, 8-Pack Color-coded labels: Lrogoe Packing Box Labels, 600-Count Your best friend for unboxing: Internet's Best Retractable Box Cutter, 2-Pack Organizing, packing and moving all your home's belongings always takes more time and, frankly, more energy than you think. Whether you're going cross-country, cross-county or just hopping a few blocks away, the hassle of moving never seems to subside. If you're moving during the summer, you'll also be dealing with even more delays as you take breaks to cool off from the sweltering heat. Thankfully, there are strategies that can make your move more streamlined and stress-free. We've reached out to moving and organization experts to get all their insights, product recommendations and top tips for making your next move a little bit easier. If you've already got a moving date set, it's never too early to start packing. Andrea Walker, certified professional organizer and owner of Smartly Organized, recommends you start packing four to six weeks ahead of your official moving date. But before you put anything into a box, you should first declutter your home and get rid of anything broken or unused to prevent unnecessary packing. Founding executive of Piece of Cake Moving Najah Ayoub said that on average, it takes people two weeks to pack a two-bedroom apartment and three or more weeks to pack a three-bedroom apartment or house by themselves. Making a plan of what rooms can be packed well in advance and what essentials you need to save for last can make the overall process easier to manage, according to Ayoub. Walker recommends checking non-essentials, like off-season clothing, decor, books and memorabilia, off your packing list first, since these things can be packed over time and won't be missed during the lead-up to the move. Bryco Goods Packing Paper, 640 Sheets All our experts touted the importance of packing paper for giving your valuables more cushion and filling in the negative space inside the box where items tend to rattle around. Ayoub said she prefers to use paper instead of bubble wrap since it's more eco-friendly and easier to use for a wide array of items. Scotch Heavy-Duty Packaging Tape Walker said she's not a fan of using tape guns to seal boxes and instead recommended using smaller tape dispensers like this one from Scotch. CNN Underscored's associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska also prefers to use this tape when she needs to pack and ship boxes, since the built-in strip cutter makes it easier and more efficient to use than duct tape. LuckyGuard Honeycomb Packing Paper If you're looking for alternatives to traditional packing paper or plastic bubble wrap, our outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Kai Burkhardt loves this Honeycomb paper. 'It's recyclable but still offers great protection to keep your valuables safe,' he said. 'I used it when I moved across the country from New York to Colorado a few years ago.' Pratt Retail Specialities Bubble Cushion You can, of course, still use traditional bubble wrap to protect your valuables. However, Walker said you should use bubble wrap minimally since it makes items hard to unwrap and can contribute to bulky, overstuffed boxes. As you pack and sort, our experts recommend keeping similar items grouped together. This will make unpacking more intuitive once you settle into your new space. Specialty moving boxes can also help you better pack bulky items, like hanging clothes and jackets, or protect more fragile pieces, like glassware and dinnerware. 'Sturdy boxes designed for moving, good packing tape and packing paper are just basics,' Ayoub said. 'Moving boxes made specifically for kitchenware and stemware are convenient, and extra-large reusable moving bags are great and durable for moving clothing and soft items.' But just because a box is large doesn't mean you need to pack it to the top with items. Overpacking is an easy habit to fall into, but it can make boxes heavy or uneven in weight, rendering them hard — or even unsafe — to move around. To prepare for the first 24 to 48 hours in your new home, Ayoub recommends creating a box or two of 'first-night essentials' that includes everything you'll need to feel at home. 'Like toiletries, a few clothing outfits, a set of basic kitchen items, pillows, towels and bed linens and any daily electronics like laptops, chargers or any smart home devices,' she said. 'That way, even if everything else is still packed, you have the essentials you need to settle in comfortably right away.' The Home Depot 30-Box Apartment Moving Kit Knowing how many boxes you'll need for your move can be tricky. Ayoub said for a small apartment, you might need 10 to 15 boxes, but for larger homes with three or more bedrooms, you could easily require 50 or more boxes. 'The rule of thumb is a bookcase with three shelves typically requires three boxes, one box per shelf,' said Ayoub. 'This is a good guide to estimate how many boxes you'll need.' Uboxes Kitchen Moving Box & Supplies Kit Ayoub recommends investing in quality moving boxes that serve a specialty function, like these kitchen-specific moving boxes, which will help ensure all your fragile glassware and fine china arrive safely and in one piece. Amazon Basics Wardrobe Clothing Moving Boxes With Bar To save you from the painstaking task of unhanging and packing your closet, grab these clothing moving boxes. You can hang your clothes directly on the included metal rod within the box, so there'll be no leftover pile of hangers to pack up and unloading your wardrobe into your new home will be a breeze. Tiger Taco Box Clips, 4-Pack Walker said she loves how these taco clips hold down box flaps and make it easier to pack and unpack uninterrupted. Made of durable plastic resin, these clips are ribbed on both sides for a better grip when sliding on and off. Spacesaver Roll-Up Vacuum Storage Bags 'I'm currently in the process of moving apartments right now and rather than dealing with packing all my hanging clothes in boxes and getting them wrinkled, I bought these vacuum storage bags that come with a travel pump to help make the move that much easier,' Kevin Martinez, associate programming editor, said. 'Not only am I planning to use this for the move, but it's versatile enough for traveling and more.' Prowee Queen Mattress Bag, 2-Pack If your mattress is also tagging along to your new abode, grab a cover to keep bugs, dirt and debris from creeping in while you move. This set comes with two bags that can cover mattresses up to 14 inches high, and there are other options for twin-, full- and king-sized mattresses too. Veno Moving Bags, 8-Pack Reusable moving bags, like these from Veno, were recommended by all our experts for toting soft goods like towels, sheets and pillows. CNN Underscored's home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel is also a fan. 'These zippered bags fit so much inside, but they can get pretty heavy — luckily, they have a 50-pound capacity and backpack straps,' Patel said. 'I used mine to move bedding, shoes, clothes (you can leave the hangers on!) and more. The best part is they fold flat, so I was able to store them away until the next time I move.' Ziploc Storage Bags Variety Pack For small items that would otherwise roam loose inside a box, resealable bags are a great tool. 'You have no guarantee that a box will stay upright the way you packed it, so throwing loose items into a box will make a mess during a move,' Gayle Goddard, certified professional organizer and owner of The Clutter Fairy in Houston, Texas, said. 'Use Ziplocs to contain all those little items and be so much happier in the unpacking process.' Pratt Retail Specialties Stretch Wrap For delicate items or furniture pieces you don't want tape residue to linger on, Goddard likes this stretch wrap on a roll, which she said is also great for tall or awkward-shaped things like brooms and curtain rods. 'You can wrap those up tightly with this stretch wrap, load and carry lots of those things together without losing control of them,' Goddard said. 'You can also wrap around furniture drawers and storage drawers to keep them from coming open in the move process.' Walker recommends clearly labeling all your moving boxes, both on the top and on at least two sides. You should include the room name (where those items will live in your new home) and a short description of the general contents of each box. 'This method keeps your boxes organized for both the movers (they can see the top) and you or your unpacking team (they can see what's in the box when stacked) and minimizes the need to open every box just to find your coffee mug,' she said. Lichamp Orange Painter's Tape, 2-Pack A roll of painter's tape (or several) can be handy for making labels stand out and is less damaging to the boxes if you're hoping to reuse or repurpose them. Sharpie Fine-Point Permanent Markers, 12-Pack You know their name for a reason. Our experts recommend using Sharpie markers for labeling since the fine-point tips allow you to write both smaller, descriptive lists and larger labels with equal ease. Plus, with their smudge-resistant and quick-drying finish, you won't have to worry about your notes wiping away or causing a mess as you move. Yahenda Dot Stickers Walker said her team likes to label boxes using color-coded stickers or tape. Each room in the new home then corresponds to a specific color. This system speeds up unloading and helps make sure your boxes end up in the correct location. It also helps streamline foot traffic and avoid questions on move-in day. You can also make note of the contents of each package by writing on the inside flap of the box, which Walker said lets you glance at what's inside without having to dig through all the paper. Lrogoe Packing Box Labels These color-coordinated labels also include some dedicated blank space, so you can write brief notes on what you're packing in each box. The set also comes with labels to mark heavy and fragile boxes, as well as several blank labels for more customized organization. Once all the packing, moving and shuffling is done, there's still unpacking to look forward to. If you've organized and labeled your boxes properly, this part should feel a tad easier than the packing phase. But there are still some tools our experts recommend having on hand so you can set up your space quickly and just the way you want it. Internet's Best Retractable Box Cutter, 2-Pack Walker said to ditch the scissors and instead use these retractable box cutters to safely open and unpack your boxes. The sturdy handle will give you plenty of grip and control, but the overall slim design is still small enough to stash in your pocket or fanny pack as you bounce from room to room. Slice Mini Box Cutter A little gadget that helps with big jobs, this mini box cutter is a favorite of editorial director Chelsea Stone. The ceramic blade cuts through tape and seals with ease and the compact design can help you unpack and break down moving boxes all day long. Read our review Kiss Core Furniture Sliders, 13-Piece Set To help reposition bulky items or larger pieces of furniture once they're in your home, use these furniture sliders that Walker recommends. This 13-piece set comes with sliding options for both carpeted and hardwood floors, plus a furniture lift designed to save you a lot of back-breaking effort. Business & Pleasure Co. The Beach Cart For those planning a mostly DIY move, a rolling cart can save you tons of labor, even just between your house and the moving truck. Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer, relied on this beach cart to carry appliances in and out of her home. 'This carried espresso and Nespresso machines, side pillows and travel bags I tested over the last few months without buckling under pressure,' she said. 'It made transporting things from my apartment to the moving truck to the storage unit super easy, and kept all the products safe as well.'Read our review The following FAQs have been answered by certified professional organizers Gayle Goddard and Andrea Walker, as well as Najah Ayoub, founding executive of Piece of Cake Moving. Where should I buy moving boxes? Where should I buy moving boxes? Walker said you can find traditional cardboard moving boxes in an array of sizes at stores like The Home Depot, U-Haul or Lowe's. A benefit of these boxes is that they're all uniform in shape, which Walker said allows movers to stack and carry them safely, estimate weights accurately and pack the truck efficiently. Goddard recommends using small moving boxes as much as possible since they're easier to lift and stack or throw on a moving dolly. Moving costs can quickly get expensive, which is why if you need to buy supplies, Goddard recommends buying them online to avoid being overcharged at a moving store. She likes Anchor Box and Half Price Boxes, both of which she said offer good variety at reasonable prices. There are alternatives to cardboard moving boxes as well. Walker said that rentable, reusable plastic moving crates are gaining popularity. 'They're stackable, don't require tape or assembly and are more eco-friendly,' Walker said. 'While they don't eliminate the need for some cardboard, they're a great option, especially for short-distance or DIY moves.' How long before a move should I start packing? How long before a move should I start packing? Many people don't start early enough or underestimate the effort that goes into moving. 'Packing usually takes longer than people may think, for example, a small studio or one-bedroom apartment can take a week, and a two- or more-bedroom home can take two to three weeks, depending on your items,' Ayoub said. Goddard said you should start packing as soon as you know you're going to move. To prevent using up all your free time packing in a last-minute rush, Goddard recommends starting with the places in your home where you keep things you don't reach for very often. 'Those storage places are perfect to start packing up first because it doesn't disrupt your household to pack them, and because you can simultaneously declutter as you work, reducing how much you end up packing and moving to the new place,' she said. All of our experts also recommend decluttering your home and getting rid of items you don't need prior to packing. 'You don't want to pay to move things that you're going to donate on the other end,' Goddard said. 'Going through everything before you pack and donating anything that you don't want to take to the new house will save you hours of packing and unpacking.' It's also good to have an idea of where larger items (like furniture) are going to live in your new space so you can give the movers clear directions as they unload the truck, ultimately saving them extra effort and exertion. What items should I move first when moving? What items should I move first when moving? While everyone has their own system for moving, Walker said that generally, your high-priority items should be the last thing you load onto the truck. That way, they can be the first things off once you get to your destination. Walker recommends loading your packed boxes first. This creates space to wrap, disassemble and move larger furniture pieces more efficiently. She added that her team often asks for kitchen boxes to be loaded last so they can be promptly unpacked and set up early in the new space. Fragile and other valuable items should be clearly marked and moved into the truck separately or last to ensure they're easy to access upon arrival. For pet owners, Goddard said moving day is a good time to leave your furry friends at the veterinarian, pet hotel or boarding house to prevent them from getting stressed by the chaos or interfering with the move. They can return once the movers are all gone and the new house is more settled and quiet. How should I organize boxes for moving? How should I organize boxes for moving? Ayoub said packing isn't just about putting things in a box. 'Use quality packing materials and start with packing heavier items like books at the bottom and lighter-weight items like pillows on top,' she said. 'Fill in any gaps with soft items like clothing, towels or crumpled paper to keep things in place from shifting, especially when it comes to packing fragile items.' A top tip we heard from all our experts was to refrain from overpacking boxes, which can make them difficult and unsafe to lift. When it comes to fragile items, Ayoub said to use packing paper, bubble wrap or boxes specifically designed for breakables like dishware or wine glasses. 'They take the guesswork out of packing,' Ayoub said. 'No overcrowding or worrying if things will shift. And of course, remember to label boxes as 'fragile' to make sure everyone knows these boxes need to be handled with extra care.' Labeling all your boxes — not just the fragile ones — is essential for ensuring a smooth unpacking process. Goddard said to label boxes based on their end destination in your new home: bathroom, kitchen, dining room, main bedroom and so on. It's also a good idea to add a brief description of what's in each box. '[It] doesn't have to be 100% of the contents, but some content details will help you when you start looking for a specific item for the kitchen, for instance,' Goddard said. If you're moving cross-country, you should also add your last name to each box, just in case things get lost in transit. However, there are some things you shouldn't pack in the main truck. Goddard said valuables like jewelry, musical instruments and important documents like passports or birth certificates should remain close to you (like in your personal vehicle) for the duration of the move. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on staying organized during a move. Najah Ayoub, founding executive of Piece of Cake Moving Gayle Goddard, certified professional organizer and owner of The Clutter Fairy in Houston, Texas Andrea Walker, certified professional organizer and owner of Smartly Organized CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy consulted three moving and organization experts for their tips on how to efficiently pack and prep for a move. She also tapped CNN Underscored editors for their favorite moving tools.
