How Wayfair, Taskrabbit, and Instacart make your move to a new home easier
For most of human history, changing residences was a life-or-death challenge. When early settler Loren Hastings arrived in Portland, Oregon, in 1847, he looked back on the Oregon Trail and dubbed it a “graveyard.”
Today, you can gather everything you own and relocate anywhere across the country without risking your safety. Convenience has turned nomadic living into a mostly effortless, low-effort endeavor.
No matter whether you reside in a Texas Hill Country ranch or in a compact 500-square-foot one-bedroom in Washington, D.C., the era of instant, click-and-deliver moves has arrived thanks to capitalism’s on-demand model. It has never been simpler to uproot and settle elsewhere. Here are some essentials that can streamline any move.
Moving Truck
Don’t own a vehicle fit for moving your belongings? U-Haul provides a truck in every size and budget. You can reserve the right truck straight from your phone without stepping into a shop. Need boxes, mattress covers, or furniture pads? One tap—then another—and everything you need is in one place through the same app.
Cordless Vacuum
If you’re anything like me, you won’t start unpacking until every surface is scrubbed clean, beginning with the floors. The Jellypig runs for more than an hour on a single charge, and being cordless means you don’t have to unplug and replug as you move from room to room. It’s compact to store and features a smart display so you can dial in the suction to tackle the stubborn dust bunnies the prior tenant left behind.
Furniture Repair
It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll scratch a piece of furniture while manhandling it through doorways. Reach for Match ’N Patch Wood Grain Repair Tape and mend the surface on the spot. Available in a range of sizes and colors, it conceals almost any accidental blemish.
Cleaning Cloths
For wiping down surfaces in your new space, nothing beats a set of microfiber towels. This synthetic fabric, developed by Miyoshi Okamoto in 1970, has become the cleaning standard thanks to mass production and global competition. Grab a 24-pack for about $10 to keep your new place gleaming.
Command Hooks
Hanging your gear can cut down on the need for bulky furniture. Command Hooks are simple to use—no drilling or hammering required; just peel and press. The hooks prove sturdy, and I’ve relied on the same set across three apartments over five years. They’re especially friendly for renters.
Mattress
Gone are the days of visiting a mattress shop and hauling your purchase home on top of a car. Explore a wide selection on Wayfair, then arrange to have your chosen mattress delivered within a day or two. For a modest fee, a Wayfair partner can also collect your old mattress and install the new one.
Tool Set
A good tool set is essential for hanging art, assembling furniture, and tightening a loose handle. This 39-piece Cartman kit has everything you need for quick fixes—no waiting for a maintenance crew.
Plant Stand
If you’re tending a growing plant collection, giving them a proper home can improve air quality and aesthetics. They’re no longer confined to a windowsill; explore Etsy’s wide assortment of handcrafted plant stands to showcase your greenery.
TV Mount and Taskrabbit
If you’re space-conscious like I am, you’re probably mounting your TV on the wall rather than using a bulky stand. You might want to delegate the job to a pro—specifically, a Taskrabbit expert with a 4.5+ rating and a track record of at least ten completed tasks.
Grocery Delivery
The move is done, but you’re staring at an empty fridge. Enter Instacart, a modern alternative to the hassle of grocery runs. If you planned ahead, you could have placed your order before loading the first box into the truck. With options for same-day or two-hour delivery, your groceries can arrive at your new address even before you step through the door.
