I’ve helped dozens of families move over the years, and honestly? It’s usually chaos.
Most people wait until the last minute, throw stuff in random boxes, and then spend the next six months wondering where they packed the can opener.
I’ve been there too. My last move was so disorganized that I found Christmas decorations mixed with kitchen utensils. Not my proudest moment.
About 40 million Americans move each year, and according to a recent survey, 45% of people say moving is the most stressful life event they’ve experienced. More stressful than a divorce for some folks!
But it doesn’t have to be that way. After making every moving mistake possible (and watching my clients make even more), I’ve figured out what actually works.
So grab a coffee, and let’s chat about how to make your next move way less painful.
10 Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Move
I’m going to share practical advice that has saved my sanity and my clients’ sanity during dozens of moves.
Some of these might seem obvious, but trust me, when you’re surrounded by half-packed boxes and can’t find your phone charger, even the basics go out the window.
Start Planning Early
Look, I know it’s tempting to put off packing until the last minute.
Who wants to live surrounded by boxes for weeks? Nobody.
But waiting until two days before the moving truck arrives is a recipe for disaster.
Start at least a month before your move date. Create a timeline and work backward.
One of my clients, Rehan, waited until three days before her move to start packing. She ended up throwing random items in garbage bags at 3 AM the night before. Six months later, she was still finding important documents mixed with old magazines.
Start with stuff you barely use. Holiday decorations, off-season clothes, those fancy dishes you only bring out when your mother-in-law visits.
Pack one or two boxes each day. It’s not overwhelming, and you’ll thank yourself later.
I once helped a family who started eight weeks before their move. Guess what? Moving day was actually pleasant. They had time to label everything properly, they weren’t exhausted, and they even enjoyed pizza and beer with their helpers. Imagine that!
Declutter Before You Pack
Why move stuff you don’t want or need? That’s just paying to transport future trash.
Americans typically use only 20% of what they own regularly. The other 80%? Just taking up space.
Before you put a single thing in a box, ask yourself: “Do I love this? Do I use this? Would I buy this again today?”
If the answer is no, then it’s trash, donation, or sell.
I worked with a family who moved three boxes of old magazines to their new house. Those boxes sat untouched in their garage for four years before they finally threw them out during the next move.
Keep a trash bag and a donation box next to you while packing. Use them ruthlessly.
Your future self will have less to unpack, less to find space for, and less to deal with.
Bonus tip: Sell valuable items you don’t want anymore. One client made almost $900 selling unwanted furniture and electronics before their move. That covered their moving truck rental!
Create a Moving Checklist
Your brain is already overloaded when moving. Don’t make it remember everything too.
Create a master checklist with sections for:
- Things to do two months before
- One month before
- Two weeks before
- One week before
- Day before
- Moving day
- First day in new home
Include everything from calling utility companies to picking up your dry cleaning.
When I moved last year, my checklist saved me from forgetting to transfer my internet service. My neighbor wasn’t so lucky and spent two weeks without WiFi. He works from home. It wasn’t pretty.
Keep your checklist somewhere you’ll actually see it. On your phone, taped to your fridge, whatever works for you.
Check things off as you complete them. It’s weirdly satisfying and keeps you motivated.
Pack Smart and Label Clearly
Can we talk about labeling for a second?
I once helped a family unpack after their move. They had labeled everything “miscellaneous.”
EVERYTHING.
We opened 30 boxes labeled “misc” trying to find their coffee maker. Never again.
Here’s what actually works:
Write the room name in BIG letters on the top AND sides of each box. Anyone carrying the box should be able to see where it goes without flipping it around.
Under that, list the main contents. Not just “kitchen stuff” but “coffee maker, toaster, blender.”
Number your boxes and keep a master list. Box #1: Kitchen – Coffee maker, toaster, etc. This is a lifesaver when you’re looking for something specific.
Don’t overpack boxes. Books are heavy! Mix heavy and light items to keep boxes manageable.
Use your clothes, towels, and bedding as free packing material for fragile items. Wrap glasses in socks. Use t-shirts between plates.
Take pictures of how electronics are connected before unplugging them. Tape the cords to the devices they belong with.
Keep Essentials Handy
Pack a separate “first day” box or suitcase with:
- Toilet paper (trust me on this one)
- Shower curtain and towels
- Bed sheets and pillows
- Basic toiletries
- Medications
- Phone chargers
- Clean clothes for 2-3 days
- Basic tools (screwdriver, pliers)
- Paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils
- Snacks and drinks
- Cleaning supplies
Keep this with you, not in the moving truck.
A client once packed all her toiletries in a random box. She spent her first night in the new house with no toothbrush, no shower curtain, and no clean towels. She was still finding shampoo-soaked boxes months later.
Also pack a separate box with everything you need to make coffee or tea the next morning. You’ll need the caffeine.
Label these priority boxes in a different color or with big stars so they’re easy to find.
Hire Reputable Movers
If your budget allows, good residential moving services are worth their weight in gold.
About 50% of DIY movers report injuries during their move. Professional movers know how to lift that weirdly heavy couch without throwing out their backs.
But not all movers are created equal. Look for:
- Licensed and insured companies
- Good reviews from actual customers
- Clear pricing with no hidden fees
- A written estimate after seeing your stuff
Get at least three quotes. The cheapest option isn’t always the best.
Ask friends for recommendations. Personal experience beats online reviews.
I worked with a family who hired the cheapest movers they could find. The movers showed up three hours late, broke two lamps and a TV, and then demanded extra payment before unloading the truck. The savings weren’t worth the headache.
If hiring movers isn’t in your budget, at least rent proper equipment. Dollies, furniture sliders, and good quality moving blankets make a huge difference.
And please, please buy your friends pizza and drinks if they’re helping you move. It’s the unwritten rule of friend-assisted moves.
Take Care of Kids and Pets
Moving with kids and pets adds another layer of complexity.
For pets, consider boarding them on moving day or having a friend watch them. The open doors, strange people, and chaos can be stressful and dangerous.
Pack a special bag for your pet with food, toys, medications, and bedding.
For kids, depending on their ages:
- Have someone watch younger kids on moving day
- Give older kids specific, manageable jobs
- Pack a special box of their favorite toys and books
- Keep their routine as normal as possible
One client had her kids pack a special backpack with toys and activities for moving day. They felt involved and had something to do while the adults handled the heavy lifting.
Update your pets’ microchip information and ID tags with your new address before moving day.
If possible, set up your kids’ rooms first at the new house. Having their own space ready helps them adjust faster.
Conclusion
Moving is never completely stress-free, but it doesn’t have to be the nightmare most people make it.
Start early, declutter ruthlessly, stay organized, and remember that forgotten items can usually be replaced.
I’ve helped dozens of families move, and the ones who follow these tips actually enjoy the process. Well, maybe “enjoy” is too strong. Let’s say they don’t hate every minute of it.
Your new home is waiting for you. With some planning and these tips, you’ll be settled in and enjoying it before you know it.
Good luck with your move!
