Between packing up your life and getting settled into a new space, it’s easy to forget small details when moving house. That’s when professional movers and organizers can come in handy. They know a thing or two about making your move a whole lot smoother.
Whether you’re moving across town or to a new state, these six expert-approved tips can help you feel more in control and a lot less stressed.
1. Use Storage to Your Advantage
Sometimes moving timelines don’t align perfectly. Maybe you need to move out before your new place is ready, or maybe you just want to stage your current home for sale. That’s when storage can become your best friend.
Many pros recommend that you rent a storage space temporarily to keep your move flexible and stress-free. It gives you time to move in stages and prevents your new home from being overwhelmed with boxes all at once.
Just be sure to pick a climate-controlled unit if you’re storing anything sensitive like electronics, artwork, or wooden furniture.
2. Start With a Smart Packing Plan
Before you start boxing things up, create a plan. Experts suggest tackling one room at a time, starting with the least-used areas of your home. This could mean starting with seasonal decor, guest room items, or off-season clothing first.
During this process, use labeling generously to write the contents and the destination room on each box. If you’re up for extra credit, color-code your boxes by room with tape or stickers.
3. Declutter as You Go
Professional movers agree: the less stuff you move with, the easier and cheaper it is. So, take this opportunity to declutter your belongings and donate, sell, or toss anything you haven’t used in the past year.
Be especially honest about items like old electronics, mystery cables, and duplicates in your kitchen drawers. If you wouldn’t buy it again today, it may not be worth packing. Think of it this way: every item you donate is one less thing you have to wrap, lift, and unpack.
4. Schedule Services Ahead of Time
The earlier you book your moving truck or professional movers, the better. Moving companies often fill up quickly, especially around weekends and the end of the month. You should also schedule utility shut-offs and set-ups ahead of time to avoid service gaps.
Don’t forget internet installation, either, especially if you work from home. And make a checklist of everything that needs to be transferred, updated, or canceled (including your mailing address), and knock out those calls a few weeks in advance.
5. Pack an Essentials Box (or Two)
On your first night in the new place, you probably won’t feel like digging through ten boxes just to find your toothbrush or phone charger. That’s why experts recommend packing a few “open-first” boxes with your daily essentials.
Think toiletries, basic kitchen items, clean bedding, a change of clothes, medications, snacks, important documents, and chargers. Keep this box in your car or have your movers set it aside so it’s easy to find right away.
6. Protect Your Valuables and Fragile Items
Even the best movers aren’t mind-readers. Set aside personal valuables like passports, family heirlooms, jewelry, and expensive electronics to move yourself. And for fragile items, use professional-grade packing materials like bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes.
Don’t forget to clearly label anything fragile and mark which side should be facing up. If you’re hiring movers, let them know ahead of time about any items that need extra care or special handling.
Easy Transitions
Think of your move as a reset; a chance to declutter, reorganize, and design a space that truly fits your lifestyle. And with a little bit of planning, the right supplies, and some expert advice, you can take the chaos out of the process and actually enjoy your fresh start.