Moving can be tough, but with good steps, you can handle it. Here are 10 easy tips to cut down stress and keep things in order when you move:
- Start Early: Begin at least 8 weeks before. Make a list of tasks, book movers soon, and choose a less busy day to save cash.
- Cut the Clutter: Toss out, give away, or keep things. If it’s not used for a year, let it go.
- Use Pro Movers: They manage the heavy work, packing, and plans – saving you time and work.
- Grab Packing Stuff: Get boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers early to dodge last-minute chaos.
- Mark Boxes Well: Use a simple color system and clear labels to make unpacking easy.
- Talk to Movers: Tell them about your place, breakable stuff, and any extra needs before.
- Pack a Day Bag: Keep things like soap, chargers, pills, and some clothes ready.
- Pick Adaptable Movers: Choose firms that are okay with changes and give space to store things.
- Allow Time to Settle: Getting used to a new home takes time. Check out the area and start new habits.
- Keep Order: Use a list for tracking and keep a folder for key papers so nothing is lost.
Quick Look: DIY vs. Using Pro Movers
| Part | DIY Move | Pro Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100–$3,000 | $800–$8,000+ |
| Time Needed | Days to weeks | A few hours to a day |
| Work | High – you do all | Low – they do the tough jobs |
| Risk of Breaks | Higher | Lower (they have insurance) |
| Ease | Low | High |
Begin soon, keep things neat, and pick what fits your case best – get help from movers or do it alone. These hints can make your move less hard and more calm.
1. Plan Your Move Early
Start to plan your move soon – try to aim for at least eight weeks before the big day. This can keep you away from the rush and last-minute mess. If you have three to six months from when you decide to move to the real move day, you’ll have more than enough time to get things done bit by bit.
"Moving homes is a huge undertaking and one of the most stressful events in a person’s life." – Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer
Start to plan early to stay neat and save money. If you begin a year ahead, you can spread out the costs and avoid money woes. This time lets you look up moving firms, check prices, and book early before the high demand times push up costs. It’s a way to keep your time and money in check.
Begin with a full list of what to do. Write down all you need to do before, while, and after you move. Start simple: clean out stuff you don’t need, pick how you’ll move, and note what you own. Split the job into small steps to make it feel easier.
If you can, choose a quiet time to move. Winter, weekdays, or low days like Tuesday can cut costs and lower stress. When setting the date, think about your work, family times, the end of your lease, and school plans. Picking a date that fits with these and your new home dates cuts problems. And check the weather too, especially for far moves, so you can plan right.
Book your movers early too. Whether you need home or flat moving services, booking early helps you get the dates and prices you want.
Lastly, keep some room to change in your plans. If you can move your date a bit or even make a quick last-minute move, you might save a lot and skip the busiest times. Having some space in your plans makes the move easier and less tense.
2. Throw Away What You Don’t Need
Before you start to pack, stop and clear out the clutter. Dropping items you don’t need cuts down on moving costs and keeps you from buying too many boxes and tape. Plus, it’s a good move for a clean start in your new place. Cutting down your stuff makes the whole shift less hard and much easier.
Step back and think why you’re moving and what you want in the new place. This view helps you figure out what really needs to be in your life. Dealing with stuff you’re attached to is tough, so break it up into easy, small steps.
"Moving is a new start, so treat it like one. Make it an opportunity to clean up and get rid of what is not needed, to renew old items and to fix broken items that you use, need or want to keep."
- Nimrod Sheinberg, Vice President of Sales at Oz Moving
One good way to clear mess is to use the three-box trick. Get three boxes and mark them: Keep, Donate, and Trash. Walk through your place room by room – look in closets, drawers, and places you keep things – and sort stuff one at a time into the right box.
To pick what keeps and what leaves, ask:
- Do I need this?
- Did I use this in the last year?
- Would I buy this now?
- Will this fit in my new place?
If you haven’t used an item for more than a year, it’s time to let it go. For little things, use the 20/20 rule: if it takes less than $20 to get a new one and you can find it in 20 minutes, you can let it go.
Start with big things like broken chairs, old gym stuff, or things that don’t match. If moving something is more costly than getting a new one, let it go. This method cuts down your mess and what you spend on moving.
To give things away easy, set up pickups as you move along. Many local moving firms team up with places that take donations. They make it simple and may give receipts for tax breaks.
"Organizing without decluttering is like trying to steer a canoe with one paddle."
- Caroline Dilbeck
You don’t have to fix it all now. Begin with just one drawer or a closet. Keep going, and soon you will have a neat, easy home.
Tidying up isn’t only about saving money; it’s about feeling calm and in charge when things get too busy.
3. Get Pro Moving Help
Moving is seen as one of the top hard things in life. But using pro movers can change the whole thing by moving the load – in both ways – off you. They deal with the big lifts, the hard moves, and all the small stuff that can make a move too much.
Pro movers are good for their fast work, smart ways, and good plan skills. They know the best paths and can pack up your stuff fast and safe. This good order not only saves you time but also cuts down the risk that comes with doing it all alone.
"A professional moving company takes all the guesswork out of moving by taking over everything from packing and inventory management to relocation."
These teams use simple tools like straps, dollies, and soft covers. They are trained to move all your stuff, even the breakable and big pieces, with care. They also have insurance to cover any breaks or losses, so you can feel safe if something goes wrong.
By giving the hard work to the skilled people, you have more time to set up new house needs or deal with important papers, making your move much smoother.
If you think about using movers, try to book them a few weeks early. Check prices, and make sure the company is checked and has insurance.
Whether it’s moving to a new home or an apartment, you can get moving help that fits what you need. They can pack everything or just help with the big stuff, and it’s all set to match your budget.
Doing it alone might look cheaper, but extra costs like truck hire, gas, boxes, and your time can get high fast. Add in the chance of breaking things or hurting yourself, and hiring pros often ends up cheaper and way safer.
4. Get Your Packing Tools Set
When you have your move plan and jobs set, it’s time to get all the packing things you need. If you have them set before, you can stay away from the rush and stress when you’re busy packing.
Boxes are key for any move. Picking the right sizes help a lot. Use small boxes for heavy stuff like books and dishes, and big boxes for light, big things like pillows and sheets. Knowing how many to get is important – small places may need about 20–30 boxes, larger homes will need a lot more.
Packing tape may look like a tiny thing, but it’s very important. Strong tape will keep your boxes closed while you move, not like cheap ones that might break when you need them most.
Cushioning stuff is a must to keep your things safe. Bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam sheets guard breakable things when you move. You can use old bubble wrap again or pick green options to help the earth.
Specialty boxes are good for some things. Wardrobe boxes keep clothes nice, TV boxes look after your electronics, and dish boxes with gaps keep your glasses safe. These boxes might cost more, but they stop damage to important stuff.
| Box Size | 2-3 Bedroom House | 4 Bedroom House |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 15–30 | 40–50 |
| Medium | 30–55 | 60–70 |
| Big | 6–12 | 15–20 |
| Clothes box | 2–4 | 3–6 |
Marking stuff helps a lot when you open boxes. Use lasting pens and strong tags to write on your boxes. Write on more than one side so you can see what’s inside no matter how they are placed.
Stretch film helps too. It keeps drawers closed and keeps your furniture safe from marks. It’s great for covering things like chairs, big drawers, and other big things. Have tools like screwdrivers and wrenches close for taking apart and putting together furniture when you need to.
"For the best moving experience, prepare for your move by gathering the proper supplies. Use our list to figure out what you have and what you need. Be sure to get your moving supplies ahead of time so you can be fully ready for your movers and enjoy a safe, well-organized move." – Chloe Gawrych, Move.org
You can get packing stuff at places that help you move or at stores that sell things to fix up your home. Places that help you move may sell full kits, while big stores tend to have good prices on single items.
If you pick up your supplies soon, you can pack at an easy pace and keep things neat. It’s best to get more boxes than you think you’ll need – you can take back what you don’t use or keep them for the next time you move. With your packing gear in hand, you’ll be ready to pack well and keep all in order while you move.
5. Name Your Boxes Right
Naming your boxes well can turn a messy moving day into a much better one. Clear and neat names stop you from having to search for stuff and make sure your things end up where they should.
Start by picking a color system where each room has a color. For example, use red for the kitchen, blue for bedrooms, and green for living areas. Stick colored tape or marks on two sides and the top of each box. This easy color system helps movers know where each box should go without reading long names.
When naming boxes, be clear. Use a bold black pen to write the room name and list what’s inside shortly. Instead of "kitchen stuff", write "Kitchen – pots, pans, and tools." This little bit of extra info helps you find what you need faster.
For things you need right away, mark boxes as "Open First". These might have soap, meds, phone cords, and simple kitchen things. Use bright tape or big marks to help these boxes pop.
Delicate items should have big "FRAGILE" signs, and arrows to show the right way up. This means they are handled with care and lowers the chance of breaks when moving.
To keep more check, make a big list of items. Number each box and note what’s inside. For example, box #15 might have winter wear, blankets, and pillows. This way makes it easy to follow your stuff and find things fast.
Here’s a quick look at some ways to name boxes to think about:
| Sort of Label | Price Range | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Simple color stickers (300-600 count) | $3.69 – $9.95 | Easy color-coding job |
| Room labels already with words | $5.99 – $21.99 | Fast, smart labeling |
| Big peel-off labels (4" x 6") | $7.99 – $12.99 | Full, clear details |
To do things the same way, pack and name one room at a time. Wrap up each room, seal each box fast, and do not swap items to keep it clear. Put clear tape over your names to keep them safe from smears, mainly if the boxes get wet or are moved hard.
"An organized labeling system ensures efficient unpacking, easy access to essential items, provides room-specific organization, reduces clutter, and helps with long-term maintenance in your new home."
- Kathryn Kelly, Refresh Organizing
A good tag system helps a lot. It makes taking out stuff simple and lets movers put boxes in the right rooms. It saves you work and time. If you are getting help from a local moving team or doing apartment moves by yourself, clear tags make things easy for all.
6. Keep Talking to Your Movers
Keeping in touch with your movers can turn a wild day into an easy, calm one. By talking often, you can fix any problems fast and keep everything going right.
Start by setting up how you will talk to each other before the move day. Swap phone numbers with the lead mover and set the best way and time to call each other. This easy step can cut down a lot of mess when things are busy.
Be sure to tell your movers about key parts of your move early on. Inform them about small areas, thin stairs, or parking rules at both your old and new places. If you have things that break easy or are very costly, like a big piano, old furniture, or arts that need care, mention these needs when you plan – not on the move day.
"Communication is the key to just about every relationship, even the short-lived ones." – The Pro Move
Make sure your movers have the right pickup and delivery spots, like apartment numbers, building codes, or gate details. A small slip-up here can cause big delays and stress. Taking the time to check these details keeps everyone clear on the plan.
On the day you move, be there to answer questions. Your movers might ask which stuff goes to storage, what stays, or how to deal with surprises. Being there and easy to talk to stops small problems from getting bigger.
Start with clear rules. If you want some boxes opened first or furniture in certain rooms, tell your movers from the beginning. This stops mix-ups and makes sure they know what you want. Talking about these things early avoids problems later.
If troubles happen, stay calm. No matter if you’re working with a local moving company or handling a house move, being calm and open helps your movers address things right.
"Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful move." – Pink Zebra Moving
After you move, take time to give your thoughts. Tell what went right and what could be made better. This helps your movers get better at what they do and makes your bond with them stronger if you move again.
Talking well is key. It’s not just to ease worry – it builds trust and makes things go smooth for all.
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7. Get a Bag Ready with What You Need Each Day
Moving is a big job, and being ready helps a lot. A bag of must-haves means you’re set for your first day in the new place without extra stress.
After you plan your move, put together a trusty bag of key items. Pick a strong, small bag or backpack – one you can hold onto all the time. The main rule? Make sure this bag doesn’t go on the moving truck.
"The goal of a moving essentials bag is simple: Make sure you have easy access to the most important things in your life so that if and when you need them, you know exactly where they are." – Moving.com
Start with what you need the most. Put in all your daily drugs, and big papers like birth and social security papers, and things for where you live. Do not miss a full set of clothes – sleep clothes, socks, under clothes, and shoes you like. You also need easy clean stuff like a brush for teeth, paste for teeth, smell good, and soap. And yes, bring a roll of toilet paper – you will be glad you did.
Next up, tools and tech gear. Pack all chargers for your phone, computer, and any tech you use a lot. Add a small box of tools with musts like a screwdriver, wrench, and tape to size things. Get a pair of cutting gear or knife to open boxes when you get there.
Write down key phone lists. Put on paper numbers for your movers, new house lord, people for your house needs, and other big names. Keep these lists in your phone and on paper – in case your phone is dead.
Do not skip on food and drink. Moving takes a lot of you, so have water and quick bites like nut bars, dry bread, or nuts to keep you going.
If you are moving with kids, pack a bag for each. Put in their clean things, meds, more clothes, and things they love like toys or blankets. For little ones, remember diapers, wipes, milk mix, small cups, and bits to eat.
Pet owners need a bag for each pet too. Put in shot papers, name tags, meds, bowls for food and drink, food for a few days, yummies, bags for mess, a rope, and play things. No matter if you are moving to a flat or a house, your pets need as much care as you do.
As you pack your place, build your go-to bag bit by bit. When you see a thing you need first, put it side by side, not in a box. This way, you don’t let slip out key stuff.
At last, keep your go-to bag apart from all else. Put it in your car or take it with you so it does not mix with truck things. Being neat like this makes your move easy and less wild.
8. Go for Easy-to-Change Moving Help
Life can be full of shocks you do not see coming, and this holds true when you plan to move too. It might be a fast job shift, a late home sale, or fixing a house taking more time than you thought. Even the best-laid moving plans may face issues. This is when moving help that can adapt is key.
"Flexible scheduling is an approach that allows you to tailor your moving timeline to suit your unique needs and circumstances." – Posh Moving and Storage
Easy moving help can change with your plans. You don’t have to stick to a strict move day. You can work with movers who get that things change. This means one less worry if your new job starts soon or your kids’ school times don’t fit your first plan.
Another good thing? Easy timing can save you cash. By missing busy times – like hot summer days or month-ends – and picking mid-week or off-season moves, you cut down costs. This ease works well for all, from families to shop owners.
For families, this ease helps a lot. You can set your house move to happen over spring break or make your flat move when someone can help. This means school and work don’t get pushed aside.
Shop owners gain just as much. Setting an office move for nights, weekends, or quiet hours keeps work smooth and lessens upset for staff and clients.
Many easy move firms give handy fixes like cheap change plans and holding places to fill space between moving out and in. Plus, with clear price rules, you don’t fret over extra costs when plans shift.
When picking movers, go for those who are easy to work with. Look for plain change rules and helpful staff for keeping talks clear. Adding some extra days and talking about what-ifs from the start helps your move stay easy.
9. Give Time to Adjust
Moving day is just the start. Trying to feel right at home fast can make you feel bad. Getting used to a new place takes time – weeks, months, or even a year.
It’s normal for this to take a while. In fact, lots of people take about a year to settle, more so when getting used to new ways or words. It’s not just about taking stuff out of boxes – settling in means making new habits, learning the roads, seeing the changes in the weather, and finding places like shops, fix places, or your top coffee stop. Each small step makes you feel less out of place in your new area.
A good way to start in your new spot is by making a loose plan to settle in. Start with key things: taking things out of boxes, making your home safe, and getting local help set up. Keep your goals real and leave space for delays – it’s fine if things take more time than you thought.
Looking around your area can help, too. Take breaks from your list to see parks, food places, or local spots. Meeting people nearby and knowing more about the place can make it feel nicer and more well-known.
It’s key to know that shock from a new culture doesn’t just happen in moves to a new nation – it can happen when moving in the same land. Moving from a small place to a big city (or the other way) brings its own changes. Planning for these shifts and keeping in touch with family can ease the switch.
Whether you’ve just done a home move or a flat move, the main thing is to take it slow. Let go of the need to feel "all settled" by a set time. Rather, aim for slow growth and give yourself the space you need to truly feel at home.
10. Keep All In Order When You Move
After you’ve sorted, tagged, and boxed your stuff, the next thing is to keep your whole move organized. Keeping track of it all can turn what may feel like a mess into a smooth change. This goes on what you did before like good tagging and safe boxing, to be sure nothing is lost or missed.
Start by making a full list of items. Write what each thing is, how it looks now, and where it should go, box or room. This list helps with your color tags, letting you check and make sure all goes to the right spot. Like one expert says:
"Staying organized during a move is crucial; a moving inventory list is your trusty companion."
Also, keep a moving binder for all key papers. Use it to hold deals, bills, plans, and phone numbers. Having all this info in one spot means nothing big gets lost.
Pack an "Open First" box with things like pills, chargers, key papers, and more that you will need right when you get there. Mark this box well and carry it with you, not on the moving truck. This way, you can get to what you need without having to look for it at the last minute.
If you have pros helping you move, their know-how in safe pack and carry can help keep things in order. They work in a way that adds to your work and keeps all neat.
Have your list of items with you while you move. Update it when things go on the truck and look at it when taking things out to make sure all gets there safe. For more sureness, save a copy of the list online or in the cloud.
The key to a smooth move is starting early and keeping at it. Begin to get ready 4–6 weeks before, starting with things you don’t need right away. By splitting it up into small, doable jobs, you can make what may seem too much into an easy and worry-free task.
Choosing Between Pro Movers and a DIY Move
When you need to move, the big question is: should you hire pro movers or do it yourself? This decision really matters because it can change how stressed you feel. It mainly depends on two things: time and money.
Pro movers can make the move fast and easy for you, but doing it yourself might look like it saves money – at first. Let’s look at the costs, time, and safety to help you pick the best choice for you.
What it Really Costs
At first, moving yourself might seem less expensive, but extra costs can build up fast. For example, renting a van might cost from $20 a day for small ones up to more than $160 a day for big ones over a few days. Also, you need to think about how much money you spend driving (about $0.69 to $0.79 for each mile), gas, and the chance of breaking things.
On the other hand, pros include a lot in their price – like insurance and the right tools to keep your stuff safe. Their prices might be from $800–$2,500 for going across town to $2,000–$8,000 or more for farther moves. These costs usually show the ease and safety you get.
Time and Effort
One of the top reasons to go with pro movers is how quick they can move you. With their skills and quick methods, what might take you days or weeks can be done in just a few hours by a pro team.
Quinn Johnson, a moving pro and writer for Extra Space Storage, says it well:
"Letting experts tackle the heavy lifting means you can avoid the most taxing work, put energy toward other parts of your move, and feel more relaxed throughout the moving process."
On the other hand, if you move stuff by yourself, you must handle everything from getting a truck and finding stuff like boxes, to packing, carrying, driving, and taking out. It asks for much work and both your time and strong effort.
Risk and Safety Things
Safety is a key thing to think about. Pro movers bring gear and skills made to keep both your stuff and your home safe. They know how to deal with things that break easy and big things, so they lower the chance of harm.
But, a move by yourself has more chance for you to get hurt or break things, more so if you’re not good at moving big, heavy stuff or if you have to move in small places.
| Factor | Movers for hire | When you move on your own |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $800 to $2,500 (near), $2,000 to $8,000+ (far) | $100 to $500 (near), $1,000 to $3,000 (far) |
| Time Needed | A few hours to one day | Many days to weeks |
| Work You Put In | Small – you just watch | A lot – you do all the work |
| Chance of Harm | Low (they pay if they break things) | More (no pro to help) |
| How Hard It Feels | Easier – pros do tough stuff | Harder – you deal with everything |
| Control | Less say on times and how things are done | Full say on everything |
Picking the Best Fit for You
In the end, the right pick rests on your money, time, can-do, and what you like. If your time is short, you have breakable stuff to carry, or you just want to rest, paying more for pro movers may be good.
But if keeping cash matters most – mainly for short moves under 100 miles where you might keep up to $1,000 – moving on your own could be best. You could also mix it up: pack up by yourself but get help for the tough work and moving it.
Tonia Tomlin, head of Sorted Out, nails it:
"Moving often comes about as a result of major life events. There are a lot of reasons why people move, and it’s not easy physically, mentally, or emotionally. You’ve got to have the right approach for you – what will work best for you."
If you pick pro help or do it by yourself, the main thing is to make a smart choice that fits your main needs. A good plan can change a lot, making the move easy and less full of stress.
Ending
Plan well and have a good plan, and moving won’t seem too hard. The ten tips we shared – from getting ready early to keeping things in order – help make everything flow much better.
Plan early to keep stress low when you move. As Hayden Mattingly, the boss of Arch Moving, says:
"As a professional moving company owner, I have seen firsthand the difference proper planning can make when it comes to executing a successful and stress-free move".
Start a few months early to make a full list, look up moving firms close by, and handle jobs at an easy pace. This prep work makes sure you are set to choose right as the moving day comes.
When picking between expert movers and doing it yourself, think of what you need, your money, and time. Expert movers offer big help, from safe packing of breakable things to using tools like strong hand trucks, and they deal with the hard work of the move.
As the moving day nears, you have some last things to do. Pack a bag for one night with must-haves like wash items, pills, phone wires, and clothes for the first day. Make sure you know when your moving truck will get there, keep your movers’ call info ready, and take one last look to be sure you leave nothing. Turn off all services and lock up. Whether it’s a nearby move, far move, or flat move, being open and set for any surprise can help a lot. Good talk with your movers is key to dodge hold-ups and make a smooth change.
FAQs
How can I get pros to move my stuff for cheap?
Getting pros to move your things without spending too much is possible with good planning. Start by getting quotes from different movers to see prices and what they offer. Many local movers have either hourly or full price deals – choose what suits your move and wallet best. Try to move on days like during the week or mid-month to maybe get a cheaper price.
Another tip? Throw out stuff you don’t need before the move day. The fewer things you have, the less you’ll pay to move them. For smaller moves, check out movers that focus on moving apartments or that have special deals, which can save you money. So, with some smart prep, you can hire mover pros without spending too much.
How can I clear out my home before I move when I feel a deep bond to some things?
Moving to a new place brings many hard steps, and clearing out old stuff can seem very hard – more so when you have feelings for many items. Begin with little steps. Clean out one drawer or shelf first to feel good fast and keep going.
With things you love for the heart, think of taking pictures to keep the memories but not the items. For items you are not sure about, use a "quarantine box." Put unsure items in it for a set time. If you don’t miss them after this, it may be simpler to part with them.
Clearing out is not just about tossing stuff – it’s about making space for a new start while keeping the memories that mean the most.
Is it better to move by myself or use expert movers to make things less hard?
Deciding if you should move alone or get expert movers depends on what you most care about – your money, time, and energy. Going for a DIY move might save cash at first, but it takes a lot of work, time, and there’s a risk of getting hurt or breaking your stuff.
On the other hand, using expert movers lifts the heavy work off you. They manage packing, carrying, and moving, which not only gives you more time but also cuts down on stress. Plus, their skill makes sure your items are moved well and quickly. If you want to make things smooth and dodge extra trouble, picking seasoned movers is usually the wiser choice.
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