15 Moving Tips And Tricks For A Faster, Easier And Less Stressful Move (2024)

Moving is a stressful process. Along with packing your belongings and vetting the best moving companies, there’s the added stress of worrying about whether your items will get damaged in transit. Although moving to a new home isn’t the easiest task, there are ways to make the process go more smoothly.

Preparing for Moving Day

Preparing for your move will help set you up for success. Dedicate an afternoon to creating an action plan. A good plan will ensure your move stays on track, relieve some of your stress and help you get through the entire moving process with little to no frustration. Here are the steps to get prepared.

Make a Checklist

A moving checklist may seem tedious, but it works. Writing or typing your to-do list helps commit it to memory so you do not waste precious time trying to remember what you have to do. This is especially helpful if you’re moving abroad.

Things to put on your checklist include:

• Contacting utility companies to schedule shut-off service
• Setting mail forwarding serves
• Ordering packing materials
• Any task or item you do not want to forget to do

As you complete an item, stay on track by crossing it off.

Set Your Budget

Moving can be expensive, but setting a budget can help you save money on your move. Your budget will help determine if you can afford a full-service move or if you need to make a DIY move. A realistic moving budget will ensure that your move will not cost you more than you can afford.

Hire a Mover or Plan a DIY Move

Once you set your budget, you’ll know whether or not you can hire professional movers or if you’ll make a DIY move. If hiring movers, start by getting referrals from friends and family. Compare quotes from several companies before you make a decision. For different types of moves you may want to consider a specialized moving service, if you’re moving 150+ miles or out of state, researching the best cross country movers will give you more options.

For a DIY move, get pricing on trunk rentals and equipment. Also, recruit friends and family members to help you pack and load. (And make sure not to forget to offer lunch or dinner!)

Declutter

Moving is the perfect time to declutter. Sort through all your things and donate or throw away anything you no longer need. This step will save you packing time and give you more space on the moving truck.

Get Packing Supplies

Now that you have a better idea of the amount of things that you have to move, it’s time to get moving boxes and packing supplies. Get more moving boxes than you think you will need. The last thing you want is to have to run out on packing day to find or purchase more. That will cause more stress and waste time.

There are numerous packing calculators available to help you estimate how much you will need. Unused packing supplies can be donated or sold to someone else prepping for a move.

Packing

The most time consuming part of the moving process is packing. However, following these packing hacks will help make the process less stressful and more efficient.

Pack an Essentials Bag

Packing day will be chaotic, so start the process by putting together your essentials bag first. Only pack the items you’ll need access to during your move and right after you’ve arrived at your new place. Items in your essential bag should include:

• Important documents
• Medications
• Chargers
• Basic toiletries
• Changes of clothes
• Anything else you may need for the first few days in your new home

Keep Clothing in Your Dresser Drawers

Don’t empty your drawers. The clothes and nonbreakable items inside your dresser can be easily moved with this packing tip. Wrap the dresser with shrink wrap. The plastic keeps the drawers from falling out while in transit. When you get to your new home, unwrap the packing and it’s ready to go.

Leave Clothes on Hangers

Leaving your clothes on hangers makes them easy to move and set up in your new home. Group them by five or six hangers (depending on how bulky the clothing is) and wrap them in large garbage bags.

Alternatively, use a wardrobe box, which includes a metal hanging bar, to hold several hangers with clothes. Then, when you get to your new home, move your clothes straight into your new closet.

Pack Your Bags

Luggage is made for packing and carrying, so use it to your advantage. Use suitcases to pack items that are not easily transported in boxes, or to keep valuables and bulky items safe.

Use Towels and Linens as Packing Material

Save money on packing materials by using your linens and towels as padding. Bubble wrap is expensive, and you will need a lot of it. Instead, use your towels and linens to wrap breakables such as dishes, frames, lamps and more.

Take Pictures

Snap photos of the complex wiring on the back of your entertainment systems so you remember how to set it up once it’s moved. The same goes for anything you have to disassemble for the move. Also, it’s a great idea to take photos of anything fragile or valuable just in case it goes missing or gets damaged while in transit. The images will be invaluable when you need to make an insurance claim.

Color Code Boxes

Save time setting up your new home with a little bit of planning. You can use makers or different colored stickers to color code your boxes. Start by assigning a color for each room. Then, label the boxes as you pack. When you get to your new home, you’ll be able to quickly identify where each box belongs.

Moving Day

Moving day will go fast and may present its own set of stressors and challenges. Follow these tips to help make it go smoothly.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Pack a cooler with easy-to-grab drinks and food that will help keep your strength up throughout the day. Keep it in a spot where it won’t be in the way, and make sure it doesn’t accidentally get put on the moving truck.

Have a Plan Set for Young Children and Pets

Arrange for offsite babysitting and pet sitting moving day. All the activity will stress out your animals, and the kids will most likely be bored. Save yourself from the stress by making alternative arrangements for them.

Finishing Packing At Least the Day Before

Moving day will be busy enough, so start early with the packing and try to wrap it up before the movers show up to load the truck. Your focus needs to ensure all items make it on the truck and keep the progress moving.