There’s a lot wrapped up in a move — and not all of it fits neatly into a box. You’re packing belongings, coordinating dozens of details, saying goodbye to one place, and getting ready to make another one feel like home. Having a plan can make the practical side much easier. This guide includes packing tips, a comprehensive moving checklist, and helpful resources so you can stay organized while giving yourself a little more room to enjoy the transition.
PACKING LIKE A PRO
Moving is tiring enough without making unpacking harder than it needs to be. A few thoughtful choices while you pack can protect the things you care about and make your first days in the new home feel much more manageable.
- Start early. Even a few boxes at a time can make a big difference when moving day gets close.
- Label every box with what’s inside and where it belongs. It’s a simple favor you’ll be very happy you did for yourself later.
- Keep similar belongings together when possible. If there’s room left in a box, pillows, bedding, or towels can fill the space without turning unpacking into a guessing game.
- Use extra blankets, pillows, and towels to cushion fragile belongings.
- Give yourself a dedicated packing area. An empty room or garage can keep the rest of the home livable while boxes begin to multiply.
- Stretch or moving wrap can help keep drawers, doors, and loose pieces securely in place.
- Use moving blankets to protect furniture from the bumps and scrapes that can happen along the way.
- If you’re loading your own truck, use an appropriate ramp according to its safety instructions and ask for help with anything too heavy or awkward to handle safely.
- Specialty boxes for dishes, televisions, mirrors, and hanging clothes can provide extra protection for things you’d rather not replace.
- A dolly or hand truck and properly rated moving straps can make heavier items much easier to manage. Your back will thank you.
- Pack the things you’ll want first at the new home last so they’re easy to reach. And when boxes are stacked, keep the heavy ones on the bottom.
- When your head starts filling up with all the little things you still have to remember, let “The Ultimate Moving Checklist” remember them for you.
BEFORE MOVING OUT
- Gather your moving supplies and inventory your belongings, especially the things that are valuable or difficult to replace.
- Start packing several weeks ahead if you can. A little progress each day is much easier than trying to do everything during the final few nights.
- Research a reputable moving company or moving truck rental and reserve your date well in advance.
- If you’ll need storage space, arrange it ahead of time so you aren’t making that decision with a loaded truck waiting outside.
- Once your dates are set, contact utility providers and coordinate transfers, disconnects, and new service. Arriving to working lights, water, heating or cooling, and internet can make that first night feel much more like home.
- Think about children and pets, too. Having someone care for them during the busiest hours may make moving day safer and easier for everyone.
- Create a Homeowner’s Journal with warranties, manuals, paint information, and service records. Leaving one for the next owner is a thoughtful way to pass along what you know about the home, and starting one at your new place gives you the same useful history going forward.
- Submit a “Change of Address” with the United States Postal Service.
- Once everything is out, leave your old home clean for the people coming after you, either by doing it yourself or arranging a professional cleaning.
WHEN MOVING IN
- If possible, have the new home cleaned before your belongings arrive. There’s something especially nice about beginning with a fresh, empty space.
- Keep track of your belongings as they come in and make sure everything has arrived.
- Unpack what will make the first night comfortable: medications, toiletries, bedding, chargers, kitchen basics, and a change of clothes.
- Look for any damage from the move and document it promptly.
- Find the circuit breaker panel, main water shutoff, and other important systems. Get familiar with the heating and cooling equipment and check the HVAC filters.
- Before you worry about unpacking the entire house, make one room comfortable. One chair, one lamp, one clear surface, and no boxes can feel surprisingly good at the end of a long moving day.
- Consider rekeying or changing the exterior door locks and reviewing any existing security system. If you know you’ll want a locksmith or security provider, arranging it before the move can make things easier.
- Most importantly, take care of yourself along the way. Eat something, drink plenty of water, rest when you need to, and remember that the boxes will still be there tomorrow.
AFTER MOVING IN
- Take a look at 12 Things Every New Homeowner Should Do for a few more helpful ideas as you settle in.
- Get to know your surroundings. Find the grocery store, a restaurant you’d like to try, nearby parks, medical services, and the everyday places that will gradually make the neighborhood feel familiar.
- Say hello to the neighbors. You never know which introduction will turn into a friendship, a helping hand, or simply a familiar face next door.
- Update your address with your employer, financial institutions, insurers, subscriptions, and other important contacts.
- Update your driver’s license or identification and voter registration as required.
- And then celebrate. You don’t need every picture hung or every box emptied before you’re allowed to enjoy being home.
You’ll find more helpful moving products and ideas in “The Ultimate List of Supplies to Make Moving Easier.” And if you need recommendations for movers, storage, locksmiths, security providers, or anything else along the way, please call me. Helping you get to the closing table is important to me. Helping you feel at home after you leave it matters, too.