How to Move Without Losing Your Mind: Best Moving Tips That Actually Work

Moving ranks as one of life's most stressful events, right up there with divorce or losing a job. You might be surprised to learn that the average person moves about 11 times in their lifetime. That's why it's crucial to understand what you're up against.

Good planning can significantly reduce your stress. Your moving checklist should start at least eight weeks before the big day. This well-laid-out plan helps you track everything from utility transfers to getting quotes from movers. Local moves typically cost around $1,250, so it's recommended to obtain at least three different estimates.

Smart moving tricks can transform your experience. To name just one example, see how placing plates vertically cuts down on breakage. Pack heavy books in rolling suitcases to save your back, and label boxes with different colors for each room to make unpacking easier. Additionally, pack a bag with overnight essentials so you won't have to search through boxes on day one.

Let us guide you through proven strategies that will keep you sane during your move.

Start Smart: Planning Your Move

A well-planned move can turn a chaotic experience into something you can handle easily. You'll need time to get supplies, work out the details, and deal with any problems that pop up. The earlier you start, the better.

Create a moving checklist early

The key to a successful move starts with a detailed checklist. You should start this process at least eight weeks before your moving date. This gives you enough time to research your options, compare services, and book what you need before everything's taken.

Your moving checklist should work like a command center. A physical binder and digital file can help you keep all your moving documents in one place. The organizer has sections for:

• Estimates and contracts
• Important contact information
• Timeline of tasks with deadlines
• Inventory of valuables with photos
• Budget tracking spreadsheet

NorthStar Moving Company's founder Laura McHolm, with over 25 years of experience, says good planning helps keep you sane during a move. Your checklist does more than remind you of tasks—it lets you rest easy knowing you haven't missed anything important.

Decide between DIY or hiring movers

Your first big choice is whether to move yourself or hire professionals. This decision will affect your budget, timeline, and stress levels throughout the process.

Professional movers make things easier with their expertise. They do the heavy lifting, bring special equipment, and ensure your belongings. E.E. Ward Moving & Storage's president Brian Brooks suggests looking for movers about two months before your move to get the best rates. He also says you should get at least three estimates.

DIY moves usually cost less for local moves. Most people spend under $500 on self-moves, while container services run between $500-$1,500. Notwithstanding that, you'll need to do more physical work and coordinate everything yourself.

Here's what to think over:

1. Distance of your move (longer distances favor professional services)
2. Volume and weight of your belongings
3. Presence of specialty items like pianos or pool tables
4. Your physical capabilities and available help
5. Budget constraints and flexibility

Set a realistic moving budget

A detailed moving budget helps avoid financial surprises during this stressful time. Look at what your specific move needs—distance, timeline, special items, and extra services.

Your budget should cover obvious costs like transportation and supplies, plus things people often forget such as temporary storage, cleaning services, or childcare during moving day. Summer moves often get pricey because that's when most people move.

Financial experts recommend adding 5-10% more to your total moving budget for unexpected expenses. This safety net helps when unexpected expenses arise. Keep track of your actual spending compared to your estimates.

Schedule utility transfers and address changes

Utility transfers are a vital task that people often put off. Service providers need at least three weeks' notice to schedule disconnections and connections.

You'll need to contact:

• Water and sewage treatment
• Electricity and natural gas
• Internet and cable services
• Trash and recycling collection
• Home security systems

Schedule your utilities to disconnect one day after you leave and connect one day before you arrive at your new place. This gives you time to address any service issues before they become a problem.

USPS will forward your mail for free for one year after you submit your change of address. After that, update your address with banks, subscription services, doctors, and government offices, including the DMV and voter registration.

These preparation steps make moving to your new home much easier. You'll avoid costly mistakes and reduce stress by planning.

Declutter Before You Pack

A significant step comes before you grab those boxes and packing tape - decluttering can make your move smooth or chaotic. The best moving tip that ever spread is to reduce your belongings before moving. This saves money, cuts down packing time, and lets you start fresh in your new home.

Sort items into keep, donate, and toss

Creating distinct sorting piles changes decluttering from an overwhelming task to something you can handle. Your sorting system should have three main categories:

• Keep: Items you use regularly, need, or truly love
• Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that could benefit others
• Toss/Recycle: Broken, expired, or unusable items

Professional organizers say you should skip the "maybe" pile. This follows the OHIO rule: "Only Handle It Once". Make an immediate decision about each item—it stays or goes. This stops undecided items from piling up and slowing you down.

Check everything systematically—cabinets from front to back, junk drawers, clothing, gadgets, and old boxes. Items you don't sort now will need handling later at your new home, so it's better to decide now.

Use the 'would I buy it again?' rule

One question helps cut through emotional attachment to your stuff: "If I were moving tomorrow, would I take this with me?". This makes you review each item's real value in your life.

These additional filtering questions help too:

1. Have I used this in the last year? (The one-year rule is a good measure)
2. Is this item in good condition?
3. Does it serve a current purpose?
4. Will it fit in my new space?
5. Is it worth the space it takes?

The "would I buy it again?" rule works great with kitchen gadgets, decorative items, and clothing. If you wouldn't buy it today, maybe it's time to let go.

Schedule donation pickups or junk removal

Your sorted belongings should leave your home quickly. Keeping donate or toss piles around might make you second-guess your choices.

Look into these donation options:

• Local charities and organizations accepting specific types of donations
• Donation centers offering pickup services (great for furniture or large quantities)
• Specialized recycling facilities for electronics or hazardous materials

You could sell valuable items to help with moving costs. Try online marketplaces, virtual garage sales, or consignment shops. Some items need special handling or scheduling with waste management services if they can't be donated or sold.

Think over short-term storage for undecided items

Some items might not fit any category right away. Short-term storage can be a practical solution in these cases.

Short-term storage works well for:

• Seasonal items you'll need later
• Sentimental belongings that need more thought
• Items whose usefulness depends on your new living situation

Calculate how much space your items need before choosing storage. A moving pod might be enough for smaller amounts, while bigger quantities could need a storage unit. Storage adds to your moving costs, so use it carefully instead of avoiding decisions.

Systematic decluttering makes your move easier and creates space for new experiences in your next home. Someone who moved 15+ times said it best: "Moving is one of the best times to find out which items you really don't need anymore... You find out that you haven't really used a lot of the stuff in your house in the last year or so".

Packing Tips That Actually Work

You've sorted through your stuff, and now it's time to pack. A smooth move depends on your packing strategy. The right techniques will save time, protect your items, and make unpacking easier at your new place.

Set up a packing station

A dedicated packing area turns random boxing into the quickest way to pack. Your packing station works as command central throughout the move.

Pick a flat, spacious surface like a dining table or empty countertop. This spot needs enough room to sort items and put boxes together. Your station should have these supplies:

• Sturdy boxes in various sizes
• Packing tape and dispenser
• Permanent markers in multiple colors
• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Labels or colored stickers
• Box cutter and scissors

This setup eliminates the hassle of searching for supplies while packing. Additionally, it helps keep the rest of your home organized as you tackle each room.

Use linens and clothes to wrap fragile items

One of the best moving tips lets you use items you already own as packing materials. You'll save money and create less waste.

Towels, blankets, and clothes are great cushioning for delicate items. Stack plates vertically with t-shirts between them to prevent breaks. Socks protect stemware and fill empty box spaces around fragile items. Bath towels work great to wrap vases, picture frames, and other breakables.

Your clothes aren't the only alternative to store-bought materials:

• Newspapers and magazines work for general wrapping
• Clean plastic bags offer good cushioning
• Popcorn serves as a biodegradable packing material

This smart approach protects valuables while packing soft items—you'll knock out two tasks at once.

Color-code and label boxes by room

Messy boxes create headaches at both ends of your move. A color-coding system makes everything easier for everyone involved.

Give each room in your new home its own color. Mark boxes with colored tape, stickers, or markers. Movers can spot where boxes belong without reading every label.

Label each box with:

1. The room name
2. A brief description of contents
3. Priority level (high for immediate needs)
4. Box number (e.g., "Kitchen - Dishes - High - Box 3")

Put these labels on several sides of each box. Boxes stay visible no matter how they're stacked. A "color key" posted at your new home's entrances helps everyone find the right spots quickly.

Take photos of box contents and electronics

Snap a quick picture of what's inside before sealing each box. This digital record helps you find specific items without opening dozens of boxes. These photos also document valuable items for insurance.

Electronics with multiple cords need a photo before unplugging. This quick step saves lots of time during setup. Colored tape or tags can match cords to their devices.

Pack a moving essentials bag and box

The "Open Me First" collection might be your most valuable moving tip yet.

Pack these items in your essentials bag:

• Medications and toiletries
• Change of clothes and pajamas
• Phone chargers and important documents
• Basic first aid supplies

Your essentials box should have:

• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Shower curtain and towels
• Kitchen necessities (plates, utensils, can opener)
• Snacks and water
• Basic tools for furniture assembly

This preparation keeps you from digging through boxes for necessities after a long moving day.

Room-by-Room Packing Hacks

Moving presents unique packing challenges for each room in your home. Professional movers have learned the best techniques after handling thousands of moves. These room-specific tricks will turn your packing into a smart operation that saves time and prevents damage.

Kitchen: Pack plates vertically and use pots for storage

Your kitchen holds the most breakable items in the house. Don't stack plates horizontally - the weight can cause them to break. Pack them vertically like records in a box instead. This spreads the pressure evenly and prevents cracks.

Make your large cookware work harder by turning them into storage containers. Stack smaller pots inside bigger ones with packing paper between them. Fill these pots with spices, tools, or utensils and secure the lid with rubber bands. Your smaller items stay protected while you save box space.

Here's a clever trick: slide disposable foam plates between your regular plates as dividers—no need to wrap each one. You can also use potholders as knife sleeves to protect the blades and make unpacking safer.

Bedroom: Leave clothes on hangers and use garbage bags

Make closet moves easier by keeping clothes on hangers. Group 20-30 hanging items together for short moves. Slide a garbage bag up from the bottom and tie it at the top around the hanger hooks. You'll have instant garment bags that keep clothes clean and wrinkle-free.

Vacuum-sealed storage bags work great for clothes you don't wear often. These bags help you pack bulky items like winter coats and bedding that would fill entire boxes.

Clean and fold all bedding before moving day. Pack it in a waterproof bin or large box. You'll have clean sheets ready for your first night without digging through multiple boxes.

Living Room: Use blankets for electronics and label cords

Electronics need extra care when moving. Use original packaging for TVs and gaming consoles if you have it. Otherwise, wrap them in blankets or bubble wrap. Pay special attention to corners and screens.

Take photos of your cable setup before unplugging anything. Label each cord with masking tape to show which device it belongs to. Keep related items together—console, controllers, and cables—so you won't miss pieces during setup.

Flat-screen TVs need extra protection. Put the original stand back on if you have it. Lay the screen face-down on something soft, wrap it well in bubble wrap, and add cardboard corners for more protection.

Bathroom: Wrap liquids and keep a first aid kit handy

Bathroom items can be tricky due to the presence of liquids and small containers. Stop leaks by opening plastic bottles, pushing out extra air, and quickly recapping them with plastic wrap. Put all liquid containers in sealed plastic bags just in case.

Keep medications and first aid supplies in a separate, marked container with you, not in the moving truck. You'll have quick access to essential health items without searching boxes.

Wrap fragile bathroom items like porcelain pieces in packing paper first, then bubble wrap. Pack small cosmetics and toiletries in travel bags with compartments to keep them organized and protected.

Line all bathroom boxes with towels at the bottom. Put heavy items in first, lighter ones on top. Mark these boxes "BATHROOM" clearly and add "FRAGILE" labels to boxes with breakable items.

Moving Day Survival Guide

Your big day has finally arrived—moving day. A solid plan helps you handle the unique challenges that come with this day.

Wake up early and review your checklist

Start your day earlier than usual. Set your alarm clock an hour before you think you should to handle any surprises. Right after waking up, go through your moving checklist one last time to make sure everything's covered.

Label any boxes you missed and clear paths so items are easy to reach before your movers or helping friends show up. Taking photos of your empty home after loading everything gives you proof of its condition.

Keep snacks, water, and chargers nearby

Moving takes a lot of energy, so you'll need good fuel. Keep a separate cooler with:

• Water bottles and hydrating drinks
• Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, nuts, fruit)
• Portable phone chargers or power banks
• Simple first aid supplies

Take these items with you instead of putting them in the moving truck. This way, you can grab energy-boosting snacks throughout the day without searching through boxes.

Have a plan for kids and pets

Moving day can be overwhelming for children and pets. Make arrangements ahead of time to keep everyone stress-free. Friends or family can watch them at a different location if possible.

If you can't find someone to help, set up a quiet, secure room away from the action where pets can stay safe with familiar items and water. You can also create a "kid zone" with activities and toys to keep children busy. Having someone you trust watch over them during the day works best.

Do a final walkthrough and take meter photos

After loading everything, check your property one last time. Look inside cabinets, closets, the attic, basement, and garage so nothing gets left behind. Take clear photos of utility meter readings for your final bills.

Check that all windows are closed, appliances are off, and doors are locked during this walkthrough. Photos of your empty home show its condition when you leave, which can protect your security deposit or prevent issues with buyers later.

Unpacking Without the Overwhelm

The real challenge begins after the moving truck leaves - you need to turn a house full of boxes into a livable home. Unpacking can be smooth and manageable with the right strategy. You can settle into your new space without feeling stressed.

Start with the essentials and the kitchen

Your essentials box should come off the truck first or travel with you in your car. This box contains items you need right away, including toiletries, medications, and basic kitchenware.

The kitchen deserves your attention before other rooms. Most professional organizers agree it's the heart of your home. Start with everyday dishware, utensils, and basic cookware that help you prepare meals. A working coffee maker, toaster, and vital appliances will bring a sense of normalcy to your space.

Break down boxes as you go

Empty boxes need immediate breakdown and storage. This simple habit shows your progress and boosts confidence. The growing stack of flattened boxes proves how much you've accomplished. On top of that, it keeps your new home from feeling cramped, which helps prevent moving fatigue.

Set a deadline to stay motivated

Unpacking needs a timeline or it might never end. Create a schedule that divides the work into manageable parts. You could focus on major areas during weekends and tackle smaller projects on weeknights. Note that it's fine if unpacking takes weeks instead of days.

Your calendar can help fight procrastination with specific unpacking sessions. Maybe even set a housewarming party date as your final deadline - nothing gets things done like knowing guests will visit soon!

Make unpacking fun with music or takeout

Turn unpacking into an enjoyable activity. Play your favorite upbeat playlist, listen to podcasts, or enjoy an audiobook while you work. Order takeout from nearby restaurants - you'll reward yourself and explore your new neighborhood at the same time.

Ask an organized friend to help out. One expert says, "If you know someone who's incredibly organized, they'll likely be dying to get into your apartment to help out."

Your unpacking journey marks a fresh start in your new home - face it with patience and a positive mindset.

Conclusion

Moving ranks as one of life's most challenging transitions. All the same, you can turn this daunting experience into something manageable with the right mindset. This piece covers strategies to help you relocate without losing your cool.

A successful move starts with proper planning. Your detailed checklist works as your roadmap, and smart budgeting helps avoid financial surprises. Time spent decluttering before you pack substantially cuts down your workload and moving costs. This investment pays off throughout your entire move.

Smart packing makes a world of difference. You stay in control of the chaos by color-coding boxes, taking photos of what's inside, and keeping essentials bags ready. On top of that, room-specific methods like vertical plate packing and using clothes as padding save money and prevent damage.

Your moving day becomes much easier when you're well-prepared. Starting early, keeping drinks and snacks available, and doing careful final checks help avoid common problems that can throw off even the best-planned moves.

The unpacking process works best when you tackle it step by step. Start with your must-have items and work through one room at a time. This helps you settle into your new place without feeling swamped. Each broken-down box shows progress and keeps you going.

Moving tests your patience and organization skills, but these tried-and-true strategies make everything easier to handle. Take heart knowing millions of people move successfully each year using these same techniques. Soon enough, your new house will feel like home—boxes emptied, items in place, and the stress of moving fading into memory.

FAQs

Q1. How can I reduce stress during a move? Start planning early, create a detailed checklist, and stay organized throughout the process. Consider decluttering before packing, use efficient packing techniques, and don't hesitate to ask friends or family for help. Taking breaks and maintaining a positive attitude can also significantly reduce stress levels.

Q2. What are some essential packing tips for an efficient move? Set up a dedicated packing station, use clothing and linens to wrap fragile items, color-code boxes by room, and take photos of box contents for easy reference. Pack an essentials bag with items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home.

Q3. How can I make unpacking less overwhelming? Start with essentials and the kitchen, break down boxes as you go, set a realistic deadline for unpacking, and make the process enjoyable by playing music or treating yourself to takeout. Tackling one room at a time can also help manage the workload.

Q4. What should I do on moving day to ensure everything goes smoothly? Wake up early, review your checklist, keep snacks and water easily accessible, have a plan for kids and pets, and do a final walkthrough of your old home. Take photos of empty rooms and utility meters for documentation.

Q5. How can I efficiently pack different rooms in my house? For the kitchen, pack plates vertically and use pots for storage. In the bedroom, leave clothes on hangers and use garbage bags as garment covers. For the living room, use blankets to wrap electronics and label cords. In the bathroom, wrap liquids securely and keep a first aid kit easily accessible.

The WeMove Team produced this document. The first DIY option doesn’t require talking to a salesman; it's a moving platform, like Expedia for travel.