Moving to a new home sounds exciting—until you realize how much planning it takes. From packing up your life to making sure everything arrives in one piece, there’s a lot to handle. And let’s be honest, it can get overwhelming fast if you’re not prepared.
But here’s the good news: with a little planning and the right steps, your next move can be way easier. Whether you’re going across the street or across the city, knowing what to look for ahead of time makes all the difference. Here are ten simple things to help your big move go as smoothly as possible.
Set A Realistic Timeline That Works with Your Schedule
One of the most common mistakes people make is underestimating the time required for a move. Don’t assume you can pack an entire home in a single weekend. Give yourself time to sort, pack, and plan properly. Start by setting key deadlines—when to begin packing, when to confirm bookings, and when to do a final walkthrough. Add buffer days in case something takes longer than expected. A good timeline helps you avoid last-minute stress and keeps things on track.
Work with A Reliable Team You Can Trust
You don’t want to be scrambling to find help at the last second. Having the right team on your side means less heavy lifting—literally and figuratively. The people you trust with your belongings should be experienced, careful, and dependable. Take time to compare your options, read reviews, and ask questions before booking anyone. Working with a reliable moving company ensures a smooth and hassle-free relocation. The right professionals can handle local and long-distance moves with care and efficiency. Their team helps you every step of the way—from packing to unloading—so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Create A Clear Plan for What You’re Taking
Packing everything blindly can cost you more in time, effort, and transportation fees. Before you start tossing things in boxes, take a full inventory of what you actually want to bring. Go room by room and decide what’s staying, what’s being donated, and what needs to be tossed. This helps lighten your load and makes unpacking easier. Plus, it’s a great excuse to finally let go of things you haven’t used in years.
Ensure Organized Packing with the Right Materials
Packing is more than just filling up boxes. Ensure you have sturdy boxes, tape, markers, and padding for fragile items. Label each box clearly with its contents and the room to which it belongs. If you want to be extra organized, consider color-coding boxes by room or keeping a simple list to stay on top of things. This small effort now will save you hours of confusion when it’s time to unpack. Fragile items deserve extra care, so don’t skip out on bubble wrap or blankets.
Prepare A First Night Essentials Bag or Box
There’s nothing worse than digging through a pile of boxes to find your toothbrush or a phone charger. Pack a small bag or box with essentials for the first night: clothes, toiletries, snacks, medications, basic tools, and chargers. Keep it separate and easy to grab. If you have kids or pets, include their essentials too. Having this ready gives you some breathing room before diving into full unpack mode.
Create A Checklist for Admin and Utility Changes
It’s easy to forget the little things like changing your address or canceling internet service, until it’s too late. Avoid last-minute hassles by creating a checklist of all accounts, subscriptions, and services that require updates. This includes the post office, banks, credit cards, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and your employer. Also, don’t forget to schedule utility shut-off and activation dates for electricity, water, gas, internet, and garbage pickup. A quick list can save you from stress later.
Ensure Easy Access to Entry Points at Both Locations
Don’t assume everything will be simple on move day. Ensure you have keys, access codes, elevator reservations, and parking permissions arranged in advance for both your old and new homes. This is especially important if you’re in an apartment or condo. Blocking off a spot for the truck can significantly speed up unloading, and elevator bookings help you avoid waiting in line. A little preparation here can avoid delays and keep your move running smoothly.
Create A Safe Plan for Kids, Pets, or Elderly Family Members
Moving day can get hectic, and not every environment is safe for children or pets. Heavy boxes, open doors, and lots of people coming and going create a recipe for stress or even injury. It’s a good idea to arrange for someone to watch over your little ones or pets for the day. If that’s not possible, create a quiet room away from the action where they can stay safe. Keeping them calm and comfortable helps you stay focused.
Do A Walkthrough Before You Leave the Old Place
Before you close the door for good, do one last walkthrough. Open every drawer, cabinet, and closet to make sure nothing is left behind. Check the garage, attic, and even outdoor spaces. Collect cleaning supplies, chargers, tools, and any other items that may have been set aside during packing. If you’re renting, this is also the time to take photos for documentation and clean up to get your deposit back. A slow, thorough check prevents accidental losses and ensures that no items are missed.
Have A Plan to Unpack and Settle in Gradually
Once you’re in the new place, don’t feel pressured to unpack everything in one day. Focus on essential areas first—such as the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms—before moving on to less frequently used spaces. Unpack in small chunks to avoid burnout. Keep the boxes labeled and stack them in their correct rooms. This gives you time to organize as you go, rather than rush and create more mess. Take breaks, enjoy the progress, and celebrate small wins along the way.
Moving doesn’t have to be a chaotic experience. With a little planning, a good checklist, and the right people to help, it can be surprisingly smooth. Focusing on the right details—from packing and prep to hiring trusted pros—makes a world of difference. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or starting fresh in a new city, these steps will help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. A successful move isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation.
Tommy Hardy, an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, has been a go-to figure in residential upkeep and innovation for over 18 years. His career commenced in a leading home appliance manufacturing company, where he mastered the intricacies of household systems. Joining our platform in 2020, Tommy quickly became a reader favorite for his practical and easy-to-follow guides. He took the helm of our DIY section in 2019, consistently delivering content that empowers homeowners. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tommy is a passionate gardener and enjoys woodworking, skills enhancing his hands-on approach to home care.
