9 Moving and Packing Tips to Make Moving Easier

We’ve put together some helpful tips to make moving easier and as stress-free as possible:

Plan Ahead

Start planning your move as early as possible. Think about how exactly you’re going to be moving. Do you need a portable moving container, rent a truck, or hire full-service movers? Then create a timeline for packing, confirming your moving options, and transferring utilities.

Consider your budget. Moving expenses can add up quickly, so estimating your move’s cost is crucial. Items you’ll need for your move, like boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap, should be considered, as well as services like hiring movers.

Try to find free or affordable moving boxes. After completing a move, people are often anxious to clear out their new homes and get rid of their boxes, meaning you can get them for free or cheaply on third-party sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Start packing about two to three weeks before your official moving day. Begin with your least necessary items and work to the essential ones. Decorative hanging items like pictures and wall art are a great starting point, as packing them early doesn’t cause any inconvenience to you. The closer you get to the big day, the more your everyday items will need to be packed up.

Our Favorite Advice and Tips for Moving

1. Declutter

If you don’t need it, don’t move it. Before packing, go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or use. This will help reduce the amount of stuff to pack and move.

Go room by room to gather the items you no longer use or want and decide the best way to dispose of them. The sooner, the better, so you have time to consider your choices and potentially sell some of the more valuable items.

2. Get the right supplies

The cost of packing supplies can add up quickly, so you want to ensure you’re buying the right stuff. Beyond the obvious boxes and tape, here are some additional supplies you may need:

• Packing paper
• Plastic wrap
• Bubble wrap
• Plastic baggies
• Labels
• Box dividers
• Moving blankets
• Cargo straps

3. Label everything

The most common way to label all of your boxes is with the contents and room they belong in. While this works fine, another practical approach is to pack by category rather than by room. The place you’re moving to isn’t the same as the one you’re moving from, so the room-by-room labeling doesn’t always align. Add the chaos of moving, and you have a recipe for forgetting which room had that specific item you’re trying to find.

For example, don’t separate your kitchen towels from your bath towels. Make one box for all your towels so you don’t have to dig through different boxes to find the right towels when searching for linens.

4. Pack a moving day essentials kit

Pack a bag or box with all the essentials you’ll need on the day of the move, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and snacks. Moving day can be chaotic, and tracking where a specific box has gone is not always easy. You don’t want your important items inaccessible, so having an essentials bag eliminates any guesswork.

Don’t forget your pet’s essential items too. You’ll want easy access to their food, bowls, treats, toys, and medication if needed.

5. Hire a reputable moving company

Do your research and hire a reputable moving company. Hiring a professional moving service can alleviate the most significant source of stress on moving day. Get a quote from at least three companies to compare costs, included services, and extras. Thoroughly read reviews before making a final decision.

6. Notify important parties

Notify important parties such as your bank, utility companies, and post office of your new address. If you need to take any time off work, inform your company beforehand. Standard utilities to update include:

• Water
• Electricity
• Internet and cable
• Gas
• Home security system
• Subscription boxes (groceries, clothing, pet supplies, etc.)
• Ongoing maintenance services (pest control, gardener, pool service, etc.)

7. Take photos of your electronics

Opening a box full of miscellaneous electronics and their cables can be an instant headache. Take photos of the back of your electronics before unplugging them, and label which cords belong to which device, making it easier to reconnect everything in your new home.

8. Pack fragile items carefully

Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect fragile items during the move. If you’re trying to keep your cost down, use towels, clothes, pillows, and blankets to wrap and pad your breakable items.

9. Keep important items close

Keep important documents in a separate folder or binder that will stay close to you during the move. This can include leases and contracts, passports, social security cards, birth and marriage certificates, or your car’s title. If you have sentimental or irreplaceable items, take those items in your vehicle with you as well.

When moving day finally arrives, take as many breaks as needed, keep snacks nearby, and treat yourself to something that makes you smile. Hopefully the moving tips above can help make your next move easier and less stressful.

We understand the importance of finding the best place to call home and are committed to helping you every step of the way. Check out the Brookfield Residential blog for design advice, homebuying insights, mortgage tips, and more, including how to decide where to live and deciding whether to rent or buy.You can also explore where we build and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!