Moving Tips and Tricks from a Professional Organizer: Simplify Your Relocation

December 23, 2024

Moving can be an overwhelming and stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, following some simple organizing strategies can save you time, reduce stress, and make your new home feel like home faster. As a professional mover and organizer, I’ve gathered some expert tips and tricks to help make your move smooth and efficient.

Start Early and Create a Plan

One of the best tips I can offer when it comes to moving is to start as early as possible. A common mistake people make is waiting until the last minute to begin packing. By starting at least a few weeks in advance, you give yourself plenty of time to make decisions, declutter, and organize effectively. The earlier you begin, the less likely you are to feel overwhelmed.

Create a detailed moving timeline with key milestones, such as:

• Two months before the move: Start decluttering and packing non-essential items.
• One month before the move: Book movers, order packing supplies, and continue packing.
• One week before the move: Pack essential items and confirm all logistics.

With a clear plan in place, you’ll have structure and direction during an otherwise chaotic time.

Declutter Before You Pack

One of the most valuable tips I can give is to declutter before you pack. Moving is the perfect opportunity to let go of items you no longer need or use. Not only will this reduce the number of things you have to pack and move, but it will also help you feel lighter as you start fresh in your new home.

Go room by room and evaluate each item. Ask yourself:

• Do I use this regularly?
• Is it broken or worn out?
• Does it hold sentimental value?

Consider donating, selling, or discarding items that don’t meet your needs. A good rule of thumb is the “one-year rule”: If you haven’t used an item in the past year, chances are you won’t miss it. For clothing, try the “hanger test”—if you haven’t worn an item in the past year, it’s time to say goodbye.

Use a Labeling System

Organization is key when moving, and a labeling system will save you hours of frustration when you start unpacking. Label every box clearly with both the room it belongs to (e.g., “Living Room” or “Kitchen”) and a short description of the contents (e.g., “Books,” “Pots and Pans”). Be specific to avoid confusion later on.

To make it even easier, consider color-coding your boxes. Assign a color to each room (blue for the kitchen, red for the living room, etc.), and use colored markers or labels to indicate which room the box belongs to. This will help movers (or family members) know exactly where each box goes without having to read the contents on each one.

Pack Smart: Bundle and Wrap

The goal when packing is not just to get everything in boxes but to ensure your items arrive safely and in one piece. Bundling and wrapping your items properly will save space, protect fragile items, and make the unpacking process much easier.

• Clothing: Instead of folding each piece of clothing individually, use wardrobe boxes with a hanging rod to keep your clothes on hangers. This minimizes wrinkles and reduces the time spent unpacking your wardrobe.
• Books and Small Items: For heavier items like books, pack them in small boxes to prevent the box from getting too heavy to carry. Always pack items with similar weights together, so nothing gets damaged.
• Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to cushion delicate items like glassware, dishes, or electronics. Consider packing dishes vertically in boxes (like records) to reduce the risk of breakage.

Lastly, utilize suitcases for packing heavier items like books, shoes, or toiletries. They’re designed to carry weight and already have wheels, which can make transporting them easier.

Streamline Unpacking with an Essentials Box

While packing everything in boxes can seem efficient, it’s easy to forget about the essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival. To avoid the headache of digging through multiple boxes to find basic items, create an essentials box.

This box should include:

• Toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies
• Bedding and pillows
• A few changes of clothes for everyone
• Kitchen essentials (plates, cups, utensils, a can opener)
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
• Important documents (ID, passport, medical records)

Make sure this box is labeled clearly as “Essential” and keep it with you during the move (ideally in your car or at the top of the moving truck) so that you can easily access it when you arrive at your new home.

Ask for Help or Hire Professionals

While you may be tempted to do everything yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s recruiting friends and family members or hiring a professional moving company, having assistance can make the process much faster and less stressful.

If you decide to hire professional movers, be sure to:

• Get multiple quotes: Shop around and compare moving companies to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family.
• Consider full-service moving: If budget allows, consider opting for a full-service moving company that can pack, load, and even unpack your belongings.

While it’s an added cost, professional movers can save you significant time, especially when dealing with bulky furniture or heavy boxes. If you’re moving locally, this option may also be more affordable than you think.

Prepare for the New Home Before Moving In

To minimize stress when you arrive at your new home, prepare the space before moving in. Clean each room, set up utilities (electricity, water, internet), and arrange for any necessary repairs before moving your items in. If possible, do a walk-through to check for any potential issues like leaky faucets or broken appliances.

You can also make your move-in day easier by prioritizing which rooms to unpack first. Focus on essential spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. Start by unpacking the items you’ll use right away, like your cookware, toiletries, and clothing. Unpacking is a process, and it’s okay to take your time with the non-essentials.

Other Moving Tips:

• Where to Get Moving Boxes: A Complete Resource Guide
• How to Pack Wine Glasses for Moving: Essential Tips and Techniques