20 Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Move 

Overview  

• Plan ahead with confidence: Learn strategies to stay organized before moving day, from creating a packing plan to building a “First 24 Hours” essentials box.  

• Discover creative packing hacks: These will save time, protect your belongings, and make unpacking much easier.  

• Settle into your new home faster: Use practical moving-day and unpacking tips to reduce tips and start enjoying your new home.  

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but it’s no secret that getting there can be stressful. Between packing every room, coordinating logistics and trying to keep track of the dozens of boxes, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed before moving day arrives.  

Many of the biggest moving frustrations can be avoided with a few simple strategies that help you stay organized, save time, and make unpacking much more manageable. Whether it’s your first move or your fifth, these tips can help you work smarter – not harder – so you can spend less time worrying about boxes and more time settling into your new home!  

Start with a Strategy (Not Just Boxes) 

Before packing a single item, create a game plan:  

1. Map your new home layout and assign each box to a room ahead of time. 

2. Color-code rooms using labels or stickers. For example, boxes with a blue sticker belong in the kitchen and boxes that have a green sticker go in the bedroom. 

3. Create a “First 24 Hours” box with everything you’ll need for your first night in your new home. Think toiletries, chargers, snacks and a change of clothes. You may also want to include a separate bag within this box with scissors, markers, paper towels and a box cutter handy for unpacking and breaking down boxes.  

4. To save money on moving supplies, check for free boxes at grocery or liquor stores. You can also use apps like Nextdoor or Buy Nothing to borrow dollies, bins, and/or straps from neighbors instead of buying them.  

5. Compare quotes and ask about fees. Often times, moving mid-week will cost less. 

6. Take a short video walkthrough of your current home before packing. Narrate what’s inside your cabinets, drawers, and closets. Then, when you unpack later, you’ll have a visual memory guide to help you recreate organization systems or remember where things came from.  

7. Use suitcases for packing heavy items like books, tools and canned goods.  

8. Pack fragile items in clothing, towels and/or socks instead of purchasing packing paper or bubble wrap.  

9. Store spices inside pots, or small items inside shoes to maximize space.  

10. Use garbage bags to move hanging clothes. To do so, simply group items on hangers, pull a garbage bag up over them and tie at the top. You can hang them up directly in your new closet when you arrive – no folding required!  

11. Instead of mixing items randomly, pack mini versions of rooms, such as: 

• A coffee station box with mugs, machine and filters  

• A “movie night” box with remotes, streaming devices, and cables  

• A bathroom box with toiletries and essentials  

This helps you feel settled faster, even while unpacking gradually.  

12. Take pictures of your existing cable setups, electronics wiring and furniture assembly. Snap photos of box contents before sealing. These photos become a quick visual reference when you’re unpacking, making it easier to locate specific items, reconnect electronics correctly and remember what went into each box without opening them all.  

13. Wrap drawers with items still inside using plastic wrap  

• Secure lids on toiletries to prevent spills  

• Keep silverware trays intact  

This reduces packing time drastically! 

14. Remove screws/bolts and store them in labeled bags. Tape the bag directly to the corresponding furniture.  

Moving Day Hacks  

15. Load Smarter, Not Harder 

• Heavy items go in first (appliances, furniture) 

• Fill any gaps with soft items (pillows, blankets) 

• Always keep essentials and your “First 24 Hours” box near the door or in your car for easy access. 

16. Instead of writing vague labels like “Miscellaneous”, use numbering (Box #1, Box #2, Box #3) and a corresponding phone list describing each box’s contents.  

17. Label boxes with priority levels (1-3):  

• 1 = open immediately  

• 2 = within a week  

• 3 = long-term storage  

This prevents overwhelm when unpacking.  

18. The Night-Light Trick 

If possible, plug in small lamps or nightlights in your new home before moving day. Moving into a lit, welcoming space feels drastically less stressful and helps movers navigate safely in dim areas.  

The Unpacking Game Plan 

19. Build One “Comfort Zone” First  

• Make your bed  

• Set up a cozy corner  

• Plug in ambient lamps and familiar decor  

Having just one finished space can dramatically reduce stress levels right off the bat.  

20. Don’t Unpack Everything at Once  

• Work room-by-room, not box-by-box 

• Start with bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen essentials  

• Set a timer for 30-minute unpacking sprints followed by a break. This will help keep energy high and prevent burnout!  

Every move marks the beginning of a new chapter. By planning ahead and using these tips, you can make the experience feel more organized and less stressful, then start enjoying everything your new home has to offer!