Let’s be honest—moving to a new house is exciting, but it’s also one of the most stressful things you’ll ever do. Whether you’re relocating across town or moving long-distance, it can feel like a lot to manage. After years of helping people move, I’ve seen every kind of move you can imagine. Some go off without a hitch, while others—well, let’s just say they were a lesson in what not to do.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide of moving dos and don’ts. Trust me, if you follow these, you’ll have a much smoother, less stressful experience when moving to a new house.
The Dos of Moving
1. Do Start Planning Early
I can’t stress this enough—moving takes time. You might think you can get it all done in a weekend, but if you don’t start early, you’ll find yourself drowning in last-minute chaos. My advice? Start planning at least a month in advance. That gives you enough time to get everything organized, booked, and packed.
Pro Tip: Make a moving checklist. Break it down by week so you can tackle things one step at a time, without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Do Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is the perfect excuse to finally get rid of all that stuff you’ve been hoarding. Why take things you don’t need to your new place? Decluttering before you pack not only saves time but also cuts down on moving costs. Plus, it feels great to start fresh in your new home.
Pro Tip: Separate your items into three piles—keep, donate, and toss. You’ll be surprised how much you can part with once you start going through everything.
3. Do Hire a Reputable Moving Company
I know it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option when it comes to movers, but you get what you pay for. A reputable moving company can make or break your move. Take the time to research different companies, read reviews, and get quotes. It’s worth it in the long run.
Pro Tip: Check to make sure the movers are licensed and insured. That way, you know your belongings are in safe hands.
4. Do Label Your Boxes Clearly
This one seems obvious, but you’d be amazed at how many people skip it. Labeling your boxes by room makes unpacking so much easier. Trust me, the last thing you want is to dig through five different boxes trying to find your kitchen utensils on the first night.
Pro Tip: Use color-coded labels for each room. That way, you (and your movers) can quickly see where everything goes.
5. Do Pack an Essentials Box
Picture this: you’ve finally moved into your new house after a long day, and you can’t find your phone charger, toothbrush, or even a roll of toilet paper. Avoid this nightmare by packing an essentials box with everything you’ll need for the first night in your new place. Keep it with you instead of on the moving truck.
Pro Tip: Include things like a change of clothes, basic toiletries, medications, and chargers in your essentials box.
The Don’ts of Moving
1. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Look, I get it. Life is busy, and it’s easy to put off packing until you’re down to the wire. But cramming everything into boxes at the last minute is a recipe for disaster. Things break, you get overwhelmed, and it just makes the whole experience more stressful than it needs to be.
Pro Tip: Start packing at least a month before your move. Begin with non-essentials, like off-season clothes or holiday decorations, and work your way up.
2. Don’t Overpack Your Boxes
It’s tempting to stuff as much as possible into each box, especially when you’re trying to cut down on the number of boxes. But overpacking can lead to damaged items and back injuries. Keep boxes under 50 pounds and use smaller boxes for heavy items like books.
Pro Tip: If you can’t lift the box easily, it’s too heavy. Spread heavier items across multiple boxes.
3. Don’t Forget to Measure Furniture and Doorways
This one is often overlooked but trust me, you don’t want to realize on a moving day that your couch doesn’t fit through the front door. Measure your furniture, doorways, hallways, and stairwells before the move so you know what to expect.
Pro Tip: Create a rough floor plan of your new place and decide where your larger furniture pieces will go. This will save you from moving things around multiple times.
4. Don’t Skip Moving Insurance
Accidents happen, even with the best movers. That’s why moving insurance is so important. Basic insurance is often included, but if you’re moving high-value items, you might want to get additional coverage. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Pro Tip: Talk to your moving company about their insurance options, or look into third-party coverage for extra peace of mind.
5. Don’t Forget to Update Your Address
In the chaos of moving, it’s easy to forget the small things—like updating your address with your bank, utilities, and subscription services. But if you don’t do this, you could end up missing important mail, or worse, paying for services you no longer use.
Pro Tip: Start updating your address about two weeks before your move. Don’t forget to set up mail forwarding with the post office!
Bonus Tips for a Stress-Free Move
Now that we’ve covered the main moving dos and don’ts, here are a few extra tips to make your move even easier:
- Pack a Moving Day Survival Kit: Include things like snacks, water, tools, and any important documents you’ll need during the move.
- Keep Important Documents Safe: Don’t pack passports, birth certificates, or financial documents in a box that’s going on the truck. Keep those with you.
- Get the Whole Family Involved: If you have kids, give them age-appropriate tasks. It helps speed up the process and keeps them engaged.
Wrapping Up
Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By following these essential moving dos and don’ts, you’ll be better prepared and more organized. Planning ahead, staying on top of things, and avoiding common mistakes can make your move a lot more enjoyable. After all, moving to a new house is a fresh start—why not enjoy the process?
If you’re ready to make your move as smooth as possible, reach out to us today for a free quote. We’re here to help you every step of the way!