I\u2019ve moved more times than I can remember throughout my 35 years \u2014 most significantly when I relocated from South Carolina to Germany at the end of 2015 \u2014 and I just moved again in late June. My husband and I bought a new apartment; so new, in fact, that we had a two-year wait between closing<\/a> and the completion of construction.<\/p>\n With so much time to prepare, I\u2019d vowed that this move would be different from the proceeding dozens. Faster, more efficient, less miserable.<\/p>\n Perhaps unsurprisingly, the notion of moving felt like a vague concept for most of those 24 months, and it wasn\u2019t until early February of this year, when we had to nail down a date to give a three-month notice on leaving our rental apartment, that relocation reality began to set in. I knew it was time to start making progress, particularly as COVID-19<\/a> was steadily taking over headlines across Europe and the United States, and some form of lockdown looked inevitable.<\/p>\n While I can\u2019t claim to have uncovered the secrets of moving nirvana, my recent move went about as smoothly as I could have hoped, all things considered. So, I\u2019m here to share the strategies I implemented to help you optimize your own next move, along with a few tips<\/a> and clever hacks<\/a> shared by other frequent movers.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll take the practical approach and outline the moving process phase by phase … but first, let\u2019s make a plan.<\/p>\n For better or worse, moving always comes with a deadline. Whether you\u2019re renting or selling your current dwelling, there\u2019s going to be a firm date by which you need to be completely out and ready to hand over the keys, so use this as your starting point.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve determined the soonest that you can have access to your new home, you can figure out a moving date<\/b>. Whether you\u2019re planning to hire professional movers<\/a> or simply bribe a few friends to help (pizza and beer tend to be useful tools of persuasion), now is the time to reach out and schedule a day.<\/p>\n In our case, my husband and I had to be out of our rental by June 30, but we took the keys to our new place on the 15th, leaving us with a cushy two weeks to transition. Our move was scheduled for the 26th.<\/p>\n Now, for a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n This was the first move I\u2019ve made with the help of professionals, and wow, what a difference!<\/p>\n Don\u2019t wait until you\u2019re ready to schedule your move to start asking around for pricing. We found a wide variance in the level of detail required from different companies just to give a rough estimate, and many took several days to respond.<\/p>\n This may sound obvious, but moving companies rarely have a wide-open schedule. As soon as you know when you have to be out of your current house, get a moving date on the calendar based on the availability of your chosen company.<\/p>\n If you have flexibility with your dates, moving in the middle of the week or month can save cash over moving on a weekend at the start or end of the month, when everyone else is scrambling to do the same.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re given an option for a start time, get things going as early as possible. This ensures that you\u2019re the team\u2019s priority for the day and allows enough hours to get the job done.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t rely on last-minute availability, especially if you\u2019re shopping around for the best price.<\/p>\n If any friends or neighbors have agreed to help with your move, make sure to double-check their availability on your intended moving day.<\/p>\n This won\u2019t be an issue if you have a driveway for the moving truck to back into, but if your home has street parking or other restrictions, be sure to have a plan to allow access on moving day. If you\u2019ll need to block off parking, this may require a permit or other permissions from the city in order to avoid fines.<\/p>\n If at all possible, try to avoid scheduling your moving day for the very last day you\u2019ll have access to your current place. Leaving two or three days as a buffer for cleaning and minor cosmetic repairs can go a long way toward minimizing stress.<\/p>\n Coordinate electricity, internet, water, and any other services that you\u2019ll need to have transferred between homes.<\/p>\n With your pertinent dates now in place, it\u2019s time to (gently) get to work. In fact, you can even begin these tasks as soon as you know you\u2019re moving; no deadlines necessary.<\/p>\n While, yes, you can round up boxes by way of scouting empties at your office and asking grocery stores if they have any you can take off their hands, I found it easiest to simply order moving boxes online. It was convenient for most of our boxes to be the same size (easy stacking), they assembled and closed securely through folding (no tape required), and they were easy to break down and recycle after use (environmentally friendly).<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget packing paper<\/a> for dishes and other fragile items, a permanent marker to label your boxes, and a roll or two of packing tape \u2014 which is useful to have on hand even if your boxes don\u2019t require adhesive.<\/p>\n This may feel mildly repetitive since the act of packing already provides an opportunity to decide whether to keep or discard items, but this isn\u2019t meant to be a whole-house activity; just a way to make things easier on yourself by doing a bit of paring down here and there in advance. Key opportunities include:<\/p>\n I used this \u201cI\u2019m not packing yet, I\u2019m just cleaning<\/a>!\u201d technique to trick myself into getting started before the clock really began ticking. Not only was it useful for building momentum, when I revisited my closet and desk a few weeks later to pack things up, it was a relief to remember that I\u2019d already sorted through these areas and knew that whatever was still there was meant to come with us.<\/p>\n If you have furniture, electronics, kitchen appliances<\/a>, or anything else you know you\u2019re going to sell prior to moving, get those items cleaned up, photographed, and listed for sale early. If you\u2019re going the garage sale route, now is the time to pull everything together, hang some signs in the neighborhood, and welcome those passersby.<\/p>\n (Or, you can be like me and end up selling your patio furniture less than 24 hours before handover, narrowly avoiding having to drag the set to your new home, where it definitely would not fit.)<\/p>\n Sentimentality aside, if you have an elaborate electronics setup, a meticulously organized catch-all drawer, or an artfully displayed gallery wall for which a design reminder may be helpful, snap a quick photo before dismantling to refer to later when setting up your new home<\/a>.<\/p>\n Of course, Phase 1 will look a little different for everyone, but the key takeaway here is preparation. The most resounding feedback I received when soliciting moving advice<\/a> from other frequent relocators was to start early and use the opportunity to declutter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Marc Lagrois<\/a>, a top real estate agent based in Rochester, Michigan, advises his clients to do the same.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of times sellers think, \u2018I\u2019m not really going to think about organizing my things or starting to declutter; I\u2019ll worry about that once I get the home sold,\u2019 but I really encourage them to start that process even before they put the house on the market.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Decluttering early carries the obvious benefit of allowing yourself more time to prepare for your move, but if you\u2019re selling, it also allows your home to present to its best potential.<\/p>\n \u201cA home is just much more marketable when it\u2019s organized and cleaned up,\u201d notes Lagrois.<\/p>\n \u201cBuy twice as many boxes as you think you need.\u201d <\/i>– Susan<\/p>\n \u201cBuy triple the amount of packing tape you think you need, because there is nothing worse than running out at 2 AM.\u201d <\/i>– Erin<\/p>\n \u201cHoard bubble wrap.\u201d<\/i> – Rebecca<\/p>\n \u201cPurge regularly. I go by season.\u201d <\/i>– Courtney<\/p>\n \u201cInvest in a good mattress bag; it\u2019s worth it to keep your mattress fresh.\u201d <\/i>– MC<\/p>\n \u201cAs soon as you know you\u2019ll be moving, begin to make lists (even if mentally) of things you know you want to take with you, things to sell, things you can pass along to someone else.\u201d <\/i>– Kelly<\/p>\n You\u2019ve scheduled; you\u2019ve prepped; now it\u2019s time to actually put things into boxes.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no need for an itemized list of contents, but do consider labeling your boxes with more detail than just \u201cKITCHEN\u201d or \u201cLIVING ROOM,\u201d lest you later find yourself rooting through seven different kitchen boxes just to find the coffee filters. Something along the lines of, \u201cKITCHEN – pots & pans\u201d and \u201cMAIN BEDROOM – iron & bedsheets\u201d can go a long way toward maintaining sanity in the shuffle.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget to indicate boxes containing fragile items, and try to find a safe corner to stash them until moving day, where they won\u2019t be jostled or stacked haphazardly. The same goes for any potentially dangerous or messy items, like sharp tools, chemicals, paints and varnishes, fire extinguishers, automotive parts, and so on. Be sure these items are safely packed and clearly labeled.<\/p>\n This becomes increasingly important the closer you are to moving day, but be mindful of toiletries, medications, undergarments, and other personal effects you need on a daily basis. It may be helpful to pack yourself an overnight bag to ensure that must-haves remain at hand.<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019re hiring a professional cleaning crew to tend to the place after you\u2019ve moved out, do yourself a favor and leave behind your vacuum, broom, sponges, cleaning sprays, paper towels, toilet brushes \u2014 anything helpful for a deep clean.<\/p>\n The same goes for basic tools and touch-up paint or spackle<\/a> if you have holes to patch or fixtures to remove.<\/p>\n In other words, begin your packing with an area that feels easy to tackle. For me, clearing our bookshelves was a quick way to make visible progress and drive home the fact that we were officially in moving mode.<\/p>\n Knick-knacks and decorative items, off-season clothing, and servingware can be great momentum-boosters with minimal impact on everyday convenience.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re moving swiftly from one kitchen to the next, you\u2019ll likely be fine to take any lingering fresh produce and refrigerated goods with you, but consider avoiding a last-minute fridge cleanout and try not to buy any groceries for the week or two leading up to your move. Get creative with ingredients you have on hand, then use the excuse to enjoy a few days of takeout.<\/p>\n Picture frames, candle holders, bookends, lampshades \u2026 No matter how spotless you keep your home, dust is bound to settle on exposed and infrequently handled surfaces. Clean items as you\u2019re packing, and thank yourself later for not bringing old dust into your new home.<\/p>\n Yes, you\u2019ll also need to tackle the attic, basement<\/a>, cellar, detached shed, crawl space<\/a>, or any other out-of-the-way area you\u2019ve been using for storage.<\/p>\n \u201cBuying at least one wardrobe box is a game-changer. It has a rail for hanging your clothes, so you can just hang them in the box and lift them out in your new home.\u201d <\/i>– Erin<\/p>\n \u201cStart with easy stuff you won\u2019t need, don\u2019t pack boxes too heavy, wrap valuables in clothes\/towels, pack heavy stuff into suitcases you can drag.\u201d <\/i>– Riana<\/p>\n \u201cI accept my diet is garbage around the move and just try to get calories to keep going.\u201d <\/i>– Kathryn<\/p>\n \u201cWork backwards from departure to the start-packing date and stick to the agenda. Have a few \u2018vacation days\u2019 in the middle to refresh. Plan to be fully packed and finished BEFORE the final day.\u201d – John\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n This is it! The big day is soon to arrive and you\u2019re (hopefully) all packed and ready to go. What\u2019s next?<\/p>\n Anything you\u2019ve set aside to donate, recycle, or trash needs to go \u2014 preferably before moving day. Take a couple of hours and make any necessary drop-offs at charity shops, recycling centers, or the local dump.<\/p>\n Bonus points if you can still brew a pot of coffee on the morning of your move, but everyone involved will appreciate a case of water and high-energy snacks to replenish throughout the day.<\/p>\n Have a plan for young children and pets on moving day. All the better if they can be safely elsewhere.<\/p>\n Now is the time to visit your new home and make sure it\u2019s ready for move-in<\/a> day. Take care of any necessary pre-cleaning, stock the bathrooms with soap and toilet paper, drop off your bag of overnight essentials, and maybe stash an easy meal option or two in the fridge.<\/p>\n Wake up early and get yourself situated. Check to make sure the parking area is clear, pack up everything you used during the last night in your soon-to-be-former home, and maybe locate a door stopper.<\/p>\n When the movers arrive, discuss the game plan. They may ask you where they should start, or they may have a preferred strategy for loading furniture and other large items first. Be sure everyone is on the same page for the timeframe and intended break schedule for the day.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re carrying boxes yourself or directing movers, when it\u2019s time to off-load the truck at your new home, be sure to send boxes and furniture to their respective rooms. Avoid the temptation to stack boxes in a collective pile nearest the front door to \u201cdeal with later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf moving with pets, set up their stuff before introducing them to their new place. For my cat, having his litter box, food\/water dishes, and places to hide set up made moving easier.\u201d <\/i>– Kathryn<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure to buy things ahead of time that you\u2019ll need for the new place \u2014 shower curtain, toilet paper, etc.\u201d <\/i>– Susan<\/p>\n \u201cNever, and I can\u2019t stress this enough, hire a large van\/truck and do it yourself. It\u2019s just so exhausting.\u201d <\/i>– Nic<\/p>\n Congrats! You\u2019ve moved! Moving day is over, and the worst is behind you.<\/p>\n Now comes the unpacking and settling in; the good news here is that there are generally no deadlines for this part.<\/p>\n In the meantime…<\/p>\n Now that it\u2019s empty, put those left-behind cleaning supplies to good use and go scrub down your previous home.<\/p>\n![\"Some](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/moving-advice-timeline-666x381.png\")
<\/a>How to plan your upcoming move: Creating a timeline<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re hiring movers\u2026<\/h3>\n
Seek quotes in advance<\/h4>\n
Lock in a date ASAP<\/h4>\n
Opt for mid-week and\/or mid-month for best value<\/h4>\n
Start the day early<\/h4>\n
If you\u2019re going at it on your own\u2026<\/h3>\n
Book a van or moving truck right away<\/h4>\n
Confirm the moving date with your helpers<\/h4>\n
In either case\u2026<\/h3>\n
Consider vehicle access<\/h4>\n
Allow time for move-out cleaning<\/h4>\n
Schedule utility transfers<\/h4>\n
![\"Consider](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/moving-advice-declutter-666x381.png\")
<\/a>Moving advice: Phase 1 (preparation)<\/h2>\n
Gather your supplies<\/h3>\n
Before you pack, purge<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
List any saleable items<\/h3>\n
Take photos<\/h3>\n
Bonus moving prep tips<\/h3>\n
![\"Packing](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/moving-advice-packing-666x381.png\")
<\/a>Moving advice: Phase 2 (packing)<\/h2>\n
Stay organized<\/h3>\n
Keep essentials accessible<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t pack the cleaning supplies<\/h3>\n
Start with the low-hanging fruit<\/h3>\n
Monitor your grocery situation<\/h3>\n
Spot-clean as you pack<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t forget about storage spaces<\/h3>\n
Bonus packing tips<\/h3>\n
![\"Moving](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/moving-advice-moving-666x381.png\")
<\/a>Moving advice: Phase 3 (the actual move)<\/h2>\n
In the final days leading up to the move\u2026<\/h3>\n
Dump and donate<\/h4>\n
Gather water and snacks<\/h4>\n
All hands on deck? Maybe not.<\/h4>\n
Prepare the new space<\/h4>\n
On moving day…<\/h3>\n
Last-minute preparations<\/h4>\n
Strategize<\/h4>\n
Sort while unloading<\/h4>\n
Bonus moving tips:<\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/moving-advice-unpack-666x381.png\")
<\/a>Moving advice: Phase 4 (wrapping up and settling in)<\/h2>\n
Clean and hand over the old place<\/h3>\n