Moving to a new home can be exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also be stressful. From organizing your belongings to budgeting for unexpected costs, there’s a lot to manage. The good news? With a little preparation and strategy, your move can go smoothly. Here’s a practical guide with 9 top tips to help you pack smarter, stay organized, and reduce stress.

Be Prepared: The Key to a Smooth Move

The single most important tip for moving is preparation. Start early, create a plan, and break tasks into manageable steps. The more time you give yourself to organize, pack, and plan, the less stressful moving day will be.

9 Top Moving and Packing Tips

1. Get Rid of Unwanted Items
Moving is the perfect time to declutter. Sort your belongings into what you want to keep, donate, or sell. Downsizing reduces packing time, moving effort, and space needed in your new home.

2. Keep All Important Documents Together
Store vital documents—like passports, Social Security cards, and utility info—in a single, accessible place. Keep them with you during the move instead of packing them in boxes to avoid loss or damage.

3. Start Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. Begin weeks in advance to go through your items, decide what to keep, and pack strategically. Early preparation reduces stress and allows for smoother organization.

4. Use a Moving Truck with a Ramp
If you’re moving on your own, rent a truck with a ramp. It makes loading and unloading furniture easier, saves time, and reduces strain on your back and arms.

5. Use the Right Size Boxes
Pack heavy items in smaller boxes, light items in larger ones, and consider wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Using appropriately sized boxes protects belongings and makes handling easier.

6. Save Essentials for Last
Pack everyday essentials like bed linens, dishes, and toiletries last. This ensures you can easily access them during the first few days in your new home.

7. Label Boxes in Detail
Don’t just label boxes by room—note their contents. For example, “Kitchen – Pots & Pans” is clearer than just “Kitchen” and saves time when unpacking.

8. Pack One Room at a Time
Avoid packing everything at once. Start with items you use least, one room at a time. This keeps the process manageable and prevents overwhelm.

9. Prepare a Moving Checklist
Create a checklist for all moving tasks: packing, hiring movers, utility setups, cleaning, and new home preparations. Include inventories of large furniture to help movers plan and give accurate quotes.

Additional Advice: Make a Moving Budget

Moving can be expensive. Even local moves average around $1,400, while long-distance moves can reach $5,000 or more. Plan for costs such as:

• Professional Movers: Labor, truck rental, insurance, specialty items, and tips
• DIY Moves: Truck rental, fuel, packing supplies, and food for helpers
• Out-of-State Moves: Lodging, travel costs, and temporary housing
• Other Expenses: Childcare, pet care, professional cleaning, storage fees

A detailed budget ensures you’re prepared for both expected and unexpected expenses.

Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. With careful planning, strategic packing, and a well-prepared budget, you can minimize stress and enjoy the excitement of settling into your new home. Take it step by step, and your move will be smoother than you imagined.

Looking for a stress-free move in New York City? Movers Not Shakers, your trusted NYC moving company, specializes in making relocations smooth and hassle-free. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the city, our professional team handles every detail; from packing to transport so you can focus on settling into your new home. Contact us today to get a free estimate and discover how easy moving can be with the right experts by your side.