I’ve Moved Over 3000 People. Here’s Everything I’ve Learned to Ensure a Perfect Move.

I’ve been a mover for 5 years now, starting my own moving company two years ago. I’ve handled a LOT of moves over the time, and I’ve seen moves go well, and moves go badly. In this article I will share with you what separates the good moves from the bad, and the things you can do to ensure your move goes smoothly.

Declutter Before You Start Packing

I put this inhere first because one of the biggest issues we face while moving is clutter. Not only is it a pain to removing things from from shelves and around furniture, it slows down moves heapsm, which makes them cost a lot more. Moves in a tidy organised place is always significantly faster and leads to a cheaper bill.

There’s also no need to pack items your don’t need or want. Moving is the perfect opportunity to do some spring cleaning and discard lots of old stuff that you may be holding on to. Take some time before you start packing to go through each room and set aside items that you no longer use. If it hasn’t been used in over a year and holds no sentimental value, consider donating, recycling, or selling it.

Starting with less also reduces the number of boxes to pack and move. A lighter load makes moving faster and saves space in the moving truck, which can, again, reduce costs if you’re paying by the hour or truckload.

Start Packing at Least Two Weeks Ahead

Another thing I see often is people leaving the packing too late, and ending up having to pack around the movers. This can add a lot of stress and extra moving parts to your move. Even if you don’t have a large home, the process always takes longer than expected. Starting three weeks in advance gives you time to pack without the last-minute rush. Start with items you don’t use often, such as seasonal clothes, books, or decorations. By the time moving day arrives, most of your belongings will be ready to go.

Packing gradually also helps you stay organized and allows you to focus on the essentials as moving day approaches. It’s a calmer approach that makes the final days far less chaotic.

Pack a “First Night” Box for Each Room

This one is especially helpful for the quick turnaround moves when settlement is involved. Your first night in a new place can be challenging if you can’t find essential items. Packing a “first night” box for each main room is a small but impactful step. In your bedroom box, pack essentials like bedding, pajamas, and a change of clothes. For the bathroom, include toiletries, towels, and toilet paper. The kitchen box could include a pot, a couple of plates, utensils, and coffee essentials. This approach saves time and energy on that first night, letting you settle in without the frustration of searching for necessities.

Label Boxes Clearly and Specifically

A box simply labeled “Kitchen” might seem organized, but more detail will help immensely when it’s time to unpack. Add a few specific notes to each box, like “Kitchen - Everyday Dishes” or “Bedroom - Winter Clothes.” This level of detail makes unpacking much easier, letting you prioritize items that are needed right away.

Take Photos of Electronics Setups

Here’s a classic moving hack; Before unplugging anything, take photos of the back of each device so you can see exactly where each wire goes. These photos are extremely helpful when reconnecting your equipment in the new home, saving you time and frustration.

Leave Lightweight Items in Drawers

Packing drawers separately from the dresser can be time-consuming and unnecessary if the items are lightweight, like clothes or linens. Leave these items in the drawers and your movers can wrap the entire dresser with stretch wrap to keep everything secure. Just be sure not to overload drawers with heavy items, as that can make the furniture difficult to move.

Schedule Utilities and Prepare the New Home

Nothing disrupts a move more than arriving at a new place and discovering the utilities aren’t set up. Call ahead to schedule utilities—such as electricity, water, and internet—for activation a day or two before your arrival. Also, if possible, do a quick walkthrough of the new home to ensure it’s clean and ready.

In addition, bring a few cleaning supplies with you on moving day. Sometimes, a quick sweep or wipe-down is all that’s needed, but it can make a big difference in feeling comfortable on your first night.

Make a “Moving Day” Toolkit

A toolkit specifically for moving day can be a lifesaver. Include essentials like a box cutter, scissors, tape, screwdrivers, and an adjustable wrench. These tools come in handy for quickly assembling or disassembling furniture, cutting boxes, or making minor adjustments. Having this toolkit readily available will save you from rummaging through boxes later.

Defrost and Clean Your Fridge 24 Hours in Advance

Many people forget this until the last minute, but defrosting your fridge is essential if you’re moving it. A fridge can take up to 24 hours to defrost fully, so plan to unplug it the day before. Place towels inside and under the fridge to absorb any moisture. This simple step prevents leaks and makes moving the fridge safer and easier.

Use a Checklist for Final Walkthroughs

Before you leave your old place for the last time, do a final walkthrough to make sure nothing important is left behind. Commonly forgotten items are in closets, cabinets, or attic spaces. A checklist of these “last-minute” items, including things like trash removal and window/door locks, ensures that you’ve taken care of everything. It’s a small step but one that brings peace of mind on moving day.

Have a Flexible Plan and Allow Extra Time

Even with the best planning, moving day rarely goes exactly as scheduled. Traffic, weather, or unexpected obstacles can delay the process, so try to build some flexibility into your timeline. Allow extra time for each stage of the move, from loading to unloading. This will help you stay calm if things don’t go exactly as planned and prevent the stress of rushing.

Set Up Your Bed First at the New Place

After a long day of moving, having your bed ready and made is a huge relief. As soon as you arrive, take a few minutes to set up your bed. This small action ensures you have a comfortable place to sleep when you’re exhausted and lets you wake up feeling ready to tackle unpacking.

Take Time to Settle In Slowly

Once you’re in your new place, don’t feel pressured to unpack everything at once. Prioritize essentials first, and then gradually unpack the rest. Moving can be a lot to process, so giving yourself time to settle in helps you feel more comfortable and organized.

Remember, moving is the beginning of a new chapter. Enjoy the process, stay patient, and soon enough, you’ll be settled into your new home.

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