Moving Tips + Free Printable Checklist

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I’ve spent the last few months getting ready to move. And now that my family is finally in our new home, I wanted to share some tips for moving while it’s still fresh in my mind. 

The idea of moving can be fun and exciting. But the reality of moving? Not so much. Add kids to the mix, and it’s a whole different level of chaos.

The last time we moved, my kids were 6 months, 2, and 4 years old. Even though we hired movers, my husband was out of town on a last-minute emergency work trip. With no family nearby, it was just me, three tiny humans, and a house full of movers. I held it together by a thread. 

I spent the entire move (two full days) managing logistics, keeping little kids fed, entertained, and most importantly… out of the movers’ way. By the time the truck pulled away and the kids finally fell asleep that first night in the new house, I completely lost it. 

This time around, I was so much better prepared! After surviving multiple moves (and learning the hard way), I’ve figured out what actually makes moving with kids smoother — and what is absolutely not worth the stress. My kids are now elementary and middle school age, which helped, but I also had a solid plan in place. I'm sharing all of my tips for moving so you can have a smoother, less stressful experience with your family.

Before the Move

Moving is considered one of the most stressful events in life. Along with being a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, there are tons of logistics to figure out and tasks to complete. Even if you’re excited to move, it’s a huge change for everyone!

These tips for moving will help you know where to begin and how to pack so your future self will thank you. If it helps to have a visual, you can also download my free printable moving checklist.  

Purge

• Purge belongings before you move. You are either going to need to move your items by yourself, ask friends to help you, or hire someone to move your items. Either way, you do not want the hassle of moving items you don’t want in your new space. You are wasting time, money, and effort by packing, moving, and unpacking items that you no longer need.

• Start as soon as you can. Decluttering can take some time. So I’d recommend starting anywhere from 4-8 weeks before your moving date. Since we were doing construction, I had the benefit of having a few months to declutter the house. I went through my home and categorized items by keep, donate, sell, or toss. 

• Ask friends or family if there are any items they might be interested in taking. I always told people there was no pressure to take any items. I certainly didn’t want my stuff to be a burden on someone else. But someone was over the moon to take a dresser that didn’t fit in my new space. Another person was delighted at a rocking swivel chair that I had used when the kids were babies. I even offloaded a couple items with our movers. 🤣

Borrow or Buy Packing and Moving Supplies

Since we hired movers, who also packed most of the house (highly recommend it if it fits your budget), we didn’t need to rent a truck or dolly. While most moving companies can also provide boxes and other packing materials for an extra fee, we ended up buying our own boxes at a lower price and the moving company happily used them.

• Acquire boxes of assorted sizes. We used Half Price Boxes to save some money and figure out how many boxes to start off with. U-Haul is another great option since they will buy back any boxes you don’t use. You can also check with neighbors, Facebook Marketplace, or your local Buy Nothing group for free boxes. 

• Get large reusable packing bags. We filled these with clothes and all of the kids’ stuffed animals. You could also use an (unscented) trash bag.

• Buy small packing supplies. Since the movers handled all of the heavy-duty packing and securing, we only needed to buy bubble wrap and packing tape for the boxes.

• Don’t forget a Sharpie. You will need a Sharpie to label your boxes on the top and side. It can help to write more info on the side of the box too, like the contents, box number, and if it’s fragile, light, or heavy. You can also grab color-coded moving labels if you want to save some time.

How to Pack for a Move

Wondering what to pack first when moving? Being prepared with a moving strategy will make a huge difference in how stressed you feel. This is where a moving checklist and timeline can help! Download my printable moving checklist.

Here are some more of my packing tips to make moving and unpacking feel easier. 

• Start with spaces you use the least. You probably don’t spend as much time in your garage, attic, or basement as you do your kitchen, living room, and bedroom. These lesser-used spaces are where you’ll find items you don’t use frequently and won’t need right before the move. 

• Go room by room. Moving from room to room can make you feel scattered and overwhelmed. Start with one room at a time, and make sure to finish packing everything in it before you begin a new room. Any essentials — or items you use daily — can be kept out and packed later.

• Pack non-essentials first. Even main living spaces have non-essentials, or items you don’t use daily. Some examples include artwork, decor, kitchen gadgets and appliances, books, toys, and games. You can also pack up any extras, like blankets, bed sheets, and towels.

• Create piles in each room. Grouping things together in one pile can help you figure out how to pack each box. It may also help you to see just how much stuff you have and if there’s anything else worth decluttering before moving it. 

• Finish most of your packing by two weeks out. This will help you feel less overwhelmed during the week of moving. At this point, everything but your daily essentials should be packed.

• Label boxes and add details. Adding more than just the room can make moving and unpacking a lot simpler. Write down what’s inside, if it’s heavy or light, and if it’s fragile. You can also write down the box number (e.g. 1/5). This way you know exactly how many boxes are packed for each room. If you want to really be organized, the numbers can correspond with the order they should be opened. For example, you might want to open the box with your coffeemaker first! 

• Find out what your movers won’t move. There are certain items that movers aren’t allowed to move for safety reasons. Examples include hazardous materials, chemicals, jewelry, alcohol, and house plants. They also can’t move any pets for you.

• Pack a suitcase with clothes, toiletries, and other necessities. There are certain things you will need up until moving day — and that need to be found quickly after you move. I packed enough items for a week, which got us through the days we spent packing, moving, and unpacking.

Pack a First Night Essentials Box

This may be one of my most important tips for moving! The first night in a new house is not the time to be digging through 47 mystery boxes looking for pajamas, phone chargers, or (most importantly) the coffee maker. Ask me how I know. 😅

A first night essentials box, sometimes called a moving survival box, keeps your most important items easy to find during the chaos of moving day and those first 24 hours. Think of it like packing for a short overnight stay in your own home. Personally, I packed enough to get us through the first few days. 

Get my full list of what to pack in your first night essentials box.

Prep Kids and Pack a Moving Day Survival Kit 

No matter how old your kids are, I always recommend telling them exactly what’s going to happen and what the expectations are. 

You’ll also need to make sure they are entertained on moving day. This is where a moving day survival kit comes in handy! For my kids, this was a box with activities, games, iPads/kindles, chargers, and lots of snacks to keep them busy. 

This is different from your first night essentials box. Our move lasted 3 days, all of which we had no TVs, so I had to make sure the kids had plenty to do.

Start Utilities & Services at New Home

Before you move, you’ll need to contact local providers to start, stop, or transfer a service. You can usually schedule this out 2-3 weeks in advance. You’ll also want to make sure your Internet provider covers your new location. 

• Water

• Electricity

• Gas

• Trash & recycling

• Internet & TV

• Monthly maintenance services

• Seasonal services (lawn care, snow removal, etc.)

• Pest control

• Home security monitoring

• HOA contact (if moving into a neighborhood with an HOA)

Clean

I thought our house was pretty clean before the move. But let me tell you, once all the furniture was moved out, the dust bunnies we found were absolutely gross. Things you never see when furniture is in place suddenly become very visible!

We hired a cleaning team to do a light cleaning after everything was out. In addition to cleaning bathrooms and the kitchen, they wiped down all the baseboards, vacuumed thoroughly, washed floors, and cleaned the interior of cabinets and drawers. 

Even though our closing documents didn't specifically require the house to be cleaned, we wanted to hand it over in the best possible shape. It's just the right thing to do, and it helps ensure a smooth closing.

The homeowners of the house we purchased hired cleaners to ensure our new place was also handed over in the best shape. 

• Decide: DIY or hire it out. As moving day gets closer, your time and energy are stretched thin. This is one area where outsourcing can be worth every penny.

• Clean as you pack. If you’re planning to DIY any of the cleaning, the easiest strategy is to clean each space as you finish packing it.

• Take photos before you leave. After cleaning is complete, do a quick walkthrough and snap photos of each empty room. This is especially helpful if you’re selling your home or leaving a rental and there’s any question about move-out condition. It takes two minutes and can save major headaches later.

During the Move

Moving day always feels a little chaotic, no matter how prepared you are. But having a simple game plan can make the day run so much smoother. Here are all of my tips for moving day, including what to pack in your car. 

Moving Day Tips

• Start early. Our movers arrived at 7am, so set your alarm and give yourself enough time to get ready. Shower, then have your coffee and a good breakfast. Once the moving trucks arrive, you won’t have much time to sit down. 

• Keep kids and pets out of the way. If possible, have kids spend the day with grandparents or friends. If that's not an option, set them up in one room that's already been packed with their moving day survival kit. We sent our dog to doggie daycare during the move to prevent her from escaping or being stressed. 

• Make sure devices are fully charged. The last thing you want on moving day is a dead phone or tablet. If you forgot to charge them the night before, plug your devices in first thing so they can charge as boxes get moved.

• Take utility meter photos. This is one of those small tasks that can save major headaches later. Before leaving your old house, snap photos of your electric, gas, and water meters. It gives you a clear record in case of billing questions.

• Create a “Do Not Load” zone. Designate one clearly marked area for anything that should not go on the moving truck. This usually includes the first night essentials box, important documents, jewelry and valuables, kids’ comfort items, and any items going in your personal car. We chose one corner of the primary bedroom to put these items in, but a bathroom or closet would work too. 

• Take photos of your electronics setup. Before disconnecting your TV, computer, or other electronics, snap photos of how everything is plugged in. This makes reassembly so much easier at your new place.

• Do a final walkthrough. Before the movers leave, do one last check of every room, closet, cabinet, drawer, and under the sink. It's easy to forget items tucked away in random spots. Check the garage, attic, basement, and any outdoor storage areas too.

• Have cash on hand. You'll need cash for tipping the movers at the end of the day. I also kept cash for any unexpected expenses that popped up.

• Provide food and drinks. Along with tipping, I bought lunch for our moving crew and kept a cooler stocked with water bottles all day. They really appreciated it, and it kept everyone's energy up.

• Expect a little chaos (and roll with it). Things rarely go exactly as planned on moving day. Movers might run late, something might get damaged, and a kid will absolutely need a snack the second your hands are full. Take deep breaths. This is normal. Just remember by the end of the day, you'll be in your new home!

• Order dinner delivery. After a long day of moving, the last thing you want to do is cook. Have a restaurant in mind or order delivery to your new address. Make it easy on yourself.

Pack Up Your Car

• Keep important documents with you. Put passports, birth certificates, your marriage license, and social security cards in a zippered pouch or envelope that goes into your purse. 

• Take anything valuable or meaningful. If there’s anything extra special to you that you’re concerned about someone else handling or cannot be replaced, just pack it in the car with you. This could be jewelry, family heirlooms, photo books, memory boxes, or comfort items for kids.

• Pack what your movers won’t. There are certain items that can’t go into moving trucks. Make sure you have a safe and secure spot for them, including sealed bins for anything hazardous or flammable. You will also need a cooler for any fridge or freezer items.

• Remember a first aid kit. No matter where we go, I always pack my DIY first aid kit. You never know when you’ll need a bandage or a vomit bag!    

• Don’t forget your essentials. Remember to pack a survival kit with what you and your kids need for the day. Devices, chargers, snacks, and water are at the top of our list. I also pack some of my kids’ favorite travel activities and games. You’ll also need a separate box or suitcase with what you will need most in the first 24 hours of living in your new space. 

After the Move

As exciting as it is to be in your new home, unpacking can feel just as daunting as packing. Here are a few tips to help you get started and make unpacking feel simpler.

Prioritize How and Where You Unpack

• See if anything needs to be cleaned. Before you start unpacking, make sure the space is clean. This is the absolute best time to deep clean because the house is empty. You'll have easy access to baseboards, floors, and windows without furniture in the way.

• Set up the kids' rooms first. My room only contains a bed, two nightstands, and lamps. But the kids’ rooms have artwork and mirrors on the wall. Prioritizing their spaces helped smooth the moving transition for them and gave them a safe and happy space that was all their own. 

• Think about which spaces you use the most frequently and unpack them next. This will make the rest of unpacking easier. After setting up the kids’s rooms, we set up our bed, then unpacked bathroom and kitchen essentials.

• Give yourself time. Sometimes it helps to know how long something will take — and give yourself a deadline! We unpacked the majority of our boxes within the first month. But don’t be surprised if you are still unpacking, organizing, and decorating a month or more later. 

Change Your Address

It’s easy to forget just how many places and people have your home address! Here are a few places where you would typically update your address. This might be a simple switch online, or you may have to email or call someone to get your address changed. 

• USPS (file a change of address to forward mail) 

• Driver’s license, vehicle registration, and title

• IRS tax documents (form 8822)

• Voter registration

• Utilities (electricity, water, etc.)

• Home security system

• Banks and credit cards 

• Loan providers (mortgage, car, etc.)

• Retirement accounts (social security, 401K, etc.)

• Payment services (PayPal, Venmo, etc.)

• Insurance providers (home, car, health, etc.)

• Employers/HR

• Medical providers for the whole family

• Prescription delivery services  

• Subscriptions & memberships (physical and digital) 

• Online retailers (Amazon, Target, etc.)

• Food delivery services (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.)

• Streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, etc.)

• School/daycare (along with emergency contacts)

• Kids' extracurricular activities (sports teams, music lessons, scouts)

• Pet registry (and any microchips) 

• Loyalty programs (airlines, hotels, grocery stores)

Don’t forget personal updates too! Along with friends and family, you’ll need to send your new address to anyone who comes over regularly, like a house cleaner, landscaper, or babysitter. 

Ali’s Pro Tip: Make sure to update your home address in Maps — and your luggage tags, too.

Stop & Set Up Utilities and Services 

If you haven’t already stopped, started, or transferred services over to your new address, make sure to do that as soon as you move out of your old home. This includes all major utilities and any regular home services. 

Q&A: Tips for Moving

How much time do you give yourself to pack?

I highly recommend giving yourself enough time to declutter before you pack. It will also help reduce your stress! If you can, start 6-8 weeks out from your moving date. Also, use my printable moving checklist and give yourself deadlines for the major tasks. 

Which room should I start with first?

Start packing the rooms you spend less time in, such as your garage, attic, basement, and storage room. 

Should I hire movers?

Moving your family is a huge undertaking. So I highly recommend hiring movers to make it feel a lot easier. Even though it’s an extra cost, it will save you a ton of time — and keep you from hurting your back! It’s also less stressful not having to pack and move everything yourself. 

Do you tip movers from a moving company?

Yes! Even though it’s not mandatory, tipping for good service is pretty standard. You can decide to do a certain amount per mover per hour — or a percentage of the total bill, split among the workers. Along with tipping cash, I also bought everyone lunch and provided water all day. You can factor food and drink costs into your total tip amount, or choose to provide it as an added bonus.

How do I get things ready for movers?

If your movers are helping you pack, make sure to put items into organized piles with labeled boxes. You’ll want to make it easy for them to walk around your home and move boxes into their trucks. Don’t forget to also make a “do not load” pile for the items that will go in your car. 

Is move-out cleaning required?

While this might depend on your lease or sale agreement, I would recommend it for goodwill purposes. Packages and mail will be delivered to your old home. We are on good terms with the new homeowners of our old home, and they happily let us know when something arrives for us. 

Final Thoughts 

Since moving is stressful, do what you can to make it easier. Maybe that means you order more takeout than usual or utilize screens more to entertain kids. Remember, it’s just temporary! Have a plan in place with a room-by-room strategy and timeline for tasks — and make sure to schedule some breaks and time for self-care, too. It may even help to take some time off of work, if you can. Another big time-saver for us was hiring movers to do a majority of the packing and moving. 

Have any tips for moving that you didn’t see here? Share them with me in the comments!