Moving can be one of the most exciting yet stressful times in life. Whether you're relocating to a new city for work, upsizing for a growing family, or finally settling into your dream home, the logistics of packing, transporting, and setting up your new space can quickly become overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve helped countless clients through this transition, and I’ve seen firsthand how a few smart strategies can make all the difference. These genius moving hacks will save you time, reduce stress, and ensure you start your next chapter on the right foot.
Start Early and Strategize
The biggest favor you can do for yourself when moving is to start early — earlier than you think you need to. As soon as you know you’re going to move, begin making a list of tasks and creating a timeline. Start gathering packing supplies, decluttering, and booking your movers well in advance.
Divide your tasks into weekly chunks and tackle a little each day. Trying to do it all in the final week will only create stress and chaos. Early planning also allows time to compare quotes from moving companies and avoid last-minute booking fees.
Divide your tasks into weekly chunks and tackle a little each day. Trying to do it all in the final week will only create stress and chaos. Early planning also allows time to compare quotes from moving companies and avoid last-minute booking fees.
Declutter Before You Pack
One of the smartest moving tips is to declutter before a single box is packed. Take inventory of your belongings and be ruthless about what you actually need to bring with you. If you haven’t worn it or used it in the last year, consider donating, selling, or tossing it.
Host a garage sale or post items on local marketplaces to lighten your load and make a little extra cash. The fewer items you have to pack, the easier — and cheaper — your move will be. Plus, it’s incredibly freeing to start fresh in your new home without the clutter of your past.
Host a garage sale or post items on local marketplaces to lighten your load and make a little extra cash. The fewer items you have to pack, the easier — and cheaper — your move will be. Plus, it’s incredibly freeing to start fresh in your new home without the clutter of your past.
Take Photos of Electronics and Setups
Before unplugging your TV, computer, or any electronics, snap a quick photo of the cords and setup. This makes reassembly a breeze and prevents the frustration of trying to remember which cord goes where.
Do the same for furniture that needs to be disassembled. A quick photo will help you piece it back together without confusion or missing parts.
Do the same for furniture that needs to be disassembled. A quick photo will help you piece it back together without confusion or missing parts.
Create a Moving Essentials Box
Pack a “first-night” essentials box and keep it with you, not in the moving truck. This should include basic toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, chargers, snacks, paper towels, toilet paper, and any important documents.
Also consider including tools like a box cutter, screwdriver, and flashlight. Having these essentials handy means you won’t be digging through boxes late at night after a long moving day.
Also consider including tools like a box cutter, screwdriver, and flashlight. Having these essentials handy means you won’t be digging through boxes late at night after a long moving day.
Use What You Have
Don’t waste money on specialty packing containers if you already have bins, suitcases, laundry baskets, and even grocery bags that can serve double duty. Use luggage for heavy items like books or shoes — wheeled suitcases are a lifesaver.
Fill drawers with clothes and wrap them in plastic wrap instead of unpacking them entirely. Store small items inside pots, pans, or Tupperware. Every inch counts, and using your existing storage solutions saves both time and money.
Fill drawers with clothes and wrap them in plastic wrap instead of unpacking them entirely. Store small items inside pots, pans, or Tupperware. Every inch counts, and using your existing storage solutions saves both time and money.
Label Cables and Bag Hardware
Moving often means disassembling furniture and electronics. To stay organized, place all hardware and screws in labeled zip-top bags and tape them directly to the item they belong to. This eliminates the dreaded “missing bolt” issue when you start reassembling.
For electronics, label each cable with masking tape or cable tags. It’s one of the easiest moving tips that people overlook — and one of the most useful when you're setting up your new space.
For electronics, label each cable with masking tape or cable tags. It’s one of the easiest moving tips that people overlook — and one of the most useful when you're setting up your new space.
Schedule Utilities Early
Don’t forget to handle your utility transfers well in advance. Call to schedule disconnection at your current address and connection at your new home for internet, gas, electricity, water, and waste services. Ideally, plan to overlap a few days so you’re never without power or Wi-Fi during the transition.
Set reminders to update your address for subscriptions, insurance, and your driver’s license, too. These tasks can slip through the cracks during the move but will save you headaches down the line.
Set reminders to update your address for subscriptions, insurance, and your driver’s license, too. These tasks can slip through the cracks during the move but will save you headaches down the line.
Enlist Help the Smart Way
If you're hiring movers, book early — especially if you're moving during a peak season like summer. Get quotes from multiple companies, check reviews, and ask about insurance policies in case of damage.
If friends are helping, show your gratitude with snacks, drinks, and clear instructions. Assign specific roles and stagger arrival times to avoid crowding. And always have a plan for transporting pets and kids — consider sending them to a friend’s house on moving day to keep things calm and focused.
If friends are helping, show your gratitude with snacks, drinks, and clear instructions. Assign specific roles and stagger arrival times to avoid crowding. And always have a plan for transporting pets and kids — consider sending them to a friend’s house on moving day to keep things calm and focused.
Unpack with Intention
Once you’ve arrived, resist the urge to unpack everything immediately. Start with the essentials: kitchen basics, bathroom necessities, and bedding. Then tackle one room at a time.
Give yourself grace — unpacking is a process. Consider setting a goal of unpacking one room per day or weekend to make the task manageable. Use this as an opportunity to organize your new space with intention, creating systems that make your daily life easier.
Give yourself grace — unpacking is a process. Consider setting a goal of unpacking one room per day or weekend to make the task manageable. Use this as an opportunity to organize your new space with intention, creating systems that make your daily life easier.
Learn More with the Team at GetBurbed
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful or chaotic. With a little planning, the right tools, and a few genius hacks, you can turn a potentially overwhelming process into an exciting new beginning. These moving tips are designed to make the entire journey — from packing your first box to settling into your new home — a smooth and efficient experience.
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home and want support from someone who understands every step of the process, we’d love to help. At GetBurbed, we’re here to make your move seamless from start to finish. Reach out today to get started on your next chapter.
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home and want support from someone who understands every step of the process, we’d love to help. At GetBurbed, we’re here to make your move seamless from start to finish. Reach out today to get started on your next chapter.
