Moving into a new home is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also be stressful! Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating to a new city, proper planning can make all the difference. Here are 7 tips to help you have a smooth and stress-free move in 2025:
Start Planning Early
The earlier you start planning, the smoother your move will be. Begin by creating a moving timeline and checklist that breaks down tasks week by week. This should include finding and booking movers, transferring utilities, notifying important contacts of your move, and beginning to pack non-essential items. Starting early also gives you the opportunity to research and compare moving companies, allowing you to get the best value for your money. Procrastination often leads to stress, so aim to start preparing 6-8 weeks ahead of your moving date.
Declutter Before You Pack
Think of moving as a fresh start. Use this time to go through your belongings and decide what’s worth keeping and what can be donated, sold, or recycled. Create three piles: “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Discard.” Be honest with yourself about items you haven’t used in years or no longer need. Decluttering will not only save you time and effort during packing but will also reduce the cost of moving, as fewer boxes mean lower expenses. Plus, starting your new home clutter-free is a great feeling!
Pack Smart, not Hard
Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving, but with the right strategy, you can make it easier. Invest in durable packing supplies like sturdy boxes, packing tape, and protective materials such as bubble wrap and packing paper. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to—this will save you a lot of time when unpacking. Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and larger ones for lighter items like pillows or blankets. Don’t forget to pack an essentials box with toiletries, medications, important documents, snacks, chargers, and a change of clothes to keep with you during the move.
Hire Professional Movers (or plan ahead!)
Professional movers can make your life a lot easier, but it’s essential to research and book them well in advance, especially during peak moving seasons in the spring and summer. Read reviews, compare prices, and ask about their insurance policies to protect your belongings. If you’re planning a DIY move, reserve your rental truck early and confirm the booking a few days before your moving date. Make sure to have the right equipment, such as dollies, straps, and protective blankets, to safely transport your items. Enlist friends or family members to help, and thank them with food and drinks!
Update Your Information
Moving means a change of address, so be sure to update it everywhere to avoid missing important mail. Start by filing a change-of-address request with your local post office, which will forward your mail for a set period of time. Then, notify your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any other financial institutions. Update your information with your employer, healthcare providers, subscriptions, and online shopping accounts. This simple step will save you the hassle of tracking down misplaced mail after you’ve moved.
Take Care of Utilities
Nothing’s worse than arriving at your new home to find the lights off or the internet not working. Schedule your utilities—electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable—to be disconnected at your old place the day after you move out and reconnected at your new home the day before you arrive. If you’re moving to a new city or state, research utility providers in the area ahead of time to ensure a seamless transition. Also, consider canceling or transferring any optional services, such as lawn care or pest control.
Do a Final Walkthrough
Before you leave your old home, do a thorough walkthrough to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Check every closet, cabinet, and drawer, as well as overlooked spaces like the attic, basement, and garage. Don’t forget to collect any spare keys, garage remotes, or gate fobs for the new occupants. At your new home, take the time to inspect everything before moving in. Look for any damages, test the appliances, and ensure all utilities are functioning properly. This is also a good time to clean your new space before unpacking.