Moving Tips
Moving Tips People Wish They Knew Sooner
Moving isn’t hard—it’s chaotic. These tips are the difference between “a long day” and a week of regret. Everything here is practical, professional, and designed to eliminate the most common moving mistakes.
Pack a “48-Hour Bag” before you pack anything else
Packing
If the truck disappears for 12 hours, you still function.
- Two outfits, chargers, toiletries, meds, contacts/glasses, keys, snacks, water.
- Paperwork: lease/closing documents, IDs, checkbook, insurance info.
- Keep it in your car—not in the moving truck.
Label boxes by “room + exact destination” (not just “kitchen”)
Packing
“Kitchen” is too vague. Use: Kitchen → Right Pantry Shelf, Primary Bath → Under Sink.
The unload becomes organized automatically.
Take a photo of every drawer/cabinet before you empty it
Packing
Your brain forgets where things go. Photos make re-setup fast. Do this especially for:
- Kitchen utensil drawers, spice areas, pantry shelves
- Bathroom storage and organizers
- Closets with systems (bins, shelves, rods)
Use the “small box rule” for heavy items
Packing
Books, tools, dishes, canned goods: small boxes only.
Most moving injuries happen because someone thought “one big box” was efficient.
Pack by category, not by room, if you’re still living there
Packing
Category packing prevents “half boxes” everywhere.
- All picture frames, then all books, then all decor, then all linens.
- It keeps decision fatigue down and speeds the process.
Use one clear tote for “Open First” essentials
Packing
Clear tote = no guessing. Put in:
- Trash bags, scissors/box cutter, paper towels, basic tools, toilet paper
- Hand soap, shower curtain, towels, light bulbs
- Phone chargers, extension cord, basic cleaning spray
Keep hardware with the item using zip bags + painter’s tape
Packing
Bag the screws and bolts, label it, and tape it directly to the furniture piece.
This prevents the “mystery hardware pile” problem.
Make a “no-pack zone” 24 hours before moving
Moving Day
Pick one closet or one room and ban packing there.
Put your essentials in that space so nothing important gets accidentally boxed.
Protect floors like you actually care about your deposit
Moving Day
Cardboard runners or cheap moving blankets prevent scratches and wall dents.
One mistake can cost more than the supplies.
Load the truck in “unload order” (not convenience order)
Moving Day
If the primary bedroom and bathroom are your first priority, load them last so they unload first.
You want your first night to be functional, not a scavenger hunt.
Put a sign on the front door with a quick room map
Moving Day
Example: “Primary Bedroom → Left Hall. Kitchen → Back Right.”
It prevents 100 questions and keeps helpers moving without supervision.
Unpack your “life support systems” first
Unpacking
The first 2 hours in a new home should cover:
- Bed setup, towels, toiletries
- Trash can + bags
- Basic kitchen survival (cups, plates, coffee maker, one pan)
- Wi-Fi setup and chargers
Do not “organize” on day one—place, then refine
Unpacking
People lose days trying to create perfect systems immediately.
Put items in the correct room first. Refine once you’ve lived in the space for a week.
Break down boxes as you go (or your house becomes a warehouse)
Unpacking
Create one “box breakdown spot” near the garage or back door.
Every box you keep becomes clutter you have to manage later.
Set utilities to overlap by 48 hours
Address + Utilities
The “shut off old / turn on new same day” plan is how people end up with no water or internet when they need it most.
Overlap gives you a buffer if anything delays.
Change address in the correct order (this saves headaches)
Address + Utilities
Recommended order:
- USPS change-of-address
- Bank + credit cards
- Insurance (auto + home/renters)
- Employer + payroll
- Subscriptions and deliveries
Forward mail, but still manually update critical accounts
Address + Utilities
Mail forwarding is a temporary safety net, not a strategy.
Critical accounts should be manually updated to avoid missed bills, legal notices, or insurance issues.
Wrap liquids like you expect them to explode
Protect Your Stuff
Shampoo, cleaners, oils, syrups, detergents: seal them in zip bags before they go in a box.
One leak can ruin a truckload of items.
Use towels and linens as protective padding (free packing paper)
Protect Your Stuff
Wrap breakables in hand towels and dish towels. Pack glassware vertically (like files), not stacked.
This reduces breakage without buying extra supplies.
Take quick photos of electronics before unplugging
Protect Your Stuff
A 3-second photo saves 30 minutes later. Do this for TV setups, routers, gaming systems, speaker wiring.
Keep valuables and irreplaceables with you
Protect Your Stuff
Jewelry, medications, passports, birth certificates, family photos, laptops—carry them yourself.
The moving truck is for replaceable objects.
The “one room finished” rule prevents burnout
Sanity Savers
Pick one room (usually the bedroom or kitchen) and finish it completely.
Seeing one fully functional space changes the entire stress level of a move.
Plan food like you won’t have a kitchen
Sanity Savers
The mistake is assuming you’ll cook on day one. Have a simple plan:
- Snacks + drinks in a cooler
- Disposable plates/utensils for 24 hours
- One “easy meal” option ready
Schedule help for the day after moving, not just moving day
Sanity Savers
Most people recruit help for loading, then suffer alone unpacking.
One extra set of hands the next day saves hours and prevents decision fatigue.
If you’re relocating because you’re buying or selling:
call and we’ll help you line up timelines so you’re not forced into bad decisions last minute.
Call Home Design & Realty
(501) 217-9909
Educational page only. If you need contractor or mover referrals, we can point you toward trusted local options.