10 Moving Tips and Tricks for a Stress Free Move

When it comes to moving, I’m no stranger.  I’ve moved six times over the last four years, with two of those moves being cross-country moves, another two being 500+ mile moves, and my most recent move being just a few weeks ago.  Needless to say, I kind of have the whole moving thing down to a tee and have learned some moving tips and tricks along the way.  Luckily with so many moves behind my belt, the process only got easier each time.  The moving process is never what you’d call fun, but these 10 moving tips and tricks certainly make for a stress free move.

1. Declutter and downsize your belongings

Before you begin packing and preparing for a move, one of the first things you should do is declutter and downsize.  The more stuff you can get rid of, the less stuff you’ll have to pack!  A great place to start is the closet where you’ll most likely have plenty of old clothes and shoes that you no longer wear and can donate.

2. Clean items before packing them away

One thing many people overlook is the condition of the items they are packing away.  Although it may seem time consuming while you’re in the middle of planning a move, thoroughly cleaning items before packing them away is one of the best things you can do.  Once you get settled into your new place, the last thing you’ll want to do is unpack dirty and dusty items like curtains,  blankets, and sheets, so consider washing them prior to packing.  You can save some time by using a 3-in-1 laundry solution like Tide® PODS® that has a detergent, stain remover, and brightener all in one.

3. Create a digital box labeling system

Once you begin packing boxes, create a labeling system to keep track of what’s in each box.  Instead of listing out the contents on each box, simply number the outside of the box, then create a notepad on your phone to list out the actual contents for each one.  This will make for a stress free unpacking process if you happen to be looking for something specific.

4.  Change addresses at least a week in advance

To ensure you don’t miss any important mail deliveries, begin changing all your addresses at least a week in advance.  Also, don’t forget to change your address for your utility accounts- they’ll most likely mail out your final bill after you’ve already moved.  To be safe, I recommend manually changing your address for each account, subscription, etc. that you regularly receive mail from and also submitting a change of address forwarding request through USPS to cover any of those accounts you may have overlooked.

5. Set aside things you’ll need

Before you pack everything away, think of the things you know you’ll need later on, like cleaning supplies.  Create a list of those items you’ll need and set them aside in a seperate box.  You’ll have access to everything you need, but it will also still be ready to fit into the moving truck once you’re done.

6. Give your space a deep clean

If you’re renting, you’ll definitely want to get your deposit back and a thorough deep clean will usually do the trick.  Many property owners have high expectations for the condition the place is left in, so make sure you don’t overlook the following areas when cleaning:  windows, baseboards, fans, refrigerators, toilets, floors, mirrors, sinks,  and cabinets.  A simple pass of the vacuum most likely wont suffice here.  Take the extra step to ensure everything is spotless and bust out the Swiffer® WetJet Mop for this part!  You’ll save time using it since it’s designed to break up and dissolve tough messes and traps and locks dirt.  It also won’t hurt to grab a pack of Bounty® Select-a-Size super rolls for cleaning surfaces the next time you’re in Walmart.  These towels are more absorbent and conveniently allow you to select the size of sheet you need so you can use less with each mess, making your roll last longer.

7. Replace the things you’ve used

In my opinion, it’s never a bad idea to leave a place in a better condition than you received it.  Always replace the things you’ve used, like lightbulbs and air filters, and even as a courtesy, leave behind a roll of toilet paper or two!  The Charmin® Ultra Strong 24 double roll bonus pack is a great value to stock up on that allows you to use up to 4X less!

8.  Disassemble furniture prior to moving day

While it may not seem ideal to live without certain pieces of furniture for a few days, you’ll save a bunch of time on moving day by having those pieces already disassembled and ready to go.  Start with your least important pieces first, like coffee tables and night stands, then work your way to disassembling pieces like the bed.

9. Save time by vacuuming last

You can save time by doing your deep cleaning prior to your move, but I recommend holding off on vacuuming until your place is empty.  Once you begin moving large furniture, dirt and dust will begin to surface.  If you vacuum prior to this, you’ll only be wasting your time since you’ll have to do it again after your furniture is out.

10.  Do a final walkthrough

Before you leave for good, do one last final walkthrough.  Check every room, closet, and cabinet to ensure nothing has been left behind.  Once you’re in the clear, add a final freshening touch with Unstopables™ Air Refresher (sold at Walmart) as you exit.  This will provide an instant burst of airy undertones for up to 6 hours.
If you found these moving tips and tricks helpful and you’re currently in the process of planning  a cross country move, check out my post on how to nail moving across the country on a budget!

This post is sponsored by Proctor and Gamble; however, all opinions are my own!