Mom’s Moving Tips
Moving has a way of revealing what we truly use, what we’ve been holding onto “just in case,” and how much stuff we’ve quietly accumulated over the years. After walking my own children through their most recent moves, I realized something: the simple things I thought were obvious… apparently aren’t.
So today I’m sharing Mom’s Moving Tips — the practical, sanity-saving advice I give my own family (and clients) before a single box is loaded on the truck.
1. Edit and donate before move day.
Moving is expensive. Why pay to move items you no longer love or use? Be ruthless now so you can breathe easier later. As you sort, set up clearly labeled boxes or bins for Donate and Recycle so the process is seamless. When you make it easy to let things go in the moment, you’ll avoid second-guessing and reduce the “I’ll deal with this later” piles. Pro Tip: Schedule your donation pickup or drop-off date before you start packing. Having a deadline creates momentum and ensures those boxes actually leave your house instead of moving with you “just in case.”
2. Eat the food you have and minimize grocery purchases.
Plan meals around what’s already in your pantry and freezer. It saves money and reduces waste. Also, use up your backstock. Extra shampoo, paper towels, cleaning supplies — now is their time to shine. Moving half-used bottles is rarely worth it. No Costco hauls before the move.
3. Box as many items as possible.
Loose items slow everything down and increase the chance of damage. If it can go in a box, it should. Movers are playing a giant puzzle game with your items in the moving truck. Solid, straight edged items will stack more efficiently than bags or lose items.
4. Label boxes and bags clearly.
Not just “Kitchen.” Label according to the room the box will go to in the new home. Assign each room a name or even a color to make it visually obvious. This helps movers (and helpful friends) place boxes correctly the first time.
Even better — post simple signs in the new home labeling what each room is designated to be. When everyone knows “Blue = Office” or “Green = Guest Room,” the unloading process becomes smooth and efficient instead of chaotic.
5. Attach hardware and remotes to the item it belongs with.
Zip-top bags taped securely to the furniture frame prevent the dreaded “mystery screws” situation. Tape the remote to the TV or place it in a labeled bag inside the same box. Hunting for remotes on night one is not the welcome-to-your-new-home vibe we’re going for.
A few more move day must-dos that make a big difference: Pack an overnight bag for each family member with toiletries, pajamas, a change of clothes, phone chargers, and medications so you’re not digging through boxes at bedtime. Create an “Open First” box with essentials you’ll need immediately — paper towels, toilet paper, hand soap, disinfecting wipes, trash bags, scissors, and simple paper goods for eating. Place bedding in an easy-to-find spot (ideally transport it in your own vehicle) so everyone can collapse into a made bed that first night. Clearly designate a “Do Not Move” area and label it boldly — especially for large items staying behind. And finally, secure valuables before movers or contractors arrive so nothing important is left unattended during the busyness of the day.
Moving is more than packing boxes and changing addresses — it’s an opportunity to reset. A chance to be thoughtful about what comes with you into your next season and how you want your home to function when you get there. When you move with intention instead of urgency, you don’t just unpack… you establish rhythms, systems, and peace from day one.
