Moving does not have to be something to dread. You can have a wonderful moving experience and we helped to ensure that happens by creating this list of top ten tips you must know!
Top 10 Moving Tips Everyone Should Know Before Planning a Move
Moving to a new house can be a big adventure! You get to live in a new place, maybe meet new people, and start fresh. But before you get to enjoy your new home, you have to pack, plan, and move—and that takes some work.
If you want your move to go smoothly, it helps to know what to do ahead of time. That’s why we made this list of the top 10 moving tips every person should know before planning their move.
Let’s get started!
Tip 1: Start Early—Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
One of the most important tips is to start early. Many people wait until the last few days to begin packing, and then everything feels rushed and stressful.
Try this instead:
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Start planning about a month before your moving day.
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Make a list of rooms in your home and what needs to be packed.
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Begin with items you don’t use every day, like books, decorations, or out-of-season clothes.
Packing a little each day helps make moving less scary and more organized.
Tip 2: Make a Moving Checklist
Moving is a big job, so it helps to keep track of everything with a checklist. A checklist is like a to-do list that helps you remember what needs to be done.
Your checklist can include:
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What day you’re moving
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When to start packing
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Who is helping you move
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When to turn off the water, power, and internet
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What to pack in each room
You can check things off as you go. That way, you won’t forget anything important!
Tip 3: Gather Packing Supplies Before You Start
Before you start putting things in boxes, you’ll need the right packing materials. These help you keep your stuff safe and make packing easier.
Here are some supplies you should have:
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Boxes (small, medium, and large)
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Tape (packing tape works best)
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Markers (for labeling boxes)
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Bubble wrap or newspaper (to protect fragile items)
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Trash bags (for clothes or things to throw away)
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Ziploc bags (for small items like screws or batteries)
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Scissors or a box cutter
You don’t have to spend a lot of money—many stores will give away empty boxes for free if you ask!
Tip 4: Label Every Box
Once you start packing boxes, it’s important to label them. That means writing on the box what’s inside and where it should go in your new house.
For example:
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“Kitchen – Plates and Cups”
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“Emma’s Room – Books and Toys”
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“Living Room – DVDs and Blankets”
Labeling helps you and the movers know where to put each box when you get to your new home. It also helps you find what you need without opening every box!
Extra Tip: Use colored tape or stickers to match boxes with rooms. For example, all kitchen boxes could have green stickers.
Tip 5: Pack One Room at a Time
Don’t try to pack the whole house at once. Instead, focus on one room at a time. This makes packing feel easier and keeps everything organized.
Try this order:
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Storage areas (attics, garages, closets)
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Guest rooms or rooms you don’t use much
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Bedrooms
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Bathrooms
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Kitchen (last, because you use it every day)
When you finish a room, give yourself a high-five!
Tip 6: Protect Fragile Items
Some things break easily—like glass, dishes, or picture frames. These are called fragile items, and they need special care when packing.
Here’s how to protect them:
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Wrap each item in bubble wrap, newspaper, or a soft cloth.
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Place towels or t-shirts between items in the box.
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Don’t leave space in the box—fill it with paper or fabric so items don’t move around.
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Write “FRAGILE” in big letters on the outside of the box.
When packing plates, put them standing on their sides instead of laying flat. They’re less likely to break that way!
Tip 7: Pack a “First Night” Box
Moving day is long and tiring. When you get to your new house, you probably won’t want to unpack everything right away. That’s why it’s smart to pack a “First Night” box.
This box should have the things your family will need right away, like:
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Pajamas and a change of clothes
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Toothbrushes and soap
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Toilet paper and a towel
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Paper plates, forks, and cups
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Snacks and water
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Phone chargers
Label it “Open First” so you can find it quickly.
Tip 8: Don’t Pack What You Don’t Need
Moving is a great time to get rid of things you don’t use anymore. If you haven’t worn a shirt or played with a toy in a year, maybe it’s time to say goodbye to it.
Here’s what you can do:
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Give gently used items to charity.
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Ask friends or family if they want them.
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Recycle or throw away broken things.
This means you’ll have fewer boxes to move—and more space in your new home for things you really love.
Tip 9: Ask for Help
Moving is a lot of work, so don’t try to do it all alone. Ask for help from:
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Family members
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Friends
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Neighbors
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Movers (if you’re hiring professionals)
Even younger kids can help by:
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Packing their own toys
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Taping boxes
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Putting labels on things
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Carrying light items
Working together makes the job faster and more fun!
Tip 10: Stay Calm and Take Breaks
Moving can sometimes feel stressful. There’s so much to do, and things don’t always go perfectly. That’s okay!
Here are ways to stay calm:
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Take short breaks when you get tired
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Drink water and eat snacks
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Listen to music or take deep breaths
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Remind yourself that you’re doing a great job
And remember: moving doesn’t have to be perfect. What matters most is that you’re doing it together as a family and getting ready for a fresh start.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new home is a big change—but it can also be a fun and exciting time. With the right tips and a little planning, your move can be smooth, safe, and even enjoyable.
Let’s review the top 10 moving tips:
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Start early so you’re not rushing at the last minute.
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Make a checklist to keep track of what needs to be done.
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Gather packing supplies before you begin.
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Label your boxes so you know where everything goes.
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Pack one room at a time to stay organized.
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Protect fragile items with towels, paper, or bubble wrap.
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Pack a “First Night” box so you have what you need right away.
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Don’t pack what you don’t need—donate or toss it.
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Ask for help and work together as a team.
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Stay calm and take breaks so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, these tips will help you stay on track and feel confident about the big move.
Good luck in your new home—and happy moving!