The Ultimate Guide to a "Stress Less" Move: Step-by-Step Process for First-Time Movers and Down-sizers!

When I was a kid, my parents owned a moving and delivery service, moving homeowners from one home to another, and sometimes across the country. I worked there as a young adult, and learned a thing or two about what made some moves smoother than others. Fast forward three decades and several hundred sold homes later, I see what works - and doesn't. Moving is said to be one of the three top-stressors in life. Using some of my suggestions below can help make it easier on you!

After living in our home for nearly 23 years, we're having our floors replaced and refinished in the living and dining rooms next week, so we have to pack up those two rooms completely. In the last week, we had three closings for clients - which means 6 parties had to move - thus the impetus to write this blogpost!

Moving into a new home can be an exciting both and overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it for the first time! If you're down-sizing it may be overwhelming and emotional. With proper planning and organization, you can make the transition smoother and minimize the headaches. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Create a Moving Checklist

If at all possible, start planning at least 8 weeks before your move. Create a checklist with all the tasks you need to complete, such as packing, hiring movers, transferring utilities, and cleaning. Personally, mine would be a spreadsheet in google drive, but you do you.

Budgeting

Estimate your moving costs, including moving services, packing supplies, and potential new furniture. Set aside some emergency funds for unexpected expenses. This piece often gets forgotten, and can add a lot of stress to the mix.

Step 2: Sorting and Decluttering

Inventory Your Belongings

Categorize your items by room and make a list of everything you own. Take photos of valuable or fragile items for insurance purposes. This is especially important if you're moving a with a long-distance firm.

Declutter

Decide what you truly need and separate essentials from non-essentials. Donate or sell items you don’t need by having a garage sale, estate sale or using online marketplaces if thats within your wheelhouse. We have estate sellers we work with and can recommend if you need, and tossing out early is the best plan. I like the "3-Box system": keep, toss, donate. Do you really need that beer-can collection??

Step 3: Packing Non-Essentials

Gather Packing Supplies

Collect various sizes of boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, labels, and furniture covers.

Pack Non-Essentials First

Start with seasonal items, books, media, and decor. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Use color-coding to make identification easier.

Special Items

Use extra padding for fragile items and mark the boxes as fragile. Keep important documents, jewelry, and small electronics in a separate, secure box.

Step 4: Packing Essentials

Essentials Box

Pack a box with items you’ll need right away, like toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and basic kitchen items. Perhaps use a backpack or something super-simple to carry and keep track of, while keeping your hands free. You'll need them on moving day.

Kitchen Items

Pack non-perishable pantry items and small appliances first. Use dish pack boxes for dishes and glassware, and wrap each item individually. Plan ahead for the meals you'll have during the move, and ... don’t forget your coffee and cups - you’ll need it to get through everything!

Clothing and Linens

Use wardrobe boxes to keep clothes on hangers. Pack bedding in large boxes or bags.

Step 5: Final Preparations

Notify Services and Update Address

Schedule disconnections and connections for utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet. Notify the post office, banks, insurance companies, and any subscriptions about your change of address.

Clean and Repair

Clean your old home thoroughly and make minor repairs if necessary. Ensure your new home is clean and ready for move-in for the new residents. A gold star if you leave them a note or gift on the counter for the buyers. I once had a seller leave my buyers a note and bottle of champagne!

Step 6: Moving Day

Coordinate with future residents! Okay this one is huge: If a tenant is moving out, make sure they've vacated 5 days prior to closing. If the owner is moving, ideally a 2-3 day buffer should the closing get delayed. Remember to bake in time to the cleaning crew so you can hand it off to the new owners! I assure you its not fun scrambling around when you're moving got delayed but the new buyer is coming tomorrow!

Coordinate with Movers

Confirm the time and details with professional movers. If friends and family are helping, provide clear instructions. Being prepared to buy lunch and having cold water on hand goes a long way to keeping the wheels in motion on moving day. 

Kids and Pets in Daycare

While this should be obvious, it isn't always. Kids and pets can get stressed with all the commotion, and they have needs you'll have to stop and coordinate for. Far better to send them out for the day and they can come home to the new home when all is peaceful and in place again. You're welcome.

Load the Truck

Place heavy items and furniture on the bottom of the truck. Ensure fragile items are secured and not placed under heavy items. My beloved Gustav Klimt "The Kiss" lamp is something I'd take extra care of. Personally, I'll move this myself!

Step 7: Unpacking and Settling In

Unpack Essentials Box First

Set up your essentials first to make your new home functional immediately. Books can wait. The coffee pot and toiletries cannot.

Room by Room

Start unpacking the priority rooms like the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Arrange furniture before unpacking smaller items. Personally, I'd do the beds first, so you have somewhere to collapse.

Organize as You Go

Declutter again if something doesn’t fit or isn’t needed. Consider donating or selling these items. Ensure all utilities and services are up and running. I cannot stress enough how helpful it is to do this!

Update Records

Ensure all important parties have your new address. Consider sending out texts or emails to your close peeps, too.

Step 8: Final Checks

Inspect the Home

Look for any damages or missing items. If using movers, file any necessary claims for damaged items.

Settle In

Introduce yourself to your new neighbors and get to know your new area, including nearby shops and services. Let the new neighborhood unfold and enjoy the adventure!

By breaking it down these manageable steps, you can reduce stress on moving day, and ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Happy moving!