The Official Break-Up Moving Checklist

Publish Date: September 26, 2025

Last Modified Date: September 26, 2025

Category: Moving Checklists & Planning

Tags: Tags: break up, break up checklist, breaking up to do list, breakup, cheap movers, checklist, divorce, diy move, how to move, how to move after a breakup, move planning, movers, moving after divorce, Moving Checklist, moving help, moving truck

On their own, breaking up and moving are both ranked on the list of life’s top stressors. Together, especially without proper planning, they add up to a special kind of terrible.

While it will likely take more time to move on versus move out, this detailed moving checklist will at least help you with all of life’s annoying details while you’re trying to focus on a divorce, separation, or just a plain, old-fashioned break-up.

Moving Checklist: How to Move Out After a Break-Up

Step 1: Assess Your Separation, Then Make a Plan

The fact that you’re even reading a moving checklist means it’s likely you’ve already decided to separate — and you’re the one moving out.

But before you pick up the moving boxes,it helps to think through some details. If you’re in the tough situation of having to move after a break-up, most people’s situations fall into one of these categories:

Get out quickly

Unless your ex is particularly understanding or has tons of space, you’ll likely need a quick place to store your stuff while you figure things out. And sometimes, you need to get out fast.

You may find it best to use a spare room or couch at a friend or family member’s house while you get your bearings, save up some cash, and come up with your actual plan.

Temporary new place

If you need a new home, but the market is a little crazy in your area, you probably need some time to shop around for your next home. And that’s especially the case if you’re planning on buying. You should consider:

A short-term rental (think AirBnb or Vrbo)
Month-to-month or 3-6 month apartment lease
Extended-stay hotel

A temporary home is also a great option when you have kids and don’t want to pull them out of school in the middle of the year, or if you’re waiting to move long-distance and want to line up a job first. You may or may not need to store your stuff in this situation, depending on the size of your temporary pad.

Big change

Separation, breakups, and divorces often get people wanting to move to places like the mountains, oceanside, or anywhere else that’s a big change from where they currently live. Or, they’d rather move nearer to a support network instead of running into their ex at the grocery store.

“After you’ve moved, you may realize that you left behind your favorite coffee mug or that you didn’t get reimbursed for half of the last utility bill. If it’s not a make-or-break situation, let bygones be bygones.”

If this is your situation, this plan generally involves a long-distance move and/or storage, whether it’s to another city in your state, across the country, or across the world. Since it can take longer to realistically coordinate a relocation like this, it may be worth it to opt for staying with family, friends, or getting a temporary home, as listed above, so you have a little more time to plan.

Take your time

It could be that your current situation isn’t bad, but the housing market is.

Sometimes you get lucky, and you can keep things civil long enough to choose your ideal next home, sort through your things, and make a direct point-A-to-point-B move without having to put anything in storage. If so, make a plan that takes advantage of this time.

Extra Special Considerations for a Break-up Move

During a breakup, divorce, or separation, it’s not always just you and your ex that are involved. Here’s what to do with and how to take care of others who might be affected by the change.

Kids

The goal when you’re divorcing or breaking up with kids is to keep their lives as stable as possible. If you’re arguing a lot with your ex, it may be best to move out yourself first to save your kiddos stress. You may also want to take some extra time to find an ideal kid-friendly setup or a place that’s near their school.

Of course, if there’s domestic violence or a threat of abuse, it’s best to remove yourself and your children as soon as you can. Lean on friends and family for support, and gain legal representation as soon as possible.

Pets

Before you discuss splitting up your pets with your ex, take some time to reflect on whether you can truly offer your pet a fulfilling life when you’re on your own. Any decision you make should be in your pet’s best interest. Couples can work out a joint-custody agreement successfully, too. You may also opt to leave your pet at home with your ex until you can snag an animal-friendly setup.

Step 2: Match Your Plan to Its Best Moving Option

After you know where and when you’re going next, it’s time to figure out how.

You may have a good budget, or your breakup has taken a lot of your savings. You might be able to handle the heavy lifting of a move easily, or you’re definitely going to need someone to help you carry boxes. Ultimately, every moving scenario is fairly different, including yours. Fortunately, there’s a moving option for whatever your budget and energy levels are.

DIY move

What it is: You’re taking the move into your own hands, from packing to unloading. This option involves renting a truck or borrowing one from a friend.
What it’s best for: If you’re on a budget, want to handle the move yourself, or need to move out quickly. — We have a checklist for that too!
Insider tips: Moving is a lot of work, even under the best circumstances. This is the time to reach out to friends and family. Ask them if you can borrow their truck, if they can watch the kids on moving day, or help with moving the heavy stuff.

Labor-only + truck rental

What it is: A hybrid between a DIY move and hiring full-service help, this solution involves renting and driving the truck yourself but hiring professionals for loading and unloading.
Who it’s best for: Movers by the hour are great if you aren’t up for heavy lifting or could use a helping hand with disassembling and reassembling furniture. Make sure to check mover marketplaces with transparent reviews.
Insider tips: This option is still great for those who want to move out quickly, but it might not be as nimble as a full-on DIY move. And don’t feel pressured to go with the fastest or cheapest option just because you’re eager to get away from your ex! Ignoring red flags isn’t great in a relationship, and it’s not great for picking moving assistance either.

Portable storage moving service

What it is: This is when a moving company delivers one or more portable storage containers to your driveway, you load your things into the container, then the company picks up the container and delivers it to either your new home or a storage facility.
Who it’s best for: Typically, portable storage companies like PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT are flexible with timelines, which lets you load at your own pace. This is helpful for couples who are on decent terms and want to take some time to sort through logistics and their possessions. It’s also great for those making a big change via a long-distance move, as you don’t have to worry about driving, or necessarily even coordinating when you’ll arrive. And if you need storage because you’re in between homes, there’s no better option.
Insider tips: If you’re unsure where you’ll be living long-term, get two containers! One can be loaded with the essentials and delivered to a family member’s home or a short-term rental. The other can be kept in storage until you close on a new house or find a more permanent living solution. If you need help with the heavy lifting, portable containers pair super well with hourly packing and loading assistance.

Full-service move

What it is: This is comprehensive professional help moving from start to finish. We’re talking packing, unpacking, loading, unloading — everything! You won’t have to lift a finger, except to enter your credit card information. On that note, keep in mind that this option is usually the priciest.
Who it’s best for: If you’re short on time or you’re dreading having to deal with the move logistics yourself, this option offers the best support. It’s also a great fit for people who have a lot of stuff or just want the peace of mind that comes with a full-service provider.
Insider tips: While this option can be the most convenient, it often takes the longest, as you’ll be moving on the company’s schedule, not your own. You may want to stay with a friend until moving day, especially if you’re planning on moving long-distance or during the busy summertime months. Given the circumstances, you might be tempted to book the first mover you talk to, but make sure to do your due diligence when picking out a company.

Packing after a break-up

Depending on how long you and your partner have lived together, packing after a break-up can be a challenge. Taking a systematic approach while packing can ensure you leave with all your belongings and as little pushback as possible. To stay organized and minimize stress, keep these steps in mind:

Pack up the essentials that belong only to you: Start with clothes, toiletries, important documents, and prescription medications. Then gather personal items with financial or sentimental value, such as family heirlooms or anything you owned before moving in with your partner. As you pack, set aside valuables and irreplaceable items in a locked box or safe so they don’t get lost in the shuffle.
Separate shared belongings thoughtfully: Go through everything from furniture and electronics to dishes and cookware. Decide what clearly belongs to you, what should stay with your ex-partner, and what items you’ll need to figure out together.
Label everything as you go: Designate an “essentials” box with items you’ll need right away — a change of clothes, chargers, toiletries, and comfort items. Mark the rest of your boxes by room or category to make the transition into your new space as smooth as possible.
Declutter and let go: Treat this as an opportunity to leave behind items that don’t serve you. Think of it as starting fresh as you step into a new chapter.
Keep emotions in check during packing: Since this process can bring up strong feelings, try to schedule your packing sessions when your ex isn’t around. If you can, ask a trusted friend or family member to help. They can provide clarity and perspective while keeping you focused and on task.

Step 3: Take Care Of Yourself Throughout the Moving Process

Before you start throwing your things into boxes, take a step back to get some operational things in place. It may take a little more work on the front end, but it’ll make the transition to your new place a lot easier.

You don’t have to take everything with you: If you don’t have it, you don’t have to pack it. If you want to cut your moving costs or move out in record time, clean out that closet, donate your things to a local charity, or, if you have time, host a garage sale — just don’t sell your ex’s stuff without permission.
Save sentimentals for dead last: This is good advice for any move, but it goes double during a break-up. For a number of reasons, separate sentimental stuff into a box or room and deal with it last.
Don’t get petty: Trust me, it’s best to take the high road. No arguing over knick-knacks! It’s not worth it.
Get ahead of having to pick up your mail: It can be easy in our digital age to forget about this step, but it’s better to take care of it now to avoid having to pick up your mail from your ex’s place after you move out.
Outsource the work: If you’re short on time, hiring professional movers is a good way to get everything done quickly. There’s a reason they’re the pros, and that’s because they can efficiently and expertly deal with all the loading, unloading, and even driving if you need them to. It saves you a lot of time and effort, which is extremely valuable when you’re already busy and stressed.
Stock up on supplies: Proper moving supplies can make all the difference between having your stuff arrive intact or in pieces. Forgo throwing things into a garbage bag and instead, get some quality moving supplies, like boxes, packing tape, markers, and bubble wrap. If you’re on a tight budget, here are some tips for getting free boxes.

Step 4: On to Bigger and Better Things

Just because your move is behind you doesn’t mean your ex is. Here are some tips for moving on after moving out:

Meet people near where you’re going: Get back into the social scene by starting close to home. This may be especially helpful if you’re not used to being alone, as you may be able to lean on your new neighbors for support with childcare or even handyman tasks if that’s not your thing.
Don’t sweat the small stuff with your ex: After you’ve moved, you may realize that you left behind your favorite coffee mug or that you didn’t get reimbursed for half of the last utility bill. If it’s not a make-or-break situation, let bygones be bygones.
Prioritize decorating your new space: Nothing spells a fresh start like a new place does. Put extra energy into picking out curtains, new furniture, and art for the new pad.
Find a new routine: This is especially true if you have kiddos or pets. Create a sense of normalcy by establishing a new pattern. Just for funsies, throw in some things you wouldn’t have been able to enjoy when you were attached — cook with gluten, watch your guilty-pleasure Netflix show, or heck, let the dog sleep in bed with you.

What’s the Cheapest Way To Move? A Guide for Thrifty Moving

Author: Erin Scott

Publish Date: March 26, 2025

Last Modified Date: January 9, 2026

Category: Money Saving, Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: cheap move, cheap moving trailer, cheap moving truck, cheap relocation, cheaper move, cheapest way to move, diy move, how to save money, how to save money on a move, how to save on relocation, hybrid moves, inexpensive move, move help, moving help, moving lifehacks, moving trailer, moving truck, packing supplies, portable moving containers, relocating, thrifty move, where to get boxes, where to get moving boxes

Moving is a common part of life, whether you’re seeking new opportunities, upsizing, downsizing, or just looking for a change. With the rise of remote work, there’s even more flexibility with where to live. Recent data indicates that people are still moving, so the demand for moving services keeps costs relatively high.

Fortunately, moving doesn’t have to break the bank. By planning carefully, starting early, and following the tips outlined below, you can save hundreds — if not thousands — while making your move as smooth and budget-friendly as possible.

A Guide to Getting the Cheapest Move Possible

Don’t know where to start? We’ve compiled a lot of info on getting the most out of your move on a budget. Here’s our expert guide to moving on a budget.

Step One: Declutter Your Stuff

Regardless of what else you may have heard, the two biggest factors that influence moving costs are:

How you move: Whether you handle everything yourself, hire labor-only movers, or go full-service, every option comes with a cost
The size of your move: The less you have, the less you pay. That’s why decluttering before your move is one of the best ways to cut costs

For example, a short-distance move costs between $900 and $2,500. Compare that to a long-distance move, which can cost up to $5,000 in transportation and moving expenses.

So, if you have a large apartment and sell or donate about a room’s worth of stuff, then you’re paying significantly less to move what’s left. As a bonus, you get a fresh start when decorating your new space.

To make your decluttering more practical and budget-friendly, try the following methods:

One-year rule: If you haven’t used an item in a year, let it go
The KonMari Method: Keep only the items that bring you joy. This approach encourages you to hold onto possessions that add value to your life
Four-box method: Sort items into four categories — keep, donate, sell, and trash

Ready to move? Use HireAHelper’s cost comparison tool to find the best movers for your local or long-distance move.

Step Two: Avoid Buying Packing and Moving Supplies

One pack of tape is a negligible expense, but all of your packing and moving materials can add up (over $700 for a 4+ bedroom moving kit).

One way around this is to stash plastic bags, packing materials, and boxes in the months before your move. However, not everyone has this kind of foresight, much less the space in their house.

A week or two before your move, you can start seeking out free moving boxes. Places like your local grocer, liquor stores, furniture stores, and hotels often have boxes you can take, and they don’t tend to run out of them quickly like superstores. You can also check Facebook Marketplace, where people sometimes sell or even give away their used boxes.

Looking for a sustainable option? Utilize your own blankets, sheets, clothes, and towels as packing materials in addition to newspapers and magazines. You can also rent packing materials (like plastic boxes) and return them when you’re done.

Step Three: Pick the Right Time to Move

Timing is everything, as they say, and that’s especially true for moving. For one thing, you should avoid peak moving season (May through September) if you want to save cash and eliminate stress. But even the day of the week and time of day can affect your moving price tag.

For instance, it’s cheaper to move in the middle of the month, since leases typically start and end on the first. But moving on a Monday as opposed to a Saturday can also be cheaper when you’re renting a moving truck. As we found out, a U-Haul quote for Wednesday was $1.09/mile, but on Saturday, it jumped to $1.39 per mile!

“…if you’re moving between states and need to stay somewhere overnight to break up the drive, the price of hotels and fuel costs might cancel out what you were trying to save by going DIY”

If you’re paying for a rental truck or movers by the hour, then you’ll want to avoid rush hour — getting caught in traffic can send your prices through the roof. This happened to a friend of mine when she was moved across town in NYC, taking her $400 quote up to $750. The moral of the story? Booking your move earlier in the day to avoid traffic can help you save when hiring movers.

Step Four: Decide if DIY Is Best for You

Believe it or not, DIY might not be the cheapest option for you. In general, doing the entire move yourself does cost less (DIY moves average about $660, while a full-service move can cost up to $2,568), but depending on how you go about it, there can be a lot of hidden costs.

Your biggest expense is probably going to be your own time. You have to plan, take time off from work or school, get childcare if needed, and spend days doing really tiring work. Not to mention, if you’re moving between states and need to stay somewhere overnight to break up the drive, the price of hotels and fuel costs might cancel out what you were trying to save by going DIY.

If you research hotels and the route beforehand (and are smart about your PTO), you can still save. But that’s still more time spent planning out your move.

DIY is best if you:

Don’t have a lot of stuff, or it’s all pretty cheap and replaceable
Can easily take time off work or school
Plan out driving routes, hotel stays, and other stops to find the cheapest options

Step Five: Decide if You Want Moving Help

Your other option is to hire moving help. You might already be thinking: How does hiring people help me save money? For one thing, it’s a lot cheaper to hire loading and unloading help when you’re driving than to hire a moving company to do it all for you. This is known as a “hybrid” move — a blend of DIY and a full-service move. Essentially, you handle the driving or arranging a container (like PODS) but pay for help to load and unload your stuff.

“If your vehicle can tow, renting a trailer may be more economical than a moving truck.”

Paying for moving help not only spares your back but can help you save on your truck or trailer rental. By using their expert packing skills, movers can help you fit more stuff into the space than you could on your own, all while securing your items so nothing gets damaged or breaks during the drive. It may be well worth dishing out an extra couple hundred to hire help if you can rent a smaller moving truck and protect your possessions.

Hiring moving help is best if you:

Have a large home with a lot of heavy or fragile furniture
Worry about being able to arrange childcare or PTO
Can’t lift or carry heavy furniture easily
Have several flights of stairs or tight corners to maneuver

Make sure any company you hire movers from is fully licensed and insured before committing. You should also look for honest reviews from past customers to get a sense of what the company is like. Avoid getting overly thrifty; good help is invaluable when you’re in the middle of a big move, and bad help can turn an already stressful experience into a nightmare — if not turn out to be an outright scam.

Step Six: Consider Portable Moving Containers

Portable moving containers serve as a flexible and cost-effective solution for those seeking a middle ground between a full-service move and a complete DIY approach. These containers are delivered to your location, allowing you to pack at your own pace. Once packed, the company transports the container to your new destination or a storage facility.

Benefits of using portable moving containers include:

Flexibility and convenience: You can pack and unpack on your schedule without the pressure of tight deadlines.
Cost-effectiveness: Using containers tends to be more affordable than hiring full-service movers, especially for long-distance relocations.
Security: Containers are typically weatherproof and lockable, keeping your belongings safe and sound during transit.
Storage options: If your new residence isn’t ready, the container can be stored at a secure facility until you’re prepared to move in.

Another advantage of moving containers is that they’re helpful in some specific yet quite common scenarios. If you’re situation is one of the following, you could really benefit from using a moving container:

Staged moves: If there’s a gap between moving out of your old home and into your new one, containers provide a seamless storage solution.
Home renovations: Be sure to store furniture and belongings safely during home improvement projects.
Downsizing: When moving to a smaller space, containers can help you manage excess items until you decide what to keep, sell, or donate.

Step Seven: Look for Other Ways to Save on Your Move

Beyond the primary moving methods, consider these additional strategies to save money when moving:

Use your car: Maximize space in your car by transporting smaller items yourself, reducing the load for movers.
Rent a trailer: If your vehicle can tow, renting a trailer may be more economical than a moving truck.
Get help from friends: Recruit friends or family to assist with packing and loading, offering meals or small incentives as a thank-you.
Gather household items for packing: Use towels, blankets, and clothing as padding for fragile items, minimizing the need to purchase packing materials.
Meal planning: In the weeks leading up to your move, plan meals that use perishable food items, reducing the amount you need to transport.

Step Eight: Make Some Extra Cash to Offset Moving Costs

Beyond cutting costs, you can make extra cash to help pay for your move. Selling items you no longer need can significantly offset your expenses. Here are some ways you can turn your clutter into cash.

Host a garage sale

With the advent of the internet, garage sales might seem a little outdated to some, but they’re still a great way to get rid of unwanted items while earning some cash. Follow these steps to have a successful garage sale:

Pick a good date: Weekends, particularly Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm, usually get the best traffic.
Advertise effectively: Post in local forums and place clear signs around your home.
Price strategically: Clearly price all items with removable stickers. Bundle smaller items together to encourage more purchases.
Set up neatly: Organize items by category (clothing, furniture, toys) to make browsing easy and appealing.
Have change on hand: Prepare plenty of small bills and coins.

Sell online based on item type

Did you know that different platforms work best for different items? By tailoring where you sell what online, you have a better chance of the right person seeing your listing and getting a successful sale. See which sites you should be selling your stuff on:

eBay: Ideal for collectibles, electronics, and unique vintage items. Use clear, bright photos, detailed descriptions, and respond promptly to potential buyers.
Depop: Perfect for stylish or vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories. Good photos and detailed item descriptions can make your listings stand out.
Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace: Best for selling furniture and larger items locally. Provide clear dimensions and offer safe public meeting places for pickups.

There are definitely more than this list out there, too! When you’re considering which sites to use, take a quick look around other listings to get an idea of what kinds of items sell best, and tailor your own to match.

Sell items in person

If you’re not keen on a garage sale but still want to sell your items IRL rather than online, you’ve still got options. You can make money by dropping off certain items in person:

Consider consignment shops: These stores sell your items and give you a percentage of the sale. It’s a great option for high-quality furniture and clothing. Keep seasonal trends in mind and negotiate the terms for higher payouts.
Recycle electronics for cash: Instead of throwing out old electronics, take advantage of trade-in programs offered by Best Buy, Apple, or Amazon. You can trade in old devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops for gift cards or cash.
Sell scrap metal and appliances: Local recycling centers will buy scrap metal and appliances like old washers or refrigerators. Check local metal recycling businesses to compare prices and ensure you’re getting the best rate.

There also might be antique stores or similar shops in your area that will buy furniture or clothing from you. It doesn’t hurt to do a quick search or ask around on a local forum to see if there are places in your neighborhood that would be happy to buy.

Sell your car if moving long-distance

Driving your car cross-country is impractical, and shipping it can be prohibitively expensive in some cases. Consider selling your car to help finance your move (or a new ride at your new place). You can follow these steps to help you prepare and get the best price:

Prepare your car: Thoroughly clean it, and gather all maintenance records and the title.
Determine your car’s value: Check websites like Kelley Blue Book for accurate pricing.
List your vehicle online: Platforms such as Autotrader and Cars.com can help you find serious buyers.
Write a strong listing: Include multiple clear photos and an honest, detailed description.
Arrange safe test drives: Meet potential buyers in public, secure locations.
Close the sale: Carefully complete the paperwork, ensuring payment is confirmed securely before handing over the keys.

Additional ideas

Here are some additional ideas to make some extra cash:

If your new home has a spare room, consider renting it through Neighbor.com. This platform connects you with neighbors looking for storage, creating passive income with minimal effort.
Sell textbooks or books on BookScouter or Amazon.
List unused gift cards on websites like CardCash to get immediate cash.
Use ThredUp to sell gently used clothing online without much effort.

Making Your Move Affordable and Stress-Free

Moving doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Decluttering, using free packing materials, choosing the right time to move, and considering DIY options or moving help can significantly reduce costs. Exploring portable moving containers and finding ways to earn extra cash during the process can further ease the financial burden. With careful planning and smart choices, you can transition to your new home without unnecessary stress or expenses.

How to Survive a Rainy Weather Move

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date: May 11, 2017

Last Modified Date: October 17, 2017

Category: Loading & Unloading Guides

Tags: Tags: bad weather, diy move, forecast, movers, moving, moving in the rain, moving ramp, moving trucks, moving while raining, plastic, pro tips, rain, rain move, seattle, trash bags, uhaul, vicki sigh, vicki tsai, wet

So you’re completely prepared for your upcoming move; You’ve got all your bases covered, you’ve taken care of every last detail and everything’s going to go perfectly according to plan.

Then you check the weather forecast. So much for your perfect plan, right?

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