A Parent’s Guide to Moving Schools with Confidence

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Whether prompted by a move or a carefully weighed decision to find a better fit for your child, transferring schools can bring a mix of uncertainty, hope, and a lot of questions.

How will my child adjust? Will they be able to make new friends? Are we choosing the right school? It’s a lot for any family to juggle! Especially if you’re in the middle of navigating other life changes at the same time, like moving to a new city or taking on a new job. But you’re not alone. Kids change schools all the time and continue to thrive. In this parent’s guide to moving schools, we’ll walk you through every step of this transition, including tips to prepare kids to move and more.


How to Prepare for the School Move

As with managing any major transition, planning ahead makes all the difference when it comes to transferring schools

Making the Decision: Why and When to Switch Schools

A mother works on a laptop next to her child at a kitchen table

Transferring schools isn’t always tied to a move —families make this big decision for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, there are logistical factors, such as commute times and schedules, or financial reasons are at play. Often, it’s a matter of finding a better fit and making sure your child is in the best environment to support their needs — perhaps the new school has a better academic program or extracurricular activities, or the culture itself is better suited to your child’s personality, learning style, or unique needs.

Timing can make a big difference in helping your child adjust. Starting fresh with the rest of their peers at the beginning of a school year tends to be easiest, so they won’t have any classwork to catch up on or have to wedge their way into already-formed friend groups. If transferring schools mid-year, aim for after winter or spring break, or between quarters or semesters, to help make the transition easier.

Talking to Your Child About Moving

A mother holds her daughter's hands and speaks to her while sitting on a couch.

If the school transfer is part of a move, communication can go a long way in calming their nerves and even getting them excited for the big change. Here’s how to approach the conversation:

  • Explain the reason for the move. Whether your family is relocating for a career opportunity or to buy a home, kids appreciate knowing the why behind your decision.
  • Focus on the positive. Emphasize what they stand to gain by moving, whether that’s sunnier weather, more access to nature, or being closer to Nana and Papa.
  • Validate their emotions. Welcome them to communicate how they feel — sadness, anger, fear, excitement, or anything in between —and remind them these emotions are totally normal and you’re there to support them.
  • Include them in the process. Invite them to pick out decor for their new room or research fun attractions for the family to explore in your new city. The more they’re involved, the more in control they’ll feel.

Clarity and simplicity are key when talking to young children, says Nina Spears, founder & CEO of Baby-Chick.com, a parenting and lifestyle resource for moms and moms-to-be.

“As we all know, moving is a big transition for the whole family, especially for our little ones. To prepare your child emotionally for this big change, it’s important to talk to them about the move in advance using age-appropriate language,” Nina recommends.

When talking to a young child —a toddler to an early elementary-aged kid — about a move, she suggests using language that’s “simple, clear, and positive.”

Communication is equally important with older children as well. For tweens and teens, be open and honest, listen to and understand their concerns, and give them a say in their electives and extracurriculars so they feel like they have a voice in the process.

Finding the Right Fit: Researching New Schools

Before taking your child out of their comfort zone and throwing them into a new environment, the first step is making sure their new school checks all the right boxes.

 

“Lots of emotions can come before, during, and after a move…[which] might include thrill, grief, fear, sadness, worry, and anticipation. Other changes you might see: fatigue, withdrawal, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, or a need for more attention.”

 

Start by thinking about what’s most important for your child based on their academic abilities, interests, and social needs. Are they a scholastic superstar in need of a wide range of honors or AP classes, or do they need extra learning support? Are they athletically driven, or are they more of an artist type, or both? Beyond academics and extracurriculars, what kind of culture would they do best in —a small, tight-knit community or a big, bustling campus with an endless supply of new faces and activities?

There are three types of schools to consider:

  • Public schools are free thanks to funding from taxes. They tend to offer a broad curriculum and have more diverse student populations, but as curriculum is overseen by school boards, there’s not much room for flexibility.
  • Charter schools are also publicly funded and free to attend, but they have more autonomy, allowing them to structure their curriculum as they wish. Commonly, charter schools offer a specialized curriculum — for instance, it may be arts-focused or strong in STEM —but as space is limited, you often need to get on a waitlist.
  • Private schools run on tuition, although in some cases, need- or merit-based scholarships are available. They tend to have smaller class sizes and freedom to create their own academic programs, which can mean a higher-quality education. However, they can be expensive and have admissions requirements like interviews or exams.

Check out these online resources to help you determine the right school for your child. Take the time to talk to teachers and parents to get a feel for the school’s culture before making your pick.


How to Navigate the School Transfer Process

Once you settle on which school to send your kids to, the next step is to put those wheels in motion.

Handling Paperwork and Requirements

A mother flips through paperwork and looks at something on a laptop while her child plays in the background

Before a school can accept your child as a new student, it’ll need specific documentation. Make sure to provide this ahead of the enrollment deadlines. In most U.S. states, registration typically takes place between March and April for the fall semester, or between October and November for the spring semester.

Here are the records that schools generally ask for, but be sure to check with the new school to make sure you have everything they need.

  • Academic transcripts: Submit an official form from your children’s previous school that shows the coursework they completed and grades they earned.
  • Immunization records: Submit an up-to-date medical history, including any required vaccines your child has received. Sometimes a physical is also required.
  • Individual Education Program (IEP): If your child requires special learning accommodations, submit a written statement from a qualified professional, such as an educational therapist, in order to authorize access to those services.

Coordinating with the Old and New Schools

A parent shakes the hand of a member of her child's school's administration

Let the administrators at your child’s old school know that your child will be transferring and briefly explain the reason for the move and when it will take place. Ask them to release and submit your children’s transcripts and other electronic records to the new school.

It may also be a good idea to talk to your child’s old teachers and see if there’s anything the next teachers should be aware of. If the new school requires a teacher recommendation letter, this is your window to ask for that. If you can, meet with your child’s new teachers before school starts and fill them in on anything you think they should know to set your child up for success.

Considerations for Special Needs or Gifted Students

If you have a child in gifted classes or a special needs program, make sure their 504 plans, IEP documents, test scores, and parental consent forms are all up-to-date.

 

“Invite [your children] to pick out decor for their new room or research fun attractions for the family to explore in your new city. The more they’re involved, the more in control they’ll feel.”

 

Once you submit this information, meet with the school administrators, teachers, counselors, and other specialists to create a holistic, tailored approach or program that will account for your child’s unique abilities, learning styles, and academic objectives. Establishing this collaboration on the front end will help make sure everyone’s on the same page when your child is ready to get started.


How to Make the School Transfer Smoother

With enrollment taken care of, it’s time to focus on transitioning your kids with minimal stress. Because every child’s experience is unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all roadmap for navigating this transition, but the following strategies can help.

Helping Your Child Adjust Socially

A group of school-aged children stand in a semi-circle and chat to each otherOne of the most effective ways to help your child adjust to their new school is by helping them make new friends. Here are some ideas to empower them on this front:

  • Sign them up for an after-school club, sports team, or other extracurricular activities, so they can meet fellow students with common interests.
  • Encourage them to ask a classmate for help with an academic subject or a homework assignment they’ve been having a difficult time with.
  • Brainstorm questions to help them initiate conversations with their peers at the lunch table, recess, or other social settings.

Supporting Academics in the Transition

Even when you take all the right steps, academic hiccups can happen, especially when the curriculum and pacing vary from school to school. You may find that your child has already covered the material, or they may end up behind. Testing can help find the gaps or get them placed in more appropriate classes. From there, you can work with teachers or administrators to create an individualized plan, which might include extra study at home or tutoring.

What to Expect in the First Weeks

A mother comforts her daughter who is obviously frustrated over the homework she'd been working onLots of emotions can come before, during, and after a move, says Diane Dempster, CPC, PCC, parent coach and co-founder of impactparents.com, a coaching and training organization that provides virtual support for parents raising children with complex needs. The feelings might include thrill, grief, fear, sadness, worry, and anticipation. Other changes you might see: fatigue, withdrawal, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, or a need for more attention.

“Acknowledge their feelings, give them space to feel them, and validate them,” Diane advises. “We can model this by being conscious and transparent — in front of our children — about our own feelings around a move or any big transition. Demonstrating healthy emotional management can be a great gift.”

Additionally, touch base with their teachers early on to see how your child is acclimating.


Frequently Asked Questions

Should I move my child during the school year or wait until summer?

The best time to move is during the summer rather than during the school year. This way, your child can start school in the fall along with their peers, which allows them to adapt to the environment, learn the curriculum, and form social connections at the same time as all their classmates, instead of jumping in mid-year.

How can I tell whether a new school is the right fit?

In weighing a school, consider its academic programs, extracurricular activities, educational resources, student demographics, and teaching methods. How do these components align with your child’s specific goals, needs, interests, preferences, and learning style? Research the school, including talking to teachers and parents, touring the campus with your child, and asking for their input as you make a decision.

What are the risks of moving schools too often?

Research shows that occasionally moving schools doesn’t have an impact on children socially or academically, but there’s limited data available for families who frequently move. Research suggests, however, that students who experience more school transfers are more likely to experience instability at home and fewer resources to help them thrive, which can, in turn, impact how well they do in school.

How can I help my child keep in touch with friends at their old school?

Before the move, encourage your kids to ask for their friends’ phone numbers, home addresses, and emails, so they can keep in touch. Writing letters back and forth is a particularly meaningful way to enrich communication skills and maintain close bonds, no matter the miles between them.

Moving Day Survival Guide: What Should I Keep With Me?

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Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming. Proper preparation can make the transition smoother and help you settle in quickly.

One of the most important steps in this process is knowing what to keep on hand during the move and what to pack for your first few nights. This guide will help you plan and organize everything you need to make your move-in day a success.


What to Keep With You When Moving

A suitcase filled with clothing, notebooks, and toiletries that include medication

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on moving day is packing away items you’ll need immediately, so it’s important to distinguish between what should stay with you during the move and what can wait until you’re ready to fully unpack.

Food and medicine should generally stay close to you and be immediately accessible when you get to the new place. Your antique tea set, on the other hand, can probably stay safely packed in a box until you have time to find a place for it later on.

Here’s a comprehensive list of items you should have readily accessible on your moving day:

Clothing and Personal Care:

  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
  • A change of clothes (in case of a spill or accident)
  • Glasses or contact lenses
  • First aid kit
  • Medications
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sunscreen (depending on the weather)

Important Documents:

  • Personal documents
  • Lease or purchase agreement
  • Identification

Contacts:

  • Emergency contacts
  • Moving company contact information
  • Realtor

Insurance Information:

  • Health insurance card
  • Home or renters insurance details

Food and Hydration:

  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Paper towels
  • Trash bags

Valuables:

  • Prized or sentimental items (e.g., jewelry, collectibles)

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What to Pack for Yourself When Moving

There are two important groups of items you should prepare before your moving day. One is a first-night box containing everything you need to settle in comfortably without rummaging through packed boxes. Preparing one ensures immediate access to necessities without added stress after a long day of moving.

The other is an essentials box, which will carry must-have items you’ll need in the first few weeks as you unpack and organize. These boxes help you maintain a sense of normalcy while adjusting to your new space.

 

“An essentials box is helpful for local moves, but it’s even more important for long-distance moves…to make your new home more comfortable and functional during the early days…”

 

Beyond these, you need to personally transport valuables, important documents, and irreplaceable items. Movers do their best to handle belongings with care, but keeping these critical items in your possession minimizes risk and ensures they’re available when needed. Additionally, mobile devices, medications, and personal-care items should be within reach for safety and convenience.

If a family member is helping you pack, share this list of items with them so they don’t accidentally miss anything you’ll need on day one of your move.

What Is a First-Night Box?

A man carrying a cardboard box. In the background, there is a chair wrapped with shrink wrap and several more boxes

A first-night box is a great way to organize your must-have items for the first night in your new house. This box contains all the immediate necessities you’ll need right after moving in. Carry this box to your new residence in your personal vehicle, or make it the last item you load into the moving van so it’s the first thing you can pull out when you start to unpack.

To make your first-night box easy to find, label it with a special marker or color-code it. Keep your box in an accessible, designated place that’s not in the way of your other unpacking activities.

The point of the first-night box is to have a single container you can reach into for the various odds and ends you’ll need to make yourself comfortable immediately after you’ve moved in. Here are some example items to include:

Bedding and Comfort:

  • Two sets of sheets per person
  • Towels

Kitchen Essentials:

  • Dishes or disposable plates, and cutlery
  • Some cookware, such as a pot, pan, spatula, and egg beater
  • Salt, pepper, cooking oil

Toiletries and Personal Care:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo and soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Hairbrush and other grooming tools

Cleaning Supplies:

  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Multi-surface cleaner
  • Sponges and dish soap
  • Trash bags

What Do You Put in Your Essentials Box When Moving?

A family packs boxes with towels and other necessities

The essentials box differs from the first-night box in that it contains items you’ll need beyond the first day, potentially lasting up to a month. While there may be some overlap between the two, the essentials box should be tailored to your specific needs during the early days in your new place.

Since your belongings may arrive at different times depending on the distance and moving service, pack accordingly. Additionally, unpacking may take longer than expected, so having this box on hand ensures you have everything necessary while settling in.

 

“One of the biggest mistakes you can make on moving day is packing away items you’ll need immediately…Food and medicine should generally stay close to you and be immediately accessible when you get to the new place.”

 

An essentials box is helpful for local moves, but it’s even more important for long-distance moves. When you’re in a new place, far from your former support systems, having a box of essentials to make your new home more comfortable and functional during the early days can make a world of difference during a transition period.

Here’s what you should include in your essentials box:

Clothing and Personal Items:

  • Enough outfits for a week
  • Extra socks and underwear
  • Pajamas
  • Comfortable shoes

Kitchen and Food Supplies:

  • Coffee maker or kettle
  • Non-perishable snacks and easy meals
  • Can opener
  • Basic seasonings and condiments
  • Reusable water bottles

Toiletries and Bathroom Necessities:

  • Extra toilet paper
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Deodorant, lotion, and shaving supplies
  • First aid kit with bandages and pain relievers

Cleaning and Maintenance:

  • Vacuum or broom and dustpan
  • Laundry detergent and stain remover
  • Toolset with screwdriver, hammer, and nails

Electronics and Office Supplies:

  • Chargers for phones, laptops, and tablets
  • Extension cords and power strips
  • Notebooks, pens, and scissors

Moving Essentials List

A couple surrounded by boxes looks over something on a clipboard as well as their laptop

Preparing each step beforehand will make you feel much more confident after your move, so here’s a handy checklist that outlines everything you need for the days, weeks, and months after your moving day.

During the Move

Moving day can be hectic, but having the right things with you will take some of the stress off. Packing a small bag with key items will help you stay prepared for unexpected situations.

Here are the key items you’ll need during the move:

  • Comfortable clothing and shoes
  • Important documents
  • Medications and a first aid kit
  • Snacks and water
  • Valuables and personal items

The First Night

Your first night in a new home should be as relaxing and stress-free as possible. A designated box with necessary items will save you from having to dig through more boxes or making store runs—and help you get a good night’s rest.

Here are the key items you’ll need during the first night:

  • Bedding and towels
  • Toiletries and hygiene products
  • Simple cookware and eating utensils
  • Basic cleaning supplies

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The First Month

As you settle into your new home, you’ll gradually unpack and organize everything you need for daily living. The first month is about creating a functional and comfortable space so you can transition into unpacking the rest of your things.

Here are the key items you’ll need during the first month:

  • Clothing for various occasions
  • More in-depth kitchen setup
  • Electronics, chargers, and power accessories
  • Laundry and cleaning supplies

No matter how carefully you plan, moving can still feel overwhelming even days and weeks after you’ve settled in.

By planning ahead and organizing your moving essentials, you can significantly reduce stress and ensure a seamless transition.

The Official Break-Up Moving Checklist

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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-ol’-fashioned breakup.

[See the illustrated checklist here!]

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 tells me you’ve already decided who’s going to split — and you’re likely the one moving out.

But before you pick up the moving boxes, it helps to think through some logistics. If you’re in the tough situation of having to move after a breakup, most people opt in to one of these game plans:

  • Plan A: Get out quick!

The problem: 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 couch it at a friend or family member’s house while you get your bearings, save up some cash, and come up with your actual plan.

  • Plan B: Temporary new place

break up spot pieceThe problem: So you need a new “non-forever” home that isn’t depressing? If the housing market is as crazy where you live as it is everywhere else, you probably need some time to shop around for your next home (especially 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.)

  • Plan C: Big change 

The problem: Separation got you wanting to move to the mountains and live in a remote cabin? Maybe your breakup has put things into perspective and you’re ready for a markedly big change… or heck, maybe you’d rather move nearer to a support network instead of running into your ex at the grocery store.

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. (As it can take longer to realistically coordinate a relocation like this, it may be worth it to opt for Plan A, listed above, and sleep in a friend’s guestroom until you’re ready to go.)

  • Plan D: Take your time

The problem: Maybe your 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. (Hey, it happened to me!) If so, make a plan that takes advantage of this time.

Extra Special Considerations for a Break-Up Move

  • 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 (Plan A above) 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. By the way, I’ve known couples to work out a joint-custody agreement successfully! You may also opt to leave Buddy at home with your ex until you can snag a pet-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.

Maybe you’ve got money to burn. Maybe your breakup has left you flat on your back. Maybe you can bench press your couch in your sleep. Maybe your back goes out more than you do. 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

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: Plan A, B

People who are on a budget, good old-fashioned DIYers, and/or those who 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 — especially if they’re into weightlifting. Ask them if you can borrow their truck, watch the kids on moving day, or get help with moving the heavy stuff.

Labor-only + Truck rental

Moving mattress

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: Plan A, B

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. Need a recommendation? 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. If you hire movers, remember to mention if you have stairs or specialty items such as pianos, as packers and loaders generally charge extra for these. 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.

moving truck prices
See real-time moving truck prices on Moving101

Portable storage moving service

college moving pod

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: Plan B, C, D

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. Your stuff will just be whisked away and waiting for you, typically with monthly billing. 

And although it’s potentially pricey for a temporary new place, it can be a luxury for the heartbroken needing a short-term, temporary move that requires storage.

Insider tips: If you’re unsure where you’ll be living long-term, get two containers! One can be loaded up 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

full service move

What it is: Get comprehensive professional help moving from start to finish. We’re talking packing, unpacking, loading, unloading — the whole shebang! You won’t have to lift a finger, except to enter your credit card information. (Did I mention this option is usually the priciest?)

Who it’s best for: Plan C, D

If you’re able, this is best if you need support in more ways than one. It’s also a great fit for people who have a lot of stuff, are moving long-distance, 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. You might be tempted given the circumstances to book the first mover you talk to, but make sure to do your due diligence when picking out a company.

Real Talk

If you’re trying to safely remove yourself from an abusive relationship, there are professionals who are dedicated to helping people in your situation.

To get started, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, learn where your local shelters are (just in case), then click here to seek out moving companies near you who might be able to move domestic abusive victims for free.

Step #3: Self-care is vital while you pack and separate

Before you start throwing your things into boxes — and burning that little box of dating mementos — 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.

  • If you bought something with your ex-partner, consider selling it back to them: 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 breakup. For untold amounts of reasons, dump sentimental stuff in a box 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 this now to avoid having to pick up your mail from your ex’s place after you move out.
  • Short on time? Hire professional movers by the hour. There’s a reason they’re the professionals; they can deal with all of the heavy stuff for only a couple hundred bucks, which is HUGE since you’re probably stressed out to the max.
  • Stock up on supplies: Proper moving supplies can mean all the difference between having your stuff arrive intact or in pieces. Forgo throwing things into a garbage bag and get some quality moving supplies, like boxes, packing tape, markers, and bubble wrap. Like free stuff? Here are some tips for getting free boxes.
@hireahelper Where to get FREE moving boxes! #packingboxes #cardboardboxes #cardboard #movingboxes #movingtips ♬ original sound – HireAHelper

Step #4: Move on

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. It’s time to move on.
  • Overprioritize 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. 
  • You need 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.

More of a visual learner? Screenshot or download the official break-up moving checklist™ below!

breakup moving checklist
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Illustrations by Shideh Ghandeharizadeh

21 Easy to Forget Steps When Moving to A New State

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If you’re relocating to another state, it can be tough to manage the packing, organizing, and administrative steps involved in moving, given the unknowns of your new state. 

Fortunately, you can cut down on the confusion (not to mention the time, money, and hassle) if you know what to expect ahead of time and take proactive steps. Luckily, that’s what this article is all about!

Steps To Take When Moving to Another State 

1. Decide if full-service or DIY is best for your long-distance moving services

Cost or convenience? While those are your two major options, there are a lot of ways to achieve both.

For example, if you want to leave the heavy lifting and driving to someone else, hire professional movers. Of course, this option will be more expensive. If instead you want to go the in-between route, cost-wise, you can also hire movers to just load and unload the truck for you, and then drive yourself to your new location to save a lot of cash.

Also, keep in mind that moving container companies are another option to potentially consider, especially if you’ll be in between moves for a while. With this solution, you’re in charge of packing and loading the container yourself, although you can hire professional movers to help you with the heavy stuff if you need to.

2. Research the best long-distance moving services for your specific journey

If you aren’t sure about the above, here’s another way to look at it: whether you’re hiring a moving company, driving a rental truck, or going with a shipping container, the distance you’re moving will make a big difference in your options. 

 

“If you’re making an interstate move, you’ll need to register your car with your new state’s DMV as well. Each state offers a grace period to update your registration, typically between 30 to 90 days.”

 

For example, some companies only do local moves, which usually means a distance of 100 miles or less. If you’re moving within your state but several hundred miles away (known as an “intrastate move”), you’ll need to budget for higher moving costs and find a company specializing in longer distances.

Moving across several states (known as an “interstate move”) or cross-country moving will be the most expensive option and require a company that has a national presence.

3. Budget super early when moving to another state

How much money should you save to move to another state?

The answer varies. The American Moving and Storage Association estimates that the average cost of an interstate household move is about $4,300, while the average cost of an intrastate move is about $2,300

Whatever the costs, make sure to set aside time to save up the money you need so you don’t end up with a lot of credit card debt once all is said and done.

Moving far away?

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Compare our long distance moving company options.

4. Ask your employer about relocation assistance

Are you moving out of state to take a new job? If so, your employer may offer out-of-state relocation assistance and help cover expenses such as moving company costs, storage, temporary housing, and more. While moving costs can add up for an employee, it’s an investment some companies are willing to make for the right talent.

To find out if this is a benefit your company offers, reach out to your Human Resources department.

5. Find out if your new place has any restrictions for pets or plants

You don’t want to run into any trouble getting your fur babies or precious plants to their new home. Some states, such as California and Hawaii, have strict rules around transporting plants and animals. Be sure to know what’s considered illegal and prepare accordingly.

Hint: You can start with your destination state’s website (look for a “.gov” in the url).

6. Consider the season you’re moving in

season moving

If you can help it, you don’t want to spend all day unloading your belongings at the height of summer in Arizona or during hurricane season in Louisiana. Research the climate for your new home and plan the move for when the weather should be mild

You can look up your destination on a site like Climate-Data.org, which contains a ton of data about the average monthly temperature, precipitation, and more for cities around the world.

7. If possible, visit your new hometown at least once

If you’re moving to a new city or area you’re not familiar with, it’s a good idea to spend some time in the area and check it out before pulling the trigger on a move there. You’ll want to see what the neighborhood is like, including what types of shops and restaurants are nearby, how your neighbors are, walkability, etc. 

And hey, if you can’t make a trip before the actual move, do yourself a favor and at least look around with Google Maps.

8. Consider making a fresh start in your new state

A fresh start might be exactly what you need — but it’s also scary! 

How do you move to another state and start over? First off, reframe the situation as an opportunity. The lack of familiar faces or a sense of belonging can potentially be overwhelming, but the good news is that you’re in total control. 

 

“…if you moved to another state during the year (or otherwise lived in one state and earned income in another) you might need to file more than one [tax] return.”

 

Look for social groups, sports clubs, art collectives, or other groups that align with your interests. Hit a photography meet-up. Join a run club. Go out to local establishments and introduce yourself to people. 

But remember, starting over isn’t just about meeting people. It’s also your chance to build new routines and habits. Have you always wanted to get up early and work out? Here’s your opportunity.

9. Get your packing supplies well ahead of time

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies handy for properly packing your belongings, and keep extra on hand just in case. You don’t want to have to run out in search of boxes or tape while you’re in the middle of packing. 

Also, consider any specialized supplies you may need, such as wardrobe boxes, hangers, bubble wrap, box knives, permanent markers, and dollies.

To save money on these items, see if anyone has cheap or free moving boxes on sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor, or check with local businesses.

10. Set aside 6 to 12 hours to pack, per room

Packing will take longer than you think. If you hire professional movers to pack up and load your belongings, you can probably expect it to get done in a day. A two-bedroom home, for example, requires about six to 12 hours, assuming there’s a two-person crew.

If you’re doing your own packing, you’ll probably need much more time, though — think two to three days for the same two-bedroom. Unless you’re able to squeeze in your packing over one weekend, you might need to request time off of work to allow enough time.

11. Figure out your new place’s moving policies

Some apartment buildings and other planned communities have strict rules around moving. For example, you may not be allowed to block certain streets or driveways, or take up the elevators for too long. 

Be sure to know these policies beforehand so you can plan around them. To find out, contact your building’s property manager or head of the homeowners association. 

12. Get your utilities transferred

The last thing you want is to show up to your new place and have no water or electricity.

First, research the options available in your new city to set up a new service. Once you’ve selected the provider, it’s a good idea to get the ball rolling at least two weeks before your move. Keep in mind that for some utilities, such as electricity, the service provider may need to run a soft credit check and/or require a deposit to approve your account.

The Most Trusted Moving Checklist on the Web

The Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Know to Move

13. Cancel or transfer any memberships

Belong to a gym or club? Many require at least one month’s notice before you cancel your membership, so be sure to get this done well before you move. If the organization has a location in the city you’re moving to, you may be able to transfer the membership instead.

14. Have your child’s school records transferred, too

If you have kids, you must notify their school of the move. Be sure that their school records, along with other important records such as health information and immunizations, get transferred to the new school. 

While you should be able to bring photocopies of these documents when you register them at their new school, you’ll eventually need to supply official, sealed copies of their transcripts, which include report cards and standardized test results. 

15. Research transferring your professional license

How do you legally move to another state? If you work as a doctor, dentist, lawyer, or other licensed professional, you may need to transfer your license or apply for a new one if you’re moving to a different state

The process for transferring your license will depend on your state and profession. Some states have reciprocity agreements or other arrangements to help ease the process, but you should contact your state licensing board as soon as possible to ensure you have enough time.

16. Update your driver’s license or ID within two weeks

update license

Most states require you to get a new license within two weeks of relocating. You’ll need to book an appointment with your local Department of Motor Vehicles and bring along some paperwork, including your current license, additional identification (such as your Social Security card or passport), proof of residence (such as a utility bill or W-2), and payment. 

Be sure to book your appointment in advance since slots tend to fill up quickly. You can find your local DMV office using this directory.

17. Update your vehicle registration and insurance

If you’re making an interstate move, you’ll need to register your car with your new state’s DMV as well. Each state offers a grace period to update your registration, typically between 30 to 90 days

Most states also require proof of insurance to register your car, so sign up for a new policy if you’re unable to remain with the same insurer (and don’t cancel your old one until you do) before registering. 

 

“…the average cost of an interstate household move is about $4,300, while the average cost of an intrastate move is about $2,300.”

 

Along with your new ID and proof of insurance, you’ll need proof of residency and your car’s title. Keep in mind that some states, including California and Georgia, charge a tax to register your vehicle that’s based on its market value. It’s especially important to plan for this added expense if you have a newer car or luxury vehicle.

18. Utilize car shipping services if necessary

If you’re not driving your own vehicle to the new location, you’ll need to have it shipped. Some moving companies will ship your car along with your belongings, but you may be able to save some money by hiring a company that specializes in shipping cars. Your vehicle’s size and condition, the distance being shipped, and the type of carrier will all factor into the price.

One of the biggest decisions to make is whether to go with open or closed transport; it’s probably better to go with a closed container if you have a newer or luxury vehicle, although the cost can be as much as 60% higher. Be sure to get several quotes before choosing a car shipping company.

19. Contact your banks and lenders

Make sure you don’t miss any important payments — let your bank, credit card company, student loan servicer, and any other financial institutions know that you’ve moved and give them your new address. You may be able to do this by simply logging into your online banking platform, or by calling the number on your card or statement. 

20. Set up mail forwarding

mail forwarded

To make sure you don’t miss any important mail in the transition, have your mail forwarded by the USPS starting a few days before your move. Don’t forget to update your new mailing address for any mail subscriptions, too.

Make sure you don’t miss any important payments — let your bank, credit card company, student loan servicer, and any other financial institutions know that you’ve moved and give them your new address. You may be able to do this by simply logging into your online banking platform, or by calling the number on your card or statement. 

21. Register to vote

Don’t forget your civic duty during your move! Check Vote.gov to find instructions for registering to vote in your new state.

22. Get a handle on taxes

Finally, one aspect of moving that you may not have considered but can impact your finances quite a bit, is the state income tax. Some have a flat tax, meaning everyone pays the same tax rate. Others have a progressive tax system, which means you pay a higher tax rate on higher amounts of income. And a handful don’t charge income tax at all.

Here’s the latest available breakdown of state tax rates as of 2020:

[table id=1 /]

 

Keep in mind that if you lived and worked in the same state all year, you only need to file one state return. However, if you moved to another state during the year (or otherwise lived in one state and earned income in another) you might need to file more than one return.


Moving to Another State: Takeaway

Is it hard to move to another state? Sure, it can be. Relocating means juggling logistics, paperwork, and settling into a new environment. But as the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” By remembering the steps above and using the right moving help, you can make your move as smooth as possible.

7 Technologies That Changed How People Move

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Category: Buying & Selling a Home, Movehacks, Moving Advice

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There was a time when literally the only way to connect to a moving company was to call their landline, leave a message on their answering machine, and wait for a call back. And if your couch didn’t end up fitting in your new house, you just had to deal with it and check it off your inventory list with a literal pencil. This wasn’t even that long ago.

Fortunately, times have changed, and technology has improved the way we find a new home and move into it. Here are seven ways technology has forever changed the moving industry.

1. Tour your new home without having to actually be there

This used to be fantasy, but now it’s almost an expected feature. And it’s getting crazier.

Virtual reality (VR) technology has totally changed the home buying process. Goldman Sachs estimates that by 2025, around 1.4 million realtors will be using this technology. With the help of technologies like 360 and 3D professional photography, people routinely see a home in its entirety before ever setting foot on the property.

360 photography

matterport
Matterport setup for home sellers

Virtual tour software platforms like Matterport allow photographers to photograph, tag, and measure properties they want to show off online. A link is generated and uploaded to the listing on the real estate company website, which can be sent to any interested party. This is awesome if you’re a buyer; you can take the time to do a virtual walk-through of the home you are thinking of buying without ever stepping foot inside.

Drone photography and videography

Drone photography and videos have impacted real estate almost as much as any other business. Not only are you able to clearly see a home and yard from any screen in the world, but you can also check out the neighbors’ lawns, roads, and even alleys in the surrounding area. This gives a virtual buyer much more context into the neighborhood and surrounding areas when deciding whether or not to make an offer.

AR and VR technology 

Augmented reality (AR) and VR use similar technology in very different ways. Where VR uses headsets to give the impression you are somewhere else, AR adds to what you can already see! It can work with the camera and apps on your phone to overlay information literally on top of what you see in front of you (like in Star Trek, though maybe not quite as cool yet).

AR Real Estate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB3O0WSCP0k

For homebuyers, this means realtors can often facilitate highly realistic virtual walkthroughs of spaces for cross-country buyers. Homes can also be staged using AR to reduce actual staging costs and logistics. In addition, design apps sometimes use VR and AR technology to help you virtually “move in” and decorate your space so you have a plan before your actual move.

2. Scope out everything about a neighborhood from the comfort of home

In our current data-driven and highly social world, there are many ways to research the safety, functionality, and friendliness of an area so you know which neighborhoods are most ideal for your move.

Neighborhood accessibility 

With basic apps like Google Maps, you can get real-time data on the roads, restaurants, and shops in your new neighborhood. You can use it to map traffic flow on routes you will need to travel most like to the school for drop off or work. Learn the best routes and the best time of day to travel them to reduce traffic-related headaches — hopefully.

Crime statistics

Learn about the safety of your new neighborhood with apps and websites like Citizen and City Protect. City Protect offers police reports, public record requests, and more. Some features of both apps are free. Family Watchdog is a free app that provides publicly available information about sex offenders in your area. (Be warned that there is a fee for detailed reports through the app.)

Neighborhood vibe apps

Believe it or not, there is more to a neighborhood than traffic routes and crime stats! Neighborhood Scout is a subscription-based app that focuses on real estate in a particular area and provides a profile using 600 characteristics. 

AreaVibes is an app that has crime stats, but that also provides a big picture of your future neighborhood based on seven main factors: crime rate, amenities, cost of living, education, employment, housing, and user ratings. It then compares that against a national average to give you a composite picture of your potential new neighborhood. It even offers a custom search function that sets it apart from similar apps, which allows users to access the information most relevant to them.

3. The rise of public reviews for professional movers 

Consumer reviews have become increasingly more social in recent years with the ubiquity of Facebook, Yelp and others.

hireahelper mover reviews
Public reviews on HireAHelper.com

Local moving companies have been impacted by this change tremendously. Almost more than any other type of old-school business model, movers used to exist on the strength of personal recommendations; but now that info is available at scale, and with the client in the driver’s seat. One hour of research is enough to skim reviews of 10 or more service providers that could do your move, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Sites like Yelp, Facebook, and HireAHelper shed light on the movers that make moving day actually manageable.

Note: Anyone can leave a review on Yelp or social media, but it’s worth noting that HireAHelper verifies all reviews, meaning that all public reviews are guaranteed to have actually, you know… really happened!

4. Accurate (and free!) moving quotes online, without needing a walk-through

Newer moving companies have streamlined the quote process that your grandparents used to use.

Your inner introvert will be happy to hear you can get free moving quotes entirely online these days. Virtual quoting allows you to enter the basic information of your move online and instantly get moving quotes for free (plus, you even get to read the reviews for each mover). 

We especially don’t miss the part where you cross your fingers for a quote that doesn’t break the bank after the company is already at your house… who has time to start over at that point?

If you have any doubts or concerns about your quote, HireAHelper can quickly ballpark your moving needs over the phone with just a couple of questions (not a whole freaking tour). On top of that, many movers offer live video chats over Facetime or ZOOM to ensure they have a clear picture of your needs so there are no expensive surprises at the end of your move.

5. Design your new place from your phone

vr app
Homestyler

Many buyers spend hours planning where their furniture will go in their new home, as well as what new décor they’ll need to buy to fit into a different (and often bigger) space.

Smartphones have made this step substantially easier, especially for those moving cross-state or cross-country. There are apps like Planner 5D and Homestyler that allow you to scan a room with your smartphone to save its dimensions and openings. Add in windows with the swipe of your finger, and you have a virtual mockup for your new life.

Not only does this allow movers to skip the tape measure pressure during their inspection, but it also can save precious time and back strain that used to come with arranging and rearranging. Even better, you can access room designs while you’re out and about furniture shopping!

6. Virtual checklists (and “checklist services”)

Virtual moving checklists like Porch’s Home Assistant allow you to ditch your moving to-do list and track all of your pending items in one shareable dashboard, from ordering home insurance to filing your change of address form.

porch home assistant
Porch.com’s “Home Assistant” works like a personalized moving checklist service

Not only does this mean no more paper to-do lists that will inevitably get lost, but it also means there are fewer chances for crucial steps to slip through the cracks. (Nobody likes arriving at their new place just to realize that they forgot to get their internet set up.)

7. GPS trackers on moving trucks

GPS technology has been around for a long time, which is why it’s become easier than ever for movers and moving companies to buy inexpensive trackers to avoid losing track of valuables, entire boxes, and even the moving trucks themselves.

For individuals and families booking their own moving truck, a GPS can help ensure a thief can’t run off with your expensive rental and disappear. You can also use more localized Bluetooth technology to tag boxes that have valuables in them in case they get misplaced within range.

Not to mention, companies now provide more realistic updates for moving companies that are providing long-distance moving services. Can you believe people used to stand around and wait for weeks for their stuff to arrive? Yikes.

Relocating Your Home Office: A 6-Week Stress-Free Moving Guide

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Moving is always an adventure, but when your home office is on the line, it’s time to kick your organization skills into high gear. Whether you’re running the show from your living room or managing a small business from your spare bedroom, your home office is the heartbeat of your professional world. No worries, though—we’ve got you covered with a simple, week-by-week game plan to help you move your home office without missing a beat.

Week 1: Get the Lay of the Land

A woman sits at a desk, focused on writing on a piece of paper with a pen in her hand

Time to take a deep breath and get organized. Before you start tossing things into boxes, let’s get a clear picture of what you’re dealing with. This week is all about laying the groundwork so you can make smart, stress-free decisions as you go.

Take inventory 

Start by getting a clear picture of what you’re working with. Take inventory of every piece of equipment, office chairs, furniture, and yes, even that collection of paper clips. This is your chance to decide what’s coming along to your new space and what’s better left behind. If you’re questioning whether to bring that old printer, now’s the time to let it go.

Map out your move 

Next, create a master checklist. This will be your roadmap for the next six weeks, helping you stay on top of tasks like buying packing supplies, scheduling movers, and notifying utility companies. A little planning goes a long way, and this checklist will make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Set a budget 

No one likes surprise costs. Start by estimating expenses for moving services, supplies, and any new office furniture or tech you might need. Set aside a little extra for those “just in case” moments—because they always happen. With your budget in place, you’ll be able to manage your move without the financial stress.

Week 2: Declutter and Start Packing

A smiling woman is sitting on a stack of boxes in an empty room, surrounded by piled boxes

Now that you’ve got a plan, it’s time to start rolling up your sleeves. This week, we’re all about shedding what you don’t need and getting a head start on packing the things you won’t miss right away.

Declutter for clarity 

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and tackle the clutter. Sort through your office items, separating what’s essential from what’s just taking up space. This is also a great moment to organize your documents. Shred what’s outdated, and keep only the essentials. A clutter-free space makes for a smoother move and a fresh start in your new office.

Digitize your documents 

Got a stack of papers that you can’t part with? Consider going digital. Scan important documents and store them securely in the cloud or on an external drive. Not only does this cut down on physical clutter, but it also means your documents are safe and easily accessible when you need them.

Pack non-essentials first 

With the clutter gone, start packing up non-essential items like books and extra supplies. Label each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. Trust us—future you will thank you when it’s time to unpack.

Week 3: Research and Book Your Helpers

A man and woman seated on a couch, focused on a laptop in front of them, engaged in a collaborative activity

You’re making progress! Now, let’s think ahead. This week, you’ll be researching and booking the right moving help to make sure everything gets from point A to point B without a hitch.

Find the right movers 

If you’re hiring movers, now’s the time to start your search. Get quotes from several companies, but don’t just go for the lowest price—check out their reviews and credentials. You want movers who will treat your office equipment with the care it deserves.

Book your movers 

Once you’ve found the right fit, lock in your moving date. Make sure you confirm all the details—costs, insurance, and services provided. Understanding their policies upfront will prevent any surprises on moving day.

Update your contacts 

Don’t forget to notify your bank, clients, and colleagues about your move. Also, make sure your internet and utility providers know when to disconnect and reconnect services. Keeping everyone in the loop will ensure your new office is ready to go from day one.

Week 4: Gather Supplies and Pack Essentials

A person is closing a packing box with a tape dispenser

With moving day on the horizon, it’s time to get serious about packing. This week, you’ll gather all the supplies you need and start packing up the essential items you can’t work without.

Get your packing supplies 

You’ve done the prep work, and now it’s time to gather supplies. Stock up on boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and labels. If you’ve got delicate electronics, invest in specialty boxes to keep them safe during the move.

Pack your office gear 

It’s time to pack up your essential office equipment. Start with your computer, monitors, and other electronics. Use the right packing materials to protect your gear, and label all cables for easy setup later. Keep like items together, and make sure everything is clearly labeled.

Prepare a moving day kit 

Pack a separate box with the essentials you’ll need right away in your new office—think important documents, chargers, and basic supplies. This way, you can hit the ground running without digging through boxes.

Week 5: Final Preparations

A woman stands before a desk, speaking on the phone while working on her laptop

The big day is almost here! This week is all about double-checking your plans and making sure everything is set up for a smooth move.

Confirm everything 

Double-check all the details with your moving company. Confirm the date, time, and any special instructions you’ve given them. Also, go over your checklist to make sure you haven’t missed anything.

Prepare your office 

As you pack the final items, take a moment to plan your new office layout. Consider any new furniture or equipment you might need and get everything ready for a smooth setup. Clear labels on your boxes will help the movers place everything in the right spot.

Coordinate services 

Make sure all your services are set to go at your new place. From internet to electricity, confirming these details now will prevent any hiccups once you’ve moved in.

Week 6: Moving Day and Beyond

A well-organized home office featuring a desk, a chair, a desktop, and a bookshelf filled with books

This is it—moving day has arrived! Stay calm and organized, and you’ll be enjoying your new home office in no time.

Moving day 

The big day is here! Stay organized by keeping a close eye on the movers and directing them as needed. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and remember to breathe—you’ve got this.

Set up your new office 

Once you’re in your new space, it’s time to set up shop. Arrange your furniture, plug in your equipment, and test your internet connection. Take your time to organize everything so you can hit peak productivity right away.

By following this plan, you’re well on your way to a smooth, stress-free home office move. With your new, clutter-free space, you’ll be ready to tackle anything that comes your way. Happy moving!

Click here to download our 6-Week Streess-Free Moving Checklist!

How To Make Moving NOT One of Life’s Biggest Stressors

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Moving to a new home is supposed to be exciting.

But, as thrilling as your future may be, moving is obviously stressful.  It demands a lot of time and effort, and it’s common to feel anxious at the prospect of an unfamiliar location, culture, or workplace. There’s also the financial stress of hiring movers, putting up security deposits, and traveling to your new destination. It’s infamously one of life’s biggest stressors.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Moving stress absolutely can and should be minimized. Read on to learn how to make your own move as stress-free as possible.

[Download the moving stress checklist here!]

Target the stressors that happen on moving day right now

One of the biggest reasons people get stressed out about moving is because they feel overwhelmed. By putting a plan in place and doing some prep work well before you start the moving process, you can nip that problem in the bud. 

  • Start with your utilities. The last thing you want is to move into your new home and realize the water hasn’t been turned on yet. About a month in advance, call up your local utility and other service providers (e.g., electricity, gas, water, trash, cable, internet, etc.) and let them know you want to transfer your services. If your current provider isn’t available where you’re moving, let them know the date you need service terminated. Then set up a new account to have service turned on a few days before your move-in date.
  • Hire movers early. We recommend booking no later than two weeks in advance. If you wait until just before your move date, the higher-rated and/or cheaper companies will almost certainly be booked.
  • Clean stuff as you pack them, so you’re unpacking items that have already been dusted and wiped down.
  • Pack a special suitcase with a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, and anything else you might need to have on hand before all your belongings are unpacked. (Bonus: If you need to head into the office during or shortly after the move, make sure you set aside work clothes on hangers so they won’t be wrinkled.)

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

Yes, it’s time—get seriously organized about your move

Feeling like your day is out of control or worrying that your belongings are missing is definitely stressful. Keeping your move as organized as possible will minimize that stress.

  • Create an inventory of everything that’s being packed and moved. Label your boxes clearly, by room, so your movers know exactly where to unload them. Then write down everything that’s in each box. Print a few copies of your inventory in case one gets lost. When your movers begin unpacking, you can reference your list and ensure everything is accounted for. 
  • Make a moving day checklist with a realistic timeline. With this checklist, you can input to-do entries from six weeks before, counting down to the big day. 
  • Have the names and phone numbers/emails of all your points of contact for move day saved, in case you need to reach someone on the fly.

Build in some buffer times leading up to move day

Everyone hopes that moving day goes smoothly. Of course, there’s always a chance that mishaps derail your schedule. Packing might take longer than expected, or maybe your movers forget something at your old place.

Whatever may or may not happen, try not to schedule everything down to the wire. 

  • It can help to tackle packing in small chunks—in between your other life responsibilities—instead of trying to get everything done in a matter of days. For example, start small; go one room at a time, beginning with your least-used rooms. You might also negotiate with the buyer/seller to give you more time in your current home.
  • Consider booking an extra day with your rental vehicle. You never know what obstacles you’ll face while packing the truck or what extra stops you’ll make along the way.
  • If you need to take some time off of work to accomplish your move, try to schedule an extra day after your move to decompress, if you have the vacation time available. You’ll likely be arranging furniture, unpacking boxes, and organizing closets for days or weeks after the official move-in date.

Outsource your responsibilities as much as possible

Many people plan on a total DIY move, taking on too many responsibilities for their timeline. This is where reasonable outsourcing comes in.

 

“…[T]he best time to move is during the off-season, either October-November or March-April. This is when you’re most likely to experience the mildest weather conditions.”

 

Even if you’re a bit strapped for cash, there are solutions to get the help you need for a stress-free move. Here are some tips to consider for outsourcing your moving tasks:

  • Hire professionals when possible. Having movers and cleaners come in to give a hand can make a big difference. Some people even hire professional organizers and packers. If you have smaller jobs that need to get done, consider using TaskRabbit or Porch.
  • Mine your support system for help. If you don’t have a ton of extra cash, ask family and friends to help out. Maybe you have a parent who can babysit while you focus on directing the movers, or a buddy with a truck who can help you save money on transporting larger items.
  • Delegate tasks as much as possible. If you have a spouse, children or teenagers, heck, even nieces or nephews, go ahead and put them to work. Cleaning, packing, and other smaller tasks are not nearly as difficult when it’s a group project.

Choose the right day and time for moving day

When you move is just as important as how. Attempting to move during times of high traffic or bad weather will only add to the stress of the situation. 

  • According to HireAHelper data, the best time to move is during the off-season, either October-November or March-April. This is when you’re most likely to experience the mildest weather conditions.
  • It’s always a good idea to check the forecast and try to plan accordingly. If it is raining or snowing, you’ll have to consider appropriate footwear and rain gear, as well as whatever protection you need to keep your furniture and boxes dry, such as a tarp, large umbrellas, or big garbage bags. 
  • Most people try to move on the weekends when they’re most likely to have time off of work (and family/friends are more likely to be available to help), so it can pay to wait until mid-week. Booking your move for a Tuesday or Wednesday will help ensure you can get a reservation with your chosen moving company, and at a lower rate. 
  • Schedule your move for the morning. Your movers are less likely to run into traffic or other issues that can cause delays. Plus, you’ll get into your new space sooner, so you can start unpacking and getting settled in. 

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

Don’t forget to food prep snacks and drinks for the day of the move

Let’s be honest, no one wants to deal with you when you’re “hangry”. But the hustle and bustle of moving might mean you skip meals or have to resort to fast food. 

Be sure to prep some easy, maybe healthy meals like sandwiches or salads, along with some disposable cutlery. Have portable snacks handy, too, such as nuts, string cheese, jerky and other foods that will help you feel full and focused. And don’t forget to carry plenty of water with you to avoid getting dehydrated.


There’s no guarantee any move will be entirely stress-free. But if you prepare well ahead of time, pace yourself, and have a game plan, a lot of the usual anxiety-causing culprits won’t seem so bad. And remember, outsourcing help for your move is a surefire way to take some of the tasks off your to-do list.

Moving for a Job? Hiring Experts Share Their Best Job Relocation Tips

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They say that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Okay, but what if your dream position exists at a company that’s hundreds  – even thousands – of miles away from where you live?

As of 2018, about 10% of U.S. job seekers chose to relocate for work. Moving long-distance can be particularly tough, especially if you’re not prepared for the financial and logistical requirements. So if you’re thinking about moving cross-country for a job, here’s what you should know first.

Are in-office jobs coming back?

Though remote work has been growing, especially in light of the pandemic, it is inescapable that a segment of the population will always need to work in person. Experts describe the current landscape as shifted, not irreversibly changed.

“Many employers are saying that they are willing to provide flexibility to work remotely some days of the week, but also will expect you to be in office some days for various reasons,” says Diane Farrell, director of career services at the University of North Georgia.

Some of those reasons include establishing company culture and fostering collaboration, which isn’t quite the same over Zoom.  “Therefore, relocation is still expected for many in-office job candidates.” No matter how much the world changes, this is still going to be a hurdle for a lot of people.

Seriously consider whether moving cross-country for work is for you

But before getting into the nitty-gritty details of moving across the country for a job, the first step is to think carefully about whether that’s the right choice for you and your family. Packing up your life and restarting it thousands of miles away is something worth considering carefully.

But there are plenty of advantages to moving out of state for a new job. “If the opportunity is amazing and not something you would be able to do in your current location (such as working on Wall Street, which is only in Manhattan), then that’s a pro for sure,” tells us Vicki Salemi, Monster.com career expert.

And don’t discount the effect of a new environment and new people. “A change of scenery and new energy may be an invigorating addition to this new job,” Salemi says. It’s cliche, but a fresh start in a new city may be just what you need to get motivated and climb the career ladder.

On the other hand, there are a ton of steps involved in moving long-distance that are easy to forget. You have to transfer your utilities, update your license and car registration, get your kids’ school records moved, find a new dentist—the list goes on. Oh, and you also have to impress your new boss and stay on top of your new job responsibilities while getting settled in your new home.

How much does moving for a job cost?

An interstate household move costs between $3,500 -$6,000 on average, depending on who you choose to move you.

Moving cross-country for a job definitely requires some time and money. But for the right position, it can be well worth it. The key is to plan for the costs and find ways to save anywhere possible, including trying to get your new employer to pay for some of that (more on that later).

Use websites to do the math on living in a new city

One of the big questions about job relocation is whether you’ll end up in a city that’s more or less expensive to live in than your previous town. “You’ll need to adjust to a new lifestyle, and in some instances, that may be a hardship,” Salemi says. For instance, if you land a job that’s in a major city, but you’ve been living in the suburbs, you might have to pay more for your mortgage or rent, or settle for a smaller place. 

Research sites that compare your current city to your potential new one.

Taxes are one component of cost of living (COL) that can have a big impact on your budget. If you’re moving from a state with no state taxes into one with high taxes, while it won’t impact your compensation, it will net a lower amount direct-deposited into your bank account,” Salemi says. 

The opposite holds true, too. Moving to a state with no income tax (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wyoming) or no sales tax (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon) could save you thousands of dollars per year. That’s an important factor to weigh when evaluating your overall compensation package. 

“An interstate household move costs between $3,500 -$6,000 on average, depending on who you choose to move you.”

 

Another COL factor you may not consider until it’s too late is insurance. Depending on the state you move to, you may have to find new auto, home, and health insurance. You may end up with higher premiums and even a lapse in coverage if you don’t plan for it prior to the move. “Changing health insurance may leave you with a gap. Consider how you can stay covered…talk to HR,” Farrell says.

A site with comparative tools, like BestPlaces.net, can be a useful resource for comparing where you live to where you plan to move. You can compare factors such as housing costs, healthcare, utilities and more to see how local expenses measure up against what you’re used to spending.

Never ever be afraid to leverage cost of living in your negotiations

Once you have an idea of what the cost of living is in your new job’s city, compare that to your salary and benefits package. “Cost of living factors into how salary is determined, so when you’re moving to another state, determine how you’ll be impacted, whether higher or lower, and that can help you determine if this salary is equitable with the new location,” Salemi says.

If your compensation seems to fall short, use that COL data, as well as personal characteristics such as industry, skill level, and experience to negotiate a better package. And yes, you should always – virtually without exception – negotiate your salary.

Even if you can’t get your employer to budge much on the actual salary, there are ways to account for the cost of living beyond your paycheck. According to Salemi, some factors to negotiate outside of salary include:

  • Sign-on bonus
  • Relocation Bonus
  • Additional paid time off
  • Additional days working from home

Consider living outside your new job’s ZIP Code (this is attractive to recruiters)

Just because your job is located in a swanky part of the city doesn’t mean you actually have to live there. If cost of living is going to be a roadblock for accepting a new job, seriously consider moving to a more affordable neighboring town to your new job. Doing so could also help you land a job if you’re competing for a role in a major metropolitan area.

“When I recruited positions for NYC, I always received countless resumes. Competition was tight,” Salemi says. “However, when I recruited positions for Stamford and Short Hills, both 45 minutes from the NYC office, I received only a handful of applications. Candidates who applied to positions outside NYC had more of a chance of not only getting interviewed, but getting hired.”

So if you’re looking to relocate to another state for a job, research the office locations and surrounding neighborhoods. “Keep an open mind to pursue both your dream location as well as nearby one that may get less interest in and therefore, less competition,” Salemi says.

Always ask about a company’s relocation assistance 

relocation assistance

Once you considered the implications of moving to another state, it’s time to talk about the long-distance moving process. If you’re moving for a job, your employer may offer you some sort of relocation assistance. Not all do, but your chances are better if you’re moving into a high-level or specialized position, recruiters say.

“The offering of a relocation package depends on the level of the position you are seeking and or how difficult it is to find candidates that are qualified in the local area,” Diane Farrell suggests. 

She explains that relocation packages are relatively common for director or manager level roles and above, depending on the industry. “The higher the position, the more likely they will offer a relocation package,” she says. Even so, certain fields like technology and engineering tend to offer relocation assistance to all levels of employees, since their roles are often highly specialized.

What’s in a relocation package, exactly?

If an employer does offer relocation assistance, it can come in a couple different forms. Some companies offer a flat amount to cover your moving expenses, anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 is possible, according to Salemi. Others will offer to reimburse receipts from a moving company.

As far as what’s covered by a relocation package, there are a number of expenses that could qualify. Here’s a closer look at what you could get covered or reimbursed:

Professional packing and unpacking: Whether you decide to hire a full moving company or just professional packers to help you load up your moving truck, your relocation package will likely cover some or all of the cost. That includes packing up your belongings and then unpacking once you get to your destination.

Moving supplies: From boxes to tape to bubble wrap, the costs of supplies can add up. A relocation package will likely include some budget for these types of packing materials. 

Moving container: If you decide to go more of the DIY route, you may decide to pack your belongings in a moving container rather than hiring a full-service moving company. If that’s the case, your new employer may cover some or all of the cost to hire a moving container company.

Home sale: If you currently own your home, you’ll have to sell in order to move cross-country. Your relocation package could cover a variety of costs associated with that, such as the cost of listing your home to assisting with any losses you incur from selling quickly.

Lease-breaking fee: On the other hand, if you’re a renter, you may get reimbursed for any penalties paid for having to break your lease early.

House hunting: It’s not unusual for a relocation package to include some budget to send you house hunting in the new destination at least once. That may include transportation, lodging, meals, child care, and more.

Closing costs: If you end up buying a house in your new destination, your relocation package may cover closing costs and other associated fees.

Storage: You could end up in a temporary housing situation as you wait to secure an apartment or buy a home. In the meantime, you might have to store some of your belongings in storage until you lock down a lease. Relocation packages often cover this type of expense, whether it’s a storage facility or container that sits on your property until it’s ready to be unloaded.

Transportation: If you end up driving cross-country for your new job, your relocation package may include reimbursement for gas and other expenses incurred on the road. If you need to fly, you could get reimbursed for plane tickets and even shipping your car. Hotels and meals while on the road could also be included.

Keep in mind that every relocation package is different. It could include all of these costs and then some, or only a portion of these expenses. When talking to your future employer about relocation and compensation, you should ask to have any major expenses that are pertinent to your situation covered. You may be able to negotiate a better package than you originally received.

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Budget ahead of time for what your employer won’t cover

Now that you have an idea of how much it costs to live in your new city compared to your old one, plus you know how much your future employer is willing to compensate you, it’s time to figure out how much the actual move will cost. Do this as far ahead of time as possible, because you’ll likely need a couple of months or more to save up, EVEN if your employer is helping.

Moving costs will vary widely depending on where you’re going and which expenses will be covered by your employer. At the very least, you should set aside some funds to pay for the actual move.

Know your moving options

When it comes to moving your belongings (aside from doing it all with your own bare hands), experts suggest you have three main possibilities:

  • Hire professional movers: If you want to go the full-service route, hiring a professional moving company is your best bet. They will pack up your belongings, load them on the truck, and unpack everything for you. Though it’s more convenient, this option is also generally the most expensive. It can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000 (or more), on average, to hire movers for a long-distance move, according to Consumer Affairs. The cost will largely depend on the size of your home (i.e., how much stuff needs to be moved) and how far you’re moving
  • Rent your own moving truck: If you want to be in control of the moving process from beginning to end, you might want to rent a moving truck. You will do the transporting yourself, but you can hire movers to do loading and unloading to save money over a full-service move. To move about 1,000 miles, a truck rental costs around $533 for a 16-foot truck (which can handle about 2-3 bedrooms), plus gas and surcharges. If you want to upgrade to a 26-foot truck, you’ll pay around $823 or more
  • Use a shipping container: The nice thing about using a shipping container (aka a “moving container”) is that you can take your time packing up! Once you’re ready, the moving container company will pick it up and drop it off at your destination. Then you have some more time to unpack at your leisure. If you need extra time unpacking, it doubles as storage (for an added fee). Shipping containers are a good combo of DIY packing with professional drivers. This option tends to cost around $2,000 to $3,000 for a long-distance move, with storage included
moving options
Sites like Moving101 can help line up all your moving options, including pros and cons, and avg. price.

Finally, don’t forget about moving supply costs! Between packing tape, bubble wrap, labels, sharpies, and other miscellaneous packing supplies, you might need to spend a few hundred dollars ensuring your belongings are safe and secure. For example, supplies to move a one-bedroom apartment cost around $69-$90. A two-bedroom home will run closer to $178-$197, and the costs increase from there. (If you get movers, oftentimes they will cover the cost of most if not all of these things.)

If you need some help with the savings side of things for all this stuff, a budgeting app such as Mint or You Need A Budget can help. These tools allow you to set savings goals and track your progress way ahead of your move.

What if I don’t have a job lined up yet?

Moving across the country for a job offer is one thing. But what if you want to move somewhere for better job opportunities, but don’t actually have anything lined up yet?

This is a matter of personal preference and risk tolerance, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, all the experts suggest. It definitely helps if you have family or friends you can stay with until you land a job, and in the meantime be able to network locally and adjust to the new environment. When you score that job, you won’t have to adjust to everything all at once and can focus on the new job.

 

“Candidates who applied to positions outside NYC had more of a chance of not only getting interviewed, but getting hired.”

– Vicki Salemi, Monster.com career expert

 

“Other people may feel more comfortable networking remotely and interviewing from their current location, then moving once they secure the offer of employment,” Salemi suggests. It really comes down to financials, what you’re most comfortable with, and where you can conduct the most productive job search.

(If you’re staying with your sister who has four kids and three dogs, finding a quiet space to conduct Zoom interviews may be challenging.) 

How to start the process of looking for a new job in a new city

job hunting

Get a current snapshot of the job market: It’s a good idea to do extensive research on the area you’re relocating to. Is it exploding? Shrinking? Which industries are hot? Keep this in mind, because you may not want to stay in this new job forever. “Ensure you’re moving to a location with viable opportunities beyond the one right in front of you,” Salemi streses.

Visit, do some recon: If possible, visit the new city before you make your decision to move. Photos and virtual tours just don’t tell the whole story. “If you can’t visit, use your network to see if someone you know has friends or family in that area,” Farrell says. “Arrange to talk with them about what they like about living there and any drawbacks to the area.”

Network (virtually) ahead of time: Start reaching out to locals in your industry who could be potential referrals to gigs in the area. “Use LinkedIn to find people in your field who are working in that region. Reach out to connect and see if they are willing to talk,” Farrell says.

Save up: Moving without a job lined up is a risky move, especially because you don’t actually know how long it’ll take to secure a position and start earning a paycheck. Aside from the budgeting you’re already doing for the move, you should have a few extra months’ worth of expenses saved up to float you until you get hired. “If you are renting, most property owners want to see you have employment before they will rent to you, so you need to consider where you will stay if you move before landing the job,” Farrell says. 

Create an out for your current place: If you currently own a home, timing can be tricky. Consider the housing market in your current area and price it to make sure it sells – a good real estate agent can help. If you plan to buy in the next location, begin looking well in advance. “Consider whether there will be a lag between when you arrive and when you can move into your new residence. You may need to investigate local hotels or other interim housing if you expect to experience a gap,” Farrell says.


Starting a new life hundreds of miles away is not a decision you want to make lightly.  What is an exciting opportunity for one person could feel like a scary and daunting transition for another. But if you’re ready to take on the challenge of a new job in a new city, be sure to negotiate your relocation and compensation package for a smooth long-distance move.

We Asked 12 Professional Organizers How They Made Their Moves Easier

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While moving to a new home is exciting, it is also an overwhelming task due to all the things that need to be done before, during, and after you start enjoying new adventures and experiences. Just thinking about preparing for a big move can make you feel anxious. We reached out to expert home organizers and asked them for tips to help you overcome this task.

Read on to check out our list of easy moving and packing tips.

How do you get organized before moving?

Getting organized for a move requires a project management approach. You will have extensive lists and planning to help you keep your sanity.

  • Start with developing a timeline for your move. Work backward on your timeline to include dates the movers will load the truck, packers will arrive, the time you will be off residence while packing occurs, decluttering, change of address, optional items you will sell or donate before the move, and other items coming out of storage for your move. Record this timeline in your planner.
  • Add team members to your project. This includes movers, packers, professional organizers, childcare help, and other resources. It’s much harder to do this project entirely alone. Be sure to add the cost of all these additional tasks to add to your budget.
  • Start decluttering at least THREE months in advance, if you can. You can eliminate what you don’t use or need at your new residence. This saves you money and lowers your stress.
  • Keep your move organized with labels. Have plenty of markers available to write the contents on your boxes. You can label the boxes with a room name or assign a number to the room. Your movers will appreciate knowing that they can unload in the correct room without your direction because you have labeled the rooms and boxes.
  • Remember the “last in, first out” box, and your personal needs during this move. The last in, first out box should contain all the hardware for beds and the remote controls. These are vital to your happiness during the first 24 hours in your new home. Your personal needs items include medications and stuffed animals that must be a part of your first night in your home.
  • Keep calm and carry on! It will take a little longer than you like to settle in, even with every box unpacked. Happy moves happen with a plan!

-Ellen R. Delap at Professional Organizer

How exactly do you make a schedule for moving?

Moving has been ranked as one of the three most stressful life experiences! The good newsit doesn’t have to be. I’ve been helping people with all aspects of moving for over 15 years, and my biggest tip for less stress and a smooth move is to create a moving schedule with specific dates as soon as you decide to move. 

  • Start with an old-school blank calendar. Even if your whole life is digital, there is something about seeing your key dates on paper – starting with your move date and current commitments – that gives you a realistic overview of what to do when. 
  • Search online for “move checklist for a general sense of the steps involved. Most will have a 6-8 week plan. The checklist I use with clients is 18 pages long to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Customize the checklist to reflect your needs and time frame. If you’re moving locally, there’s less to do; there’s more to do if you’re planning to pack and move yourself and not use movers (Pro tip: unless your move is very small, it’s worth getting a free quote from movers – hiring movers is usually money well spent.) 

  • Make appointments with folks who can helpfrom professional organizers to help manage your move and declutter beforehand to movers to handymen to install your TV and window treatments.
  • Block out time in your main calendar to work on your move.
  • Stick to your schedule – and adjust as necessary. Plan for the unexpected!

By creating a realistic, comprehensive moving schedule, you’ll save yourself time, money, and aggravation and will feel in control of the process. Get started!

-Lisa Zaslow at Gotham Organizers

How do you pack kitchen items?

Use small boxes when packing a kitchen and label the boxes with the roomkitchen, dining room, or pantryand with the contents. 

Pare down your kitchen items as you pack. Get rid of any gadgets that only do one thing (avocado slicer, banana saver, lettuce knife, etc.) Movers charge by weight. If you have a set of china, crystal, or silver you haven’t used in years, get rid of that before you pay to move it! 

Use up the food and pantry items you already have and don’t buy anything in bulk for the last few months in your old house. If you come across expired foods and spices, throw those away as you pack.  

Finally, pack your kitchen in phases

Up to 2 months ahead:

Pack entertaining/party supplies or anything you know won’t need before you move. 

If you are moving far away, think ahead of time about who can use your extra food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies when you leave. Women’s shelters often take these kinds of things, even if they have been opened. 

Up to 2 weeks ahead:

Pack up everything else in the kitchen by category, leaving out the bare essentials. You want to leave enough plates and glasses, napkins, and sippy cups for your family to cook and eat for a day. Pack all but one pot and two pans, two dishtowels, etc. Think about what you’d find in a rental unit. Leave just the basics, nothing extra. 

The day before you move out:

Pack up these everyday supplies and food (if it’s a local move). Label those boxes “KitchenOPEN FIRST.” Once you arrive in your new kitchen, you can open those 2-3 boxes and make due until you have time to unpack fully. 

Nonnahs at Get Organized Already

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Tips for packing your clothes

My favorite tips for packing clothes begin with a plan!

Before I pull anything out of the closet, I make a list of the specialty pieces I may need for where I’m going (e.g., exercise clothes, swimsuit, ski jacket, etc.) I also note if I need multiples, like four pairs of ski socks, for four days of skiing.

Then, I make a note of how many days of clothes I’ll need, how many nights (pajamas), as well as anything else, like underclothes and belts. I’ll also look up the weather, so I know I want to take long-sleeved tops and not short sleeves. I’ll pull out however many of each item and scratch it off my list. I consider myself a “folder”, so I like to fold these items into stacks that will fit neatly into my suitcase or bag. But, if rolling works better for your wrinkle-prone pieces, please do so! Laying out the items in stacks or rolls also allows me to quickly assess whether I need a piece of luggage in a different size. Now that I’ve secured my clothes, I can snugly fit shoes, accessories, and toiletries in the space between clothes’ stacks and other pockets. 

-Amy Trager at Amy Trager

What order should you pack in?

Begin with the home areas that you use the least because you will have to live without these items from now until you have unpacked in the new space. Start with rooms you rarely use or are mainly used for storage, like guest bedrooms, rooms of children away at college, and the basement, attic, and garage. 

Consider whether you really need and want to keep the item. Keep a boxed marked “Donate” by the doorway. Any item that doesn’t make the cut for your new home should go there. As you pack, move carefully stacked, inventoried, and labeled boxes to one side so you can see your progress as items “disappear” and the boxes are filled.

Methodically move cabinet-by-cabinet, or drawer-by-drawer. However, because there may still be weeks (or more) until you move, you will now not only consider whether to move, donate or discard something, but you may need to keep it in place until much closer to moving day. 

If it’s winter, pack the summer clothes and shoes from your closets. In living or family rooms, keep the TV and sound system, but pack up the books, puzzles, photo albums, and games. In the linen closet, pack everything except one change of sheets per bed and a few extra blankets. In the kitchen for your remaining time at home, pack whatever you can live without (e.g., gadgets, small appliances you rarely use, specialty supplies, and items). In your home office, pack all of your files in bankers boxes, and pack office supplies you won’t need daily in a separate container. Box up financial files and essential documents related to the move separately to travel with you; don’t leave them with the movers.

In areas you use most often, envision what you’d pack if you were setting up a vacation cottage for just a few weeks. Only leave minimal cookware, enough supplies to prepare simple meals, and adequate silverware, plates, and glasses to serve your needs for your time away. Then, pack everything else, leaving only your imaginary vacation essentials unboxed until right before moving day!

While packing, if you find something in the “wrong” space, move it to the room that corresponds to where it will go in your new house.

Finally, the only things left to pack should be what you will need for the first few days in your new home. Use a small suitcase or duffel bag for each person’s clothes, accessories, school or work items, toiletries, and medications, plus a box of first-night essentials like chargers, toilet paper, and a new shower curtain. Keep these items and all financial records safely with you during transit.

-Julie Bestry at Julie Bestry 

moving tips

The top 3 most important factors before moving

  1. Take time to declutter before moving. Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter since everything has to be touched anyway. Ask yourself if you use or love each item and have a place to store it in your new home. If you don’t use or don’t love it or you can’t easily store it, now’s a great time to let it go. You won’t have to pack it, move it, and unpack it.
  2. Organize your packing. If you’re packing yourself, group items that go together in a room into categories and pack them in the same boxes. That way, you can label each box with a category. (For example, a kitchen box might also have the label food storage containers.) That will make it easier to unpack in an organized fashion and, if it takes you a while to unpack, you’ll be able to find the appropriate box if you’re looking for something. If you hire movers to pack, take the time to group categories of items together before they pack so that your boxes don’t contain a hodgepodge of stuff. Try to also label your boxes for the destination room (not the origin room) so that movers can get them into the right room. 
  3. Start early. The earlier you start organizing and decluttering, the less likely you will pay to move stuff you end up donating on the other end. Starting early also cuts down on stress and makes the move calmer. You’re more likely to get the dates you want with movers if you book them early. And if you’re hiring a professional organizing company or move manager to help, the earlier they get on board, the easier everything will be.

-Janine Adams at Peace of Mind Organizing

How do you pack valuables?

It’s going to depend on what the valuables are. If you still have the original packaging for jewelry (or anything!), use that. If any of your valuables are fragile, it may be worth hiring professionals to pack them.

  • See if you can lighten your load of any physical paper you don’t need anymore. For example, if you have care instructions for valuables, can you scan them? Or, if you have a valuation and a scanned copy is enough proof, shred the physical paper.
  • You will want to keep valuables like medicines and prescriptions close and in an “Unpack First Night” box, or in your suitcase or toiletries.
  • If you can’t keep valuables close, mark the box by room instead of by content. For example, “Living Room” instead of “Antique Vase”.
  • Keep track of all your valuables with some system. Take pictures, write descriptions and values. Consider an app like Sortly to keep track of everything.
  • If you’re using a packing cube or driving yourself, invest in a disc lock, as they’re a lot harder to break.
  • Use an inexpensive tracking device like Tile or TrackR so you’ll be able to know where your items are if you’re using a truck.

– Julie Coraccio at Reawaken Your Brilliance

What do you unpack first at your new home?

Be sure to unpack the rooms that you use daily first. Necessity is always first when it comes to unpacking. Think logically about the things that you will use first; sleeping, eating, and taking a shower are the essential and first activities you’ll do in your new home.  

The bedroom: After a long day of traveling and packing, you are going to want a good night’s sleep in your own bed. Reassemble the bed frame, unpack your sheets and make up your bed along with the pillows and bedspread. The rest of your bedroom items can wait. 

Set up the bathroom. You’ll feel instantly at-home if you get yourself settled into the bathroom. Hang a shower curtain, fill the medicine cabinet, and hang your towels. 

Next can be the kitchen, or kids and pet items. 

-Betsy Fein at Clutterbusters

How many days before moving should I start packing?

If you are packing yourself, ideally you’ll start packing as soon as you know you are moving! But as far as three months will make things easier (and cheaper) for you.

People often wait until the last minute and then get overwhelmed. We recommend starting to pack non-essential items (e.g., holiday, guest room, memories, decor, etc.) and queue them up in the garage, or a less frequently used space in the home. Make sure to set aside and identify things you’ll need during the move (e.g., clothing, pet care, personal items, linens, chargers, etc.), and as the move date gets closer, start packing more and more. By the time you are a few days out, the only things left should be furniture and a few bare essentials. This gives space to deal with any issues or emergencies and reduces the overall stress of the move. Be sure to label every box with its contents and final destination!

-Liz Jenkins at A Fresh Space

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How do you move perishable food (i.e., refrigerated/frozen foods)?

Take an inventory of what you have

One month prior to your scheduled move date, create an inventory of the perishable food you have on hand throughout the house (don’t forget the refrigerator in the garage and the deep freezer in the basement).

Create a plan to shrink your inventory

Your plan for dealing with perishable food will depend on a few factors:

  • Whether your move is local vs. long distance
  • Whether you are using a moving company

It’s important to understand that there are sometimes laws that prevent movers from transporting perishable items. So whatever you plan to move will need to be transported by you. Given these limitations, your goal should focus on reducing the volume of refrigerated and frozen food you have as much as possible before moving day.

With your inventory in hand, create a meal plan for the next few weeks that incorporates the food you want to consume. When you’re a week away from your move date, reassess what you still have and determine if anything can be given away to neighbors, family, or friends.

Locate your portable coolers and make sure you have plenty of ice packs on hand if you plan to transport any perishables on move day.

Prepare food for move day

On the morning of your move, set aside whatever food you need for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that day. If you are moving locally, pack whatever food remains in your coolers with ice packs. If it’s a long-distance move, you’ll need to toss whatever perishables remain.

By planning, you can avoid wasting food (and money!) during the move process.

– Natalie Gallagher at R​efined Rooms

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Is there a packing system you recommend for a move?

Make a checklist of your items! – It is the one thing you need to prepare for a move and the best way of not forgetting anything. List all the things you need for your move, for example, purchasing boxes and tape. Include all the rooms that still need to get packed. Don’t forget to add a list of what you need to do before and after moving, like any spaces in your home that need to be repaired or painted. You won’t regret having a list!

Color code boxes and rooms When it comes to packing systems, I am all about setting up color-coding systems for each room, such as red for the kitchen, blue for the bathroom, yellow for the bedrooms and, so on. Then when you start packing, you can tape the box with the corresponding room color. It does not have to be the entire box, but enough to see where the boxes will belong. By giving each room of your new home a designated color with tape or even a sign on the door, it makes it super easy for your movers to put boxes in those areas.

Label boxes by room and sub-section – You can keep it simple with the name of where it will go. However, I like to take it a step further. For example, for the bathroom, instead of writing just the location of where it is going to, I would write “Bathroom Shower Items” or “Bathroom Under The Sink”. This will make it easier to unpack those items in the new home.

-Shanice Bannis at City of Creative Dreams

Should you pack by room or item category?

When packing, you should go room by room. However, this is also a great opportunity to first move items that are in the wrong room to the room that they belong to. Mark each box with the room it will go to in the new space and what types of items are packed. If you don’t have the same number of rooms in the new home, consider that as you label your boxes. Unpacking is much easier the more organized you are during the packing process. 

Start by packing the rooms that don’t have as many daily use items in them. On our last move, I started with the garage. After that, the dining room and the living room. Then came the kitchen; I kept out a small number of dishes and utensils we would need before the move. I continued with the bathrooms and bedrooms in much the same way. I boxed up the items we weren’t using daily and labeled each box for where they would go in the new home and what types of things were inside. When we got to the new house, I put papers on the doors saying which room was which, so the movers knew exactly where the boxes should go. It made our move a much smoother process.

-Julianna Poplin at The Simplicity Habit 

Now you are ready for your big day! Follow these tips (and to shave off tons of time, consider hiring a professional mover) to have a way less stressful move.

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