Moving Checklist and Packing Must-Haves for a Stress-Free Transition
- Purely Reserved Solutions
- 5 hours ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 5 minutes ago
Well, here we go again! Time to uproot from the warm weather life we built in the sunshine state over the last decade because the mountains are calling our name in Tennessee! Certainly a bittersweet change indeed as we've truly enjoyed Florida living. While we will miss year-round boating, pool time, going to the beaches, and above all, the beautiful souls we've had the pleasure to know, we're excited to be closer to family and very ready to experience the seasons again with a long overdue change of scenery. So, in order to get busy livin' this new chapter, we must jump through a few necessary hoops that can be daunting but doable with some preparation, lists, and patience. 😅📋✔️
Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, the moving process can be a whirlwind of packing, organizing, and planning. To help you navigate this dynamic, overwhelming life change smoothly, based on personal trial and error, here's an essential moving checklist and packing must-haves that will ensure you’re well-prepared for your big day!
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Create a Moving Timeline
One of the first steps in your approach should be to create a timeline. This will help you stay organized so that you don’t forget any important tasks. Start by setting a moving date and then work backward to outline what needs to be done each week leading up to the move.
Two Months Before: Start decluttering your home. Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away. There's no better time to purge and you can easily find local churches, outreach programs, or charities that would be happy to take your gently used goods.
One Month Before: Begin packing non-essential items. This could include seasonal clothing, books, and decor. Just go room by room and label each box so you don't forget what's inside. Instead of only relying on your Sharpie, use these color coded Packing Box Labels to quickly identify what room each box belongs to. You can even list the items included to make unpacking a breeze.
Two Weeks Before: Confirm your moving company or rental truck. Make sure to gather important documents/valuables and keep them in a safe place.
One Week Before: Pack your essentials box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. (Toiletries, medications, coffee, sheets, towels, etc.)
Moving Day: Ensure you have a plan for the day, including who will help you and what time everything needs to be loaded. Make sure you have cash for tips if applicable.
* Have some snacks on hand for everyone including water, Gatorade, Liquid IV, etc.
Gather Packing Supplies 📦
Having the right packing supplies is crucial for a smooth move. Here’s a list of my preferred must-have items:
Boxes: Get a variety of sizes. Small boxes are great for books, while larger boxes can hold bedding and clothes. *Use those Amazon delivery boxes you've been hoarding.
Markers: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much easier.
Furniture Covers: Double check with your movers about their services to see if they will provide moving blankets and wrap your large furniture. If not, make sure to protect your belongings properly from scratches and dirt during the move.
Packing Tape: Do yourself a favor and invest in good, quality tape like Scotch Heavy Duty to secure your boxes and assume you will need more than you think! Not all tapes are created equal and nobody wants the bottom of a box suddenly falling open only to break Grandma's favorite tea cup she handed down to you.
Bubble Wrap: Protect your fragile items by covering them in this Bubble Cushioning Wrap for an extra layer of safety.
White packing paper is also necessary as it doesn't damage or leave marks like newspaper can. Furthermore, it’s great for stuffing the extra space left in boxes so items don't shift and break. I went through at least 2 rolls!
Kitchen Moving Boxes with Divider Kit
Perfect for Glassware and tableware. Very durable and easy to carry.
Talk about space saving and long term storage safety. Keep the dust out and your linens fresh with these heavy duty vacuum seal bags. This one comes with a pump but your vacuum will make fast work of it.
One of my favorite purchases that I will continue using well after the move under the sink for toiletries and in the office for extra supplies.
These large zippered bags are super handy for clothes, linens, towels etc., and will be used over and over for camping, storage, or travel. Plus they fold down flat for future needs.
I put these silica gel packs into almost every box to absorb moisture especially if going into storage. They're even practical in every day life for drawers, shoes, electronics, tools, jewelry, and more.
Plastic Wrap Stretch Film Roll
Now this is a super useful/satisfying tool to protect your boxes and keep things dry or simply for adding another layer of protection to valuables.
Rhino Retractable Ratchet Straps
If you're doing some of the moving yourself then these retractable straps are a lifesaver. Great for your truck bed or roof rack to secure belongings safely.
We purchased a few of these clear garment bags to help keep our clothes clean during the process and even for after the move. Nice to be able to see what's inside verses guessing when I've used large trash bags in the past.
These tall sturdy wardrobe boxes were a great purchase for our suits, dresses, and extra coats. Especially if you're having to put items in storage for a while.
Organize Your Belongings
As you pack, it’s important to stay organized, so here are some tips to help you keep track of your belongings:
Room-by-Room Packing: Again, pack one room at a time and label each box accordingly. This will help you and the movers know where everything goes when you arrive at your new home, saving time and headaches.
Inventory List: Create an inventory list of all your boxes and their contents. I know, I know, sounds tedious but you will feel much better if you do! This will help you keep track of everything and ensure nothing gets lost. I just made a spreadsheet in Excel so now I'll know where to look for something if we don't unpack every box right away.
Essentials Box: Pack a separate box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents. This box should be the last one loaded and the first one unloaded, preferably kept with you at all times.
Notify Important Parties
Don’t forget to notify important parties about your move. This includes:
Utility Companies: Schedule disconnection and reconnection of utilities like electricity, water, and internet.
Post Office: Set up mail forwarding to ensure you receive your mail at your new address. It's best to do this two weeks beforehand to ensure the postal service has time to make the change for proper delivery.
Banks and Insurance Providers: Update your address with your bank and any insurance providers.
Friends and Family: Let your friends and family know your new address so they can stay in touch.
Prepare for Moving Day
Moving day can be chaotic, so it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you manage the day:
Have a Plan: Know who will be helping you and what tasks need to be done. Assign roles to friends or family members to streamline the process.
Stay Hydrated and Fed: Moving is hard work, so make sure to have snacks and drinks available for everyone helping.
Keep Important Items Accessible: Make sure your essentials box is easily accessible, and keep important documents/valuables with you.
Take Breaks: Moving can be exhausting, so don’t forget to take breaks and rest when needed.
If you're moving long distance, assume that your moving truck won't be able to meet you for a few days depending the company and their schedule. So make sure you have lodging, luggage, and travels lined up appropriately.
Unpacking and Settling In
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, the work isn’t over yet. Here are some tips for unpacking and settling in:
Unpack Essentials First: Start with your essentials box and any items you need immediately.
Room-by-Room Unpacking: Just like packing, unpack one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. *Pro tip- Make your bed first! At the end of the day you will be exhausted and it's nice to have this task complete so you can fall right in when it's time to sleep!
Take Your Time: Don’t rush the unpacking process. Take your time to arrange your new space in a way that feels comfortable. If you're like me, you're gonna switch things around anyway until they finally look right.
Explore Your New Neighborhood: Once you’re settled, take some time to explore your new neighborhood. Find local shops, parks, and restaurants to make your current community feel like home. 🏡
Your Next Chapter Starts Here: Complete Moving Checklist and Essential Must-Haves For A Stress-Free Transition
Don't let moving be a intimidating task, with the right mindset, checklist, and must-haves, you can make the process as smooth as possible. By planning ahead, staying organized, and preparing for moving day, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new home.
Remember, it’s not just about the move itself, but also about creating a space where you can make new memories. Ultimately, change is good and we've got this! Happy moving! 💫