If you’re like me, you love the idea of moving into a new home and starting fresh. But you also dread the hassle and headache of packing, loading, transporting, and unpacking all your stuff. Am I right?

Well, what if I told you that moving doesn’t have to be so stressful? These 12 tips are going to make your next move a little easier, cheaper, or more enjoyable.  

1. Hiring Movers? Book Them Early

One of the first things you need to do when you’re planning a move is to book your movers. Trust me, you don’t want to leave this until the last minute. Because moving companies are in high demand and they fill up their calendars fast. Especially during peak seasons like summer or holidays.

So as soon as you know your moving date, call around and get some quotes from different movers. And be sure to tell them exactly what you have to move. If you have any bulky or heavy items like a piano, a couch, or a fridge, let them know upfront. Because they might need a bigger truck or more helpers to handle those items.

You don’t want to end up with a situation where the movers show up and they can’t fit everything in their truck. Or worse, they damage your stuff because they don’t have enough manpower or equipment. That would be a nightmare!

So do yourself a favor and book your movers early. And give them all the details they need to make your move smooth and easy.

2. Let the Pros Do the Packing

Another way to make your move easier is to let the pros do the packing for you. I know, I know. It might sound like a splurge. But trust me, it’s worth it. Because packing can be one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts of moving.

Think about it. You have to sort through all your stuff, decide what to keep and what to toss, wrap everything carefully, label every box, and make sure nothing gets lost or broken. That’s a lot of work!

But when you hire packers, they take care of all that for you. They’re fast, efficient, and careful. They know how to pack your fragile items securely so they don’t get damaged in transit. And they usually pack everything the day before your move so you don’t have to worry about living out of boxes for weeks.

So if you can afford it, I highly recommend hiring packers for your move. It will save you a ton of time and hassle. And it will make your moving day a lot more enjoyable.

3. Ditch the Excess

Now would be a great opportunity to ditch excess clutter. I know how tempting it can be to pack everything and sort it out later. But trust me, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle if you donate, sell or recycle any unwanted items before you move. Not only will you have less stuff to pack and unpack, but you’ll also feel more excited and confident about starting fresh in your new home. Plus, you’ll do some good for the planet and other people who can use your stuff more than you.

4. Schedule Services

One of the things you don’t want to overlook when you’re moving is your utilities and services. Because you don’t want to end up in your new home without electricity, water, internet, or any other essential service. That would be a disaster!

So make sure you handle these changes early and schedule them ahead of time. You’ll need to contact your current providers and let them know when you’re moving out. And you’ll need to contact your new providers and let them know when you’re moving in.

Some of the services you might need to transfer or start at your new home are:

• Electric
• Water
• Trash service
• Internet/TV/Phone
• Gas
• Lawn service
• Pool service
• Security system monitoring

You can usually do this online or over the phone. But don’t wait until the last minute. Because some services might take a few days or weeks to set up. And you don’t want to be stuck without them.

So plan ahead and schedule your utilities and services as soon as possible. It will make your transition much smoother and easier.

5. Clean the Home

There’s nothing like moving into a new home that’s sparkling clean and fresh. It makes you feel so good and excited. But unfortunately, not all sellers leave their homes in tip-top shape. Some might leave behind dirt, dust, grime, or even worse.

That’s why I always recommend hiring a professional cleaner to give your new home a thorough scrub before you move in. Trust me, it’s worth every penny. Because you don’t want to deal with cleaning someone else’s mess when you’re already exhausted from moving.

Plus, it will save you a lot of time and energy. You won’t have to worry about bringing your own cleaning supplies or equipment. You won’t have to spend hours scrubbing every nook and cranny.

So do yourself a favor and hire a professional cleaner for your new home. It will make your move-in day so much more pleasant and enjoyable. And it will give you a fresh start in your new place.

6. Pack a Moving Box

One of the smartest things you can do when you’re moving is to pack a moving supply box. This is a box that contains all the essentials you might need during and after your move. Things like:

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Sponge
• All-purpose cleaner and glass cleaner
• Shelf liner paper
• Scissors
• Furniture moving pads
• Tape measure
• Cordless screwdriver
• Hammer
• Picture hanging kit
• Bottled water, snacks, pet food
• Paper plates, cups, and disposable utensils
• Dish Soap and Hand Soap

You’ll be so glad you have this box handy when you’re unpacking and settling in your new home. Because you won’t have to dig through dozens of boxes to find what you need. You won’t have to run to the store every time you need something. And you won’t have to stress about the little things that make a big difference.

So make sure you pack a moving supply box before your move. And keep it with you in your car or truck. It will make your life so much easier and more comfortable.

7. Make Your Beds a Priority

One of the best tips I can give you for your moving day is to make your bed as soon as possible. Trust me, this will make a huge difference in how you feel at the end of the day. Because after a long and exhausting day of moving, all you’ll want to do is curl up in your cozy bed and sleep.

But if your bed is still in pieces or buried under piles of boxes, that’s not going to happen. You’ll have to spend more time and energy putting it together or finding your bedding. And that’s not fun at all.

So do yourself a favor and make your bed a priority on moving day. As soon as your bed frames and mattresses come off the truck, put them together or have the movers put them together. And then make them up with your sheets, blankets, and pillows.

To make this easier, pack all your bedding together in well-marked boxes so you can find them quickly. And keep them close to your bedroom so you don’t have to drag them across the house.

By making your bed early on moving day, you’ll create a comfortable and inviting space for yourself. And you’ll be able to relax and rest when you need it most.

8. Plan for Pets

Don’t forget about your furry friends. Moving day can be stressful and scary for your pets, especially if they get lost or run away in a new place. That’s why I recommend you arrange for your pets to stay with someone you trust, like a family member, a friend, a pet sitter, or a boarding facility. This way, you can focus on moving without worrying about your pets’ safety and comfort. And when you’re ready to welcome them to their new home, you can do it with calmness and love.

9. Do you need help? YES!

Don’t be shy to ask for help. I know you might feel like you have to do everything yourself, but trust me, you’ll be so glad if you let your family and friends lend you a hand. They want to support you and make your move easier, so why not let them? Here are some things they can help you with:

• Line the shelves and drawers in your kitchen and bathroom
• Unpack and store your kitchen stuff (you can always tweak it later!)
• Watch over your kids or keep them busy
• Make your beds and put towels in the bathrooms
• Clean the cabinets and counters
• Flatten the packing boxes
• Hang your clothes in the closets
• Sort out the tools and equipment in the garage
• Grab some lunch or dinner for everyone

10. Hire a Sitter

Find someone to look after your kids. Your little ones are super excited about their new home, new rooms, and yard. They want to be with you, but they’re not into unpacking boxes! That’s why I recommend you get someone who can keep an eye on them while you work. A family member, friend or hired sitter can help them explore their new space, have fun with boxes, or set up their toys in their new rooms without you worrying about where they are.

11. Hire a Handyman

Don’t waste your time hanging art by yourself. Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and not fun at all. That’s why I always recommend hiring a handyman to do it for you. They’ll get it done faster and better than you ever could. And if you’re not sure where to put your wall art or window treatments, you might want to hire a decorator instead. They’ll help you create a beautiful space that reflects your personality and style. And they’ll either hang everything for you or tell the handyman exactly where to put them.

12. Say Farewell to the Old House

Say goodbye to your old house with ease. I know how stressful moving can be, so I want to share some tips with you that will make it a breeze. First, make sure you’ve changed your address with the post office before you close. You don’t want to miss any important mail or bills. Second, leave behind all the keys and remotes that belong to the house. You don’t want to get a call from the new owners asking for them later. Third, do a final sweep of all the hidden spaces where you might have stored things over the years. Think attics, sheds, crawl spaces, etc. You don’t want to leave anything behind that you might need or regret later. And finally, if you really want to make a good impression on the new owners, hire a professional cleaner to make the house sparkle and leave a list of your favorite local vendors for things like plumbing, landscaping, or pest control.

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There you have it, my 12 tips to make your move easier. I hope you found them helpful and practical. Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With some planning, preparation, and professional help, you can make it a smooth and enjoyable transition. And remember, this is not just a move, it’s a new chapter in your life. So don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, express your gratitude, and say goodbye to your old house with love.