My Top 5 Tips for a Smooth & Seamless Move from One Home to the Next

There’s no way around it, moving is stressful! But with some forethought—and the right team—moving can be a lot more pleasant than you might think. Here’s a few ideas if you have a move in your future.

Tip #1: Purge Liberally to Lighten Your Load

Moving is the perfect time to purge and declutter your possessions. You’re pulling things out of closets and corners that haven’t been used in a long time and it will definitely save money if you don’t pay to move all that extra stuff along with you. If you need help, I can coordinate and deliver donations to local charities, as well as make sure any household hazardous waste is disposed of properly. Make sure everything you bring along with you to your new home has earned its place in your life!

Tip #2: Prep Thoughtfully to Speed the Process

When packing, it’s most efficient to first box up decor, books, off-season clothing, and other items you know you won’t need right away. The only exception to this would be if you are staging your home for sale. I can help you pack up those personalized decor items you know you want to bring along and choose which items should stay out to help showcase your current home for photos and open houses. I recommend my clients use uniform moving boxes for this pre-pack which can be neatly stacked in a garage or guest room to minimize visual clutter.

Tip #3: Prevent Some Packing to Simplify Your Life

I suggest creating a pack free zone for essential items that are needed daily until the move. This would include things like clothes, toiletries, pet supplies, cleaning essentials, and extra packing tape and labels. Designating a spot for these items prevents them being accidentally packed while we’re working together or when your moving company shows up to load the trucks. You’d be surprised how often packing and cleaning supplies you still need to access are inadvertently packed up by movers! When move day is near, I recommend clients pack these essentials as if they are going on vacation, using luggage and being realistic about what they will actually need access to during the move itself.

Tip #4: Plan Strategically to Guide Unpacking

If possible, label your boxes for your destination, rather than your current home. This is especially necessary when you are moving into a different sized space, and there might be different uses for the rooms. I like to prioritize unpacking bedrooms and kitchens first. Everyone needs to sleep, eat, and get dressed every day, right away when you move in! The sooner we can get those activities up and going in your new space, the more peaceful you will feel. Then we move to recreation and common areas in the home and fine-tune the organization throughout. It helps to keep an open mind about your new home’s configuration and storage options.

Tip #5: Pay for Pros to Give You Peace of Mind

Moving companies can vary widely in their offerings and professionalism. I can help you locate the perfect service provider, as well as be on hand to act as your agent and help you prepare an inventory. Since you’ve decided you want to keep your stuff, you want to ensure it actually makes it to your new place in one piece! Cutting costs on a move can end up costing more in the long run. Until you are fully set up in your new space, you will be eating out, purchasing clothing you don’t need—or even household items that you just can’t find— because they’re in a box somewhere in the garage. Getting through the unpacking process quickly saves your sanity and is a financial win in the long run.

With a little forethought, you can minimize the inevitable stress surrounding a move. I am happy to help you navigate the process of coordinating your move. I can work with you in person if your current or new home is in my service area. If not, I can meet with you for a virtual strategy session to help you save time, money, and sanity along the way!

If you’re ready for a move that feels effortless and easy, I would be honored to help.

Reach out and let’s chat about your upcoming transition!

Cheers,

Karina