16 Ways to Make Your Move Stress-Free

Sereyna Avila
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Whether you’re moving across the country or just across the street, any move can stir up a mixture of excitement and stress. Between packing up your life and settling into a new space, it’s no wonder that moving often ranks as one of life’s most challenging events. But with the right plan and approach, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Carlyle Financial, we’ve gathered 16 essential tips to help make your move smoother and less stressful. With these strategies, you’ll stay organized, save time, and perhaps even enjoy the process. Let’s dive in—no back brace required.

Moving Tips and Tricks

1. Spring Clean No Matter the Season

The best way to start any move is by decluttering. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, use your move as an opportunity to downsize. Items tend to accumulate over time, especially if you’ve combined households, gotten married, or had kids. Ask yourself if you’ve used certain things in the past year, or if they hold sentimental value. If not, it might be time to let them go. Decluttering not only makes packing easier but also ensures you’re only bringing items that will serve a purpose in your new home.

2. Organize Items into Donate, Sell, or Trash Piles

As you go through your things, organize them into three categories: donate, sell, or trash. This will help streamline the process. Furniture, clothes, and household goods that are in good condition can often be donated to charities like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, and some will even pick them up from your home. If you have valuable items you no longer need, consider selling them online through platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. Not only will this reduce your load, but you might also make some extra cash in the process.

3. Pack a “First Night” Box or Bag

Imagine arriving at your new home only to realize you can’t find your toothbrush or a change of clothes. Avoid this hassle by packing a “first night” box or bag with essentials such as toiletries, pajamas, and a fresh set of clothes. Think of it as your overnight survival kit for the first day and night in your new place. Include other must-haves like important documents, medications, chargers, and basic kitchen items like paper towels, soap, and maybe even a coffee maker if you’re an early riser!

4. Keep a Variety of Box Sizes on Hand

Having a range of box sizes is essential for packing efficiently. Larger boxes are perfect for lightweight items like bedding and towels, while smaller boxes are ideal for heavier items like books and dishes. If you pack heavy items in large boxes, they become difficult—and potentially dangerous—to move. Be sure to have plenty of packing supplies such as markers, packing tape, box cutters, and scissors. These items tend to go missing during the chaos, so it’s always good to have extras on hand.

5. Use Ziplock Bags for Screws and Small Hardware

Disassembling furniture and electronics can be tricky, and losing screws or bolts is a common problem. Use labeled ziplock bags to keep screws, bolts, and other small hardware organized. You can tape these bags to the corresponding piece of furniture or keep them in one central box. Either way, this will make reassembling much easier when you arrive at your new home.

6. Wrap Breakables in Towels

Instead of spending money on bubble wrap, use your household linens like towels, dishcloths, and even clothing to wrap fragile items such as glassware, dishes, and vases. This serves a double purpose—protecting your breakables while also packing your linens efficiently. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and saves you from purchasing more packing materials.

7. Label Boxes by Room and Contents

This may seem like common sense, but many people overlook the importance of detailed labeling. Write not only the room name but also a brief list of contents on each box. For example, instead of labeling a box simply as "kitchen," write “kitchen – plates, glasses, pots.” This will save you time and frustration when unpacking. Consider using colored stickers or duct tape for easy identification. For instance, red could indicate kitchen items, blue for bathroom items, etc.

8. Plastic Wrap Your Dresser Drawers

If you have dressers or cabinets, use heavy-duty plastic wrap to keep the drawers shut during the move. This eliminates the need to empty the drawers and repack them, saving time and space. Just wrap the entire piece of furniture tightly, and it will be secure for transit.

9. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items

Instead of packing heavy items like books or dishes in boxes, use your rolling suitcases. These are much easier to maneuver and will prevent straining your back. By using what you already have, you’ll reduce the number of moving boxes needed and make moving day easier on your body.

10. Take Photos of Electronics Setup

Before unplugging your electronics, take a quick photo of how everything is connected. This will serve as a guide when it’s time to reconnect everything in your new home. Labeling cables and wires can also be helpful—store them in a bag with a label corresponding to each device.

11. Fill Nail Holes

If you’ve been hanging artwork or shelves, you’ll likely have nail holes that need filling. This is especially important if you’re renting, as it can affect your security deposit. For a quick fix, use spackling paste or even toothpaste to fill small holes. If you’re selling, it’s a good courtesy for the new homeowners.

12. Change Your Address Ahead of Time

One often-overlooked task is updating your address. You can change your address online with the U.S. Postal Service, and schedule when you’d like your mail to start forwarding to your new address. This way, you won’t miss important mail during your move. Remember to update your address with banks, subscription services, and anyone else who sends you important documents.

13. Send Moving Announcements

Once you’re settled, let your friends, family, and colleagues know about your new address. Sending a personalized moving announcement is a thoughtful way to share your big life change. Add a fun touch by including a picture of you and your family in front of your new home.

14. Finish Perishable Foods

In the days leading up to your move, focus on using up perishable items in your fridge and pantry. Get creative with meals to avoid wasting food. The less you have to pack from the kitchen, the better. Plus, this is a great excuse to treat yourself to takeout on moving day!

15. Defrost the Fridge

If you’re bringing your refrigerator with you, be sure to unplug it a few days in advance to allow it to fully defrost. Place towels around it to catch any water as it melts, and clean it thoroughly before moving. If time is tight, speeding up the process with hot water in a pan can help.

16. Use Colored Tape for Priority Boxes

To make unpacking easier, use different colored tape to mark priority boxes. Choose a color for items you’ll need right away—like kitchen essentials and bedding—so you can easily identify what to unpack first. This can help reduce the stress of searching for necessities after a long moving day. Moving doesn’t have to be a total burden and can actually be empowering when you do it right. Our 16 moving tips and tricks will help turn your next move into the exciting adventure it’s meant to be. What moving tips and tricks do you have? Share in the comments below!

Ready to Make Your Move?

At Carlyle Financial, we’re here to help make every aspect of your move stress-free. Whether you’re buying a new home or refinancing, our team is ready to guide you through the mortgage process with ease. Connect with us today, and let’s make your move—and your mortgage—worry-free.
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Sereyna Avila

Sereyna is passionate about empowering clients to make the wisest financial choices by demystifying the mortgage process. She…
VP of Marketing
San Francisco
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About Sereyna Avila

Sereyna is passionate about empowering clients to make the wisest financial choices by demystifying the mortgage process. She has been a featured speaker on personal finance for community groups, professional organizations as well as generating curriculum at the university level. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Advertising from California State University, Fullerton.