Moving Tips for the Best Possible Move

Summary

Who This is For: Anyone planning a move

Key Takeaways:

• Start planning and packing early, ideally two months before your move, to avoid last-minute stress.

• Create a detailed moving checklist and declutter your belongings by donating, selling, or discarding items you no longer need.

• Gather all necessary packing supplies such as sturdy moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and box cutters.

• Pack strategically by room, using smaller boxes for heavy items and larger boxes for lighter ones, and label all boxes clearly.

• Protect fragile items with appropriate cushioning and use original boxes for electronics when possible.

• Schedule utility transfers ahead of time to avoid service interruptions.

• Consider hiring professional movers, especially during peak moving seasons, to save time and reduce physical strain.

• Prepare an essentials box and an overnight bag with items you'll need immediately upon arrival.

• Coordinate with movers on moving day and keep pathways clear for efficient loading.

• After moving, unpack essentials first, update your address, and take time to settle into your new space.

Moving house is a big step, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and even rewarding experience. Whether you’re relocating across town or embarking on a cross-country move, having a solid plan in place is essential for a stress-free transition. With the right supplies and a positive mindset, you’ll be ready to tackle your move with confidence. In this blog, you'll find practical tips for moving from Utah Valley Movers to help make your relocation as easy and stress-free as possible.

Moving Tips for Planning and Packing

The biggest part of a successful move is preparation. Starting early and having a detailed plan will make the entire process more manageable.

A few moving tips for getting started:

• When gathering supplies, consider getting more boxes than you think you'll need to allow for early packing.

• As you update your checklist and timeline, remember to set up a change of address about two weeks before your move to ensure your mail is forwarded without interruption.

• When scheduling utilities, coordinate shutoff and activation dates around your move-out date to avoid unnecessary charges and ensure a smooth transition.

Create a Moving Plan and Declutter

Your first step should be to create a detailed moving checklist and timeline. This plan will be your roadmap, helping you stay on track in the weeks leading up to your move date.

The 8-Week Moving Plan

8 Weeks Before:

• Create your moving binder or digital folder

• Research and request quotes from moving companies

• Begin decluttering one room per weekend

• Start using up frozen foods and pantry items

6 Weeks Before:

• Start collecting packing supplies

• Begin packing non-essential items (off-season clothing, books, decor)

• Schedule utility transfers for both homes

• Measure doorways and furniture to ensure everything fits in your new space

4 Weeks Before:

• Notify important parties of your address change

• Host a garage sale or list items online

• Pack another round of non-essentials

• Create a floor plan for your new home

2 Weeks Before:

• Confirm arrangements with movers

• Pack most of your home, leaving essentials out

• Create your "open first" box

• Defrost your refrigerator and clean appliances

The Decluttering Strategy

Before packing a single box, reduce what you'll need to move. The average American household moves 2.5 tons of belongings, much of which hasn't been used in over a year.

Use the four-box method in each room:

• Keep: Items you use regularly and love

• Donate: Gently used items others could use (consider Utah Valley's local shelters and donation centers)

• Sell: Valuables worth your time to sell in a yard sale or Facebook marketplace.

• Discard: Broken or unusable items

Pro Tip: Take photos of sentimental items you're hesitant about but don't actually need to keep. This preserves the memory without the physical clutter. For non-perishable food items you won't use, like canned foods, consider donating to the Utah Food Bank or other local food pantries.

Pack Like a Pro

Good packing takes a strategic approach as you organize your life into cardboard boxes to save time and prevent damage.

Room-by-Room Packing Guide

Kitchen:

• Use dish packs with dividers for plates and glassware

• Wrap fragile items individually and cushion with towels and potholders

• Pack a "first night" box with essentials like a coffee maker, utensils, and snacks

• Use plastic wrap under lids to prevent spills from shampoo and cleaning supplies

Bedrooms:

• Keep clothing on hangers in wardrobe boxes, or use the garbage bag method: tie a bag around grouped hangers to protect hanging clothes

• Use suitcases and duffel bags for folded clothes

• Place jewelry in egg cartons or pill organizers for safe transport

• Pack shoes with socks stuffed inside to maintain shape

Living Areas:

• Take photos of electronics connections before disassembling

• Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags taped to furniture

• Use original boxes for electronics when possible

• Wrap cords and use bread tags to keep them organized

Use a Labeling System That Actually Works

Don't just write "kitchen" - be specific:

• "KITCHEN - Everyday dishes & glasses (FRAGILE)"

• "MASTER BEDROOM - Bed linens & pillows"

• "LIVING ROOM - Books & board games"

Color-code boxes by room with colored stickers or markers for instant visual recognition. Add arrows indicating "THIS SIDE UP" for fragile items.

Start Early and Gather Supplies

Begin packing items you do not use often, like books or seasonal decor, several weeks in advance. Pack one room at a time to maintain organization.

Gather all your moving supplies ahead of time. You will need sturdy moving boxes in various sizes, a tape gun, a box cutter, permanent markers, and padding materials like bubble wrap and packing paper. Ask your local grocery store for extra cardboard boxes so you don't have to purchase them. You can also use towels and linens for extra cushioning. Laundry baskets are another useful alternative to moving boxes for transporting clothes and linens.

Label Everything and Protect Fragile Items

Label each box clearly on multiple sides with its destination room and a brief description of its contents. This is crucial for helping movers know where to place everything from the moving truck into your new house.

Wrap dishes and other breakables individually, and ensure they are carefully packed together or protected with protective materials to prevent damage. Place them in smaller boxes and use plenty of cushioning material to prevent shifting. Always prominently mark these boxes “FRAGILE.”

Packing Room by Room

One of the best packing tips is to tackle your home one room at a time. This approach helps you stay organized and ensures nothing gets left behind. Begin by packing non-essential items, such as decorative pieces, books, or out-of-season clothing, and gradually work your way up to daily essentials like kitchenware and toiletries.

Use sturdy cardboard boxes, plenty of packing paper, and trash bags for items like linens or stuffed animals. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking in your new space much easier. A few tips to remember: pack heavy items in smaller boxes so they’re easier to carry into the moving truck, and use larger boxes for lighter items to save space and streamline the moving process. Organizing room by room will help you keep track of how many boxes you have and make your move much more manageable.

Kitchen and Bathroom Packing

Packing up the kitchen and bathroom can be one of the trickiest parts of moving, but a little planning goes a long way. Start by boxing up non-essential items like small appliances, extra towels, and linens. When you’re ready to pack dishes and glassware, use dish barrels and plenty of packing paper to cushion fragile items. For toiletries and other small bathroom items, a garbage bag can be a handy way to keep things together. Don’t forget to set aside a few essentials, like a shower curtain, toilet paper, and paper towels, in a separate bag for easy access on moving day. You can also use toilet paper rolls and paper towels to protect small, fragile items or to pack jewelry securely. With these strategies, you’ll keep your fragile items safe and make your first night in your new home much more comfortable.

Arrange Important Logistics

While you are packing, take care of key logistical tasks. Schedule the transfer of your utilities, like power, water, and internet, to your new address.

If you plan to hire movers, book reputable professionals well in advance, especially if you are moving during the peak moving season. Hiring movers can save you time and reduce stress compared to moving on your own or relying on friends and family.

Before moving out, take photos of the property's condition to protect your security deposit and avoid disputes with your landlord if you're a renter, or to protect in disputes with the buyers of your home as a seller. Bonus moving tips: take photos of your electronics cable layouts before you unplug them, and consider sketching a quick layout of where you want large furniture to go in your new space.

Moving Tips For Moving Day

Moving day has arrived. With your packing done, the focus shifts to managing the move itself.

Prepare Your Home and Belongings

Before the movers arrive, make sure all pathways are clear. Move any obstacles from hallways and stairwells to create a safe and efficient path for the crew.

Keep your essentials box and an overnight bag separate and easily accessible. The essentials box should include everything you need for your first night, such as toiletries, a phone charger, a change of clothes, toilet paper, paper plates, and snacks. Pack an overnight bag with additional clothes and personal items to avoid searching through boxes after a long day of moving.

Work Effectively with Your Movers

When the movers arrive, give them a quick tour of the house. Point out the items that need extra care and let them know what needs to be moved. Be available to answer questions, but try not to hover or micro-manage. If you've packed well, this process should be clear and easy.

It's also nice to have drinks and snacks on hand for yourself and the moving crew. If you have furniture that needs to be reassembled, keep your tools in a designated spot.

Keep Your Family Safe and Secure

Moving day can be chaotic, especially for children and pets. Designate a safe room for kids and pets away from the main activity, or arrange for them to spend the day with a friend or family member.

Keep valuable items, such as jewelry and important documents, with you or in your car instead of on the moving truck. Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind and that it is clean for the next residents.

Moving Tips for After the Move

The move is not quite over once the moving truck is unloaded. A few final steps will help you feel at home.

The First 24 Hours

• Unpack your "open first" box with essentials, including toilet paper, shower curtain, and basic tools

• Set up beds for a good night's sleep

• Locate and test emergency systems (water shut-off, electrical panel)

• Take a walk around the neighborhood to get oriented

Week One Priorities

• Unpack kitchen and bathroom essentials

• Set up your home office or workspace

• Meet immediate neighbors

• Establish new routines

Within One Month

• Complete all address change notifications

• Explore local services and amenities

• Hang artwork and personal touches

• Host a small gathering to break in the new space

  
  

Make Your Move Easy With Utah Valley Movers

Feeling overwhelmed? Let Utah Valley Movers handle the heavy lifting. Our professional team provides comprehensive moving services, from packing to transportation, ensuring a stress-free move to your new home. Contact us today to schedule your service and get a free quote.

Packing Tips & Moving Tips FAQ

How far in advance should I start planning my move?

You should start planning and decluttering at least two months before your move date. This gives you plenty of time to pack without stress, book the best movers, and handle all necessary logistics.

What are the most important things to do the week of the move?

Confirm arrangements with your moving company, pack your essentials box, and defrost your refrigerator. Also, make sure you have a plan for your kids and pets on moving day to keep them safe and occupied.

How can I make unpacking easier?

Your thorough labeling system is the key. By packing room by room and clearly marking every box, you can direct movers to place boxes in the correct room, making the unpacking process much more efficient.

What should I look for when hiring a moving company?

Look for licensed and insured professional movers with positive reviews. Get at least three in-home estimates, read the fine print on the contract, and ensure you understand their policies for damages and delays. Utah Valley Movers prides itself on our excellent reputation and stellar service.

What's the most common moving mistake people make?

Underestimating the time required for packing and preparation. Most people need 20-30% more time than they initially allocate.

How can I reduce my moving costs?

Declutter thoroughly (less to move), move during off-peak seasons (October-April), and pack yourself while hiring professionals only for loading and transportation.

What should I do with items I don't want to move?

Consider options like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore for furniture, local buy-nothing groups, or scheduled bulk trash pickup.

How do I protect my security deposit when moving out?

Document the property's condition with photos/video, repair any damage, clean thoroughly, and be present for the final walk-through.

What's the best way to handle moving with children?

Involve them in age-appropriate ways (packing their toys), maintain routines as much as possible, and unpack their rooms first in the new home.