Moving, undoubtedly, ranks as one of life's top stressors.
In fact, studies show moving is just as stressful as the death of a loved one and divorce.
So, why is moving so stressful?
Because it represents a significant life change.
The complexities and anxieties of bidding adieu to the familiar and embracing the unknown is a process that can trigger a whirlwind of emotions and logistical challenges.
The physical logistics of packing and transporting everything you own and the emotional toll of leaving behind familiar surroundings can make it an overwhelming experience.
The good news is that preparing for a move with intention can reduce the stress load immensely.
Pro Tip: We can lighten your load and prepare you for a simpler move with our moving help services in St. Louis, MO. We’ve helped hundreds of clients and we can help you, too—let us manage your move from start to finish.
Let's get to it!
CHAPTER 1: PLAN WITH Intention
Moving is like planning a wedding—there are so many moving parts (pun intended!).
We’re here to support and help you execute every step of the way.
Find ease and flow by taking action, getting organized, and planning in advance:
Write your vision. Having a clear vision is a powerful way to ensure you consistently move in the direction of your dreams. Elements to consider are: downsizing vs. upsizing, desired move date, price range, location, amenities, ect. Check out HGTV’s guide on writing a vision for your home here.
Pick a moving date. This one may be obvious if you have a deadline, but ideally, you can choose 1-3 days free from distractions to move. Bonus if you can work in your friends and family's timing. People are more likely to lend a hand if they are available.
Schedule movers in advance. If you're hiring movers or booking a moving truck, you want to book them well in advance. Ideally, you'll have time to read reviews, compare prices, and understand their insurance policies and who's responsible should items get broken during the move.
It's important to describe the things you'll be moving accurately so the movers can quote you the correct price and offer advice on materials they include and ones they'll expect you to provide.
PRO TIP: Schedule movers earlier than later, preferably two months before your move—to get the best price. (Prices can fluctuate based on demand, and prices will rise closer to the move date.) (Source: NY Times Wirecutter)Check parking. You may need special parking permits for the moving truck. See if you can arrange or reserve street space in advance to avoid slowdowns on moving day. The closer the truck can park to your door, the quickers movers will work, which can save money if you're paying by the hour.
Contact your utility providers to schedule the shutdown of services or transfer services to your new address. Also, give providers your new address to send any remaining bills after you move. (Source: Wirecutter)
Start your utility services. This is a great time to schedule start-up utility services so don’t go without basic needs once you move. If you have access to your new place before your move, allow the internet provider to come and install. Having electricity, internet, and other utilities ready to go will no doubt make you more comfortable.
Use USPS Change-of-Address. USPS will forward your mail for free for one year. If you forgot to tell a company your new address, they'll handle the forwarding for you. (Source: Wirecutter)
Order Supplies. Here's the truth: When you're in the moving whirlwind, and you're finding a nice groove of decluttering, packing, and organizing, the last thing you want to do is have to stop because you need to run to the store to get more supplies.
Sometimes, this is inevitable, but why not avoid it if possible? That's why it's so important to buy supplies in advance. This will not only save you stress but also save you money.
How so?
Some online vendors offer discounts for buying in bulk. Some stores even provide free, that's right, FREE, boxes that they will otherwise recycle.
Also, friends who have recently moved likely have many boxes and supplies they don't need but don't want to throw away. They would happily donate to someone who can use their items well.
Lastly, you can check Facebook Buy Nothing groups and request supplies there–people are always willing to help when they can.
So which items do you need to shop for? Here's a quick list of our essentials:
Boxes. Boxes are the most important thing on your moving shopping list. But not just any boxes. We recommend an assortment of sizes:
Small
Medium (what you'll use the most!)
Large
X-Large
Tape, tape, and lots of tape! Ensure you get stronger tape and more than you think you'll need.
Packing tape - You can buy this in bulk to cut costs.
Painters tape for mirrors and glass (This will help to absorb shocks and can keep the glass in the frame if a mirror does accidentally smash, keeping the rest of your items safe. Source: Reader's Digest)
Scissors. For easy tape-cutting
Sharpies. Make sure you have good markers for labeling.
Small plastic bags/Food bags. These are good for kitchen items or small items.
Shrink wrap. This is so great for furniture.
Bubble wrap. Make sure your fragile items are safe and snug.
Foam plates for dishware. Check out this hack from The Frugal Girls on how to pack plates safely.
Blankets. Moving blankets are great for cushioning bulky items and surrounding fragile things in the truck.
Packing Paper. This helps protect most items.
Clear plastic containers for children's toys / clothes. "Inevitably, your child will want to wear his red striped T-shirt to match his best friend's. To save your child—and you—tears, pack their favorite items in easily accessible clear containers." (Source: Reader's Digest)
Wardrobe Boxes. Makes for easy packing when you can keep clothing on hangers and pack them directly in a wardrobe box.
Trash bags and cleaning supplies. During a move, you'll find yourself clearing and decluttering, so equip yourself with enough supplies to clean your old and new space.
When you start to plan your move, results will feel more attainable and you'll begin to see the process forming in actionable steps.
This will help clear anxiety and allow you to get things prepped for moving day.
CHAPTER 2: FIVE Simple STEPS
This is our favorite step!
A surefire way to lighten your load is to declutter your home before your move.
When organizing with a client, we hear all the time, "I feel so much lighter," followed by, "I feel so much better." That's because two go hand in hand.
If you declutter before your move, you'll be more excited about the items you're taking.
As one of our heros, Maire Kondo, says, “Tidying your current home is the most important thing you can do if you are preparing to move – don't wait to do it until you're in your new space!”
When you clean your home before a move, you are removing stuff you don't like or won't use and energetically clearing space for the new to come in. You're allowing the opportunity for your new space to bring fresh, exciting energy and items that will serve you for the next step of your journey.
You owe it to yourself, both now you and future you, to allow this flow to happen.
Luckily, we have our Signature SSO Process to walk you through decluttering. Here's how to do it:
Sort and categorize all items. Energy stagnates when things are left untouched, hidden, and buried in cabinets and drawers. Removing all items and bringing them into the light lets you understand how much you own and gives you a clear picture of what you're working with.
Minimize. This process is about releasing the items that no longer serve you through donation, discarding, or recycling. Minimizing is not just about removing items—it's about letting go of chaos and bringing tranquility into your life. Clearing clutter is the stepping stone to letting go of unnecessary attachments and living in peace—a peace you can bring to your new space!
Organize. Organization comes down to deciding what to keep and where to pack it. Once you have clarity around the items you'd like to take with you, you can pack them together to make the systemizing process in your new space much more manageable.
If you take time to get organized before your move, you'll feel more relaxed after your move.
To learn more, we highly recommend reading our 5-step Sacred Space Organizing Process and the KonMari Method, which has inspired us for years!
CHAPTER 3: PACK WITH Purpose
We cannot stress this enough:
Take time to pack and pack early.
People tend to underestimate the time it takes to pack. So err on the side of giving yourself more time to prepare.
There's no right way to pack, but there are a few steps you can take to make the process go more smoothly:
Start with items you won't need daily or a room you use less often. This way, you won't “miss” items or have to re-open a box because you need something from it. A great place to start with this is the decor!
Pack like items from the same room together. This helps keep organization throughout your move and will make unpacking easier.
Get ready to label. Labeling your moving boxes will save you a headache when unpacking, so take the extra quick step now. There are a few options on how to do this:
Label each box with the room and a number. Numbering each box and keeping an inventory list in a small notebook is an excellent way to track what you've packed and ensure you still have everything when you unpack. (Source: Real Simple)
Color code with stickers. You can buy colored stickers or note cards and assign each color to a room. Attach to your boxes. Then, write which room the box is going to and list the items in the box on each note card or keep track of items on a list. (Source: The Frugal Girls)
Take photos of the inside of boxes with a matching number or identifying sticker.
Find whatever process works for you and stick with it!
Put heavier items on the bottoms of boxes and lighter items on top. Also, don't overload your boxes. People make this common mistake, trying to fit everything in one box, but then have trouble lifting the boxes.
Get a 2 for 1 when packing clothes for moving! Rather than just pack clothing on its own, use clothes to assist in your other packing. Clothing (and linens and towels) are the perfect thing to wrap valuables, add lightweight to too-heavy boxes, and fit in awkward nooks and crannies. (Source: Teaspoon Adventure)
Keep clothing simple. Once you've used as much clothing as possible in the 2-for-1 hack above, the next best way to pack clothes for moving is simple. Leave all the clothing in your closet on its hangers, but tie the hangers together with elastic bands. Then, slide all of the clothes (still on hangers!) into a garment bag. This also eliminates the need to pack hangers, which can be super awkward to pack. (Source: Teaspoon Adventure)
Pack your suitcases. Use your suitcases to pack heavy or abnormally shaped items. They have the added bonus of wheels for ease.
Take photos of electronics and furniture. Before you disassemble items, take pictures to remember how they go back together.
Keep hardware in a plastic bag. When you disassemble furniture, make sure to put small pieces in a plastic bag so you don't lose them—and label what it's for!
Plastic wrap. Protect your furniture with plastic wrap. You can also use moving blankets to protect items such as your TV.
Packing paper (or the plate hack mentioned above) to protect your dishes and appliances.
Wrap your utensil tray. For ease, wrap your utensil tray in plastic wrap and transport it as one unit.
Wrap knives. For example, place them in dish towels or mitten pot holders for extra safety.
Pack small items in sealable plastic bags. This way, small items won't get lost in transit. Take the time to label the bags for easier unpacking (i.e. “toiletries for bathroom”).
Finally, an important, unique thing to pack is an “Essential Items” box or bag or, as Reader's Digest calls it, a “First Night Box.”
“When you arrive at your new property, chances are you'll be pretty tired, and finding everything you need for your first night could put you over the edge. For this reason, it can be a good idea to pack a 'first-night' box with everything you need, like pajamas and basic toiletries.”
It's also good to know where your bedding is located so you can make up your bed and have a good night's sleep.
(Source: We learned many of these great tips on moving.com. For more awesome tips, check out their packing blog.)
Once you get ahead of the moving game by packing like a pro, you'll feel ready to get going.
What's next?
The move, of course!
CHAPTER 4: MOVING DAY Success
Now that you've diligently prepared and are ready for action, your moving day is poised to glide along seamlessly. While the physical demands can be taxing, we've created some invaluable tips to ensure a smooth transition!
Get up early and stay in contact with movers. It's best to start early so you have more time to tackle the day. If you hire movers, ensure they have your contact number and update you on arrival. Ideally, you should confirm with them a few days prior to moving and make sure they know where to park.
Pack a cooler with water and snacks. Your moving crew, including yourself, should stay hydrated while moving, especially during the hot summer months. Make sure to take breaks and stay fueled!
Be there to greet your movers and moderate the move. Give the movers a walkthrough of your house or apartment. You can point out the fragile boxes (even if they are labeled and should be) and the furniture pieces you need to disassemble. If you have a preference for how things should be loaded, be sure to communicate that early on. (Source: moving.com)
Load heavier items first. Load heavy boxes and furniture into the truck first. Make sure these items are secure so they don't move around in transport.
Use a dolly or other helpful tools. You can rent dollies if you don't own one. They are so beneficial during a move and will prevent back injuries.
Lift boxes properly. If you're participating in the loading, be sure to lift boxes correctly to avoid the risk of injury. If you're unsure if you can safely descend the stairs while carrying an item or if the box feels too heavy, ask for help. (Source: moving.com)
Pack any last-minute items. Pack any last-minute items or items you need on moving day, such as cleaning supplies.
Don't skip the final walkthrough. Check all nooks and crannies to ensure you're not leaving anything behind. You can also incorporate this into your final clean.
Take pictures before you go. This is primarily important if you rent and your landlord is not there to do a final walkthrough. It can help make sure you receive your full security deposit.
Say Goodbye With Gratitude. We learned this fantastic tip from Marie Kondo's, Marie's Guide to Moving. In the guide, she encourages you to walk through the house one final time and thank it for housing and protecting you. You can do something symbolic, like burning incense to prep it for its new owners. Take time to find peace, gratitude, and closure for this home and all the good times you've had here.
Incredible! You managed your move. Take a breath and be proud of this feat. You made it through a crucial challenge and now are ready for your next chapter in life.
CHAPTER 5: NEW SPACE, New YOU
Our final chapter discusses the steps you can take to make your new space feel like home.
Even though you're faced with a mountain of boxes to unpack, remember that this is the exciting time to organize your dream home.
Here are a few simple steps to get started at your new place:
Say hello to your home! Marie Kondo talks about greeting your new home in Marie's Guide to Moving. It's an energetic practice of saying hello to your space and introducing yourself. You can do this any way that feels comfortable to you. Essentially, it's a practice to set your intentions for your new home and the feelings you want to have in it.
Unpack the essentials first. Remember that essentials bag you packed? Now's a good time to unpack it. You also should set up your bed soon after arriving so you can have a restful sleep. Sleep is essential to everything we do in life, and you'll have a much better unpacking experience if you're well-rested.
Prioritize unpacking. After unpacking your essentials, take on one room at a time, starting with the most important ones: the bathroom and the kitchen. You'll need both of these rooms to be usable to function well in your new space. If you have the time, unpack the bathroom and kitchen fully. (Source: Teaspoon Adventure)
Organize and systemize. After using our 5-step Sacred Space Organizing Process to organize your items before the move, you should work on creating a system and spot for each item in your home. Every item should have a place. This will allow you to keep things organized for the long run. If you couldn't decluttle before your move, the second best option is decluttering while unpacking. Refer to Chapter 2 for more info.
Give yourself a deadline. If you need extra motivation to unpack, plan on having friends over for a housewarming party. While it doesn't have to be perfect by then, this will give you some fun motivation to get things in order.
Finally, as you settle into your new home, visualize what type of environment you'd like it to be.
At Sacred Space Organizing, Environment is one of our 7 Sacred Pillars, the foundation for which our entire lives are built.
As Professional Organizers, we're intimately familiar with how our environment affects our mental health, satisfaction, and life purpose.
Imagine yourself in a space with no clutter. Imagine you know where everything is.
Imagine the feeling of sweet relief as you live in a space that nurtures your intentions.
Your home sets the tone for your life, and a beautiful home sets the stage for a beautiful life.
So take some time to relish in your new space.
Decide what type of space you want—calm, peaceful, beautiful, bright, fun, etc.—and work to create a space that represents that.
If you need an extra nudge, we'd love to hear from you.
We can help you unpack and create the home of your dreams!
We hope our Ultimate Guide to Moving provided a clear roadmap to navigate the process with ease and minimize stress.
With careful planning, thoughtful strategies, and expert advice, you'll be equipped to tackle the formidable task of moving with confidence and ease.
If you’re preparing your home for a sale, be sure to read our guide on Organized to Sell.
Remember, you don’t have to do it alone.
Let's embark on this journey together, as we support you in a stress-free move–ensuring your next relocation is not just a change of address, but a smooth transition into the next exciting chapter of your life.
Cheers to your exciting new journey 🥂,
Sacred Space Organizing
PS - Do you have a fabulous, awe-inspiring moving tip? We'd love to hear from you, share it below in the comments!
