Moving-Day Tips That Work Like a (Good) Dream

July, 2023

Does your move-day stress dream go something like this?

You’re at your new home, the movers have left, and cardboard boxes teeter on every surface. As you move through the maze, it dawns on you: you haven’t labelled any of them! You don’t know where anything is, so you start unpacking. Box after box, you find nothing you need — just old baseball mitts and the stack of books you meant to give away.

You’re surrounded. Packing peanuts fill the room like popcorn.

Don’t worry! We have all the tips you need to keep the day of your move running smoothly (and if you wish — packing peanut free). Here’s what you need to know:

Start Planning Early

We know what you’re thinking: this isn’t really a “moving day” tip — so let’s call it a “moving day flashback” to when you started planning.

Give yourself about three months’ runway. Trust us — the big day sneaks up faster than you’d expect! Crossing the following off your checklist early is the best way to avoid last-minute stress:

• Create a to-do list, 
• Draw up a timeline
• Plan to declutter
• Pin down when you’re packing 
• Hire movers or secure a moving truck day rental 

Bring In Friends and Family

If you’re lucky enough to have friends and family willing to lend a hand, don’t hesitate to ask for help — even if you’ve hired movers! There’s always a lot happening on move day and plenty of room to make the process smoother. 

Friends and family can help with personal to-dos like pet care, picking up lunch and even keeping the kids entertained. Just don’t forget to let them know your move-in dates and schedule!

Stay Hydrated and Energized

Moving can be tiring — so stay hydrated and fed. Keep water and snacks handy throughout the day. Take short breaks to recharge and prevent burnout. 

Not only will this keep your energy up, but it will give you a chance to pause and actually enjoy the fact you’re moving into your new home. After all your planning and hard work, the day is finally here, and you’re all set to begin your next chapter. Congrats!

Label Everything Clearly

We love a good game, but “what’s in the box” is sure to set everyone on edge. Avoid the head games by labelling each box clearly. List its contents and the room it belongs to. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to unpack.

Pro tip: Labelling each box ahead of time also helps with downsizing. If you want to see how much volume your current possessions will take up in your new space (bubble wrap aside), then seeing the list of items written on top of each box will give you a sense. 

Pack a “Need This” Box for Moving Day Essentials

On move day, you’ll likely be tired and won’t want to rummage through boxes searching for those few items you’ll need throughout. Pack a special box with need-to-haves like toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers and important documents. This way, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips, even in the midst of unpacking chaos. (We recommend stashing a few extra snacks there, too)!

Safety First for Your Pets

If you have furry friends, their safety should be top of mind on move day. Keep them in a secure and quiet area, away from the hustle and bustle. Ensure they have familiar items around, like their bed, toys and a treat to help them feel comfortable during the transition. 

As mentioned above, getting help from friends or family to keep your pet company is a great way to get that peace of mind that all is as it should be with your best pal.

Unpack with Purpose

Unpacking can be a daunting task, but don’t rush through it. Unpack with purpose, starting with the “need this” box and then moving on to rooms you use most frequently. Take your time arranging your things as you’d like to have them moving forward, ensuring your new space reflects your personality and style. 

It can be easy to place things somewhere less than ideal “for now” with the aim to move them where you want them later. We find this creates more work for you — and more time before you start to feel settled in. Unpacking with purpose speeds up that process.

Update Your Address

Last but not least: to avoid missing important mail, don’t forget to update your address with the post office, banks, utilities, and any subscriptions you have. It’s a small but important step to ensure your mail reaches your new doorstep!

So there you have it — eight great tips to make your move days feel like good dreams!

With careful planning, a little help from your friends and trusted movers like Boyd, you’ll settle into your new home just as planned. Remember: planning ahead for the human moments may not make your day pass as quickly as possible, but it will ensure the process runs smoothly for everyone involved. Take breaks, enjoy your time with friends and family and give your pet another scratch behind the ears. We’ll take care of the hard part!

Here’s to a restful night’s sleep and making memories in your new home — happy moving!