9 Tips To Make Moving Less Stressful

Moving to a new home can feel like a whirlwind — a mix of anticipation, pressure, and a long to-do list that seems to grow by the minute. Even so, it doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With the right mindset and some effective strategies, you can take control of your move and make the process smoother from start to finish. Whether you’re relocating across the city or heading out of state, these useful tips will help you stay organized, reduce stress, and feel more confident every step of the way.

One of the most important stressors during a move is running out of time. That’s why your best move is to start planning as soon as the decision is made. Create a simple calendar or checklist that outlines what needs to be done each week — from gathering packing supplies to scheduling your moving company or truck rental.

Give yourself at least six to eight weeks, if possible. This gives you enough breathing room to declutter, book the services you need, and avoid the last-minute scramble. A solid plan keeps your momentum going and helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed as the big day approaches.

Packing every item you own might seem like the obvious next step, but it’s not the smartest one. Take the time to sort through your belongings before a single box is taped up. Go room by room and ask yourself what’s worth taking with you. What do you actually use, and what’s just taking up space?

Donating or selling items you no longer need will lighten your load, while fewer boxes mean faster packing and lower moving costs. It also means that you’re starting fresh in your new home with only the belongings that serve a purpose or bring you joy.

A trustworthy moving crew can make your experience significantly less stressful. Research companies in advance, check online reviews, and ask for quotes. Don’t just go with the cheapest option — look for reliability, experience, and great communication.

If you’re going the DIY route, book your moving truck early and confirm the pickup and return process. The smoother things run on moving day, the faster you’ll be able to settle into your new space.

Packing is much easier when you’re not constantly hunting for tape or scissors. Gather everything you need before you start, including boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and labels. Clear plastic bins are great for items you want to see at a glance.

Keep your packing area stocked so that you can stay in the flow. Label every box clearly, and add a note about which room it belongs in. This small habit makes unpacking easier and reduces the chances of misplacing critical items.

The fastest way to create chaos is by packing things at random. Start with the items you use the least — think holiday décor, seasonal clothes, or books. Leave your daily essentials for last. Always pack by room so that you don’t end up with a jumble of kitchenware and office supplies in the same box.

Be mindful of how heavy your boxes get. Books and tools should go in smaller, sturdy boxes, while linens and lightweight items can fill larger ones. Wrap fragile items well and fill gaps with towels or paper to prevent shifting. This extra care pays off when everything arrives in one piece.

You don’t want to dig through several boxes looking for your toothbrush or phone charger. That’s why one of the most helpful things you can do is pack an essentials box for your first 24 to 48 hours in your new home. Think of it as your survival kit.

Include toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, snacks, bottled water, essential documents, phone chargers, and anything else you’ll want within arm’s reach. If you’re moving with kids or pets, pack a few comfort items for them, too. Keep this box with you during the move so that you’re not stuck waiting for it to come off the truck.

Before you unplug anything complicated — like your TV, Wi-Fi router, or computer setup — snap a few photos of how the cords are arranged. When it’s time to reconnect everything in your new place, you won’t have to rely on memory or guesswork.

You can also take quick photos of the inside of boxes if you want a fast visual reference later. These small time-savers can make unpacking much easier, especially when you’re setting up electronics or trying to track down something specific.

As your moving date approaches, take care of your service providers. Start with a change-of-address request through USPS. Then, notify your bank, credit cards, insurance companies, subscriptions, and any other accounts tied to your current home.

Make sure that utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet are transferred or set up at the new home before you move in. This helps you avoid any interruption in services, especially when you want to take a hot shower or connect to Wi-Fi on your first night.

There’s often an expectation to unpack everything immediately, but that’s rarely realistic or necessary. Focus on the most essential areas first: your bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Getting those spaces functional will help you feel grounded even if the rest of the house is still in boxes.

Take time to explore your surroundings. It takes time to feel at home, and that’s perfectly okay. Give yourself room to breathe and settle in at your own pace.

Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a clear plan, a few smart decisions, and the right mindset, you can take the stress out of the experience and focus on the excitement of starting fresh. And once you're settled in, you'll realize just how worth it the effort really was.

Connect with TKG Real Estate when you’re ready to start the next chapter and explore your real estate options in the Hudson Valley.