Hi Friend,
If you’ve got a move coming up, here’s something I want you to know early: the packing part is only one piece of the puzzle. The real stress usually comes from the logistics, decisions, timing, and trying to keep track of everything while life is still happening around you.
After helping clients through moves for years, these are the biggest things I recommend before you start throwing things into boxes.
1. Declutter before you pack
Please don’t pay movers to move things you already know you don’t want. Start with an easy surface sweep first—trash, duplicates, broken items, random clutter—and build momentum from there.
2. Create zones as you sort
As you pack, create clear zones for donate, trash, sell, storage, and “moving.” It keeps decisions easier and stops everything from turning into one giant overwhelming pile.
3. Organize your supplies early
Nothing slows down packing faster than constantly looking for scissors, markers, labels, or tape. Keep your supplies together in one portable bin or basket you can carry room to room.
4. Forget the tape gun
I know every stock photo of moving boxes shows someone dramatically holding a tape gun… but honestly? Most professional movers and packers don’t use them. After years of helping clients move, I usually tell people to skip it. Use regular packing tape, rip it by hand, and keep moving. These are moving boxes, not wrapped presents.
5. Decide on labeling before you start
If you’re using an inventory app, spreadsheet, numbering system, or even handwritten labels, decide on your naming system before packing begins. Be consistent. “Kitchen Misc,” “Kitchen Random,” and “Kitchen Stuff” are not helpful three weeks later when you’re exhausted and trying to find your coffee maker.
6. Toss an AirTag into important boxes
Especially if you’re using movers or moving long distance. Don’t ask how I learned this one from a client situation that turned into a very stressful story. Tracking devices can give you peace of mind for important bins, paperwork, or valuables.
7. Talk directly to the driver for out-of-state moves
If your belongings are traveling across states, ask questions. Make sure you understand the timeline, where the truck is headed, and what paperwork they can provide regarding delivery expectations. Clarity upfront reduces a lot of anxiety later.
8. Pack an essentials bin
Think: medications, chargers, paperwork, toilet paper, snacks, pet supplies, basic toiletries, and a few days of clothes. Make this the last thing packed and the first thing opened.
9. Keep one calm space
Moving is mentally exhausting. Try to leave one corner, bed, chair, or room relatively clear while packing so you have somewhere to decompress that doesn’t feel chaotic.
10. Plan the logistics earlier than you think
This is the part people underestimate most. Realtors help you prepare to sell and hit the market—but someone still has to figure out the real-life timeline of packing, decluttering, storage, PODS, movers, donation pickups, cleaning, and closing dates.
This is where sitting down with a professional organizer can make a huge difference. We help you back-date your to-do list, map out different move scenarios, and create an actual plan so you’re not making stressful last-minute decisions while surrounded by boxes.
Moving is always a lot—but it feels very different when there’s a system behind it.
📦 Want more practical organizing and moving tips that actually make real life easier? Join my email newsletter for weekly tips, routines, and realistic systems that help reduce overwhelm.
