Moving to a new home is exciting, but it’s also one of life’s most stressful events. In fact, one survey found that 45% of Americans say moving is more stressful than divorce or having kids. But with the right approach, you can make the process smoother, more organized, and less stressful.
Here are five moving tips to help you take the anxiety out of your big move.
1. Color-Code Your Boxes for Easy Unpacking
Sure, writing “Kitchen” or “Bedroom” with a black marker works—but why not make things easier and faster? Try assigning each room in your new home a different color (blue for kitchen, green for living room, yellow for bedrooms, etc.) and place colored stickers or tape on each box.
Example: If you’re moving into a two-story home, put a green sticker on all the living room boxes and then place a matching green sticker on the new living room door. This way, friends or movers instantly know exactly where things belong. It’s a small step that saves loads of time (and questions) on moving day.
2. Plan Ahead
Most people underestimate how much time moving actually takes. The entire process may take up to 8 weeks from start to finish, depending on various factors such as home size, distance, and preparation level.
Packing always takes longer than expected, and moving-day surprises are almost guaranteed. To reduce last-minute stress:
- Start packing non-essentials at least 3–4 weeks before your move.
- Book your moving truck, hand truck, and packing supplies early—especially if you’re moving during the summer, which is peak moving season.
- Build in extra time for unexpected hiccups like bad weather or traffic delays.
Planning ahead is the number-one way to avoid last-minute chaos.
3. Start Big to Stay Motivated
Packing closets and junk drawers first might seem logical, but it can also feel endless. Instead, begin with big-impact areas like the living room or bedroom. Seeing entire rooms packed up gives you momentum and makes the process less overwhelming.
Example: Packing up your living room furniture and décor in a single weekend feels like a huge win. That sense of accomplishment helps carry you through smaller, more tedious spaces later.
Think of it as crossing “the big stuff” off your to-do list early.
4. Stock Up on Boxes (More Than You Think You’ll Need)
Running out of boxes in the middle of packing is the ultimate momentum killer. Aim to gather at least 25–30% more boxes than you think you’ll need.
Where do you get them? Hit up all the local grocery stores and big box retailers, of course. But also try free resources like:
- Bookstores (great for sturdy medium boxes)
- Liquor stores (perfect for heavy items like dishes)
- Craigslist, Freecycle, or the U-Haul Box Exchange
5. Purge Needless Items Before Packing
The less you have to move, the less stressful the process will be. Decluttering before and as you pack is one of the most powerful moving tips.
Ask yourself: Do I really need this? If the answer is no, donate it, sell it, or toss it.
Hosting a garage sale two weeks before your move can clear out clutter and put a little extra cash in your pocket. Plus, donating gently used items to local charities can make the move feel like a fresh start in more ways than one.
“Wow” Fact: The average American household has over 300,000 items, according to the Los Angeles Times. Cutting down what you bring with you makes your move faster, cheaper, and more manageable.
Bonus Tip: Protect Your Budget with a Warranty
Even after you’ve unpacked, the stress doesn’t end if a major system or appliance breaks down. For instance, it can cost up to $6,000 to repair or replace an air conditioner without a home warranty. This could throw your budget off track and add stress to an already stressful situation.
A home warranty from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers peace of mind by helping protect your budget when covered parts of important systems and appliances break down.
Bottom Line: Move Smarter, Stress Less
Moving doesn’t have to drain you emotionally or financially. By color-coding your boxes, planning ahead, tackling big tasks first, stocking up on supplies, and decluttering along the way, you’ll create a smoother, more organized experience. Pair those steps with the protection of a home warranty, and you’ll be free to enjoy your new space with confidence.
Ready for peace of mind in your new home? Get a free quote on a 2-10 Home Warranty today.
