8 Tips To Make Moving Less Stressful

Moving to a new home should feel exciting — a fresh chapter, a change of scenery, and the chance to make a space entirely your own. Even so, the process of moving can be rather exhausting. From packing up your belongings to coordinating transportation and trying not to misplace important documents, the logistics pile up quickly. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make moving a smoother, more manageable experience. With the right plan and a few smart strategies, you can reduce the stress and focus more on the joy of your upcoming adventure.

Whether you’re moving across the city or to an entirely new state, these tips will help you stay organized, keep your cool, and transition into your new home with confidence.

One of the best things you can do to reduce moving stress is to start early. As soon as you know you're relocating, begin building a timeline for all essential tasks. Create a detailed checklist of steps, and break it down week by week. This helps you avoid the last-minute panic that comes with realizing you forgot to schedule movers or change your address.

Try setting target dates for booking services, gathering supplies, and notifying important contacts. When you spread out the process over time, the journey feels much more manageable, and you’re less likely to overlook something essential.

Don’t wait until moving day to decide what you’re bringing with you. Go through each room and set aside items you no longer use, want, or need. The fewer belongings you have to move, the easier the process becomes. This is the perfect time to donate, sell, or recycle anything that’s been taking up space without purpose.

Approach this process room by room — start with closets, then move to drawers, cabinets, and storage bins. Be honest about what you actually use versus what’s simply been sitting untouched. By the time you’re ready to start packing, you’ll have fewer items to sort through, and your new space will feel lighter and more intentional.

Invest in sturdy boxes, strong packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Cheap supplies might seem like a good idea at first, but they often lead to broken items, repacking, or frustration. You want to make sure everything you’re moving stays safe and organized.

Clear labeling is essential. Use permanent markers to label each box with its contents and the room in which it belongs. Consider color-coding boxes by room to help movers (and yourself) unload more efficiently. Small investments in high-quality supplies and smart labeling can save you time, stress, and even money in the long run.

There’s a temptation to rush through packing, but taking a thoughtful approach makes a big difference. Start with non-essentials and seasonal items — things you won’t need in the weeks leading up to your move. Then, gradually pack items room by room, placing heavier belongings at the bottom of boxes and wrapping fragile items carefully.

Pack a “first night” box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, paper towels, bedding, chargers, and anything else you’ll want immediately. Having this box easily accessible can make your first night in the new home feel less chaotic.

If your move involves more than a few car trips across town, consider hiring professional movers. It’s worth the investment to have experienced professionals handle the heavy lifting, loading, and transport. Read online reviews, ask for recommendations, and verify licensing and insurance before booking. Whether you’re hiring professionals or organizing a DIY move, clear communication and preparation make all the difference.

You don’t want to arrive at your new home only to realize your mail is still going to your old place or that the power hasn’t been turned on yet. Make a list of every account that needs an address update, from your bank and employer to subscription services and insurance providers.

Set up utility transfers well in advance as well. Schedule disconnects and new service activations a few days before your move, if possible. That way, everything will be ready by the time you arrive, and you won’t have to worry about downtime in internet service, electricity, or water.

Even with the most effective planning, something will probably go off schedule. Maybe the movers run late, you forget to pack a drawer, or it starts raining during the drive. Try to leave room in your timeline and budget for surprises, and keep your expectations flexible.

It helps to have a small “go bag” ready with the essentials — snacks, water, a phone charger, hand sanitizer, medications, and anything else you might need if delays happen. A flexible mindset, along with a bit of padding in your plans, will help you roll with whatever comes your way.

Once you're in your new place, resist the urge to immediately unpack every box. Instead, focus on setting up a few key spaces that will help you settle in emotionally. Make your bed, put out a few personal items like photos or your favorite coffee mug, and light a candle or play music you enjoy. Even if the rest of the house is still in boxes, creating a cozy spot for yourself can bring a sense of calm. It also helps make the space feel like yours, even before everything is fully in place.

Ultimately, moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking the process down, staying ahead of deadlines, and making thoughtful decisions about what you bring into your new home, you can turn a high-stress experience into a more streamlined one.

The more intentionally you approach your move, the easier it becomes to enjoy what really matters: building a new life in a space that feels just right for you.

Connect with Dillon Gray LeFan for expert guidance as you begin your next chapter and explore your real estate options in Chesterfield, MO.