This post was sponsored by PODS®
Hello friends! I’m back to share the remainder of my top ten tips for planning a move. If you missed part one with the first five tips, you can catch up on MOVING TIPS PART ONE. Here are the final five ideas to help your move go more smoothly.
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6. Make a master to-do list and assign tasks.
There are so many details involved in a big move that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Tasks usually take longer than you expect, so keeping a master to-do list helps ensure nothing gets forgotten. A simple paper list on a clipboard or in a notebook that you consult throughout the day works wonderfully — you’ll add items, cross things off, and keep track of progress in one visible spot. Seeing what’s left to do reduces stress and prevents double work.
One of the best strategies is to divide and conquer. Decide what you can do yourselves, what family members can help with, and what’s worth hiring out. For our move we rented PODS containers, arranged loading help through Hire-A-Helper and a local moving labor service, hired a housekeeper to make our home show-ready the week it listed, booked a window cleaner, and used a landscaper to keep the yard tidy. We packed most items ourselves but got help where it made the biggest difference.
When schedules are tight or other big responsibilities (like work or deadlines) overlap with moving tasks, delegating to friends, family, or professionals is a gift. It reduces fatigue and keeps the process manageable.
In past moves we handled almost everything ourselves, but when life was especially full we chose to outsource some chores. If you can hire help for loading, cleaning, yard maintenance, or specialized services, do it — the reduced stress is worth the cost.
7. Be flexible
Moving is unpredictable. Even with careful organization, things won’t always go as planned. When unexpected issues arise, adapt and move forward rather than getting stuck. We once ran out of time for a garage sale and placed remaining items on the curb with a free sign or donated them. We didn’t make the money we hoped for, but we cleared things and felt better about it.
When offers fall through or a house isn’t exactly what you imagined, stay open to different possibilities. Challenges with lenders, inspection reports, or scheduling can be frustrating, but staying patient and calm helps things usually work out. Avoid making decisions in a heightened emotional state — being adaptable preserves your energy and keeps the process smoother.
8. Prepare for extra moving expenses
Moving costs add up beyond the price of your new home. Supplies, meals on the go, hiring movers or labor, hotel stays during house hunting, earnest money, inspections, repairs, appraisals, taxes, utility setup fees, and unexpected repairs can all increase the total. Preparing a moving fund in advance will reduce stress and help your loan process if you’re applying for financing.
To raise extra cash, plan ahead to sell items online or locally. Listing sellable items on sites like Craigslist or auction platforms a few months before your move gives you time to earn money without last-minute panic. Also search for used or free moving supplies from local stores or neighbors to save on materials.
9. Gather bins, boxes and supplies.
Even after decluttering, you’ll need plenty of boxes and packing supplies. Winging it with duffel bags and random containers makes moving harder, so think ahead about the types and quantities of boxes you’ll want. Sturdy banker-style boxes with lids are great for heavy items like books and dishes, and clear plastic tubs work well for items you’ll store in a garage or closet.
We discovered you can rent reusable plastic moving bins that are delivered, stacked, and picked up at your new home. We rented from a local provider and would do it again — rented bins snap closed, stack easily, protect breakables, and cut down on strapping and mismatched lids. The time saved unpacking promptly because bins must be returned was an added benefit, and delivery often includes a dolly, which is a lifesaver.
Order specialty boxes for TVs, art, and wardrobe boxes in advance if you need them. Use rolling suitcases for books or clothing, and consider keeping clothing in dressers if they can be moved safely — it saves packing and unpacking time. Many grocery stores and warehouse retailers will give away boxes if you ask in the weeks before your move.
If you plan to bring freestanding cabinets or dressers, pack each drawer and label boxes with the cabinet or drawer they belong to. That way you can return items directly to their proper spots and enjoy a sense of normalcy sooner.
10. Focus on the essentials.
Pack an essentials bag to carry with you in the days around your move. Treat the move like a short trip: you’ll be away from routine and comforts, so keep toiletries, a few changes of clothes, pillows and sheets for the first nights, and basic kitchen items handy. Also pack chargers, important documents, moving papers, and any items you’ll need immediately in a separate bag so you aren’t searching through dozens of boxes on day one.
Visualize your first few nights in the new home and pack accordingly so you can sleep well and prepare simple meals without hunting. In one move our truck was delayed by a storm and we had to shop for basics; a couple of prepared boxes would have saved time and expense.
If this all feels overwhelming, remember to take it one day at a time and check tasks off your list. Say no to as many extras as possible, focus on what must be done, and accept that the house will be messy for a while. You’ll likely live out of a few boxes at first, but eventually you’ll settle in, laugh about the chaos, and be grateful for the progress.
What are your best moving or packing tips? Please share advice or more tips in the comments!
Thanks again to PODS for their partnership in our move!
See more on our “move out day” and “move in day” posts for more details and photos from our moving experience.