6 Tips To Make Moving Less Stressful

Moving can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make the process much smoother. Whether you're packing up for a major cross-country move or just heading across town, planning ahead and using simple strategies can save you time, energy, and stress.

You don’t need to let moving day send your nerves through the roof — follow these practical tips to keep things under control.

One of the best ways to reduce stress during a move is to start planning early. Waiting until the last minute can turn even a small move into a nightmare. Create a moving checklist as soon as you know you’re relocating. Outline the key tasks you need to complete, from notifying your utility providers to packing up your belongings.

Break the process into smaller steps with clear deadlines. This makes the workload feel more manageable and helps you stay on track. A simple plan can prevent that last-minute panic where you’re tossing everything into random boxes the night before the move.

Packing items you no longer need is a waste of time and space. Before you start boxing up your belongings, take the time to declutter your current home. Go through every room, closet, and drawer and ask yourself: "Do I use this? Do I need this? Does it bring value to my life?"

Sort your items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or toss. You might be surprised how much you can get rid of. Hosting a garage sale or selling items online can even put a little cash in your pocket. Plus, fewer items mean less to pack, load, and unpack later.

Running out of boxes or packing tape mid-move is incredibly frustrating. Avoid this by gathering all your moving supplies ahead of time. You’ll need sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, labels, and markers.

Many hardware stores sell moving kits that include everything you need. You may also find free boxes at grocery stores or local marketplaces if you're on a budget. Having all your supplies ready before you start packing makes the process much smoother.

Packing an entire home can feel overwhelming, so break it down room by room. Start with the least-used areas, like guest rooms or storage spaces. Save the areas you use daily, like the kitchen and bathroom, for last.

As you pack, label each box clearly with its contents and the room in which it belongs. You can even use color-coded stickers for each room to make the unpacking process easier. This system keeps everything organized, so you’re not hunting through boxes to find your coffee maker on the first morning in your new home in Summerville.

Packing up your entire home means that it’s easy to lose track of everyday essentials. That’s why you should create a moving essentials box with everything you’ll need for the first day or two in your new place.

Include items like:

Having these items close at hand can save you from digging through boxes when you’re tired after a long day of moving.

Sometimes, doing everything yourself simply isn’t realistic. Hiring professional movers can take a significant load off your shoulders, especially for long-distance, complex moves or heavy items. Research local moving companies, read online reviews, and get a few quotes to find a trusted team that fits your budget and needs.

Don’t forget about the administrative side of moving. Arrange for your utilities — like electricity, water, internet, and gas — to be turned off at your old home and set up in your new one before the moving day. Nothing would be worse than arriving at your new residence and discovering that you don’t have power or running water.

You’ll also need to update your address with the post office, your bank, credit card providers, subscriptions, and any other services you use. A little planning here can save you headaches down the road.

Some items are too precious to leave to chance during a move. Pack important valuables — like jewelry, heirlooms, and important documents — separately and keep them with you. Avoid loading these items onto the moving truck where they could get lost, damaged, or misplaced. Consider using padded cases or special boxes for fragile items like electronics, artwork, or glassware. Label them “fragile” so everyone knows that they should handle them with care.

In the end, moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper planning, efficient organization, and the right mindset, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. Start early, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Before you know it, you’ll be settling into your new home in Summerville with a sense of accomplishment.

If you’re ready to get started, The Husted Team is well-positioned to guide you on your real estate journey in Summerville, SC. Reach out today.