Advertising Disclosure

21 Moving and Packing Tips You Really Should Know

Moving can feel like a wild puzzle, right? You’ve got boxes everywhere, a dizzying to-do list, and loved ones popping by to see if you need help. I’ve been there. After moving homes multiple times – locally, across the country, and even internationally – I’ve developed a soft spot for moving tips that actually work. And truth be told, these days, I’m the friend everyone comes to when they need practical wisdom.

How much will my move cost?

Let us help match you

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

    Please tell us where you're moving from

    Please tell us where you're moving to

    Please select or enter a date

    Please tell us how much stuff you have

    Please tell us your name

    Please tell us your phone number

    Thank you!

    Your movers will contact you shortly.

    Written by: National Movers Team

    NationalMovers team provides expert insights, mover comparisons, and practical resources to help you make informed moving decisions. Whether you need company reviews, relocation tips, or expert guidance, we’ve got you covered. Read more

    Reviewed by: Jason Walker

    Jason Walker is a moving expert with personal and professional experience, sharing tips, guides, and reviews to make your relocation stress-free. Read more

    Last Update: 03/09/2025

    But I’m not keeping this treasure trove all to myself. Let’s walk through my top tips and chat about the little details I picked up along the way my go-to solution for a stress-free experience. My last move was practically seamless, and I can’t wait to share the highlights with you. Ready? Let’s start unboxing these ideas, piece by piece.

    Key Takeaways

    Organize Before You Pack: Label boxes thoroughly, de-clutter unused items, and separate daily essentials into a dedicated “first week” box to avoid chaos when you land in your new place.

    Choose the Right Moving Method: Whether you’re shifting locally or trekking cross-country, compare your options – rent a truck for smaller loads or hire a reliable team like All Movers for a smoother ride.

    Handle Fragiles and Valuables With Care: Wrap breakables in bubble wrap or towels, protect your electronics in sturdy boxes, and keep documents such as passports, ID cards, and birth certificates in a separate, secure folder.

    Plan for Kids and Pets: Consistency helps. Stick to meal times, set aside a quiet space on moving day, and handle their room (or pet corner) first so they feel comfortable amid all the commotion.

    Leverage Digital and IRL Resources: TikTok has clever hacks – like using socks to protect glasses or plastic wrap for dresser drawers – and reputable moving companies can provide special packing boxes, timely services, and insurance for prized possessions.

    Stay Flexible and Positive: Things can go awry – traffic jams, unpredictable weather, or minor delays. Keep snacks and water handy, pace yourself, and remember that a bit of laughter (and maybe a helping hand) can keep your stress in check.

    Best Overall Value Best Overall Value

    United Regions Van Lines

    0

    • Nationwide availability
    • Clear pricing, no hidden fees
    • Premium door-to-door service

    Need Help? Call Now

    855-930-4574
    • Nationwide availability, over 25 years of experience, premium door-to-door service
    American Relocation Experts

    0

    • Reliable moving & Storage solutions
    • Top-quality services, trained staff
    • Reliable moving & Storage solutions, top-quality services, trained staff

    Packing Tips For Moving

    When friends call me in a frenzy, usually their first question is, “How on earth am I supposed to pack all this stuff?” They’re often staring at a mountain of boxes, furniture that won’t fit, or collections they forgot they even had. Sound familiar? Let me explain a few strategies that helped me get my act together. They’re straightforward and, more importantly, they work under pressure.

    1. Prioritize by Season and Frequency. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve found winter coats tucked away in June or a beach umbrella in the dead of winter. Figure out which items you use a lot – maybe your coffee machine, laptop, or daily cookware – and keep them accessible. Everything else can go into labeled boxes. Stash away off-season gear before you touch the stuff you need every day.
    2. Label Like You Mean It. A black marker is your new best friend. Go beyond scrawling “Kitchen” or “Bedroom” on the side of a box. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want details. Write short summaries like, “Kitchen – Pots and Pans” or “Master Bedroom – Winter Clothes.” It might feel tedious at first, but trust me, future you will throw a celebration when it’s time to unpack.
    3. Don’t Overload Boxes. One rookie mistake I made way back when was trying to cram everything into giant crates. I ended up with boxes so heavy that I pulled a muscle hauling one into the truck. These days, I swear by medium-sized boxes for heavier items like books or dishes. Your back will thank you, and so will your movers.
    4. Bubble Wrap and Towels. Gotta protect those fragile possessions, right? Bubble wrap is magical. But I also like to repurpose items I already have, such as kitchen towels or even thick sweaters, to cushion breakables. It’s economical and eco-friendly. Plus, you can find a good supply of bubble wrap from local hardware stores if you’re running short.
    5. Create a “First Week” Box. Let’s say you’ve moved, and it’s late. You’re exhausted, but you still need your toothbrush, pajamas, and maybe some snacks. Having a small box or tote with your immediate necessities can save you from ripping through random boxes. I usually stash a spare set of clothes, phone chargers, basic cooking utensils, and basic toiletries in there. Instant sanity.
    6. Keep Important Papers Separate. Passports, birth certificates, and other critical documents don’t belong in the general mess of moving. Keep them in a secure folder or a small, locked box. If you’re traveling across the country, put them in your carry-on or personal bag. You’ll be less anxious when you know exactly where they are.
    7. Wrap Liquids Carefully. Shampoos, lotions, or cleaning supplies have a knack for leaking. Unscrew the lids, place a piece of plastic wrap over the opening, then twist the lid back on. If I’m extra paranoid, I’ll also tape the outside and store them upright. Leaks are no fun, especially when you discover them all over your newly packed linens.
    8. De-Clutter as You Pack. This is a prime opportunity to let go of junk. I remember lugging boxes to my new place, opening them, and wondering why on earth I kept a broken microwave from 1997. Save yourself the grief. If you haven’t used something in over a year, consider donating, recycling, or tossing it. You’ll have fewer boxes to move – and fewer regrets.
    9. Protect Your Valuables and Electronics. Your laptop, camera, and gaming console – treat them like delicate creatures. If you still have the original boxes, great; if not, opt for sturdy cardboard containers with plenty of padding. For large TVs, some moving pros in our All Movers network even offer specialized boxes. I once worked with a crew recommended by All Movers who supplied the perfect box for my big-screen TV. It saved me from the hassle of tracking one down myself.
    10. Ask for Help if You Need It. It’s tempting to tackle everything on your own, but if you have friends or family willing to lend a hand, let them. Better yet, consider bringing in professionals to do the heavy lifting. A moving team I booked through All Movers loaded my entire living room furniture onto their truck in about half the time I could’ve done it myself. That extra cost? Worth every penny.

    Moving Tips and Hacks

    Moving Tips and Hacks

    As you prep and pack, you’ll notice small adjustments along the way. Maybe you’ll refine your labeling system. Maybe you’ll use more bubble wrap than you thought possible. That’s perfectly okay. Packing is all about flexibility and common sense.

    Get matched with the best mover for your needs!

    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7

      • Please enter 2 or more characters

      Please tell us where you're moving from

      • Please enter 2 or more characters

      Please tell us where you're moving to

      Please select or enter a date

      Please tell us how much stuff you have

      Please tell us your name

      Please tell us your phone number

      Thank you!

      Your movers will contact you shortly.

      You’ve packed your belongings, labeled your boxes, and put your valuables somewhere safe. Now comes the actual move, which can be chaotic. When I think about moving day, I picture an early morning wake-up call, a pot of strong coffee, and a flurry of last-minute checks. Yet, over time, I’ve developed strategies to stay calm and carry on.

      Basic Moving Tips

      Here’s the thing about the big day: it’s as stressful or as breezy as you allow it to be. Sounds oversimplified, I know, but let’s break down a few small things that can have a big impact:

      • Set Out a Clear Path. Clear any tripping hazards. I’ve seen friends scramble over shoes, rugs, or random boxes in the hallway. It slows you down.
      • Load Heavy Items First. If you’re loading a truck yourself, start with the heavy furniture or the sturdy boxes at the bottom. That helps keep everything stable, especially if you’re driving over bumpy roads.
      • Schedule Your Time Wisely. Mornings usually give you a head start – traffic can be lighter, and you’ll have the rest of the day to get things done. If you’re booking through National Movers (as I did), make sure to coordinate your desired time window. Crews in our network tend to show up right on schedule, ready to roll.
      • Snacks and Water. Keep some bottled water around and a stash of energy bars. Everyone forgets to eat when they’re running around, but your body needs fuel. Dehydration can creep up on you in the chaos.
      • Stay Positive. It might sound corny, but a good attitude can keep you from getting overwhelmed. I once got stuck in torrential rain while moving. My friend and I made a game out of it. Sure, we got soaked, but it turned into a funny memory instead of a total meltdown.

      Tips For Moving Cross Country

      A cross-country move ups the ante. It’s more planning, more finances, and definitely more distance. Still, I learned a few hacks that made my moves manageable.

      • Plan Early and Compare. If you’re booking flights, rental trucks, or moving services, lock them in early. Rates can jump around, and you don’t want any last-minute sticker shock. When I moved from Denver to the East Coast, I looked into seven different options. The mover I found through National Movers stood out with transparent pricing and genuinely helpful staff. I also appreciated that they offered multiple insurance plans – perfect for extra peace of mind.
      • Ship Some Items. Sometimes it’s cheaper to ship your books or clothes via freight or regular mail. I shipped a few heavy boxes of my wife’s textbooks once, and it cost less than adding them to the moving truck. Compare costs, see which approach fits your budget.
      • Stay Organized With a Calendar. Cross-country moves can take days. Mark down which day you’ll be in transit, when the movers are scheduled to arrive, and when you expect your items. Use a digital calendar, a printed planner, or both. Knowing your timeline helps you plan lodging, meals, and gas stops along the way.
      • Carry Essentials in Your Car. Your laptop, phone chargers, spare clothes – keep them in your personal vehicle or your carry-on if you’re flying. That way, you’re not stuck rummaging through a moving truck in the middle of your cross-country trek.
      • Prepare for Time Zone Adjustments. If you’re crossing multiple time zones, remember that your internal clock might be a bit off for a few days. Let yourself rest properly. Moving is physically and mentally draining, so factor in some downtime when you arrive.

      Tips For Local Moving

      Shifting houses within the same city might look simpler at first glance. You can make multiple trips, maybe gather a few friends, and you’re done. But local moves can still be chaotic.

      • Measure New Spaces. Before the move, take measurements of the new place. Will that huge couch fit through the door? Does the fridge have enough room against the kitchen wall? I once forgot to check the door frame of my new apartment. My sofa wouldn’t go through, so I had to remove the legs on the spot – awkward and stressful.
      • Ask About Restrictions. Some apartments have rules about moving times. Others might require special parking permits for the moving truck. Ask your landlord or property manager if you’re unsure. It’s less stressful to handle these details beforehand than to deal with them mid-move.
      • Borrow or Rent the Right Vehicle. For a local move, you might be able to get away with using a friend’s pickup truck – unless you have a whole house worth of stuff. If you do, renting a small moving truck or hiring professionals might be more efficient. Again, a stress-free day is worth the cost.
      • Pack an Overnight Bag. Even if you’re just moving 10 minutes away, you may be too drained to unpack everything that first night. Keep pajamas, toiletries, and a phone charger in an easy-to-reach bag. It helps you settle in without rummaging around a mountain of boxes.
      • Stay Flexible. Sometimes local moves can happen in bursts – like moving small stuff on weekdays and the big items on a weekend. It’s okay to break it up. Just have a clear schedule so you’re not scattering your attention everywhere.

      Find the perfect mover to fit your needs – get your free instant moving quote now!

      932-465-6888

      Office Moving Tips

      Office moves have a whole other set of challenges. You’ve got important documents, equipment, and colleagues to coordinate with. But from my experience, some personal relocation principles still apply – just on a bigger scale.

      • Inform Everyone Early. Give your employees or coworkers a heads-up as soon as possible. Office moves often affect daily operations, so the more notice you give, the smoother the transition.
      • Tag Equipment. Label everything: desktops, chairs, monitors, even the cables. A color-coding system can work wonders. When you get to the new space, you’ll know which desk goes where, and which cables connect to which devices.
      • Back Up Digital Files. Before you unplug those computers, back up all essential data on external hard drives or cloud storage. If anything gets lost or damaged, you’ll have a safety net. When my team moved offices last year, we saved ourselves from a potential meltdown by having multiple backups.
      • Coordinate With IT. Your IT department or provider should handle server relocations, setting up networks, and getting everything back online. Make sure you schedule them properly so you’re not stuck in a new office with no internet.
      • Consider Hiring Professionals. Office relocations often involve hefty filing cabinets, sensitive tech, and even custom furnishings. That’s why working with a crew experienced in commercial moves can make all the difference. When our small company relocated, we had an array of computers and confidential documents. Letting National Movers handle the job gave us peace of mind. Their insurance coverage alone was worth it, and their team knew exactly how to pack and transport electronics with care.

      Tips for Moving with Children and Pets

      Moving is tough on grown-ups, so imagine how a child or a pet might feel. It can be confusing, unsettling, and emotional. I’ve moved with a toddler and a dog before, so I know this scenario can get messy.

      • Prepare Your Kids. Talk to them ahead of time. Show them pictures of the new home or neighborhood if you can. Kids feel more secure when they know what’s happening. Let them pack a small box of their favorite toys. This little sense of ownership can ease their anxiety.
      • Create a “Safe Space” for Pets. My dog, Buddy, doesn’t like sudden changes. I usually keep a small, quiet room or corner where I put his bed, toys, and water bowl on moving day. That way, he’s not stressed by the hustle and bustle happening in the rest of the house.
      • Stick to a Routine. If your cat eats at 7 AM, keep doing that on moving day. For kids, try to maintain their bedtime schedule if possible. Small routines can anchor them and provide reassurance during the upheaval.
      • Get Them Out of the Chaos. If you have a trusted friend or family member, let them take your kids or pets for a while. When we moved two years ago, my sister took my toddler to the playground during the heaviest loading time. It freed me up to focus, and my kid had fun instead of dealing with piles of boxes.
      • Unpack Their Space First. Once you arrive, set up your child’s bedroom or your pet’s corner before anything else. That helps them feel at home in the new environment right away.

      Best TikTok Tips For Moving

      I never thought I’d turn to TikTok for moving advice. But you know what? People share some pretty clever hacks. From unusual ways to seal your boxes to quick-and-easy ways to protect your plates, TikTok can be a goldmine of practical tips. You can find a bunch here: Top Tips from TikTok. You’ll see videos of folks using everyday items like foam plates to separate breakable dishes or cling wrap to secure dresser drawers. A few of my favorites include:

      • Using Socks to Protect Glasses. You slip your cups into clean socks, and voilà – no scratches. It sounds silly until you realize how much bubble wrap you’re saving.
      • Turning a Towel into a Makeshift Pet Bed. Movers at the door, your pet’s freaking out, and you need a quiet space? Fold a towel in a basket or a small box, add a treat, and your furry friend might actually chill out.
      • Creative Labeling. Some folks use color-coded duct tape on each box corner. That way, you see the color from multiple angles. Smart, right?
      • Stretch Wrap for Drawers. I’ve seen a ton of TikTokers wrapping dressers with plastic stretch wrap so they don’t have to empty every drawer. It’s an absolute time-saver if you don’t have super heavy stuff inside.

      A quick scroll through these videos can trigger new ideas. Just be sure to verify them with your common sense – some tips might be a little too creative.

      My Verdict

      You’ve got a bunch of tips, strategies, and personal anecdotes from my own moves. I’ve made enough mistakes for the both of us – trust me. Now, here’s the question: which moving service should you rely on? Over the years, I’ve tried different folks – tiny local outfits and bigger, well-known organizations. And while many of them got the job done, the movers recommended through National Movers consistently stand out. They’re punctual, they treat your belongings with respect, and they don’t nickel-and-dime you with hidden charges. My sister found her cross-country mover through our site, and she echoed my positive feedback.

      If you’re on the fence, consider reaching out for a quote. From my experience, talking directly to a rep helps clarify timelines, costs, and any special services you might need. If your budget is tight, you can negotiate exactly which parts of the process you want help with. And if you have special items (like antiques or a giant piano), chances are the movers in our network have the gear and know-how to handle them.

      Moving isn’t something we do every day, so it’s smart to enlist people who do it for a living. Yes, you can DIY and rope in some friends, but if you’re short on time – or simply want a more peaceful transition – hiring pros is worth considering.

      Anyway, I hope these tips make your journey smoother. Whether you’re shifting to a new apartment in town, relocating your office across the street, or trucking your belongings from one coast to the other, stay calm, be prepared, and lean on a solid team when needed. You’ve got this! And once the dust settles, you’ll be kicking back in your new place, grateful you planned well.

      Safe travels, and may your next move be your smoothest one yet!