Moving doesn’t have to be the nightmare everyone says it is. Sure, it’s never going to be as relaxing as a day at the beach, but with the right approach, you can actually get through it without losing your mind. The secret? Breaking everything down room by room instead of trying to tackle your entire house at once.
I’ve moved more times than I care to admit, and every time I think I’ve got it figured out, something new pops up. But one thing that’s always saved me is having a solid checklist. So let’s walk through this together, room by room.
Start With the Kitchen (Because It’s Always the Worst)
Let’s be real—the kitchen is the most annoying room to pack. You’ve got breakables, weird-shaped items, and that one appliance you forgot you owned buried in the back of a cabinet.
Start by purging. If you haven’t used that bread maker in two years, donate it. Same with duplicate utensils, mismatched Tupperware, and the seventeen coffee mugs you somehow accumulated.
Pack order:
- Non-essentials first (fancy serving platters, extra glassware)
- Pantry items (consolidate what you can, toss expired stuff)
- Everyday dishes last (you still need to eat)
Wrap plates individually in dish towels or packing paper, and stack them vertically in boxes—they’re less likely to break that way. Put heavier items like pots and pans on the bottom, lighter stuff on top. Label everything clearly with “KITCHEN – FRAGILE” so nobody’s tossing those boxes around.
Living Room: More Than Just the Couch
The living room seems easy until you start taking inventory. Electronics, books, throw pillows, that random collection of plants you’ve been nurturing.
Electronics first: Take photos of how everything’s connected before you unplug. Trust me on this—you’ll thank yourself later. Wrap cords with twist ties and label them. Pack remotes with their corresponding devices.
Books and media: These are heavy. Use small boxes or you’ll never be able to lift them. Mix books with lighter items like throw pillows to balance the weight.
Furniture prep: Disassemble what you can. Keep hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture piece. Protect upholstered furniture with blankets or old sheets.
For floor protection during the move, consider investing in quality materials like sustainable floor mats that can handle heavy traffic and furniture movement—they’ll be useful in your new place too.
Bedroom: The Personal Stuff
Bedrooms are tricky because they’re full of personal items that need care but also everyday essentials you can’t pack until the last minute.
Closet cleanout: This is your chance. Try things on. If it doesn’t fit or you haven’t worn it in a year, it goes. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes—they save so much time on both ends.
Dresser drawers: Small, light items can stay in drawers if you’re not moving far. Just secure the drawers with stretch wrap. Heavy stuff? Pack it separately.
Under-bed storage: Don’t forget about what’s hiding under there. Seasonal items, extra linens, or that box of memories you’ve been meaning to sort through.
Pack a “first night” box with sheets, pillows, pajamas, and toiletries. You’ll want to make the bed and crash without digging through boxes at midnight.
Bathroom: Quick But Important
Bathrooms are usually the fastest to pack but easy to forget about until the last minute.
Check expiration dates on medications and cosmetics. Toss anything old or expired. Secure all liquids in plastic bags—double bag them if they’re likely to leak.
Pack a separate bag with essentials for the first few days: toilet paper (seriously, don’t forget this), hand soap, shower supplies, towels, and cleaning supplies. You’ll need to clean both the old place and touch up the new one.
Home Office: Handle With Care
If you work from home, this room is critical. You can’t afford to lose important documents or damage equipment.
Documents: Use a file box or small moving box to keep papers organized. Consider taking important documents with you in your car rather than the moving truck.
Electronics: Original boxes are ideal for computers and monitors. No original boxes? Lots of bubble wrap and clearly marked “FRAGILE” labels. Back up everything before the move—hard drives can fail.
Desk setup: Take a photo of your current setup so you can recreate it. Coil and label all cables.
Garage and Storage: The Final Boss
This is where moving gets real. The garage is where random stuff lives and multiplies.
Sort everything into four piles: keep, donate, sell, trash. Be ruthless. Those paint cans from 2015? Probably dried out. Sports equipment you never use? Someone else will enjoy it.
For tools and hardware, keep similar items together. Use small containers or bags for screws, nails, and small parts. If you’ve got garden supplies, check if you’re even allowed to use them in your new place—some communities have restrictions.
Getting Professional Help
Look, there’s no shame in hiring professionals. Sometimes the DIY route makes sense, but sometimes it’s worth paying for peace of mind. Companies like Mario Moving Company have the equipment and experience to handle the heavy lifting efficiently.
If you’re in the suburbs dealing with narrow streets or specific community rules, local expertise matters. Glendora movers who know the area can navigate those challenges way better than you trying to figure it out on moving day.
Even if you’re mostly DIYing it, consider hiring movers just for the furniture. Your back will thank you, and honestly, it’s usually worth the cost when you factor in your time and energy.
The Week Before: Final Countdown
7 days out:
- Confirm moving truck or movers
- Start packing room by room
- Use up perishable food
- Notify utilities about your move date
3 days out:
- Finish packing non-essentials
- Clean as you empty rooms
- Prepare appliances (defrost freezer, disconnect washer)
1 day out:
- Pack your essentials bag
- Do final walkthrough
- Set aside items going in your car
Moving day:
- Wake up early (sorry)
- Have cash for tips
- Keep important documents with you
- Take final photos for your security deposit
Setting Up Your New Place
Once you’re at the new place, don’t try to unpack everything in one day. Focus on essentials first—bed, bathroom, kitchen basics. Everything else can wait.
Take time to clean before you unpack. It’s way easier to clean empty rooms than to work around boxes and furniture.
As you unpack, think about function over speed. Set up each room thoughtfully rather than just emptying boxes wherever. Check out more home organization tips as you settle in.
Real Talk
Moving is exhausting no matter how organized you are. Give yourself grace. Order pizza. Take breaks. Ask friends for help and actually accept it when they offer.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s getting your stuff from point A to point B with minimum stress and broken items. Use this checklist as a guide, adjust it for your situation, and remember that in a few weeks, you’ll be settled in and this will all be behind you.
Welcome home.
