Important Steps to Take Before and After a Move to Make It a Success

From Chaos to Calm: Essential Moving Tips from a Professional Organizer

Moving can be one of the most exciting (and stressful) experiences, whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or just shifting across town. With boxes, checklists, and an overwhelming amount of "stuff" to pack, where do you even begin? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

At The Detailed Life, we live to transform chaos into calm, and we’ve compiled a list of essential steps to take before and after your move to make sure you’re left with peace of mind and not piles of clutter. Ready to make your move stress-free? Let’s dive in.

Before the Move:

1. Purge Like a Pro

Why pack what you don’t need? Moving is the perfect excuse to go full Marie Kondo on your belongings. Before you even start packing, sort through your closets, drawers, and storage spaces. If it doesn’t spark joy, it’s time to say goodbye (or hello to a donation bin). Trust us, future-you will thank you.

2. Create a Moving Timeline

Set up a timeline with key tasks and deadlines, like booking movers, transferring utilities, and, of course, packing. A timeline helps you stay on track and ensures you’re not frantically throwing things into boxes the night before (we’ve all been there, no judgment).

3. Gather Supplies (And Then Gather Some More)

You know that saying “better safe than sorry”? It definitely applies to packing supplies. Stock up on boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Check out Our Go-To Move Supply List for a detailed breakdown of moving supply essentials and suggested quantities. 

4. Label, Label, Label

Let’s be honest, “Miscellaneous” is not a helpful label for a moving box. Be as specific as possible when labeling each box (e.g., “Kitchen: Plates & Glasses” or “Bathroom: Hair Products”). Trust us, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to unpack, and you know exactly where to find your coffee maker (an essential for day one). Take it a step further and use colored dot stickers to make it even easier for your movers to place boxes in the right rooms.

5. Pack an Essentials Bag

It’s your first night in your new home. You’re exhausted, and all you want is to brush your teeth, slip into pajamas, and crash. But wait—where’s the toothpaste? Avoid the search party by packing an essentials bag with everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours—think pajamas, a change of clothes, toiletries, and chargers.

6. Update Your Address

Make a list of all the places you’ll need to notify of our address change: your bank, subscription services, utilities, and even your favorite pizza place. You want to make sure your mail—and your takeout—finds you at your new address.

7. Book the Professionals Early

Movers, packers, organizers, cleaners—whatever professional help you’ll need, book them early. Moving season gets busy, and the last thing you want is to scramble for a last-minute moving truck. Plus, having a team of pros to help means less heavy lifting for you.

8. Take Photos of Electronics Setup

Raise your hand if you’ve ever stared blankly at a pile of cords wondering how on earth your TV and speakers were ever connected in the first place. To avoid this dilemma, snap a few photos of the setup before you unplug everything. It’ll save you time (and frustration) when it’s time to reassemble in your new home.

10. Make Plans for Children & Pets on Moving Day

On moving day, keep your little ones and pets safe and out of the way. Arrange for a babysitter or pet sitter, so you can focus on the move without worrying about safety.

After the Move:

1. Unpack Essentials First

Before you start unpacking every single box, focus on your essentials. You’ll need your bedding, toiletries, a few kitchen items, and, of course, coffee. Getting your "survival kit" unpacked first will make those first few days more comfortable and keep you from digging through boxes for your coffee maker.

2. Create a Room-by-Room Plan

We know you’re eager to get everything in its place but resist the urge to unpack chaotically. Instead, tackle one room at a time. Start with the most functional spaces—like your kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom—and then work your way to the less critical areas. The key to staying sane is organization, not rushing to unpack every box in a day (we promise, the boxes will wait).

3. Break Down Boxes as You Go

Speaking of boxes, make it a habit to break them down as soon as you empty them. Nothing feels more overwhelming than a pile of empty boxes taking up space. Plus, this keeps your new home tidy and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you see the boxes slowly disappear. 

4. Update Your Address

Sure, it’s not the most thrilling task, but updating your address is vital. You don’t want your mail—or your Amazon packages—getting lost in transit. Make a list of everyone you need to notify, starting with the big ones: post office, bank, insurance companies, and any subscriptions you may have. Also, don’t forget to tell your friends and family about your new address!

5. Hook Up the Utilities

Don’t be that person who forgets to set up the Wi-Fi. Call your utility companies right away to confirm that your water, electricity, gas, and internet are all working. After all, what’s a home without functioning lights or, more importantly, Netflix? 

6. Take Care of Your New Home’s Safety

Safety first! Change the locks, or at least get them rekeyed. You never know how many copies of the old keys are floating around. While you're at it, check that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. It’s a small task, but one that can make a big difference in your peace of mind.

7. Create Zones for Your New Space

As you unpack, think about how you’ll actually live in your new space. Set up zones—dedicated areas for work, relaxation, and daily routines. For example, your kitchen can have zones for cooking, coffee-making, and meal prep, while your living room can feature zones for entertainment, reading, and storage. Strategic placement saves time (and sanity).

8. Organize as You Unpack

Take your time to create smart storage solutions that’ll work for your everyday life. Drawer organizers, baskets, and bins are your friends! Not only will you feel more in control, but future-you won’t have to reorganize everything a month later.

9. Schedule a Deep Clean

Even if your new home looks spotless, a deep clean is always a good idea. There’s nothing like starting fresh with a clean slate (literally). If you’re up for it, break out the mop and vacuum, or hire a professional cleaning service to do the heavy lifting for you. Trust us, starting in a squeaky clean home just feels better.

10. Decorate and Make It Yours

Here’s the fun part! Once the essentials are unpacked and organized, it’s time to add the personal touches that make your house feel like home. Hang up your favorite art, set out those family photos, and get cozy with blankets, pillows, and a few plants (instant homey vibes). The goal isn’t to get it all done at once—take your time and let your space evolve.

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At the end of the day, moving doesn’t have to be stressful—it can actually be the fresh start you’ve been craving. By taking a few extra steps to stay organized before and after the move, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. Happy moving!

If all of this sounds overwhelming, we’re here to help. Whether you need assistance packing, unpacking, day of coordination, organizing, or simply creating a plan that works, The Detailed Life can step in and handle the details, so you don’t have to. 

Book your free 15-minute phone consultation with The Detailed Life. We’ll help you move with ease and settle into your new space with everything in its perfect place.