A Professional Organizer’s Tips for a Stress-Free Move

Let’s face it: almost no one is actually excited about the prospect of packing moving boxes. I’m always eager to get settled into a new place (hello, endless decorating projects!). But as someone who lived in six different apartments throughout her twenties, I’ve never enjoyed the packing process itself. It’s mentally tiresome, physically demanding, and seems to drag on—no matter how early you begin.

A Professional Organizer Shares Her Best Packing Tips for Moving

Because of this, I’ve long been looking for tips on how to streamline the process and make packing for a move slightly less daunting. For answers, I turned to Jayna Lattimore, a professional organizer and the founder of Ordered, LLC, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Here, Lattimore shares how to make a move less stressful—thank goodness for these tips! 

Don’t Make a Ton of Purchases Prior to Your Move

I began to cringe as I read this tip, as I’ve been majorly guilty of ordering everything from new furniture to coffee table books to kitchenware right before a move. I just couldn’t hold back since I was so excited to get decorating! But, Lattimore says, doing so will of course mean you have more to move to your new place, and your picks “may not align with the final setup and decor preferences in your new home.”

She adds, “Taking time to fully unpack and set up the new space allows for better decision-making regarding new furniture and decorations, preventing the hassle of returns and last-minute product research.”

I’ll be the first to admit that the cute little three drawer chest I just *had to have* for my NYC apartment didn’t look at all at home in my space once I’d moved everything else in. I ended up having to pay a hefty return fee to ship the piece back to the retailer I’d ordered it from. A pricey lesson to learn. 

Don’t Wait to Prep for Your Move Until the Last Minute

Thankfully I’ve never been a procrastinator, but if you’re someone who feels that they work best under pressure, you may want to reconsider this outlook in the months leading up to your move. Yes, I said months—Lattimore recommends beginning to prep for a move two months before your lease kicks off.

First, make a to do list of pre-move tasks that you can begin to tackle over this period, such as, of course, booking your movers. Additionally, use this time to focus on one space or room at a time, Lattimore says, beginning with the spaces you use the least. “Clear out each room completely or do a deep sweep through everything, discarding items you won’t be taking to your new place,” she suggests. You’ll also want to assemble a donation box as well as make a list of what needs replacing once you’re settled into your new home.

Don’t Let Furniture For Sale Linger 

I follow plenty of people on social media who post about furniture they’re looking to sell prior to a move, and in my opinion, some of these people just don’t know when to give it up and cut their losses! Posting daily for weeks on end just seems exhausting when you have so many other logistics to focus on.

Lattimore lives by a similar philosophy. “If you find items to sell, list them promptly and set a deadline for their sale,” she says. “If unsold by the deadline, consider donating to avoid unnecessary clutter.” Someone in need could greatly benefit from your generosity, and you’ll feel less overwhelmed by the presence of excess stuff in your home.

Declutter Thoughtfully

If decluttering isn’t your strong suit, Lattimore recommends asking yourself the following questions: Do I love it? Do I need it? Do I use it? Will there be space for it in my new place? She adds, “If the items don’t align with your identity and future aspirations, it’s best to part ways with them.” 

Read more: An Actually Doable Guide to Decluttering Your Entire Home

Don’t Forget About Other Essential Tasks

The moving process isn’t just about packing all of your belongings into boxes—there are many logistical components that are just as key. Lattimore notes that people tend to forget about the following tasks until the last minute:

• updating their mailing address (both by notifying the USPS as well as friends and family)
• arranging for childcare or pet care the day of the move
• canceling or transferring utilities
• asking friends or family for day-of help.

Lattimore recommends taking care of this final to-do weeks in advance. “Moving is a big deal and incredibly exhausting,” she says. “No one wants to be hit with a last-minute request to help.” 

Pack Like a Pro

Lattimore is full of useful packing tips that will make both the packing and unpacking process easier. Below are a few of her top suggestions: 

• Pack infrequently used items first. Think out-of-season clothes, holiday decorations, and the like. 
• Designate boxes for specific categories or rooms. It may take more time upfront but will help you in the long run, the organizer says. “Throwing different items in a box will create more of a hassle later when you’re unpacking.”  
• Pack heavier items on the bottom of the box. Then, cushion the top before sealing it, this will help when stacking boxes. 
• Label each box. A no brainer, but a necessary tip nonetheless! 
• Pack an overnight bag. This will come in handy the night you first settle into your home. “You’ll be glad you have a few changes of clothes and toiletries that you’ll need immediately, readily accessible without having to rummage through boxes,” Lattimore says. 
• Unpack one box at a time. Start with the most key rooms, like the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. 

Start Out on An Organized Foot

You’ve made the effort to be nice and organized during the packing process, so be sure to keep this going as you get settled. “It’s time to set up storage solutions,” Lattimore says. “Make sure they are functional for you.” Drawer organizers, bins, and baskets are your new BFFs, and labels are always great, too. 

You will also want to maintain a regular chore schedule in your new place. “We recommend decluttering your home at least two to three times a year and as needed before holidays and special events throughout the year to make room for new purchases,” Lattimore says. “Establishing simple routines like 15 minutes each day to reset your home and sort through mail keeps things from piling up and remaining out of place for too long.”