Moving can feel overwhelming, but a detailed plan makes it manageable. This guide covers everything from budgeting and decluttering to transferring utilities and caring for kids and pets. Use it to stay on track and avoid last‑minute surprises.
Browse electricity plans.
Begin planning as soon as you confirm your moving decision. Start packing nonessential items weeks in advance—like seasonal clothing, decor, books, or spare linens. Tackling a little at a time prevents last-minute panic and rush costs.
Break down the tasks week by week so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Scheduling and pacing help you see forward motion every day.
The fewer things you move, the lower the cost and effort. Before packing:
Go room by room and sort items to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
Host a yard sale or list things online.
Donate usable items to local charities.
Recycle or discard unwanted items responsibly.
Decluttering lightens your load and gives you a cleaner start in the new home.
Moving boxes and supplies add up fast. Save money by:
Asking local retailers for free boxes they’re discarding
Checking community boards or marketplaces for people giving away boxes
Using suitcases, laundry bins, or baskets for packing
Using towels, sheets, or pillows to cushion fragile items instead of bubble wrap
These alternatives reduce waste and your moving supply costs.
Use small boxes for heavy items like books or tools so they’re easier to carry.
Wrap fragile things carefully with blankets or towels and clearly mark those boxes as fragile.
Label boxes with both the room name and a brief contents list (e.g. “Kitchen: utensils, small appliances”).
Use colored stickers or tape to group boxes by room.
Tape dresser drawers shut and secure sliding parts with stretch wrap or tape so you don’t need extra boxes for them.
These details save time during unpacking and reduce mistakes.
Before you unplug electronics, entertainment centers, or computer setups:
Take clear photos of back panels so you know which cables go where.
Note how components are arranged—this visual reference speeds up reconnecting at the new home.
This method avoids the frustration of mismatched cords and guesswork.
Utilities aren’t all created equal. Here’s how to manage them smartly:
Schedule your electricity, water, gas, trash, and internet in advance—2 to 4 weeks before your move.
If your provider supports it, keep both old and new addresses on your account for a short overlap period so you’re never without service.
Book installation for services like cable or security systems early to avoid delays.
Make sure your current service is disconnected just after your move to avoid paying for unused service.
Also, in deregulated states like Texas, you can shop for electricity plans ahead and lock in a rate before moving in.
Updating your address everywhere is critical and often overlooked. Start changing your address a week or two before your move to avoid missed mail or billing issues. Key places to update:
The USPS for mail forwarding
Banks, credit cards, insurers
Employers and payroll
Medical clinics, schools, and insurance providers
Subscriptions, online shoppers, and automation services
Doing this in one sitting saves repeat tasks and avoids forgotten services.
You don’t have to go it alone. Friends and family can help — but treat it like an event:
Offer food, drinks, or pizza. A small gesture goes a long way.
Assign clear roles: packing, loading, paperwork, or watching kids and pets.
Schedule helpers based on your timeline so they don’t all show up at once.
More hands shorten the job, and goodwill fuels cooperation.
Keep a suitcase or box with essentials so you avoid unpacking just to find basics:
Clothes, toiletries, medications
Chargers and cables
Tools, tape, scissors
Snacks, water, paper plates
Important documents and keys
Carry this with you in the car so it’s accessible while unpacking continues.
Food waste and grocery spoilage can cost money and stress.
Use up items before moving day.
Donate unopened nonperishables.
Plan simple meals during the move period—think sandwiches, wraps, or ready meals that don’t need full kitchens.
You’ll cut waste and avoid paying for food at last minute takeout.
Document your belongings for peace of mind:
Take photos of boxes before sealing, especially fragile or high-value items.
Photograph the condition of your furniture, appliances, and walls before loading.
Keep a list or spreadsheet of box numbers and contents.
This helps track missing items and assists with security deposits or insurance claims.
Talk openly about the move to reduce stress.
Offer choices (packing toys, picking room colors) so they feel involved.
Pack a “kids’ kit” with games, snacks, travel things to entertain them.
Stick to feeding, walking, and sleep routines during packing.
Introduce carriers early so pets are used to them.
Transport pets in crates or carriers. Bring water, blankets, and favorite items.
Make their new space familiar by placing their bed, toys, and food where they’ll see them first.
A smooth transition for kids and pets reduces chaos for everyone.
Rather than racing to unpack everything, pick priority rooms:
Bedrooms and bathrooms first
Basic kitchen items so you can eat without opening every box
Unpack one room at a time
For day one, set up beds and essentials so everyone has a comfortable spot to sleep.
