Moving Tips and Considerations for New Homeowners

6 August 2025

So, you’ve finally done it—you’ve bought a house! Congratulations, you’re now in the elite club of mortgage payments, unexpected repairs, and never-ending trips to the hardware store. Welcome to adulthood! But before you throw that housewarming party and start measuring walls for your dream furniture setup, you’ve got one major hurdle left: moving.

Moving can be exciting, stressful, and chaotic—kind of like adopting a puppy but with way more boxes and no adorable tail-wagging. Don’t worry, though. I’ve got your back with this ultimate guide to making your move smoother, less stressful, and maybe even a little fun (okay, that last part might be a stretch).

Planning Ahead: Your Secret Weapon

Start Early or Prepare for Chaos

Moving is not one of those things you can wing at the last minute—unless you enjoy stress and disarray. Start planning at least a month in advance. Create a moving checklist with everything you need to do:

- Book a moving company (or bribe your friends with pizza if you're going the DIY route).
- Declutter your stuff (because, seriously, do you really need that high school math trophy?).
- Gather packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and buckets of patience).

Label Everything Like Your Life Depends on It

Imagine you arrive at your new house, exhausted after a long day of moving, and all you want is your coffee maker. But where is it? Somewhere in one of the 50 mystery boxes you just dumped in the living room. Avoid this horror story by labeling everything!

Pro tip: Go beyond "Kitchen" or "Living Room." Be specific, like "Kitchen – Coffee Maker & Mugs" or "Bedroom – Essentials (a.k.a. Pajamas & Toothbrush)" to make unpacking a breeze.

Packing Like a Pro (Or at Least Like Someone Who's Done This Before)

Don't Pack Junk – Purge with Purpose

Before you shove everything into boxes, take a moment to reflect: Do you really need those jeans from 2009 that haven’t fit in years? Moving is the perfect opportunity to Marie Kondo your life—if it doesn’t bring you joy, donate or toss it.

Also, let’s be real—do you really want to haul ALL that stuff to your new place just to stick it in a closet and forget about it again? Probably not.

Use What You Already Have

Don’t spend a fortune on packing materials when you already own soft, cushiony things that can protect your fragile items. Wrap glassware in towels, use socks to cushion mugs, and stash bedsheets around your breakables.

Bonus: This also means fewer boxes to unpack later. Win-win!

Pack an "Open First" Box

The last thing you want to do after moving in is dig through boxes trying to find essential items. Instead, pack an “Open First” box with:

- Toiletries (because toothpaste is non-negotiable)
- A change of clothes
- Chargers (because dead phones = instant panic)
- Toilet paper (trust me on this one)
- Snacks (because unpacking is hard work)

Moving Day: Game Face On

Hire Professional Movers (If You Can Afford It)

Unless you’re a fan of heavy lifting and playing Tetris with furniture in a moving truck, hiring movers is a smart idea. They have experience maneuvering couches through tight doorways without taking out half the wall.

If movers aren’t in your budget, bribe your strongest friends with pizza and drinks. Just make sure they actually show up (we all have that one friend who always cancels last minute).

Keep Your Pets (and Kids) Out of the Chaos

Moving day can be stressful for everyone, including your furry friends and small humans. If possible, ask a friend or family member to watch them for the day. Otherwise, set up a safe zone in a quiet room with their favorite toys, snacks, and a comfy spot to relax.

Do a Final Walkthrough

Before you leave your old place for good, do a last sweep of every room, closet, and cabinet. Check these common “forgotten” spots:

- Top of cabinets
- Under the bed
- Inside the fridge (because nobody wants to find a surprise rotten sandwich weeks later)

Settling into Your New Home

Unpack Strategically (No, You Don’t Have to Do It All in One Day!)

The key to an organized move-in? Prioritize unpacking. Start with essentials:

1. Kitchen: Because you need coffee and real food at some point.
2. Bathroom: Being able to shower is a priority.
3. Bedroom: Unpacking is easier after a solid night’s sleep.

Change Your Locks (Because Who Knows Who Has a Key?)

Unless you’re into surprises, changing the locks is a smart move. The previous homeowners, their relatives, a dog walker from 2015—who knows how many people still have a key? Call a locksmith or swap them out yourself for peace of mind.

Meet the Neighbors (They Might Be Your Lifeline One Day!)

New neighbors can be a great resource. Need to borrow a ladder? Wondering about trash pickup schedules? Or maybe you just want recommendations for the best local pizza place? Say hello, introduce yourself, and build connections. You never know when you’ll need a favor!

Learn Your Home’s Quirks

Every house has its own little “personality.” Maybe the water pressure is weird, or the light switch next to the fridge controls…nothing? Take time to figure out the quirks—it’ll save you some frustration down the road.

Wrapping It Up

Moving into a new home is a rollercoaster of excitement and stress, but with a little planning (and a lot of deep breaths), it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Whether you’re packing, hiring movers, or bribing your friends with pizza, following these moving tips will make the whole process way less painful.

Now, go forth and conquer your move! And remember—unpacking can wait, but finding the coffee maker is a priority.