Top Moving Hacks and Tips: The Ultimate Guide
Fact Checked by: Moving can be overwhelming. Between juggling work, family, and a mountain of boxes, it’s easy to feel buried. But with the right moving hacks, you can cut the chaos and arrive at your new home more organized, less stressed, and ready to settle in.
Each month, thousands of people trust moveBuddha to simplify their moving experience. Below, we’ve gathered the best tips and tricks, from pro packing methods to downloadable checklists, to help you save time, money, and sanity.
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Moving hack 1: Declutter and downsize
The less you pack, the less you pay. Before you even touch a box, get your stuff in order to make moving easier and cheaper.
- Sort by category: Go room by room, creating “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “toss” piles to eliminate what you don’t need.
- Sell valuables: Use Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace to turn unwanted items into moving-day cash.
- Donate locally: Give gently used goods to charities or shelters to lighten your load and do some good.
- Recycle and dispose: Safely toss paints, batteries, and chemicals through city waste programs.
Check out our full guide to decluttering for more tips.
Moving hack 2: Pack essentials and an “Open First” box
Don’t dig through boxes for your toothbrush on night one. Create a first night essentials bag so you can settle in without stress.
- Toiletries and meds: Pack hygiene basics, daily medications, and first-aid supplies for quick access.
- Chargers and power banks: Keep your phone and devices ready to go at all times.
- Linens and PJs: Unpack your bed and change into something comfortable without a scavenger hunt.
- Snacks and drinks: Stay fueled and hydrated during the chaos.
- Important documents: IDs, lease, insurance, and other critical paperwork should stay on you, not in the moving truck.
Pro tip: Pack this bag like you’re prepping for a weekend trip.
Moving hack 3: Color code and create a labeling system
Labeling by room (and color) makes unloading and unpacking a breeze, especially if you’re hiring help.
- Color-coded tape or stickers: Assign a color to each room (e.g., blue = bedroom, red = kitchen) and apply it to boxes and doorframes.
- Write on at least two sides: Include your destination room and what the key contents of the box are for fast identification.
- Snap a photo: Take a quick pic of each box’s label in case they get shuffled during the move.
Moving hack 4: Assemble a moving kit
A moving caddy stocked with essentials will keep you from scrambling for scissors or tape every five minutes. Here’s what to include:
- Tape, scissors, and cutters: Make sealing and unsealing boxes fast and easy.
- Permanent markers and labels: For bold, legible box labeling.
- Zip-top bags: Perfect for hardware, cables, and other small parts.
- Measuring tape and gloves: Protect your hands and double-check that furniture fits.
Moving hack 5: Take inventory and document everything
An organized inventory can help you file insurance claims, track down lost items, and simplify unpacking.
- Photo log: Take a photo of each box’s contents before sealing and save it to a shared folder.
- Inventory spreadsheet: Track box numbers, contents, and destination rooms digitally.
- Snap valuables: Include close-ups and serial numbers of electronics and collectibles for proof of condition.
Moving hack 6: Store your stuff the right way during your move
If your move involves a gap between homes, or you just need extra space, consider how and where to store your items safely.
- Short-term self-storage: Ideal for local moves where you might need to access your belongings.
- Full-service storage: Many moving companies offer storage with pickup and delivery for a seamless transition.
- Climate-controlled options: Necessary for items sensitive to temperature or humidity like electronics or heirlooms.
Moving hack 7: Hire professional movers
Hiring professional movers can save time and energy, but only if you choose the right ones. Here’s how to hire smart:
- Get multiple quotes: Compare quotes from at least three reputable companies to understand pricing and services.
- Check credentials: Look for USDOT numbers, insurance coverage, and online reviews.
- Understand what’s included: Clarify if packing, furniture disassembly, and packing materials are part of the price.
- Ask about timing: Confirm pickup and delivery windows, especially for long-distance moves.
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Moving hack 8: Avoid common moving mistakes
Even experienced movers can slip up. Watch out for these common missteps that add stress or costs to your move:
- Procrastinating: Waiting too long to start packing or booking your movers can limit your options and raise prices. Summer and weekends are the worst time to move if you’re looking to save.
- Underestimating inventory: Guessing the number of boxes or size of truck needed can cause chaos on moving day. Use our moving box calculator for help.
- Poor labeling: “Miscellaneous” labels make unpacking frustrating. Be specific and consistent when you label your boxes.
- Skipping insurance: Accidents happen. Make sure your belongings are covered either through movers, third-party insurers, or your renters insurance policy.
Moving hack 9: Set a moving day timeline
Moving day is always hectic. A simple checklist can keep you on track and ensure you don’t forget to check the boxes on anything important.
- Wake up early: Give yourself at least an hour buffer to avoid rushing on moving day.
- Confirm logistics: Double-check the moving truck’s arrival time and access to elevators or loading docks.
- Protect floors and walls: Use drop cloths or padding to prevent damage to your floors and walls.
- Final walkthrough: Check every nook and cranny before locking up to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
Moving hack 10: Clean up and meet your lease requirements
Leaving your old place in top shape helps ensure you get your deposit back and avoid extra fees.
- Patch holes and touch-up paint: Fill nail holes and clean up scuffs or scratches on walls.
- Deep clean kitchens and bathrooms: Focus on appliances, sinks, tubs, and cabinets.
- Check your lease: Some leases require professional carpet cleaning or utility disconnections.
- Take photos: Document the condition of your space after you clean up as proof if needed.
Moving hack 11: Unpack like a pro
Unpacking can drag on for weeks if you don’t have a game plan. Start with the essentials and work room by room.
- Start with bedrooms and bathrooms: Start with the rooms that you need the most to function as you unpack.
- Set up furniture before decor: Arrange beds, sofas, and shelving before adding finishing touches.
- Use your inventory: Reference your checklist and photos to confirm nothing’s missing once your stuff arrives at your new place.
- Break it into chunks: Don’t aim to unpack everything in one day. Tackle unpacking one room at a time.
Moving hack 12: Make moving with kids and pets simple
Relocating with kids or animals? A little prep goes a long way toward avoiding meltdowns or messes.
- Talk to your kids: Having a conversation with your kids will help ease anxiety and build excitement about the move.
- Prepare a comfort kit: Pack their favorite snacks, games, and stuffed animals, or chew toys and pet beds if you’re moving with pets.
- Set up a safe space: Have a quiet room or crate ready for pets during loading and unloading so they don’t get stressed.
- Stick to routines: Keep mealtimes, walks, and naps on schedule as much as possible.
Moving hack 13: Walk through your post-move checklist
Even after the boxes are unpacked, there’s still work to do. Wrap up your move with this final checklist:
- Update your address: Notify USPS, banks, and other important services to update your address.
- Set up utilities: Confirm gas, electricity, water, and internet are all working and learn more in our guide to transferring your utilities.
- Register your car: If you’ve moved states, this step needs to happen pretty quickly.
- Meet the neighbors: A quick introduction helps build rapport, and you never know when you might need to borrow a ladder.
Smart moving hacks backed by real-world data
The moveBuddha team has analyzed more than 100,000 customer reviews and we interviewed dozens of actual moving customers through our Better Moves Project, where readers documented every step of their cross-country relocations. Here’s what we learned from their experiences, and how you can use it to make your move smoother:
- Hybrid moves save money but require planning. Many movers cut costs by using container or truck rental companies and hiring hourly labor separately. The key? Schedule labor carefully and build in buffer time for delays.
- Underestimate = overpay. A common pitfall among our readers in 2025 was underestimating the size or weight of belongings, leading to surprise fees. Always round up, especially for furniture and boxes.
- Containers aren’t always allowed. Cities like NYC and San Francisco often restrict container parking. Several readers had to reroute their moves through service centers or pay extra for shuttle services.
- Delivery timing isn’t guaranteed. Even reputable moving companies had deliveries show up earlier or later than expected. Be flexible, and avoid scheduling final delivery the same day as your move-in.
- Get everything in writing. Multiple participants paid 20–50% more than their original quotes. Some of that was due to last-minute changes, but others were surprised by hidden fees.
- Communication matters. The best-rated moves weren’t always the cheapest; they were the ones where movers communicated clearly and consistently throughout the process.
Want to see what worked (and what didn’t) in over 100 real moves? Check out the full series on our Better Moves Project page.
More ways to move smarter
This guide is just the beginning. Whether you’re looking for cost-saving strategies, time-saving hacks, or stress-saving systems, we’ve got more resources to help you get it done right.
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