We find ourselves in a unique situation: unpacking and settling into a new rental home while already planning another move in about seven months. It’s a strange mix of relief and preparation. The good news is we now know we’ll be staying in this area, so we can make more thoughtful, longer-term housing decisions. Renting short term was a practical solution while we searched for work, and now we have time to plan a more permanent move and do some serious house hunting.
I thought I was done writing about moving, but several readers asked for tips as they prepare their own relocations. Below is a concise, practical list of what worked well for us and what proved challenging—organized into clear moving tips and packing advice to help your next move go more smoothly.
What worked well
- Research and prioritize moving tips and packing strategies before you start. There are many practical lists and checklists online that cover everything from labeling boxes to optimizing truck space.
- Keep hanging clothes on the rod and use large garbage bags as covers. Slip a bag over the hangers, tie it around the top leaving the hooks exposed, and transport the whole bundle. It keeps garments protected and makes rehanging fast and easy.
- Leave folded items in dresser drawers while moving. Packing drawers as-is saves time, makes efficient use of space, and reduces unpacking effort when you arrive.
- Start decluttering early. Begin the purge weeks or months ahead if possible. Distinguishing what to keep or donate becomes harder as the move date approaches, so an early, steady approach reduces stress.
- Pack drawer organizers intact. Wrap items like silverware trays in a towel, secure with clear tape, and place them in a box. Unwrap and slide them straight into a drawer at the new home for quick setup.
- Use a clear plastic bin for small hardware items—curtain rods, picture hangers, screws, and similar pieces. Seal the bin so everything is together and easy to find when rehanging curtains or artwork.
- Keep a single packing station with essentials—sharpies for labeling, clear packing tape, scissors, and an inventory binder. Store these items in a large tray or container so you can find them quickly when needed.
- Take inventory of pantry and freezer items well before moving day and try to use them up or plan meals around what you need to clear out. Reducing perishables limits waste and simplifies packing.
- Prepare a “first day” essentials kit with bedding, toiletries, basic kitchen items, coffee supplies, chargers, and other immediate needs. Pack clothing in suitcases for easy access on arrival.
What was challenging
- Cleaning at both the old and new homes took more time and energy than expected. Even with early effort, the final clean felt endless. Enlisting friends to help was invaluable. Consider scheduling a cleaning service for the final walkthrough or planning specific cleaning tasks well in advance to avoid last-minute trips back—especially if travel is involved.
Packing the truck presented logistical challenges. While many people helped carry boxes and furniture, only one person coordinated stacking inside the truck. If possible, have at least two people inside the vehicle to arrange items as they are loaded. This saves space and protects fragile things from shifting during transit.
A recommended strategy is to load large furniture onto the truck first and position it as it will be set in the rooms, then stack boxes around those pieces. If the movers or helpers are moving quickly, that ideal approach can be hard to achieve, so communicating a clear loading plan beforehand makes the process smoother.
Those are the main lessons from this move. If you have additional moving tips, please share them—collective experience makes every relocation easier. Below are some helpful packing topics to explore further when you plan your own move.
Additional packing posts:
- How to Pack Your Kitchen Without Losing Your Mind
- Packing and Planning Ahead
- Ten Things Learned on Moving Day
If you missed the tours of our current rental so far:
- Living, Dining, and Kitchen Tour
- Master Bedroom Organization Ideas
