After 30+ moves (yes, really), I’ve picked up more than a few tricks that help keep things smooth, calm, and a little more human.
These aren’t the generic tips — they’re the thoughtful, practical ones I’ve leaned on again and again.
Check out below for my personal favourites...
Good luck!
Selene
Aim to have everything you’re not bringing gone a full week before moving day. It clears the decks and makes the final push less stressful.
👉 Book a free pickup with Cerebral Palsy Foundation – they take almost anything.
👉 Need a junk haul? Trash Connections is reliable.
Use towels, sheets, and pillowcases to wrap breakables — it saves on packing materials and cuts down on laundry once you unpack.
Old magazines also work great but a good pack of packing paper makes for speedy packing!
Go beyond just “Kitchen” or “Bedroom” — mark them as “Day 1,” “Week 1,” or “Later.” You’ll stay organized and know exactly what to tackle first.
My go-to is FrogBox. They deliver these amazing plastic boxes and it force you to unpack within a few days!
TRG discount TRG15 for 15% off
Game changing product...don't pack towels, bedding and blankets in boxes (they are never big enough) and garbage bags are just a bad idea. Get these linen bags from amazon instead! Multiple sizes, they stack well and are a dream for quick clothing packing too.
If it's in your budget, book cleaners to do a light clean of the old house and a good clean of the new one. There is nothing worse than unpacking only to realize you have to clean all the cupboards. Actually, there is...going back to clean the old house when you're exhausted and focused on your new place. (and get your HVAC system cleaned!!)
When you remove art or photos, take out the hook or nail and tape it to the back of the piece. That way, you’ve already got the right hardware ready to rehang it in your new home.
Designate one bin or zippered pouch for shelf brackets, curtain hardware, Allen keys, remote controls — all the little stuff that gets lost when you need it most. Keep a batch of ziplock bags handy to organize even more!
Save yourself from tech headaches and a potential divorce by taking a quick photo before unplugging everything. Plus, it means you can take a break and watch Love Island or Below Deck (or whatever you're into!)
Keep a stash handy for moving day fuel — and make a small snack box for your movers. A few cold drinks and protein bars go a long way in keeping everyone upbeat and energized.
✨ My personal favourite: Barebells protein bars — high protein, low sugar, and actually taste like a treat.
Pretend you’re going on a weekend trip: pack pajamas, toiletries, meds, phone charger, and a full set of sheets. Keep it in your car, not the moving truck. Also prep a laundry basket with must-haves for your first meal and clean-up: paper towels, dish soap, coffee gear, scissors, toilet paper, snacks.
Label bedroom doors to match your box labels. Walk the movers through the home before they start unloading and point out where not to stack boxes (like where beds, sofas, or dressers are going)...even better, put down painters tape where you want them to stack boxes!
Park yourself at the front door to direct where everything goes. Even if boxes are labeled, this will seriously cut down on moving things around later. Before they start unloading, do a full walkthrough of the house with the movers so they know which room is which.
Make sure rugs are loaded last so they can be unloaded first. That way, you can lay them out before furniture starts coming in.
Tipping isn’t required, but it’s always appreciated — especially when the crew works hard. Tip cheat sheet - small move $20-40 per mover, full day $40-75, long day hard move $100. Cash is best. Add cold drinks + your Barebells stash? Instant hero status.
Once the dust settles, reward yourself. A massage and a manicure a few days after the move? Trust me, you’ll have earned it.
Click here to see our moving checklist!
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