What No One Tells You About Moving: Real Advice for a Stress-Free Move

Moving into a new home can feel like a fresh start. But let’s be honest, the process of actually getting there isn’t always so exciting. Between packing, coordinating logistics, and keeping your life in order during the transition, it’s no wonder moving ranks as one of life’s biggest stressors. But what if we told you there are ways to make it easier – and, dare we say, even enjoyable?

Beyond the obvious moving tips you’ve probably heard (like starting early or labelling your boxes), there are plenty of small, smart strategies that can take a big weight off your shoulders. We’ve gathered some of our top tips to get you there. Here’s what no one tells you about moving – and how to make the entire transition feel a little more seamless.

Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You’ll Need

One of the biggest mistakes people make is underestimating how long everything will take. Packing always takes longer than expected, especially if you’ve lived in your space for a while. Even the most organized and pre-planned movers run into last-minute chaos without a bit of breathing room built in.

Instead of planning your move down to the minute, leave a few “buffer days” for unexpected delays. Maybe your couch won’t fit through the front door, or the moving truck gets stuck in traffic. Flexible timing lets you deal with surprises without stress.

If you’re moving between homes, having an overlap – even if it’s just a day or two – between possession and vacating your old place can give you the space to clean, paint, or tackle last-minute to-dos without the pressure of a ticking clock. And less pressure = a happier family during the move!

Pack for Your First 48 Hours

Most people focus so much on moving day that they forget about what happens the day after. Once the boxes are in and the keys are handed over, it’s not always realistic (or appealing) to dig through cardboard for your toothbrush or coffee maker – and trust us, you’re really going to want that first coffee after a few busy days!

Our recommendation? Put together a first 48-hour kit. Don’t just pack an overnight bag – this is going to be your survival kit for your first two days in the new place. Think: phone chargers, medications, snacks, paper towels, important documents, pet food, toiletries, fresh sheets, and a couple of rolls of toilet paper. Toss in a fresh outfit and any work clothes you might need, too. You’ll thank yourself later for thinking ahead.

Take Photos Before You Unplug Anything

It sounds like a small thing, but taking photos before you dismantle your entertainment setup, office desk, or even the back of your Wi-Fi router can save a ton of frustration when you’re trying to plug it all back in later.

The same goes for furniture that needs to be disassembled. Snapping a few photos of how pieces connect, where certain screws go, or how cords are routed through cabinetry can make reassembly quick and painless.

Get Strategic About Decluttering

Decluttering isn’t just about throwing things out, it’s about being realistic about what you have and what you’ll need. Do you actually need five mismatched frying pans or a box of tangled extension cords? Probably not. But when time is tight, it can be tempting to throw everything in a box just to get it done.

Here’s a better approach: focus on volume. What items take up the most space and offer the least value in your life? Bulky kitchen appliances you haven’t touched in a year, the extra set of old towels and sheets you’ve been hanging onto, the pile of old magazines in the closet. Listen to us when we say this is the time to let them go.

When in doubt, set a limit, like “If it hasn’t been used in 12 months, it doesn’t come.” You’ll save time, space, and money on packing materials and moving fees.

Check the Weather and Prep Accordingly

Rain, snow, heatwaves… Weather can derail even the best-laid moving plans. Keep an eye on the forecast in the week leading up to your move and prep accordingly. Stock up on tarps, extra towels, bottled water, or even fans if it’s expected to be a scorcher. Want to keep things clean? Protect your floors with cardboard or plastic runners if conditions are messy.

Don’t Forget the Admin

The behind-the-scenes paperwork can be one of the most overlooked parts of a move. Start a checklist for who needs to know your new address – Canada Post, your employer, banks, credit cards, driver’s license, doctor’s office, school records, and so on.

Set up mail forwarding at least two weeks in advance and double-check that your services like hydro, internet, and gas are scheduled to start a day or two before you arrive. That way, you’re not stuck waiting around for service calls while living out of boxes.

Rethink How You Label Your Boxes

Instead of just writing “Kitchen” or “Bedroom” on your boxes, take it a step further: list a few contents right on the side. Something like “Kitchen – utensils, dishcloths, toaster” can save you loads of time during unpacking and help you get to the important stuff first.

And when labelling, skip the top of the box. Label the sides instead so you can see what’s inside even when boxes are stacked.

Prep Your New Home Before Moving In

If you can get access to your new home before move-in day, use that time wisely. A quick deep clean and a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in making your move feel smoother.

It’s also a great time to take a walkthrough to plan out furniture layouts, identify areas that need touch-ups, or drop off essentials. Even something as small as putting toilet paper in the bathroom and snacks in the pantry can make move-in day feel a lot more welcoming.

Make a Plan for Kids and Pets

On moving day, the fewer distractions the better. If you’ve got little ones (or furry ones), make arrangements in advance. Having them out of the house will let you focus and reduce stress for everyone involved. Sounds like it’s time for a sleepover at grandma’s or a visit to doggy daycare!

And when the move is done, make sure to include a few familiar items in their new space. A favourite toy, blanket, or nightlight can go a long way in helping your kids and pets settle into their new surroundings. New places can be scary – and these little steps will make things feel more like home.

Unpack With Purpose

After a long move, it’s tempting to rush through the unpacking process just to get it over with. But this is the perfect time to be intentional. Take your time to set up each space in a way that feels good; don’t just replicate your old setup out of habit.

Start with your most-used rooms: the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. These are your comfort zones. Once those are functional, you can move on to the rest at your own pace.

Celebrate the Win

Finally, take a moment to celebrate. You did it! Now that you’ve gotten through the hard part, make space to enjoy this moment with your family & friends – even if that just means enjoying takeout on the floor or popping a bottle of bubbly. Moving is a huge accomplishment and a new chapter worth marking with something special.

And when you’re ready to make your next move, our team at Coldwell Banker Community Professionals is here to help. We’re here to make every step – from the first showing to the final unpacking – feel easier & smoother. We’re ready when you are!