Memorial Day kicks off the busiest moving season of the year, which means it’s time to bust out the boxes and bubble wrap and ask your friend with a truck for a “small favor.”
Whether you’re moving across town or just two floors up, the process can feel like a full-body workout with a side of existential crisis.
The good news? We’ve gathered some real-deal, tried-and-true moving tips to help you survive the chaos (and maybe even enjoy the fresh start).
1. Start with a "Do Not Pack" box.
Trust us on this one. Set aside a box for essentials you’ll need on day one: phone charger, toilet paper, a clean outfit, toothpaste and maybe snacks (okay, definitely snacks). Label it “Open Me First” and make sure it doesn’t get buried under your shoe collection.
Think of it as your overnight bag for a staycation in your new apartment. Pack like you're going to a hotel that doesn’t know you’re coming. Medications, toiletries, a clean towel and your favorite hoodie should all make the cut. Label every side in bold, capital letters — and throw it in your car, not on the truck. Future you will be forever grateful.
2. If you don’t love it, leave it.
Moving is a golden opportunity to Marie Kondo your life. If it hasn’t been touched, worn or dusted off in a year? Donate. Facebook Marketplace, your local Buy Nothing group or Donation Town can help it find a better home.
Be honest — if you didn’t use it in your old place, you’re not going to start in the new one. Letting go now means fewer boxes, a lighter move and less stress when unpacking.
3. Color outside the (moving) boxes.
One of the most overlooked apartment moving tips? Color-coded tape.
A simple roll of colored tape can save you a world of confusion. Red = kitchen, blue = bedroom, green = bathroom. No more opening 12 boxes just to find a fork.
Stick with your colors, and label more than just the top. Bonus points if you tape a cheat sheet to the front door so movers (or helpful friends) know what’s what. It’s the fastest way to keep chaos out of your living room and get every box where it actually belongs.
4. Snap now, stress less later.
This is one of the smartest apartment moving tips most people forget. Before unplugging your TV or dismantling furniture, snap a few quick photos. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re trying to figure out where that mystery screw goes.
Cables, shelves, modem setups — even the inside of drawers if you’re proud of your Tupperware stack. These pics are your breadcrumbs back to sanity. And while you’re at it, take a few photos of your apartment before you move out (and when you move in). It could help protect your security deposit.
5. Move your clothes the trashy way.
When it comes to clever apartment moving tips, this one might not seem glamorous, but it works. Keep clothes on hangers, bunch them into groups and slide trash bags over them like garment bags. Tie the bags at the top and boom — no folding, no wrinkling, no regrets.
It’s a moving hack that feels a little chaotic while you’re doing it, but makes total sense when you’re unpacking. Instead of folding every shirt, stuffing everything into a suitcase, or playing Tetris with your closet, your wardrobe stays upright, intact and ready to rehang the second it lands in your new closet.
Even better? When you arrive, just snip the bag, lift it off and your clothes are already organized. This trick also keeps your clothes cleaner, especially if you’re moving on a rainy day or dealing with dusty floors.
6. Label like a legend.
Write out the name of the room the box goes in and add a few notes about what’s inside. “Kitchen – Pots & Pans” beats “Misc.” every time. (Bonus: use this free moving label template for aesthetic appeal.)
Whether you're enlisting the help of friends or hiring professional movers, clear labels make everyone’s life easier. They’ll know where to drop each box without asking, which means less chaos, fewer misplaced boxes, and zero awkward moments of someone handing you your box of toilet paper in the living room. It might take a few extra seconds now, but it’ll save hours (and your sanity) later.
7. Pack a survival kit (this includes wine).
Include water bottles, granola bars, Band-Aids, cash for tips and a mini tool kit. If you’re an overachiever, add ibuprofen and a bottle of wine. You’ve earned it.
Moving day has a way of sneaking up on you — one minute you’re feeling on top of things, the next you’re dehydrated, hangry and bleeding from a mysterious cardboard cut.
When it comes to moving tips, this one’s a no-brainer. Toss in anything that will keep you going when the couch won’t fit through the door or someone accidentally packs the scissors. Think protein snacks, phone chargers, tape, Sharpies, wet wipes, deodorant (trust us), and maybe even an extra T-shirt for the inevitable sweat situation. This kit won't solve everything, but it will keep the day from fully derailing.
And when the dust settles and the last box is in, that bottle of wine will feel like a reward from your past self. Cheers.
8. Prep your new place before the boxes arrive.
If you can, drop by your new place the day before. Wipe down countertops, put a roll of toilet paper in the bathroom, and make sure the lights and Wi-Fi work. Stock the fridge with a few drinks and snacks. Even 30 minutes of prep can turn move-in day from ‘ugh’ to ‘okay, not bad.’
Check the water pressure, hang up a clean towel and ensure there’s at least one trash bag on hand. These small touches can shift your first night from “survival mode” to “settling in,” even if you’re eating pizza on the floor surrounded by boxes.
9. Don’t just move — move forward.
Moving day gets wild. Take breaks, drink water, stretch your back and remember: you’re not just moving stuff — you’re moving into a new chapter.
Go easy on yourself. Things will go wrong (they always do), but the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. You’re planting roots, building new rhythms and shaping a space that’s yours. Offer yourself the same patience you’d give a friend doing something hard. You deserve that.
Bonus tip: Find a community that prioritizes the “little things.”
Coffee when you need it (i.e., before you've unpacked the coffee pot).
Printing that doesn’t require you to trek to the nearest UPS (because some of that new stuff you bought from Amazon isn’t going to work out — trust us).
Properties with SipWithMe and PrintWithMe? They get it. Barista-quality coffee and reliable printing right where you live? Two less things to worry about — two more reasons to feel at home, faster.
Moving doesn’t have to be a mess. With the right preparation and a community that offers smart amenities, settling in can feel like a win.
