How to Move House

Moving is consistently ranked among the most stressful life events - mostly because people underestimate how long it takes and how much stuff they have. A well-planned move with a realistic timeline and the right supplies takes the chaos out of moving day.

Tools & Materials Checklist

• Moving boxes in multiple sizes plus dish packs
• Packing tape and a dispenser
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Furniture dolly
• Permanent markers and labels
• Box cutter

Step 1: Estimate Costs and Plan Your Budget

Use the Moving Cost Calculator to get estimates for your home size and distance. Local moves average $800-$2,500 for a 3-bedroom home; cross-country moves average $4,000-$10,000+. Book movers early - peak season (May-September) and end-of-month dates cost significantly more.

Step 2: Declutter Before You Pack

Every item you don't move saves packing time, box costs, and moving weight. Start 6-8 weeks out: go room by room and sort into keep, donate, sell, and discard. Sell items on Facebook Marketplace. Donate to Goodwill. Discard hazardous materials - movers won't transport paint, chemicals, or propane.

Step 3: Calculate Packing Supplies

Use the Packing Box Calculator to get box counts by room and size. A 3-bedroom home typically needs 60-80 boxes total. Label every box on the top and side with contents and destination room. Start collecting boxes from liquor stores and buy dish packs for fragile items.

Step 4: Pack Strategically

Start with items you won't need for 2-3 months: seasonal items, books, decor. Pack heavy items in small boxes. Leave a 'last box' accessible with first-night essentials: toilet paper, phone charger, medications. Pack a personal bag you carry yourself - don't load it on the truck.

Step 5: Book and Confirm Everything

Book movers at least 4-6 weeks out for local moves, 8-12 weeks for long distance. Get three quotes in writing. Confirm 1 week before and again 48 hours before. Reserve parking for the truck at both addresses.

Step 6: Moving Day

Be present for loading - you know what's fragile. Take photos of furniture assembly and electronics wiring before disassembling. Walk every room at the old address before the truck leaves. At the new address, direct movers to correct rooms using your box labels.

Step 7: Settle into the New Home

Change the locks on the first day. Transfer utilities before moving day. Update your address at USPS, banks, employer, and DMV. A thorough clean of the new home before furniture arrives is much easier than cleaning around furniture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking movers less than 4 weeks out, especially during peak season (May-September).
• Skipping the decluttering pass before packing, which wastes money moving things you won't keep.
• Not packing a personal essentials bag you carry yourself instead of loading it on the truck.
• Accepting a verbal quote instead of getting at least three written estimates.

Pro Tips

• Book movers for a weekday mid-month - rates are significantly lower than weekends.
• Don't move items you haven't used in a year.
• Take photos of electronics setups before disassembling.
• Label boxes on the top AND side.
• Pack a personal bag with first-night essentials that you keep with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book movers? Book professional movers 4–8 weeks ahead for a standard move, and 2–3 months ahead for summer moves (the industry's busiest season) or long-distance relocations.

What should I pack last? Pack an "essentials box" last with items you'll need immediately — toiletries, chargers, a few days of clothes, basic tools, and important documents — and keep it with you rather than on the truck.

Do movers pack boxes for you? Full-service movers offer packing as an add-on service, usually priced separately from the move itself. Many people pack themselves and hire movers only for loading, transport, and unloading to save money.