How to Prepare for Moving Day Chaos

There’s a good reason moving ranks as one of the most stressful life events. It takes planning, immense patience, willpower, and often more money than you budgeted. While Joe Cavalier down the street may toss his belongings haphazardly into a truck bed and take off, only to find his mattress missing when he arrives at his new apartment, we know you’re a lot smarter than that. You know such a big life change can be chaotic and requires preparation. If you've come here to find out how to prepare for moving day, you've come to the right place.

It all comes down to finding peace in the chaos of moving day.

Finding peace starts well before moving day itself. On that day, your number one goal is to move, and every other goal after that is just a variation on making the whole process easier. Start planning earlier than you think you should. No fewer than two months out. You’ll be tempted to picture actual moving day at this point, and if you are, then imagine how you think that day will go. Write it down on an imaginary piece of paper, and then throw that piece of paper in an imaginary fireplace.

Moving day rarely happens as it’s intended. And that’s okay. Use these moving day tips to make it easier on your both your sanity and wallet, and you’ll thank us later when everything is smooth sail — ahem, packing.

Find a Moving Solution that Fits Your needs and Budget

Should you hire professional movers? While expensive (bathroom remodeling kind of expensive), a full-service moving company could help reduce stress on moving day. In this scenario, however, if you aren’t packed up according to their schedule, which can be inconsistent and undependable at times, moving day can turn into moving nightmare, fast.

Renting a truck can be a simple and oftentimes budget-friendly solution. However, if you're in need of some flexibility and you're not up for driving a huge truck across unfamiliar terrain, it may cause more stress than it relieves.

As you probably expected, our favorite way to move is with portable containers because (a) you don't have to worry about driving, (b) with storage built-in you get all the time you need, and (c) you're in control of the process— so you can do all the loading yourself or hire packers and loaders to help you. Whatever moving solution you choose, just make sure to do your research and ask lots of questions, so when moving day comes around, you know exactly what to expect. 

The more help you can wrangle on moving day, the better — even if it takes a little bribing.

Get All the moving day Help You Can

Ask friends and family to pitch in, and if that doesn’t work, beg friends and family to pitch in. Offer to buy lunch. A six-pack. Movie tickets. Whatever gets them to say yes. The more hands you have on deck on moving day, the faster that deck gets cleared.

Pack Each Room Individually and Label Everything

It’s an age-old recommendation for keeping your sanity come both moving day and unpacking day. Be strategic. What items will be used together? Pack and unpack rooms, not just boxes.

Remember that Moving Day Will Be Hard on Your Body and Mind

Treat moving day like a game day if you were an athlete. Drink lots of water the day before and the day of. Don’t eat junk food. Be sure to get a full 7-8 hours of sleep the night before. Stretch. You’ll be using muscles you didn’t know you had (but you’ll be well aware of them by day’s end). Take a moment in the morning to mentally map out what boxes need to be packed before any bigger items. Take a break every few hours.

Moving day chaos is stressful — take a few minutes to stretch, breathe, and reset before diving back in.

Keep Yourself Motivated

Get yourself a solid playlist (we recommend adding “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees). Have fun with it wherever you can. Moving day is hard on everyone, but trust us: Music does wonders for the moving soul.

Finally, Make an “Open First” Box and Pack the Essentials

Grab toilet paper, sheets, paper towels, laundry detergent, bath towels, a pizza cutter — you get the picture. Things you’ll need as soon as you arrive at your new place tired, sweaty, and sore. Have your toiletries, pillows, and a blow-up mattress packed separately and ready to use as well. Knowing you’re prepared when you arrive at your new home can ease some anxiety on your official moving day.

If it helps, keep in mind the reason you’re moving. Imagine the delight of your newly furnished home once everything is unpacked. Remember that even though packing and loading can be difficult, nothing worth having is easily earned. With the right mindset, you’ll have no problem finding peace in the chaos of moving day.