Moving is never easy, but with the right packing and planning, you can make the process smoother and more manageable. No matter how much you prepare, there will always be challenges, but staying organized and having a plan can help reduce stress and save time. In this guide, I’ll share simple tips to help you pack efficiently, stay on track, and make your move as hassle-free as possible.
Packing, Planning, and Moving: What I’ve Learned
Since graduating from college, I’ve moved at least 20 times—maybe more. At this point, I’ve lost count! From tiny apartments to bigger homes, across cities and even states, I’ve packed, unpacked, and packed again more times than I ever expected. Each move came with its own set of challenges—boxes that were too heavy, last-minute scrambling, and the classic mistake of thinking I didn’t have that much stuff (spoiler: I always did).
But after all these moves, I’ve learned a thing or two. Packing used to feel like an overwhelming puzzle, and no matter how much I planned, something always went wrong. A lost box, a broken dish, or worse—realizing I packed something I really needed at the bottom of a huge pile. Over time, though, I figured out what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the whole process smoother. Believe it or not, moving isn’t nearly as stressful for me now. It’s almost… routine.
And funny enough, I’m still on the move! These days, instead of packing up an entire house, I’m traveling solo, hopping from one place to another. The same packing and planning skills I learned from moving now help me fit my life into a suitcase. Whether it’s moving to a new home or a new country, having a solid plan makes all the difference—and trust me, I’ve had plenty of practice!
How to Pack and Plan for your next Move
1. Pack Smarter, Not Harder
When I first started moving, I had no idea how to pack and plan properly. I’d throw things into boxes at the last minute, mix fragile items with heavy ones, and forget to label anything. It was complete chaos!
Over time, I learned that packing and planning go hand in hand when moving. Now, I sort things by category, use smaller boxes for heavier items, and always—always—label everything. There’s nothing worse than digging through a pile of unlabeled boxes just to find your toothbrush!
One of my best tricks? Packing an “essentials” bag with things I’ll need right away, like toiletries, a change of clothes, and some snacks. After a long day of moving, the last thing I want to do is search through boxes just to find the basics!
2. Planning Makes Moving Less Painful
I used to think I could just figure things out as I went, but that never worked. One time, I tried to move my entire apartment in a single day—alone. Big mistake.
Now, I know that having a plan makes everything easier. I make a checklist, break tasks into smaller steps, and set deadlines so I’m not rushing at the last minute. I also book a moving truck or ask friends for help ahead of time—it saves a lot of stress! The more you pack, plan, and move with a clear strategy, the smoother the whole process becomes.
But let’s be honest, sometimes asking family and friends isn’t the best option. If you don’t want to deal with last-minute cancellations or guilty favors, hiring professional movers can be a lifesaver.
Sure, it costs money, but sometimes, paying for help is way easier than dealing with the hassle. And if you do ask friends, don’t just promise them pizza—make sure you’re actually ready when they arrive! No one likes standing around while you’re still taping up boxes.
3. Moving Is Never Perfect—And That’s Okay
No matter how much packing and planning you do when you move, something always goes wrong. Maybe a box disappears, the couch won’t fit through the door, or you realize you packed your phone charger way too early.
I’ve had my fair share of moving mishaps, but over the years, I’ve learned to go with the flow. Moving is a process, and things won’t always go exactly as planned. And that’s okay!
The key is to stay flexible, have a backup plan, and not stress over the small stuff. At the end of the day, you’ll get through it—even if it takes an extra trip (or two) to the store for packing tape!
Making Moving Easier
Moving may never be fun, but with the right packing and planning, it doesn’t have to be a complete disaster. Each move teaches you something new—whether it’s how to stay organized or just how much stuff you really own. Sure, there will always be surprises, but that’s part of the experience. And after moving so many times, I won’t say I love it, but I will say it’s a lot easier now—kind of like an unwanted workout that I’ve somehow mastered!
