I find moving to be very stressful. I’m the kind of girl who likes everything to be in its right place. In the process of moving, having all the comforting items that make me feel at home shoved in boxes makes me feel extremely anxious.
I envy the adventurous souls full of wanderlust, who seem to be able to pack up and head anywhere at any time without a second thought. I also envy those who don’t get attached to certain things like I do.
While I do consider myself to be a very minimalistic person when it comes to my wardrobe, my makeup, and most other areas of my life, I do have to have beautiful art and nice furniture around me in order to be comfortable. So even though I wish I could just sell everything and move on with just a car-load of items, I’ve accepted that I’m the kind of person who needs a moving truck. Womp womp.
This is the living room from my old house, circa 2012, filled with beautiful things that make me happy.
So as I got ready to make a big move from the Midwest to the South this summer, I put together a list of moving tips that helped me make it to my new home without freaking out. I hope it can help you too! (Sponsored by UPack.com. All opinions are my own.)
1. Get organized. Make a checklist of things you need to do before/during and after your move – or just use the one I created for you below! Checking things off as you accomplish them will be satisfying and having everything on paper makes it measurable and reduces stress.
Free moving checklist printable from me to you!
2. Assess your moving options. For my move, I chose U-Pack’s modular storage unit service. It was the most cost-effective option I could find for my long-distance move, and I was really pleased with how easy it was to arrange.
You use their online form to choose the date for the units to be dropped off at your current home and agree to a flat rate to be charged at the time of the move. When the units are delivered, you fill them at your own pace and call U-Pack when you are ready for them to pick it up. U-Pack delivers the unit to your new home within a few days.
3. But before you can fill the moving units, ya gotta pack. I like to start packing slowly, beginning about 30 days before my move. This go-round, I didn’t have the opportunity to do that because I had a bodybuilding competition that I wanted to be able to focus on without extra stress. Post-competition, I packed up in about two weeks.
Packing up my old apartment, aka my own personal hell.
4. Once you’re packed, it’s time to transport all of your worldly belongings. As I mentioned, I used U-Pack modular storage pods.
The pods being delivered to my apartment.
The forklift came on the truck along with the pods, and the driver unloaded them with it.
The pods were delivered to my apartment on a Monday and I loaded them on Tuesday. Once they were loaded, I called U-Pack to have them picked up and sent on their way from Ohio to my new home state, North Carolina. They picked the pods up within hours of me calling to say they were ready!
Two pods fit neatly into my parking space. It could have even fit two more!
Two containers can probably fit a three bedroom apartment. My two-bedroom filled 1.5 containers.
The day after the pods had been picked up was when I left town with my cat and a carload of immediately-needed items. It was nice not to have to worry about driving a moving truck with hella blindspots – the drive was BRUTAL as it was.
https://instagram.com/p/5buK4zCAtM/?taken-by=chanmeleon
I’m really impressed with how simple U-Pack was to use. I’d definitely use them for moving again. But…with that said, I’m done moving for a while. It takes a lot out of a girl who thrives on peace and order!
I hope that you find my moving checklist printable helpful, and I’d be glad to answer any questions you might have about moving with U-Pack. You can also find them directly at www.upack.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
Nickida says
I hate moving as well but this looks like an easy way to get it done. I like the checklist as well.
Josh Lippman says
I love the pod idea and I’m definitely going to go that route next time I’m ready to move….next year more than likely.
Adanna says
Yay! this is awesome. I absolutely LOVE moving and packing. I know it’s weird but I just love new beginnings.
Bonnie @wemake7 says
These are very great tips. I find moving to be very stressful myself and hate when we do. Thanks for this.
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
I need this list for sure. We are going to be moving soon. Trying to get some odds and ends taken care of. I hope to be moved by the end of the year.
Lalia @ Found Frolicking says
My husband and I moved from Edmonton, Alberta to San Francisco, CA without help. It was so much work! I was literally packing for months—little by little whenever I had a moment. It was extremely time-consuming. We packed a U-haul without any help, too. It would have been SO nice to use a moving service and not have had to stress about hauling the trailer, either.
Life as a Convert says
I moved with my mom from California to Arkansas once and pulled a U-Haul. That was stressful. I can’t imagine going to a different county.
Tiany - Social Savvy Mom says
Another great organizing / clean out post! Great tips, thanks o much for the list too! Printing!
mburbage says
We just moved, it was extremely stressful, but we are also remodeling the house so that in the mix doesn’t make it fun at all! Great tips! We had a check list ourselves about 50 things long, ha
Rebecca Swenor says
These are great tips indeed for low stress moving. I love the idea of using the checklist for before, after, and during the move. U-Pack. does sound truly like the way to go when moving. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa Rios says
All these are amazing ideas. I am planning to shift my home by this October. Your tips and advice might be very helpful to me. U-pack’s modular storage service sounds like a great option for moving. Thanks for sharing this useful information.
Channel Imperial says
I totally agree that it’s important to get organized or else, the move will be total chaos!
Julia says
Great moving tips. Love the moving check list!
Mariana says
I’m going to share this with my mom. She’s moving from a house to an apartment… this weekend!
Jonathan Key says
Moving is always stressful. As someone who’s moved over 20 times and not yet 35 I can say this is a good checklist. Thanks for the heads up!
Camesha says
I hope we don’t have to move anytime soon. It stresses me out just thinking about it. Moving 4 people and a dog… it doesn’t even sound like a party I wanna go to.
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
I’ve never had a long distance move. The farthest I’ve ever moved was an hour away. However, these pods look great! I’d love to pack myself and not worry about the movers.
Sarah @ Must Have Mom says
I totally could have used this for moving. That’s the most stressful time ever.
lisa @bitesforbabies says
My husband and I were lucky enough that when we moved into our first home it was fully furnished! We didn’t own much so there was nothing to move!
Michelle says
We are planning on moving soon..ish. I will definitely keep this in mind!
Ourfamilyworld says
Moving long distance is definitely not fun, especially if you have a lot of things to bring with you. Setting a budget for professional movers is well worth it.
Life as a Convert says
I have never used a service like this before, but I am always intrigued by them.
Krystal says
We move a LOT and it is SUCH a hassle. I need to give this a try and thanks for the printable.
Kiwi says
Packing is my least favorite thing about moving…but it has to be done. I am interested in the pods for my next move!
Tracey says
This is so timely for my family. In four weeks we are moving 6 hours away so this checklist is very helpful!
Elizabeth O. says
Moving to another place is an exciting experience, but it can be very stressful, too. U Pack sounds like a great service.
Dogvills says
My sister is moving to California early next year. This will help a lot. Thanks for sharing.
Dana Rodriguez says
This would have been great when I moved from Florida to SC. Moving to another state can be so stressful but looks like this company makes it easy!
Angie says
Body Building competition and a long distance move? You have a lot going on!! Thank you for the helpful tips and good luck with everything!
Sicorra@NotNowMomsBusy says
We recently did a long distance move as well, along with our 2 cats. Our drive was just over 13 hours. It was tough, but it all worked out well.
Beth says
This would’ve been great a few months ago! Will have to keep this for when our lease is up.
marina says
I’m big on lists so having a printable list is something that would definitely come in handy especially with a big move across states.
Yona Williams says
I never thought about using a storage pod for moving- that is something to think about in the future. I know that writing out checklists towards the end of moving have been really helpful for me.
Toni says
Good luck on your moving, I am moving in two weeks from NY to Florida! Thanks for the checklist.
Mykidsguide says
U Pack sounds like a great service and I will keep this in mind if we are going to move. I love the printable.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Moving house is such a stressful thing to do, I agree with you on that. You wrote great tips on how to do it efficiently.
Maria says
We are thinking of moving, but just the though of having to pack boxes and boxes of our belongings scares me away from the idea! I need to do a big de-clutter first – maybe then, the thought of moving won’t seem so daunting.
catherine c. says
Love this printable check list ! it will really help for those moving the house . i will recommend this on my friend that moving next week
Uplifting Families says
I have done the long distance move twice and it’s not fun. This way seems so much easier. It would take a ton of those pods to take all our stuff with us if we moved.
When boxing up your dishes and breakable items, I suggest wrapping them in your towels, sheets, blankets. I have done this in multiple moves. In the times I’ve moved, I had one thing broken.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
Moving is always a nightmare, but it helps if you’re as prepared as you possibly can be! All the same, I hope it’s a long time before we have to move again!
Patrice says
Moving is a nightmare just the taught of packing and packing give me nightmare. Don’t mind the move just the unpacking is my problem.
Maya says
This will definitely come in handy! Thanks for sharing!!!
Danielle H says
I fear the day we eventually move… with a hubby, 4 kids, and a cat it is sure to be stressful. These tips will definitely help though!
Margarita Ibbott says
Keeping your move organized is the key to success. Also keep a list of vox content and stick it on the front. Easier to fit items.
Andrea Kruse says
Oh, I can’t stand moving. I moved so much as a child… and I still detest boxes. Sounds like a really nice service. I would love to do something like this if I needed to move a long distance.
Amanda O. says
I have such bad anxiety that I couldn’t even be in my house when I moved! Such a stressful time for me.
Shann Eva says
I absolutely hate moving. These are great tips, though. I especially love the list. I also start packing way ahead of time for everything. Just makes it more manageable.
Tammy Roy says
Moving containers look like a great way to move your belongings. I could not imagine moving and not being organized.
gingermommyrants says
These are great moving tips. Moving is always a stressful time. Hopefully i will not be moving for a few years.
Ann Bacciaglia says
We just moved last summer. I could have used a few of these tips. It is so important to be organized.
Kimberly S says
Hey I did not know about this moving option – super cool! Will a treadmill fit in there….?
dawn says
Thank you for the tips. moving can be really tough its always good to learn ways to make it easier.
Amber K says
This is SO helpful. I’m moving in September and hopefully it will be way less stressful than my previous moves.
Joanne T Ferguson says
What great tips on moving and thanks for sharing today! As one who has moved more than 12 times, i know the importance of being organized!
Courtney says
These are fantastic tips. Moving can be SO stressful, so its great to keep organized.
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
These are awesome tips! Anything to make moving less stressful is amazing!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I haven’t moved in over 10 years. But we may be moving in the next year. Great printable.
Claudette says
I have moved so many times in my life but many of these tips are new to me. Thank you!
Felissa @ Two Little Cavaliers says
If I ever move again I hope to use pods. They seem like they make the task so much easier.
Ourfamilyworld says
I love your checklist. Moving is definitely stressful, especially for me because I do most of the packing and unpacking stuff. Labeling is key.
Elizabeth O. says
Moving is fun, but stressful. I like to pack slowly, too and I make sure I label each box properly. Thanks for sharing the printable.
rosemary palmenr says
I’ve moved twice in last year so I don’t think low stress & moving goes together. But planning and organizing does help. Great tip sheet.
Kristi says
Some great tips! We don’t have plans to move anytime soon but my sister is moving soon so will send your post to her as I am sure she is stressed out.
Toughcookiemommy says
Moving can definitely be very stressful. These are some great ideas for keeping the stress level down during the entire process.
Diane Sallans says
I know one of these days I’ll be selling my house and moving some place less expensive so I’m already working on trying to clear thinks out and getting the things I’ll keep more organized.
Toughcookiemommy says
I’m hoping to move in a few years too so I hope I can sell my current house. I will purge things I don’t need as well.
Sally K Witt says
I never would have thought about using these for an apartment. I have seen them at single family houses. Great to keep in mind in case I know anyone that needs to move. I hope that I am done moving for a LONG time myself!
I have also seen people use these when they are doing major renovations, and they work really well for storing furniture, etc, while construction is being done.
I lived in Raleigh, NC for a few years with my husband. People were really nice there! Hope you have a great time.
Thanks!
Shauna says
Ugh, you know… I didn’t move at all, like I lived in the house I grew up in and then bought that same house after college… UNTIL I met HUbby. HA! Then we moved 6 times in four years. Not fun… This check list is great, though. Thanks for sharing.
Jody Smith says
I absolutely hate moving, we have acquired so much stuff! Great tips and printable for a small or cross country move. Those pods seem like they would make it a much easier ordeal!
Amber Edwards says
U- haul would have been so nice for our last move. We had to drive the truck we rented and it was very stressful!
But man I hate moving! I hope we don’t have to do it again for many many years!
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
Wow! That’s pretty cool! I hate moving. I’ve moved so many times I’ve lost count. I’ ve never moved long distance though! I bet having it delivered like that was a huge stress reliever!
Christi at SexyMoxieMama says
Packing and moving is such a pain. I have done it 10 times in the past 15 years (agghh). The last one was the worse- IL to CA. We used U-Pack too but we did the big U-Pack/ABF trailer. I had used them previously and had a good experience. I highly recommend U-Pack for across town or across country moves.
Danielle F says
I’ve moved so many times in my life and hoping not to move in the near future but I know it’s inevitable. Thanks for the tips and I’ll definitely keep a hold of them!
Lisa says
Moving is always such a stressful time. These are great tips for taking out a lot of the stress.
Maureen says
The pods really do seem like a great way to pack. It sure beats taking truck back and forth a bunch of times.
CourtneyLynne says
Moving is seriously the worst best thing ever lol… We just bought our house last year and moving in… Ughhhhh it pains me to think about it!!!!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
I love these new moving pods ideas. If I ever have to move again, that is definitely the way I want to do it!
Vera Sweeney says
Oh man moving can be the worse stress! These pods sound amazing, and would be so worth it not to have to drive a big truck with all your stuff in it!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I dread having to move when the time comes. The last time we moved was over 10 years ago and that was before we had 5 kids!
Jennifer H says
We bought a new home last year, and it was such a terrible time packing up. Ugh! But we did use pods and that worked out well.
Jasmine says
Good luck! Greta’s moving can be SO stressful and exhausting!
Andrea @ Honestly Andrea says
Great tips, Liz! We have moved more times than I care to admit but have finally settled down and don’t plan to move until my husband retires if at all. The next time we move we are hoping we can afford professional movers!
Marcie W. says
Moving is super stressful so it is always great to find some calm instead of chaos whenever possible. I am wishing you nothing but luck and love in your new city.
Jeannette says
Agh! I hate moving and we are right in the middle of it! It seriously is so stressful but this article came at the perfect time! Thanks for the tips!
Carol Bryant says
We hired professional movers when we moved years ago for the bigger items and are so grateful we did. Great tips here, Liz.
Amber NElson says
You are very organized. I think it is so important to have some sort of organization.
Dawn McAlexander says
You start packing 30 days before your move. Wow! I envy your organization skills.
Lisa Ladrido says
We have been in our new home for a year and I am still not finished packing up the old house! I work better with deadlines! I used to live in NC and loved it, we lived in Charlotte. I miss that city, it is beautiful. Best of luck in your new home! Great moving tips!
lisa says
These are great tips. I hate moving. And I really hate packing! I have decided next time I move I am leaving all my stuff with my house! lol
Dawn McAlexander says
I hate moving, too. I really want to move to another part of the country but the moving part always holds me back.
Elizabeth @ Being MVP says
Wow I hate moving. However, this is a great checklist that will come in handy the next time i do!
Kelly Hutchinson says
When we moved out of state, I was completely unprepared. This is a great checklist and the pods is a brilliant way to move your stuff.
Dawn says
Why couldn’t you have published this a few months ago when we were moving?! =P
Penelope says
Congrats on the big move! It can be overwhelming, but it’ll all be worth it when you’re settled.
Colette - JamericanSpice says
Packing up to go is very hard work, physically and emotionally.
This is a very good list.
I love your decor. I wish my home could be done up like that. Maybe later after kids.
Crystal says
Moving is the worst. I am grateful that we will most likely be in the same place for the foreseeable future. However, I’ll keep these tips in mind if we do find ourselves packing her up & moving on.
Kelsey Apley says
Oh those do sound like they would make moving more simple, and I love your printable! We are moving at the end of August so I will have to keep this in mind! Moving is not something I enjoy at all!
Crystal says
Good luck on your move. It’s not one of my favorite activities either. But it sounds like using this printable and being organized make it easier.
Rebecca Bryant says
My brother use to work for a moving company and he said the worst thing was unorganized people. This is a great checklist you have.
angie says
totally hate moving but have to say that it sounds as if you have it all together good for you I bet it makes it all so much better
Lorane says
These are all great tips there is much much to do and I can see why it gets overwhelming. Great list
Wendy says
I moved not to long ago. Very stressful. Organization will save you from losing your mind!
Shaney Vijendranath says
Wish this post was published when I moved! I hate moving, so glad you created a check-list. Definitely downloading it for future use. 😉
Ashley Sears says
Moving can be very stressful, it has been for me any time I’ve had to move. But these are some great tips to follow through with!
1stopmom says
My daughter needed a checklist the last 2 times she moved. She waited until the last minute to pack and change services over!
Debbie Denny says
I am hoping I will not move again. This sounds like the way to go. Can be so much easier.
Stacie says
I am no stranger to moving. I was a military wife since the late 90s and have lived all over the country. The longest I stayed in one spot was 5 years! We moved last year to my home town when my hubby retired. We are here to stay!
Pam says
Moving is so stressful. My son is moving into college this semester and I had forgotten how much work it is. Thanks for the tips.
Chubskulit Rose says
Mpvong cn be really stressful if you don’t knowwhat to do. Whenmy husband was still in active duty, we move constantly. Just like you, we do our checklist too.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What a great idea to do a check list. I could see how there would be so much going on and a list would be helpful for remembering purposes.
Maureen@ADebtFreeStressFreeLife says
Moving can be so stressful. These tips are great!
Lori Bosworth says
I do not like moving either. I have moved twice in the last three years and that’s too much for me. Those are great tips for moving. I agree that it’s a good idea to start packing 30 days in advance so that you don’t leave everything for the last minute and get stressed out.
Chasing Joy says
I want to move but I hate the idea of actually doing it. I will pin your printable for future use to help.
Jeanine says
We are moving September 1st! I wont lie I’m completely stressed out about it. We aren’t moving long distance but I think I’ll be printing the list off anyways, just to make sure it all goes so smoothly!
Bri says
A checklist would make life so much easy when moving. You will not have to guess did you get everything or make double trips because you forgot something.
Michele says
I made a move from one apartment to another which was actually across the street–I did a lot of it with my shopping cart and friends helped out as well–a couple of guys I knew carried the furniture across the street and up to my apartment (thankfully an elevated building). My cat at the the time was transported in a transfile box! Talk about the move from H—–. If I ever have to do it again I am going to use moving men and let them do it all!! Those pods are great-I know people who have used them-but they were moving much farther–more like you did.
Ora Lee Gurr says
The U-Pack is quite impressive. It’s convenient to have someone else haul them to the next location. That’s a great list for keeping the move organized, too.
Jeanette says
I literally just moves about 3 weeks ago, I could have used these tips! We moved form one house to another with the help of friends. I never realize how expensive it is to move until each time I do it.
Erinn S says
Great service and looks so easy! Our friend just moved to Tx last year and moving truck caught fire with all of his belongings inside as it approached Ca.
Dina says
After 3 kids and 17 years in my house I would hate to have to move. I have also considered downsizing but I think at this point I’d just like to pay off my house.
rika agustini says
moving is very stressful. This article is really helpful. I can use some tips.. I love your old living room .
Amy Desrosiers says
I hope to not have to move anytime soon, but this list is helpful. I love the way the cat is like what is going on? lol
lena says
That;s a great action plan! I need to make a note of it
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
I hate hate hate moving and like you my home requires a moving truck. Eeeek! I want a bigger home and the thought of moving keeps me in my town house. I need a list for sure and some OCD pills.
Ashleigh Walls says
This would have been so much help with our moves! My boyfriend had to do everything himself both packing and unpacking because I was pregnant and all with one van.
Christy Maurer says
I’ve not moved in over 20 years! I have so much stuff now because I’ve had 2 kids in those years…I’ll probably never move lol. These are great tips if I do. I should just to purge my stuff!
Alli says
Welcome to the Carolinas! 🙂 I haven’t moved in years, but in my younger years, we moved several times. I always made sure I labeled the boxes with the contents and what room it would go in. These are all great tips!
Debra says
I could have used U-Pack when I moved from an apartment to a house instead of doing the whole big moving truck thing. sounds like it’s perfect for college students and those just getting started with their careers – when they have to move to a new city for their job.
Catherine S says
These are great tips and a checklist is a must. U-Pack sounds like a great service.
Melissa Pezza says
Thanks so much for sharing these moving tips. Moving was the most stressful thing I’ve ever done. Ever.
Michelle says
Moving is both exciting and daunting at the same time. Anything to make your move easier is always a good idea. I love these storage containers, sure wish we used them for our big move. We drove a huge truck and a minivan full of kids across the country. It was fun, though the storage containers would have been a better option. Congrats on your move and good luck.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
These are great tips. It was an absolute nightmare when we moved. Lost items, broken things. Yeesh.
Tamara says
What an awesome checklist! I have moved cross country twice and it was so stressful. Even moving down the street from an apartment to a house a few years ago traumatized me! I can use all the help I can get.
Jaime Nicole says
I like packing slowly too. It’s also such a great time to toss and donate things around your home that don’t bring you joy anymore! Although I’m glad I don’t have to pack any time soon!
Akhil Sharma says
Great list; I hope Moving Won’t nettle me again 🙂
Rosey says
Being organized saves you a ton of time. When we moved from the south to the north we didn’t label the boxes good and chaos ensued when it was time to unpack. 😉
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
Wow, those pods are awesome! I am all about anything that makes moving easier, since like you say, the process can be seriously stressful. Thanks for the checklist!
Nikki says
great tips! i love the printable list it will really help a lot. i recommend this on my friend was moving house next week
Joann Woolley says
I don’t know which one I like less, packing or unpacking….. I try to avoid moving at all costs especially with 3 kids because the two moves we did with them left me a zombie. Good planning is so critical! You shared some excellent points, slow and steady wins the race…. or move!
Angelic Sinova says
That printable is awesome! I have a friend who might be moving half way across the country soon so I’ll definitely have to give her that checklist. Moving can definitely be stressful (especially unpacking! I moved back home from college over a year ago and I still haven’t unpacked all my old dorm stuff!)
Felissa @ Two Little Cavaliers says
Moving can always be so stressful. A checklist sounds amazingly helpful.
Raijean says
Oh how I hate moving but this checklist makes life much easier. I’m going to have to share this with my friends
Amanda Ripsam says
I am a sucker for printable check list it really did come in handy to have a list while we were moving there is so much to keep track of during a move.
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
My mom is getting ready to move so I will share this with her. Moving can be so stressful!
Star Traci says
I have had to make a few long distance moves and I think these pods look so smart. I will definitely consider it at that time. Great share!
🙂
Traci
coolchillmom says
I love moving. I think it is an adventure and also a great way to clean up! Great printable, thanks
Nikki @ Tikkido says
Those pods really do look convenient! I’m pretty darn good at packing up and moving stuff, since I grew up in an Air Force family, and pods like that would have been AWESOME.
Terri Oliver Steffes says
I am an on-the-move kinda girl. We built a house almost two years ago and I have itchy feet to move again. It won’t happen if my husband has any say… he hates moving so much! Great tips, by the way!
Amanda says
Moving is always such a stressful situation…having a clear checklist would definitely help. Thanks for sharing your great ideas!
Alissa Apel says
One thing I did a lot was use my clothes and towels with the dishes, so they wouldn’t get broken. They make a great replacement for bubble wrap that would have to be bought.
Anne Sweden says
Oh, poor kitty! Ours never liked travels, either. Thanks for sharing the handy checklist!
Robin Masshole Mommy says
I won’t be moving until my kids are grown. I can’t even imagine doing it with little kids!