Moving into a new home is supposed to be an exciting milestone. But for many homeowners, the excitement quickly turns into anxiety the moment moving day arrives. Between coordinating movers, packing up belongings, and juggling last-minute details, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right approach and preparation, you can make moving day a smooth transition.
Kelly Schuit knows that buying or selling a home is only part of the journey. The move itself is where the experience becomes real—and it’s also where many clients need the most support. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, this step-by-step guide will help you stay organized and in control.
Start with a Moving Timeline
The key to a successful move is starting early. Most of the stress around moving comes from rushing in the final days. To avoid that crunch, it’s smart to work backward from your move date and create a realistic timeline.
Think in phases rather than one big event—what needs to be done six weeks before the move? What about two weeks before? Having a timeline ensures that critical tasks like scheduling movers, setting up utilities, and notifying important contacts don’t fall through the cracks.
Declutter Before You Pack
Packing up a home you’ve lived in for years can be daunting. Most people have more items than they realize, and a move is the perfect opportunity to sort through them all. Start decluttering as soon as you know you’re moving. Go room by room and make decisions about what’s worth keeping, donating, or tossing.
Not only will this lighten your moving load, but it will also save you time and money—especially if you’re hiring professional movers who charge by weight or volume. For sellers, decluttering before your home hits the market can also enhance your home’s staging and photography, making it easier to attract the right buyers.
Choose the Right Movers
One of the most important decisions you’ll make during your move is hiring the right moving company. Not all movers are created equal, and the wrong choice can quickly turn an exciting move into a stressful ordeal. Start by researching reputable companies with strong reviews, proper licensing, and proven experience. If you’re moving long-distance or have high-value items, make sure the company specializes in those services.
And don’t skip asking the details about what their services include. Some companies may seem less expensive up front, but charge extra for essentials like packing supplies, heavy lifting, or even moving items upstairs. Ask for a detailed, written estimate and clarify what’s included so there are no surprises on moving day. It’s also a good idea to confirm the company’s insurance coverage, so you know your belongings are protected if something gets damaged in transit.
Pack Strategically
Packing is where the move becomes real—and where a lot of stress builds. Instead of trying to do everything at once, tackle it systematically. Begin with seasonal items and things you won’t need in the weeks leading up to the move. As moving day approaches, pack more frequently used items while keeping essential everyday things accessible.
Use sturdy boxes, label everything clearly, and keep an inventory of what’s in each box. This will make the unpacking process much smoother on the other end. Don’t forget to set aside a “first night” kit with toiletries, clothes, medications, and anything else you’ll need immediately in your new home.
Handle Utilities and Address Changes Early
It’s easy to forget the administrative side of moving in the rush of packing. But transferring utilities and updating your address are crucial tasks that should be done ahead of time—not after you’ve already moved. Schedule utility shut-offs and start dates for your new home at least a week in advance, and ensure that your internet service is lined up so you’re not left disconnected.
You’ll also need to update your address with banks, insurance companies, subscription services, and of course, the postal service. Doing this early prevents gaps in service and missed mail, ensuring that your transition to your new home is truly seamless.
Plan for Pets, Kids, and Special Situations
If you have young children or pets, moving day can get particularly chaotic. Plan for how they’ll be managed during your move. In many cases, it’s best to arrange for them to stay with a friend or family member the day of, so you can get your moving done without distractions.
You should also anticipate any unique situations that you may need to handle. For example, If you’re moving items that require special care—such as artwork, wine collections, or luxury furniture—make sure your movers are equipped to handle them properly.
Stay Flexible, But Focused
Even with the best preparation, moving day rarely goes exactly as planned. Weather, delays, or simple miscommunication can throw a wrench in your schedule. The key is staying flexible without losing sight of your plan. Keep your phone fully charged, have key contacts saved, and maintain a printed copy of your timeline and checklist for quick reference.
If something unexpected comes up, focus on solutions instead of setbacks. Build a little “buffer time” into your schedule to account for delays. And keep snacks, water, and essential items on hand so you and your family can stay comfortable. Remember—most hiccups are temporary, and keeping a calm, adaptable mindset will help you get through the day with far less stress.
Unpack with Purpose
Even once the last box is in your new home, your move isn’t quite done. Unpacking is the final step in the process, but it doesn’t have to be a source of stress. Having a strategy plan in place for how to unpack can make the process easy. Start by setting up the most important areas first—typically the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Getting the essentials in place gives you a sense of normalcy and reduces the lingering feeling of “living out of boxes.”
This is your chance to start fresh, so as you unpack, think about the layout and how you want your home to look. Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or moving into your dream home, those early days set the tone for your next chapter.
Partner with Kelly Schuit and Take the Stress Out of Moving
The process of buying or selling a home is already complex—and adding a major move on top of that can easily push things over the edge. That’s why having the right real estate professional by your side matters. Kelly Schuit of Kelly + CO Realty values being a resource to you throughout the entire process. From helping you to secure your dream home to connecting you to reliable services, Kelly is here to support you at every step.Don’t let the logistics of moving dampen your excitement about your new home. Partnering with Kelly Schuit and implementing these strategies can help preserve your enthusiasm while making the transition to your home smoother. Contact us today to start your journey to your next luxury home.
