Posted on January 14th, 2026.

 

Moving to a new home can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There are forms to sign, boxes to pack, utilities to transfer and a clock that never seems to stop ticking.

The good news: a move does not have to feel chaotic. With a clear plan and the right support, you can trade last-minute panic for a smoother, more organized experience.

Below are 10 practical tips to help you prepare, stay on top of the details, and protect your sanity along the way. Use them as a roadmap so you can arrive at your new place feeling tired, maybe, but not stressed out.

 

Tip 1: Start Early and Set a Clear Move Date

The moment you know you are moving, pick a target move date and start planning backwards. Even if the date is a little flexible, having a timeframe turns “someday” into a schedule.

Give yourself at least six to eight weeks if you can. That window lets you compare moving companies, gather supplies, sort your belongings and handle paperwork without rushing. Put key milestones on your calendar:

• When to book your movers
• When to start packing non-essentials
• When to confirm time off work and childcare
• When utilities need to be turned off and on

The earlier you start, the fewer decisions you will have to make under pressure. Future you will be very grateful.

 

Tip 2: Declutter Before You Pack a Single Box

Nothing makes a move harder than packing items you do not actually want. Decluttering first is one of the biggest stress relievers in the entire process.

Go room by room and sort items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Be honest with yourself. If you have not used something in a year and it holds no real sentimental value, consider letting it go. This is especially helpful with:

• Old clothes and shoes
• Extra kitchen gadgets
• Outgrown toys
• Duplicate tools or décor

Each bag donated and each box sold or given away is one less thing to lift, load and unpack. You will also save on packing supplies and potentially on moving costs, since many companies base pricing in part on volume or weight. 

 

Tip 3: Build a Moving Checklist You Can Actually Follow

A moving checklist turns a huge, vague task into small, doable steps. Instead of trying to remember everything, you can simply follow the plan.

Start with the big items: hiring movers, ordering supplies, scheduling utility changes, updating your address. Then break each one down. For example, under “update address,” you might list: bank, insurance, employer, subscriptions, driver’s license, and voter registration.

Assign target dates to each task, and make sure your list includes:

• Deadlines for deposits, lease signings or closings
• Last trash pickup at your current home
• Final meter readings or walkthroughs
• Cleaning time for both homes

You can use a notebook, a spreadsheet or a planning app. The format does not matter as much as having everything in one place. Checking off tasks as you go is satisfying and keeps you from waking up at 3 a.m. wondering what you forgot.

 

Tip 4: Gather Quality Packing Supplies (More Than You Think)

Good packing supplies make a big difference on moving day. Scrambling for boxes and tape at the last minute is a recipe for stress. Aim to gather what you need at least a couple of weeks ahead of time.

Plan on:

• Sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes
• Heavy-duty packing tape and a tape dispenser
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Furniture pads or blankets
• Stretch wrap for furniture and drawers
• Permanent markers and labels

Avoid overloading large boxes with heavy items; use smaller boxes for books and dense objects and larger ones for linens and lighter items. If you are using second-hand boxes, make sure they are in good shape and can handle another move.

Having everything ready when you sit down to pack keeps you focused and efficient, instead of forcing constant trips to the store.

 

Tip 5: Pack Smart and Label Clearly

How you pack will determine how easy your unpacking feels. A few simple habits can turn unpacking from chaos into a manageable process.

Pack by room, not by “whatever fits.” Keep kitchen items together, bedroom items together and so on. As you fill each box, label it on multiple sides with both the room and a brief description, such as “Kitchen – Pots and Pans” or “Bedroom – Off-Season Clothes.”

It also helps to:

• Keep hardware from disassembled furniture in labeled bags
• Wrap fragile items well and mark boxes “Fragile” and “This Side Up.”
• Avoid leaving empty space in boxes so items don’t shift around
• Number your boxes per room if you like, and keep a short inventory

When you arrive at your new home, your movers and helpers will know exactly where each box goes. That means you can start unpacking in a logical order instead of hunting for basics in a sea of mystery boxes.

 

Tip 6: Protect Important Documents and Valuables

Some things should never go on the moving truck. Keep important and irreplaceable items with you so you always know where they are.

Gather:

• IDs, passports and birth certificates
• Financial documents and checkbooks
• Moving contracts and closing or lease papers
• Small heirlooms and jewelry
• Backup drives or laptops

Place these in a clearly labeled folder or small bag that stays in your car or personal luggage, not in a box with general household items. This reduces worry and prevents crucial items from being buried deep in a stack of boxes when you need them most.

 

Tip 7: Plan for Kids, Pets and an Essentials Box

Moving day is easier when everyone’s basic needs are handled ahead of time. That includes kids, pets and your own “first night” comfort.

If possible, arrange childcare or a playdate for young children during the busiest hours of loading and unloading. For pets, consider a quiet room, a trusted friend’s house, or a boarding option for the day. This keeps them safe and reduces their stress and yours.

Pack an essentials box for your first 24–48 hours that includes:

• Toiletries and medications
• A change or two of clothes
• Phone chargers and basic electronics
• Paper plates, cups and utensils
• A few snacks and drinks
• Basic cleaning supplies and trash bags

Label this box clearly and keep it with you, or ask movers to load it last and unload it first. Being able to shower, change clothes and make a quick meal without hunting through boxes goes a long way toward a stress-free first night.

 

Tip 8: Coordinate Utilities and Address Changes Early

Few things are more frustrating than arriving at your new place to find no power, no water or no internet. Schedule utility shutoff and turn-on dates as soon as your move date is confirmed.

Contact providers for:

• Electricity, gas and water
• Internet and cable
• Trash and recycling services

Aim for a small overlap where possible so you are not stuck without essentials in either location. At the same time, start updating your address. The postal service’s change of address form is a good first step, followed by banks, insurance, employers, schools and subscription services. 

 

Tip 9: Partner with Professional Movers You Trust

Even with the best checklist, handling everything alone can be exhausting. Partnering with experienced movers takes a huge weight off your shoulders and helps keep the entire experience calmer and more efficient.

Look for a company that is licensed, insured and has solid reviews. Ask about their experience with the type of move you are planning, whether it is a local move, an apartment with stairs, or a home with large furniture that needs careful handling.

Professional movers can help with:

• Loading and unloading heavy or bulky items
• Protecting furniture and fragile belongings
• Navigating tight spaces, stairs and doorways
• Staying on schedule so your day runs smoothly

Get a written estimate that outlines services and costs, and make sure all details are confirmed in advance. When you know trained professionals are handling the heavy lifting and logistics, you are free to focus on your family, your keys and the details of settling in.

 

Tip 10: Prepare for Moving Day and Your First Week

The last tip is about mindset and a bit of final prep. A few days before the move, confirm everything: times with your movers, elevator reservations if needed, parking arrangements, and who will be present at both the old and new homes.

The day before, finish most of your packing, keep out only what you need for that night and the next morning, and get a good night’s sleep if you can. On moving day, keep snacks, water and basic supplies handy. Walk through your home with your movers, point out fragile items, and confirm which boxes or furniture pieces need extra care.

Once you arrive at your new home, focus on essentials first: beds, bathrooms and the kitchen basics. You do not need to unpack everything in a day. Give yourself permission to settle in gradually. 

Related: Furniture Delivery Services in Baton Rouge for Black Friday

 

Make Your Next Move Your Easiest One Yet

Moving will probably never feel effortless, but it also does not have to be chaotic. With early planning, smart decluttering, clear labeling and the right team on your side, you can turn a major life change into a well-managed project instead of a crisis. Each tip above is designed to remove one more source of worry so you can focus on the reason behind the move: a new space, a new chapter, and new possibilities.

If you are planning a move in or around Baton Rouge and want a team that treats your belongings with care and respects your time, 1st Choice Delivery Plus Moving is here to help. We handle the heavy lifting, careful transport and many of the details that usually create the most stress.

Schedule your Baton Rouge move today!

For inquiries, feel free to contact us at (225) 938-6795 or email us at [email protected].