
Moving to a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. We just moved from one condo to a townhome here in Dallas and I’m ecstatic to be fully moved in now! I definitely forgot some stuff and learned a lot along the way, though, and hope to share some tips to make your move easier, too!
To make the process smoother, it’s important to plan ahead and stay organized.
There are plenty of things you should start preparing from a few weeks to a few days before your moving day to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. I learned some of these the hard way (like when we were looking through boxes for sheets for our bed the night we moved!).
This guide is for key things you might forget to do before move-in day and in the few days or weeks leading up to it. But you’ll definitely be thankful to have these done before your movers come!
Note: You won’t see a ton of tips on how to pack up your old place because we opted for full-service moving with All My Sons!
A Note on Our Moving Experience with All My Sons

Truly, opting for full service movers was the best decision for our family! I don’t know what I’d have done without it. Probably gone crazy (did I mention I had a 2.5 year old toddler and was in my third trimester when we moved?).
If it’s in your budget, having someone else pack up your home for you is a DREAM. Full-service movers like All My Sons take care of everything, from packing, loading, and transporting all of your belongings. Their team handled our fragile and heavy items carefully, which gave me so much peace of mind. They disassembled our furniture and reassembled it in our new place.
And at one point, our couch wouldn’t fit through the downstairs staircase so they even hauled it up to our second floor through a balcony. These guys are AMAZING.
Using a reliable moving company like All My Sons can make moving day go smoothly and leave you with way more time and way less to manage. If you want a stress-free move, hiring full-service movers is the way to go!
Anyway, let’s get to the crucial things you should do for a successful move!
Things to Do 1-2 Days Before the Movers Come

These tips are designed to save you time, reduce stress, and make your move as seamless as possible. Below is a comprehensive list of things you should do a day or two before moving day to ensure everything goes smoothly! (Or on moving day, if you’re a procrastinator like me!)
1. Stock Bathrooms with Toilet Paper, Soap, and Hand Towels
Imagine arriving at your new home after a long day of moving, only to realize there’s no toilet paper in the bathroom. Or imagine one of your hard-working movers asking you if they can use your bathroom – only to realize there’s no toilet paper or soap!
To avoid these situations, stock each bathroom with essentials like toilet paper, hand soap, and hand towels before moving day. This ensures that you and anyone helping with the move will have what they need. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in comfort and convenience. You can also add a small trash can and air freshener for a fully functional bathroom. Preparing these basics ahead of time will save you from unnecessary trips to the store when you’re already exhausted.
2. Know Which Room and Where Furniture is Going
A simple way to avoid chaos on moving day is by planning where each piece of furniture will go in your new home. This saves you time and effort, as you won’t need to move things around repeatedly.
Before the movers arrive, map out the layout of your new home and decide where to place large furniture. Label the rooms clearly so everyone knows where things go. If you’re moving with others, talk about the best placement for each item to make sure you’re all on the same page. Measure your space to ensure larger items will fit, avoiding problems like trying to get a big sofa through a narrow doorway.
When the movers arrive, they can place everything quickly in the right spots, making unpacking easier. With furniture already in place, you can focus on unpacking smaller items and prioritize essential rooms like the kitchen or bedroom.
If you’re Type A like me, you can even upload your floorplan into Canva, overlay a grid, and add in your furniture to-scale!
(Dealing with an odd-shaped bedroom? Check out these tips!)
3. Keep a Fresh Set of Bedding Handy for Your First Night in Your New Place
After a long day of moving, you’ll want your bed ready to go. Packing a fresh set of bedding in an easily accessible bag ensures you’re set for a good night’s sleep without searching through packed boxes when you’re tired. Include sheets, pillows, and a blanket so everything’s ready.
This is especially helpful if your moving day runs late, leaving little time or energy to unpack. Having your bed ready can make your first night in the new home more comfortable.This small step helps avoid stress and ensures you can recharge for the tasks ahead!
And if you’re moving with kids, make sure to pack their favorite blankets or stuffed animals to help them feel at home! Starting the first night with a comfortable setup makes a big difference in the moving experience.
4. Pack Toiletries and a Suitcase (include shower stuff and body towels)
Don’t forget essential toiletries like shower items, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, body wash, and any personal care products you use regularly. Pack a clean set of clothes and pajamas so you can easily change when you arrive. Include any medications or skincare items in the same bag. Consider packing towels, hand soap, and a hairdryer for quick clean-up. If you’re moving with family or pets, pack their toiletries too. A small first-aid kit is also helpful. Keeping everything in one bag will save time and keep you organized on moving day.
5. Keep Important Documents in a Backpack
Gather your important documents and store them in a secure, easy-to-access folder or backpack. This includes items like birth certificates, passports, financial records, medical documents, and anything related to your move. Keeping them with you ensures they won’t get lost or damaged. For extra protection, consider a waterproof and fireproof folder. Having these documents on hand can help with things like proving your identity or confirming your new address. If you’re moving far, don’t forget travel documents like plane tickets or hotel bookings. If you have kids, add their school records and medical info to the list. Double-check your bag before leaving to make sure nothing important is forgotten.
6. Keep Laptops and Phone Chargers Handy
Electronics like laptops, tablets, and phones are things you’ll probably need right away after moving, so pack them in a separate, clearly labeled bag. Include chargers, power banks, and other accessories you use often. This makes them easy to find and keeps you connected during the move. Adding a power strip or extension cord is also a good idea since outlets in your new place might not be in the best spots. Pack your electronics carefully using padded cases or soft materials to avoid damage. If you work remotely or depend on technology daily, this step helps you get back to your routine faster. Labeling cords and chargers can also save you time when setting up. Organizing your electronics like this helps make the move easier.
7. Pack a Moving Day Survival Kit
A moving day survival kit helps keep things organized and makes the day more manageable. Pack a bag or box with snacks, drinks, and anything you might need like medications or glasses. Don’t forget cleaning supplies like paper towels, trash bags, and disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces when needed. If you have kids or pets, throw in some of their favorite toys or snacks to keep them entertained. With these basics ready, you’ll be able to focus on the bigger tasks without scrambling. It’ll make moving day a lot less stressful for everyone!
8. Keep a Toolkit Handy
During the moving process, you might need to assemble or disassemble furniture, hang pictures, or tackle minor repairs. A small toolkit with essentials like a screwdriver, drill, hammer, pliers, and tape measure can be a lifesaver. This will allow you to take care of simple tasks on the spot without needing to dig through boxes for the right tools. Having a toolkit on hand will also make it easier to set up your new home once you’ve moved in.
9. Think About Snacks and Tips for Your Movers
Our movers worked HARD, y’all. Who knew we had so much stuff?? I was so grateful for all the work they did, and wanted to show my appreciation in addition to a good tip. So I grabbed a bunch of Vitamin Waters, water bottles, gatorades, and easy grab-and-go snacks that I spread out on the counter of our new place. (Think things like chips, Oreos, fruit, granola bars, etc.) You could also provide an easy meal instead of snacks, like pizza, store-bought sandwiches, or a Chic-fil-a nugget platter.
And regarding tipping, make sure you have cash on hand so that you don’t need to run to the ATM! I sure don’t carry cash regularly so this was definitely something I had to plan for ahead of time. Your moving company should tell you how many movers they are sending, and you can calculate tip based on how many people. You can calculate a good tip for movers a few different ways, based on your budget:
- 10-20% of the total moving cost
- $20-$50 per mover for a standard local move
- $5-$10 per person per hour
10. Prepare Your New Home
The day before the movers arrive, take some time to do a quick cleaning of your new place. Focus on the areas you’ll be using immediately, like the kitchen and bathrooms, so they’re ready for you when you arrive. Wipe down countertops, clean the floors, and check that the plumbing and appliances are functioning properly. If possible, vacuum or mop any areas that might be dirty before moving in furniture and boxes. This step will help you feel more settled and comfortable when you start unloading. It’s much easier to clean an empty home than one filled with boxes and furniture, so try to get this done ahead of time!
11. Check that Everything is Packed
If you are packing up yourself, then before the movers arrive, conduct a thorough walkthrough of your old home to ensure everything is packed and ready to go. This includes checking all rooms, closets, cabinets, and even under furniture. Don’t forget any hidden spaces like attic or basement storage. It’s easy to overlook items like cleaning supplies, batteries, or outdoor gear, so make sure you have a checklist to go through. If you find anything missing, quickly pack it or notify the movers. This will help prevent delays and ensure nothing is left behind.
If movers are packing for you, make a note of anything that should stay in your old place so that you can notify the movers. We had random stuff that we wanted to keep at our old place (like our dirty laundry since our new washer/dryer weren’t going to be delivered for a couple of weeks and we still had access to our old place in that time. Or firewood, since our new place has a gas fireplace but our old place is wood-burning).
Now that I’ve covered the things that I consider last-minute things you might forget before the movers come, here are some more tips for moving!
Things To Do A Few Weeks/Days Before Moving

12. Set Up Utilities
Setting up your utilities ahead of time is one of the most important tasks to complete before moving. You don’t want to arrive at your new home to find that you have no electricity, water, or internet. Call utility companies ahead of time to ensure that services like gas, electricity, and water are set up or transferred to your new address. If you’re moving to a new area, research local providers so you can easily arrange everything in advance. Taking care of utilities before you arrive will ensure you have everything you need as soon as you get to your new home.
13. Start Decluttering
Moving is the PERFECT time to declutter your home and get rid of things you don’t need. Start by going through each room and sorting items into categories: keep, donate, or discard. This step will help reduce the number of things to pack, making the process quicker and easier.
You might be surprised by how much clutter has built up, and moving is a good time to simplify. Do you really need 50 pens? I think 12 will do. How about clothes you haven’t worn in the past year? Or random freebies you’ve picked up at events that you never actually use?
If you’re packing your own home, decluttering on the front end can also lower moving costs since you’ll have fewer items to transport. Plus, it can make your new home feel more organized right away. Consider donating or selling items in good condition, or hold a yard sale to make some extra cash. The earlier you start, the easier it will be, and you’ll pack more efficiently!
14. Start Packing Non-Essential Items
Two to three weeks before your move is a good time to start packing items you don’t need every day. This could include seasonal clothes, extra kitchenware, home decor, wall art, books, and anything else you can live without for a few weeks.
15. Label Boxes Clearly
Labeling your boxes properly is one of the best ways to stay organized during the move. Be sure to write clear descriptions of what’s inside each box and which room it should go to. This will save time and frustration when it comes to unpacking, as you’ll know exactly where to start. You can even use different colored tape or stickers for each room to make sorting easier. Label fragile items separately so the movers handle them with extra care. Labeling will ensure that both you and the movers stay organized, making the unpacking process much smoother!
16. Arrange for Childcare or Pet Care
If you have young children or pets, it’s helpful to arrange for someone to look after them on moving day. This will reduce their stress and keep them out of the way while the movers are working. Moving can be chaotic, and having children or pets underfoot can slow down the process! If possible, arrange for a friend or family member to take them for the day, or hire a professional service. If that’s not an option, create a safe, quiet space in the new home or an area of the old home to keep them comfortable and entertained. This will allow you to focus on the move and ensure that they’re well cared for during the transition.
Things to Do After the Movers Come

17. Take Photos of Your Old Place
Before you leave your old home, take photos of its condition. This is especially important if you’re renting, as it provides documentation of the space’s condition for your landlord. It can help resolve any disputes over security deposits or damages. Taking photos gives you peace of mind knowing that you’ve left the property in good shape.
18. Do a Final Walkthrough of Your Old Home
After the movers have finished loading, perform a final walkthrough of your old home. Check each room, including the garage, attic, and basement, to ensure nothing has been overlooked. Ensure all appliances are unplugged and all lights are turned off. If you were renting, make sure the property is left in good condition. This is also a good time to check for any damage that may have occurred during the moving process. Cleaning up any remaining mess will help you leave a good impression on your landlord or new homeowners. There are also some items that some moving companies can’t transport, like perishable goods. You’ll want to make sure nothing gets left behind.
19. Unpack Essentials First
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, start by unpacking the essentials that you’ll need immediately. This includes toiletries, a few changes of clothes, bedding, and basic kitchen items. Setting up these items first will make your new home more functional and comfortable from the start.
20. Check for Damages
Take some time to inspect your belongings for any damage that may have occurred during the move. Check boxes for any signs of crushing or tearing and make sure delicate items like electronics or furniture arrived without issues. If you notice any damage, take photos and file an insurance claim if you have moving insurance. It’s best to address any problems right away to ensure the damage is properly documented. Review any inventory lists the movers provided to verify everything was delivered. We were so grateful that all of our items were handled so carefully by All My Sons!! They packed everything so well!!
21. Notify Family and Friends of Your New Address
After you’ve settled in, take the time to notify family and friends about your new address and contact information. Update your address on important accounts like banks, credit cards, and subscriptions. Consider sending out a change-of-address card, or a quick message to your loved ones, so they know where to reach you. Don’t forget to update your address on your driver’s license and any other official records!
Things to Do Before Moving Day: Conclusion

Moving can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These tips helped us have a way smoother transition to our new home than I thought we’d have. And I also included tips that I wish I’d thought of before moving, too!
Remember, a little planning goes a long way. Take the time to organize your move, and you’ll be enjoying your new home in no time!
Happy moving day!
Jasmine