11 Moving Day Must Haves, Recommended by Our McEnearney Associates

Moving never gets easier, regardless of how many times you’ve done it. But once you’ve signed on the dotted line of your closing statement or lease agreement, finding boxes and packing peanuts isn’t far behind. As real estate agents, we know the stress and challenges moving brings, so we’ve gathered the 11 best tips and tricks from our associates to help you make the transition a little easier.

1. Make sure you have everything labeled. — Lida Rippe

The moving day is very exciting and should be stress-free. Planning is important to make this process successful. Give yourself enough time. It’s important to prepare an inventory of your boxes and items that should be moved. Make sure that everything is labeled correctly so it’s easy to unpack. If possible, try to do it by colors or number and pack according to the rooms.

In addition, make sure you have extra boxes, tape, stickers label and a clipboard. Try to schedule your move in the morning so you avoid traffic, busy elevators and maybe you can get nice weather. If you are moving to a condo or apartment, make sure to reserve the elevator and that the day you are planning to move in is available. Movers fees are lower on weekdays.

Fire up your favorite playlist while you pack, make it fun — kids and pets can also help.

Remember the end goal: this is the start of all memories you will create at your new home!

2. A checklist of moving day supplies — Clindy Clemmer, of Clemmer and Schuck Homes

Here are some things you should have on moving day: toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, water bottles, snacks and keys to your new home. Toilet Paper

3. Pack everything but the … — Laurie Felton

Don’t let the movers pack the garage door openers. Accidentally happened to us.

4. Start early! — Sally Webster

Have LOTS and LOTS of good packing tape. You can always use any leftover (not likely to be any!) on mailing packages from your new home.

Check if there are any organizations that will pack up any nonperishable food you don’t want so it can be donated to a food bank rather than end up in the trash. Or plan to pack it yourself.

Also, put in your change of address with the Post Office early. It won’t hurt to leave mailing labels with your forwarding address for the new owners. This will help make it easy for them to forward your mail.

If friends offer to help, say YES and thank you.

5. Make sure you pack snacks for the kids (and furry friends). — Madeline Caporiccio

When moving with children (or even adults for that matter), you definitely want snacks, drinks and favorite toys. If you have any furry family members, the same goes for them — plus motion sickness medicine if you have someone who might get motion sickness en route to your new place.

6. Arrange for your internet service early. — Nick Kuhn

A few weeks prior to your move-in date, hop online and schedule an appointment for your internet service to be activated at least one day before you move in.

7. Bring lots of water bottles. — Darlene Duffett

Bring lots of water or water bottles. You — and everyone around you — will be thirsty.

8. Put your pet(s) in daycare. — Sallie Seiy

If you have any dogs or cats or any pet, take them to daycare or a trusted friend/ pet sitter. Less stress for you and them!

9. Use QR code label stickers on each box. — Lori Bardo

As a military family that moves frequently, a great tool to use are QR code label stickers for organization so you can know exactly what is in each box. You can purchase them HERE!

For your arrival at a new home, have a “New Home Essentials” bag of hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper, paper/plastic eating products and beverages, a shower curtain if needed and bathing toiletries.

10. Pack a suitcase for each family member. — Alice Shank

Pack suitcase packed for each family member as if you were going on a trip: stuff you need from the bathroom for the evening and very next morning, including toothbrush and paste and any medications or OTC items, clothes, sleepwear and jacket if weather suggests it might be needed. Be sure to include one roll of toilet paper, a bath towel, hand towel, washcloth and bed linens.

In additional, pack a box or tote of “must haves” as if you were going to a rental home/AirBNB and be prepared for what wasn’t provided, like coffee pot, coffee, mugs, spoons, sugar, creamer pods, first aids supplies of band aids and antibiotic cream.

Finally, bring cleaning necessities for the accidents that always happen: paper towels, small broom, dustpan, rags, small bucket.

And don’t forget pet supplies: food and water bowls, several days food only, any of their medications and a toy.

11. Wrapping up the home you’ve just left — Julie Novak

Once you’ve moved, you’ll want to ensure you’ve left your previous place of residence “broom clean,” whether it’s for the new homeowners or tenants. Be sure the following items aren’t packed and easily accessible: furniture sliders, straps, small “dolly” for moving furniture, cleaning supplies and vacuum, a complete serving set (four plates, cups, forks, knives, spoons, etc.), cash to tip the movers and a corkscrew to celebrate at the end of the day.