15 Things You Need to Do Before Moving Out With All Your Stuff

Moving out of a place you’ve lived in for a long time can be bitter-sweet. But the most stressful part of the move has to be the packing. Whether it’s your first big move or just another chapter in your life, the key to success is in the details. From packing essentials to organizing your things ahead of time, knowing what to do before the big day arrives will save you stress.

Start Early

Packing always takes longer than expected. If you think you can finish in a week, start two weeks ahead. This not only gives you ample time to sort through your stuff, but it also helps prevent that last-minute chaos that inevitably makes the moving day much more stressful.

Declutter as You Go

One of the best times to get rid of stuff is when you’re packing. Why haul things you no longer need into your new space? As you pack, ask yourself whether each item is truly necessary. If it’s collecting dust or hasn’t been used in a year, it might be time to donate or toss it.

Label Boxes by Room and Contents

When labeling your boxes, keep it simple. Write the room it’s meant for in large, bold letters on the top, so anyone helping you can easily figure out where things go. On the sides, list the contents of each box. This way, when you need something, you can quickly find the right box without having to open them all.

Pack an Essentials Bag

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home and realizing you have to dig through boxes for your toothbrush or pajamas. Pack a separate essentials bag with items you’ll need right away, like toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, and snacks. This way, you can easily access what you need without unpacking everything immediately.

Use Clear Bins for High-Priority Items

For your most important items—like documents, jewelry, or electronics—opt for clear plastic bins. These bins make it easy to spot what’s inside, and you can keep them separate from everything else. You don’t want to accidentally bury your passport or laptop under a pile of linens.

Take Photos of Your Setup

If you’ve got complicated electronics setups—think TVs, gaming consoles, or desktop computers—snap a few photos before you disconnect everything. This way, when it’s time to reassemble, you won’t have to guess which wire goes where. You can simply refer back to your pictures and get things up and running smoothly.

Utilize Towels and Linens to Protect Fragile Items

Instead of wasting money on bubble wrap, use what you already have—towels, blankets, sheets—anything soft that provides cushioning to fragile items like dishes and picture frames. Plus, you’ve got to pack your towels and linens anyway, so why not put them to good use?

Don’t Overpack Boxes

It’s tempting to stuff boxes to the brim, but overloading them can lead to injuries or boxes breaking. Stick to a weight that’s manageable. For heavier items, use smaller boxes to keep the weight down, and save your larger boxes for lighter things like bedding and clothes.

Keep Important Documents Secure

Documents like birth certificates, leases, and passports should be packed separately in a secure location—ideally in a fireproof lockbox or with you in your personal bag. You don’t want these crucial papers getting lost in the shuffle of moving day.

Disassemble Furniture

If you’ve got bulky furniture, make sure to disassemble it before moving. Take apart bed frames, remove legs from tables, and secure any loose parts with tape or zip ties. Be sure to keep all screws and hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture they belong to, so reassembly is a breeze.

Set Up Utilities Early

Before you move, make sure the utilities—electricity, water, gas—are all set up at your new place. You don’t want to arrive at your new home only to realize there’s no power or running water. Call ahead to transfer or set up new accounts so everything is ready when you get there.

Change Your Address

Updating your address with the post office is crucial. You don’t want to miss any important mail, especially bills or legal documents. It’s also smart to change your address with your bank, insurance providers, and any subscription services you use. It can take a few weeks for the change to take effect, so do this early.

Set Aside Cleaning Supplies

You’ll likely need to do some cleaning before you leave, so make sure you’ve got a stash of cleaning supplies handy. Whether you’re scrubbing down the bathroom or vacuuming the carpets, having everything you need on hand will make the final clean-up quick and easy. Don’t pack these supplies until the very last minute.

Take Time to Say Goodbye

Moving isn’t just about the physical logistics; it’s an emotional experience too. Take a moment to say goodbye to your old space, especially if you’ve been there for a while. It might sound silly, but leaving with a sense of closure can make the transition to your new home a little easier.

Have a Plan for Unpacking

Once you arrive at your new place, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the mountain of boxes. Prioritize what you’ll need first—like your bed and kitchen essentials—and tackle those rooms before moving on to the rest. Having a plan for unpacking helps reduce the stress of settling in.