Planning Your Move Around a Busy Lifestyle: Tips for Success

22 June 2025

Moving is exciting, right? A fresh start, a new place, and maybe even a chance to finally declutter that overflowing closet. But when you're juggling work, family, hobbies, and, well… life, the idea of packing your entire existence into boxes can feel overwhelming.

How do you squeeze moving into an already jam-packed schedule? Don't worry—I've got you covered. With the right plan, a few smart hacks, and a little bit of strategy, you can pull off a stress-free move without losing your mind.

Let’s break it down, shall we?

1. Start Early—Like, Yesterday

Okay, maybe not literally yesterday, but as soon as you know a move is on the horizon, start planning. The biggest mistake busy people make? Waiting until the last minute.

How Early is "Early"?

Ideally, give yourself at least 8 weeks to plan your move. This gives you enough breathing room to tackle things in bite-sized chunks rather than cramming everything into one sleepless weekend.

Make a Moving Timeline

A well-organized move is a smooth move. Break your move down into weekly tasks. For example:

- 8 Weeks Out: Create a moving checklist and set a budget.
- 6 Weeks Out: Start decluttering and donate or sell items you no longer need.
- 4 Weeks Out: Begin packing non-essential items (think seasonal decorations, books, and that waffle maker you swore you'd use).
- 2 Weeks Out: Confirm moving details—truck rentals, utilities, address changes.
- Moving Week: Pack essentials, clean, and take a deep breath.

2. Declutter Like a Boss

Moving is the perfect time to purge. If you haven't used something in the past year, do you really need it? (Looking at you, box of tangled mystery cables.)

The "Three-Box Rule"

To make decluttering fast and painless, grab three boxes and label them:

✅ KEEP – For items you actually use and need.
📦 DONATE/SELL – Stuff in good condition that someone else might love.
🗑️ TOSS – Broken, outdated, or useless items.

Pro-tip: Be ruthless. You don’t need 15 mismatched coffee mugs, I promise.

3. Hire Help—or at Least Bribe Friends

If your schedule is already bursting at the seams, consider hiring professional movers. Sure, it costs money, but what’s your time (and sanity) worth?

If You Hire Movers…

- Get quotes from at least three moving companies.
- Check online reviews (because no one wants their couch held hostage by a shady company).
- Ask about insurance and extra fees.

If You Rope in Friends…

- Pay them in pizza and beer—the universal currency of moving day.
- Keep tasks organized so no one spends 30 minutes figuring out where the tape is.
- Don’t be that friend who promises to help move but mysteriously disappears on the big day.

4. Pack Smart, Not Hard

Packing shouldn’t be a chaotic nightmare. A little strategy can save you hours of frustration later.

Label Everything Like a Pro

Forget vague labels like "Misc. Stuff." Instead, use detailed labels like:

✅ "Kitchen – Pots & Pans"
✅ "Bedroom – Nightstand Items"
✅ "Bathroom – Everyday Essentials"

Bonus tip: Color-code your boxes—blue for kitchen, green for bedroom, etc. Makes unpacking so much easier!

Use What You Have

- Suitcases? Perfect for heavy items like books.
- Laundry baskets? Great for last-minute odds and ends.
- Towels and socks? Use them to wrap breakables (because bubble wrap isn’t cheap).

5. Make Technology Work for You

Busy schedule? Let tech do the heavy lifting.

Must-Have Moving Apps

📌 Sortly – A visual inventory app so you never lose track of boxes.
📦 TaskRabbit – Hire someone to help with packing, lifting, or assembling furniture.
🚚 Dolly – If you need moving help but don’t want a full-service company.

Set Up Utilities in Advance

Nothing's worse than moving in and realizing you have no WiFi or power. Take 10 minutes to schedule transfers or new installations ahead of time.

6. Plan for Work & Life Balance

If you're working full-time while moving, you’ll need a plan to keep everything from spiraling into chaos.

Request Time Off (If Possible)

If your job allows, take a day (or two) off to focus solely on moving. If not, plan your heaviest moving tasks for evenings and weekends.

Schedule Packing in Chunks

Instead of trying to pack 100 boxes in one night, set a timer for 30 minutes a day. Packing bit by bit is so much less overwhelming.

Don’t Skip Self-Care

Yes, moving is stressful, but don’t forget to:
- Eat real meals (not just takeout every night).
- Get enough sleep (easier said than done, but still).
- Take breaks—a 10-minute walk can give your brain a much-needed reset.

7. Pack an Essentials Box

The first night in your new place feels exciting—until you realize you have no idea where your toothbrush is.

What to Include in Your First-Night Survival Kit

- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo)
- Medications
- A change of clothes
- Phone chargers
- Toilet paper (trust me on this one)
- Snacks and water

Think of it as your “Everything I Need While I Get My Life Together” box.

8. Make Your New Place Feel Like Home—Fast

Nobody likes living in a sea of unpacked boxes. To settle in quickly:

✅ Unpack essentials first – Start with the kitchen and bedroom.
✅ Set up cozy spaces – A comfy bed and a few personal touches go a long way.
✅ Meet the neighbors – Even if it’s just a quick hello.

Final Thoughts

Moving is a beast, but with the right approach, you don’t have to let it take over your life. Start early, declutter, get help when needed, and stay organized. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping coffee in your new place, wondering why you stressed so much.

Now, take a deep breath—you’ve got this!