Nine Must-Do Steps for an Organized Move

January 31, 2026

Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure-but it can quickly become overwhelming without a clear plan. To help you stay calm, organized, and in control, here are nine essential steps to ensure your move goes smoothly from start to finish.

1. Start Early and Plan Ahead

Don’t wait until the last minute! Beginning your preparations weeks in advance gives you time to create a moving timeline, book movers and other necessary vendors, and manage logistics.

2. Declutter Before You Pack

Moving is the perfect opportunity to let go of items you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle belongings to lighten your load and simplify unpacking.

3. Gather Quality Packing Supplies

If you'll be handling the packing on your own, invest in sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Using the right materials protects your belongings and makes packing more efficient.

4. Pack Room-by-Room

Organize your packing by each room in your home. Label boxes clearly with room names and a brief description of contents to simplify unpacking.

5. Prepare an Essentials Box

Pack a “first-night” box with daily necessities like toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen items to keep handy upon arrival. It's always a good idea to place on an online grocery order delivered to your new home. This allows you to have fresh foods and nourish your body during this hectic time while skipping the grocery trip and removing more decisions to be made.

6. Manage Utilities and Service Setups

Arrange the disconnection and connection of utilities, internet, and other essential services at your new home before moving day to avoid interruptions.

7. Notify Important Parties of Your Move

Update your mailing address with the post office, banks, insurance providers, subscriptions, and let friends and family know your new contact info.

8. Protect Valuables and Important Documents

Keep jewelry, financial paperwork, passports, and other essential items with you during the move to ensure their safety.

9. Plan for Kids and Pets on Moving Day

Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day to reduce stress and keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Make Your Move a Breeze

Following these nine steps will help you move efficiently and reduce stress. If you need personalized help to organize your move, ClearSpace by Shiffy offers a Seamless Move Service! Contact us today to learn more

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Shiffy is the founder of ClearSpace by Shiffy LLC, a Professional Home Organizing Business in South Florida, servicing Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. She loves creating systems out of chaos and is known for her attention to detail, and ensuring that each project is customized and streamlined to fit the customer's lifestyle. Her projects are easy to maintain long term, bringing function to any space. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @clearspacebyshiffy