Selene’s Top Moving Tips (From Someone Who’s Moved Over 30 Times!)
After 30+ moves (yes, really), I’ve picked up more than a few tricks that help keep things smooth, calm, and a little more human. These aren’t the generic tips — they’re the thoughtful, practical ones I’ve leaned on again and again.
Here are my personal favourites:
1. Set a donation + junk removal deadlineAim to have everything you’re not bringing gone a full week before moving day. It clears the decks and makes the final push less stressful.👉 Book a free pickup with Cerebral Palsy Foundation – they take almost anything.👉 Need a junk haul? Trash Connections is reliable.
2. Leave a welcome note for the new homeownerTuck an envelope near the front door with your name, phone, and email in case any mail or deliveries still come your way. It’s thoughtful and just plain helpful.
3. Pack your “first night” suitcasePretend you’re going on a weekend trip: pack pajamas, toiletries, meds, phone charger, and a full set of sheets. Keep it in your car, not the truck.Also prep a laundry basket with must-haves for your first meal and clean-up: paper towels, dish soap, coffee gear, scissors, snacks.
4. Label boxes by room and urgencyGo beyond just “Kitchen” or “Bedroom” — mark them as “Day 1,” “Week 1,” or “Later.” You’ll stay organized and know exactly what to tackle first.
5. Snap a photo of the back of your TV + modem setupSave yourself from tech headaches later by taking a quick photo before unplugging everything.
6. Keep a “tools + bits + screws” binDesignate one bin or zippered pouch for shelf brackets, curtain hardware, Allen keys, remote controls — all the little stuff that gets lost when you need it most.
7. Tape hooks to your wall art + framesWhen you remove art or photos, take out the hook or nail and tape it to the back of the piece. That way, you’ve already got the right hardware ready to rehang it in your new home.
8. Wrap valuables in your own linensUse towels, sheets, and pillowcases to wrap breakables — it saves on packing materials and cuts down on laundry once you unpack.
9. Stock up on your favourite protein bars + drinksKeep a stash handy for moving day fuel — and make a small snack box for your movers. A few cold drinks and protein bars go a long way in keeping everyone upbeat and energized.✨ My personal favourite: Barebells protein bars — high protein, low sugar, and actually taste like a treat.
10. Build in one “do-nothing” day after the moveTake a breather. No unpacking, no organizing. Just walk your new block, order food, and arrive before launching into the next to-do list.
11. Tip your movers (or feed your friends)Tipping isn’t required, but it’s always appreciated — especially when the crew works hard. Here’s a quick guide:
Half-day or small move (4 hours or less): $20–$40 per mover
Full-day move (6–8 hours): $40–$80 per mover
Big day, lots of stairs, or amazing service: $100+ is more than fair
Cash is best, and be sure to hand it to each mover directly. If you’re using friends, lunch or drinks go a long way, too. Cold drinks + your Barebells stash? Instant hero status.
12. Get large contractor garbage bags and painters tape to pack and label bedding by room!
13. Plan to direct the movers yourselfPark yourself at the front door to direct where everything goes. Even if boxes are labeled, this will seriously cut down on moving things around later. Before they start unloading, do a full walkthrough of the house with the movers so they know which room is which.
14. Tape signs to doors and show furniture zonesLabel bedroom doors to match your box labels. Walk movers through the space and point out where not to stack boxes (like where beds, sofas, or dressers are going). If you have time, use painters tape to mark the wall that headboards and couches should be placed. And make sure you ask them to assemble your beds.
15. Rugs last on the truck, first off. Make sure rugs are loaded last so they can be unloaded first. That way, you can lay them out before furniture starts coming in. Try to give them a vacuum after furniture gets removed and before they get rolled up so you’r not putting couches over old dust bunnies 🙂
16. Book something to look forward to. Once the dust settles, reward yourself. A massage and a manicure a few days after the move? Trust me, you’ll have earned it.
Moving is never easy, but these tips have helped me stay sane, organized, and a little more settled through every move. Hope they help you too!