How to Move Like a Pro (Even When You're Totally Over It)

Not many people know this, but my family and I recently relocated. Yep—we sold everything and started from scratch in a new city. This wasn’t our first rodeo either; I’ve moved two homes in the past two years. Safe to say, I’m tired. No, exhausted. Moving sucks.

If you’ve ever packed up your life and attempted to keep your sanity intact, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. But here’s the thing: while I can’t make it fun, I can at least make it organized. And trust me, that makes all the difference.

So if you’re facing a move soon (or just storing this for the day you inevitably do), here are my battle-tested, slightly sleep-deprived tips to make it smoother.

1. Label Like a Legend

This was a game-changer. I used these Amazon labels on every single box. But not just labels—color-coded labels.

Here’s the trick: Don’t label a box "Andrew's room" unless you plan on standing by the moving truck the entire day giving directions. Instead, choose a color for each room. Purple for the older kid? Then slap purple labels on both the boxes and the room door at the new house. Kitchen gets grey, the pink room gets… you guessed it.

Now movers don’t need to read a thing. They see the color, they know exactly where it goes. It’s basically a moving hack AND a matching game.

2. Buy Mattress Covers

Yes, this one is important. The moving truck is not a luxury vehicle—it’s a rolling question mark of dirt, grime, and mystery fluids. Protect your mattresses with plastic covers (they’re cheap on Amazon). Then pop a label on there, too.

Your back and your allergies will thank you.

3. Giant Plastic Bags Are Your New Best Friend

You know those oversized plastic storage bags? Get a pack. I used them for all the last-minute stuff: bedding, towels, toiletries—you name it. Each room had its own bag, and it made settling in SO much easier. Bonus: they don’t take up much room in the truck and we re-use them later for storage.

4. Vacuum Seal All the Things

Stuffed animals, extra blankets, seasonal pillows, towels. All of it went in vacuum seal bags. It saved a ton of space, made everything stackable, and nothing got that "moved-in-a-dusty-box" smell.

5. Go Room by Room (Seriously)

Don't get overwhelmed by thinking about the whole house. Focus on one room at a time. Gather your packing supplies, go in with a plan, and yes—order way too much tape. Because guess what? The roll will always run out at the most inconvenient time.

Keep a marker in your pocket, label as you go, and cross things off a list. You’ll feel like a packing ninja. And you’ll avoid the last-minute trash bag scramble (a move-day classic).

Moving isn’t easy. But with the right system, it can at least be manageable. And maybe, just maybe, a little satisfying. Stay organized and save your sanity. You got this.

Have your own moving hacks? Drop them in the comments—let's build a better move, one color-coded box at a time.