If you’re reading this, chances are you’re preparing for a move. Whether you’re heading across the city, like from Manhattan to Queens, or making a cross-country move, the process can be overwhelming. A survey by Forbes Home found that 83% of people find moving stressful, with challenges ranging from furniture and fragile items to pets and cars.
Having moved 10 times in the past five years—five of those moves within the last year alone, and including relocations to and from New York City—I understand the unique stressors involved. To help you out, I’ve compiled 10 tried-and-true moving tips that I’ve picked up along the way.
1. Make a Checklist
Once you decide to move, one of the first things you should do is create a checklist. It will help organize your tasks and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. The checklist can be as detailed or as simple as you’d like, but make sure to set deadlines for larger tasks like hiring movers or packing up your place.
For extra help, visit your moving company’s website—they often have sample checklists tailored to various locations, including for moves in areas like Queens or other parts of New York.
2. Book Movers Early
If you’re not doing the move yourself, securing movers should be a top priority. Booking well in advance ensures you’ll get on their schedule, especially in busy moving seasons. This is particularly important if you’re moving to or from New York, where movers are often booked months ahead, especially in boroughs like Queens.
Professional movers, like Movers Not Shakers, a trusted moving company in Queens, have been providing top-notch service for over 20 years. Their experienced team is familiar with the challenges of moving in New York and can help ensure a smooth and efficient transition. If you’re looking for reliable movers, finding a team with years of experience, like they have, can really make a difference.
Planning to ship a car, rent a truck, or use additional services? It’s best to arrange these services early, too.
3. Research Local Parking Rules
Whether you’re moving from Brooklyn to Queens or across town in New York, checking local parking rules is essential. Moving trucks, shipping containers, or dumpsters often require permits in city areas. The last thing you want is to face parking fines on moving day because you didn’t get the proper permissions.
Check out the local regulations by visiting your city’s website or asking your moving company—reliable movers familiar with New York‘s rules can help with this.
4. Declutter Before Packing
Before you start boxing up your belongings, take the time to declutter. The fewer items you have to move, the easier the process will be. Plus, you’ll have a cleaner slate when you arrive at your new place, whether that’s in the heart of Manhattan or a quieter neighborhood in Queens.
When deciding what to keep or discard, consider your new space. Will your current couch fit? Is there enough closet space? Once you decide what to part with, determine whether to sell, donate, or throw away the items. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are great for selling furniture and other goods. For donations, many charities in New York City will pick up items directly from your home.
5. Get Resourceful with Packing Materials
Packing supplies can get expensive quickly—expect to pay $100 to $200 or more. To save money, get creative. Use towels, sheets, or even clothes instead of purchasing bubble wrap. And instead of buying wardrobe boxes, pack your clothes into suitcases or dresser drawers.
Also, check local listings for free boxes. Websites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor often have people giving away moving boxes. Or check with stores in your area like grocery stores, bookstores, or even local businesses in Queens, where you might find an abundance of free boxes.
6. Label Boxes Clearly
Labeling your boxes is one of the most important steps when packing, even if it seems like a chore. Go beyond just labeling by room. List the major items inside each box so you don’t have to dig through several boxes to find what you need.
Be sure to label boxes on multiple sides and mark fragile items or specific handling instructions. For a quicker system, use shorthand for rooms (e.g., “LR” for living room, “DR” for dining room) and consider color coding for even more clarity.
7. Measure Everything
Before the big moving day, measure your largest pieces of furniture, such as sofas, mattresses, and dining tables, to ensure they fit through doorways and stairwells. This is particularly important when moving in a dense city like New York, where space can be tight and apartment layouts vary.
Measure the moving truck or storage container to be sure everything fits. If space is tight, consider making a mock-up using painter’s tape on the floor to visualize how your items will be packed. It may seem like a lot, but it’s a great way to reduce surprises later on.
8. Document Furniture Disassembly
If you need to take furniture apart, document the process with photos or a video. This will make reassembly easier once you’re settled in your new place, whether that’s in a quiet part of Queens or a bustling Manhattan apartment.
Keep track of small hardware by putting it in labeled plastic bags or containers. You can do the same with any electronics—photograph the back of your TV or stereo system to know where each cord connects.
9. Pack an Essentials Bag
After a long day of moving, you won’t want to dig through boxes for your toiletries or a clean change of clothes. Pack an essentials bag with everything you’ll need for the first day or two in your new place—things like toiletries, medications, and basic clothing. It’s like preparing for a short vacation, but without the hassle.
This is especially important if you’re making a long-distance move or relocating across states, like leaving Queens for a new city, where you might be without your things for a few days.
10. Make a Plan for Kids and Pets
Moving day can be chaotic, especially with kids and pets running around. If you’re relocating within New York City, like from one neighborhood in Queens to another, it may be wise to have a family member or friend watch them for the day. You could also consider professional daycare services.
If your kids and pets will be present on moving day, make sure they have a quiet, safe space away from the action. And when moving with children, prioritize setting up their rooms first, so they have a space to feel settled while you unpack the rest of the house.
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By planning ahead, staying organized, and following these tips, you can make your move, whether across New York or beyond, much smoother and more manageable.
