7 Tips To Make Moving Less Stressful

Relocations can feel overwhelming at times, but they don’t have to. With the right approach and a focused mindset, you can cut down on stress and keep things running smoothly from start to finish. Whether you're moving to Santa Monica from across the city or across the country, these practical tips will help you stay organized, efficient, and ready to tackle every step of the journey with confidence.

When it comes to moving, the most significant stressor is often the sheer number of things you have to juggle at once. That’s why the first — and arguably most important — step is to create a clear, organized plan.

Before you start packing a single box, spend some time mapping out your timeline. What’s your move-out date? What’s your move-in date? Will there be any gap between the two? Answering these questions early on helps you avoid last-minute scrambles.

Create a checklist that outlines everything from hiring movers to setting up utilities at your new home in Santa Monica. Break down tasks by week or day if needed. Seeing your plan in writing gives you a sense of control and makes it easier to delegate tasks. The earlier you start, the more time you have to spread out your workload, which means fewer headaches and less rushing.

You don’t want to bring unnecessary clutter into your new Santa Monica home, and the last thing you need is to spend time packing (and unpacking) items you don’t even want. Before you tape up your first box, go room by room and set aside anything you no longer have a use for. This could be furniture that doesn’t suit your new space, clothing you haven’t worn in several years, or kitchen gadgets collecting dust.

Don’t overthink this part — if an item hasn’t added value to your life in the last year, it probably isn’t essential. Donate gently used items, host a garage sale, or give things away to friends. Letting go of clutter helps you start fresh and cuts down significantly on packing and moving time. You’ll also feel lighter emotionally, which is an underrated benefit during a major life transition.

Packing isn’t just about putting your belongings in boxes — it’s about being able to find them when you need them. One of the simplest ways to reduce stress during and after your move is to label everything with precision. Go beyond just writing “kitchen” or “bedroom” on your moving boxes; be specific. Try labels like “Kitchen – pots and pans” or “Spare closet – winter clothes.”

Color-coded labels or markers can also guide the process. Assign a color to each room so that movers know where each box goes without needing constant direction. Take it a step further and number your boxes, and then create an inventory list. That way, if you're looking for your coffee maker on day one, you’ll know it’s in Box 6 — not somewhere inside an unlabeled cardboard maze.

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home and realizing your toothbrush, phone charger, and fresh clothes are buried under layers of boxes. That’s why your essentials kit is a lifesaver. Set aside a bag or small box with everything you’ll need during your first 24–48 hours at your new place.

Include toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, snacks, a change of clothes, paper towels, a few dishes, pet supplies, and anything else you can’t live without. Treat it like you’re packing for a weekend trip — only this time, you're arriving at an empty house that may still be in chaos. Keeping these must-haves within arm’s reach can make all the difference between a smooth move-in and a frustrating one.

Hiring trusted movers can be a game-changer. Start your search early and read plenty of online reviews before making a decision. Look for companies with a great reputation, transparent pricing, and the proper licenses. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions: Are they insured? Do they charge by the hour or by the load? What happens if something gets damaged? If you're not working with a full-service moving company, you may still want to hire professionals for specific tasks like packing fragile items or carrying heavy furniture upstairs.

It’s easy to overlook the less physical parts of moving, but they can be just as important. Updating your address ahead of time helps prevent lapses in service and keeps important mail from getting lost. Submit a change of address form through the post office at least a week before your move, and notify banks, credit cards, subscription services, and delivery apps of your new address.

Don’t forget to update your billing and shipping addresses on your favorite online stores — you’ll be thankful the next time you order something. And if you're moving into a home where utility setup is your responsibility, schedule those in advance, too. There’s nothing worse than moving into your new place and discovering the power or water hasn’t been turned on yet.

No matter how efficient your move is, there will still be moments that test your patience. Maybe something breaks, you forget where you packed your phone charger, or you’re just exhausted from all the changes. Give yourself grace. Moving is one of the biggest life transitions you can go through, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.

Don’t expect to have everything unpacked and perfectly arranged in a day or two. Start with the most essential rooms — usually the kitchen and bedroom — and build from there. Creating a livable space early on makes the rest of the setup feel manageable. Eventually, everything will fall into place, and your new space will start to feel like home.

In the end, moving doesn’t have to be chaotic or emotionally draining. With a little planning and smart strategies, you can turn a typically stressful process into something far more manageable. From packing with intention to giving yourself space to breathe, these tips are designed to help you keep calm, stay organized, and actually enjoy the journey. Connect with Megan Whalen to make your move to Santa Monica seamless and stress-free.