This article appeared on ApartmentGuide.com. BTI’s George Rohlfing contributed #7
Whether you’ve secured the perfect apartment in St. Paul, MN or just purchased your dream home in Des Moines, IA, the only task left is transitioning into your new living space. We won’t lie to you — moving is undoubtedly a major undertaking. From sorting through belongings to coordinating transportation, the entire process can seem daunting. The reassuring news is that it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Strategic planning and organization in advance can significantly alleviate the stress on moving days.
Moving can be a headache no matter the season, but spring brings its own set of challenges with unpredictable weather and increased competition for moving services. However, with the right preparation, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home. That’s why we’ve compiled 18 essential spring moving tips specifically tailored to help you navigate the unique challenges of moving during the springtime.
1. Create a moving checklist
Alia Adel, founder of LA-based home organizing business, The Styled Stories, provides some tips on staying organized with a checklist through the relocation process. “Make sure to include all tasks that need to be accomplished before, during, and after the move to avoid overlooking anything important.
Consider prioritizing tasks on your moving checklist based on urgency and importance, and begin packing and organizing several weeks ahead of your move date to allow ample time for sorting through belongings and packing them properly. Utilize packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape to safeguard fragile items during transit.”
2. Locate important documents
“Moving is a good time to locate important documents such as social security cards, passports, etc.,” states Donna Martinez, owner of Untwisted Sister Organizing Solutions in Frisco, TX. “I like to place these items in a special binder or a fire-safe envelope. I recommend these items are kept with you and not moved by movers.”
New York-based organizing company, The Seana Method, also weighs in on this topic. “Set aside items that will be helpful for the incoming homeowner, such as appliance manuals, keys, access codes, blueprints, and the names/contact information for the service providers you have been using. These resources not only facilitate a smooth transition for the new homeowner but also demonstrate thoughtfulness and consideration during the moving process.”
3. Make plans early
Spring is one of the busiest times of the year in the real estate market. If you’re moving in the spring, it’s best to plan ahead as much as possible and book any movers or moving equipment well in advance. This will also help you save on moving costs, as well.
“According to an industry study, the Moving Experience Report (2024 – 2025), Americans plan their move within three months of the move date,” shares Arabi Siva VP of Marketing at Supermove, a moving company software to simplify your work and reduce costs. Savi emphasizes the importance of starting preparations early to give yourself more time to find a reliable moving company, save costs and reduce stress.
“It also gives you time to work with your moving company on what additional support you need, such as packing/unpacking, furniture disassembly/assembly, storage, coverage for your belongings, and more. You don’t have to manage the entire move yourself – lean on the professionals to help you make this a stress-free moving experience.”
4. Declutter and pack
Take the time to purge any unwanted items ahead of time so you’ll have less stuff to pack and won’t bring any junk into your new apartment. Here are a few top expert tips from professionals:
Go through your unpacked boxes
“As you gear up for your upcoming move, take a moment to consider if you have any boxes from your last move that have remained unpacked,” says Home with Jen D in San Diego, CA. “If so, it’s a sign that those items may not be essential to your daily life. Before you start packing up your other belongings, go through each unpacked box and declutter its contents. Think about the activities and rituals important to you in your new environment and keep only the items that align with that. This will not only reduce your workload as you pack, but it will also ensure that you are only bringing what truly matters to your new home.”
Declutter early
“Start a few months before your move by decluttering your belongings so you aren’t paying movers to pack things that no longer serve you,” suggests owner of The Bouchard Method, Christina Bouchard, CHO, working with clients in NJ and NY. “Set aside unnecessary items and keep those you’ll need in your new home and items that bring you joy. Label boxes with colorful labels to identify the contents and organize belongings into distinct categories for easy unpacking. Once you’re settled, create decluttering routines and designate storage areas to ward off future disarray.”
Use the three-second rule
Andrea Dechtman, owner of Organized by Andrea in Palm Beach, FL, advises those who are decluttering before a move to employ the three-second rule. “If you hesitate for more than three seconds on whether to keep, donate, or discard something, it’s likely best to let it go. Trust your instincts and embrace the simplicity of swiftly decluttering to ease the moving process and start anew in your new space.
Additionally, I always recommend that you pack a bag that has all of the essentials you would need for a weekend getaway, toiletries, medicine, change of clothes, it is also important to have clean sheets and towels easily accessible. Being able to shower after a long day of moving and getting into a freshly made bed is a wonderful reward.”
Start with areas you access infrequently
“When you begin the packing process, start by decluttering areas that you access infrequently, like the cabinet above the refrigerator or the bins you stashed under your bed three years ago,” recommends Sarah Dunn, founder of Ready Set Organize in San Diego, CA. “The less we use said items, the easier they should be to declutter. And the more we declutter before the move, the easier it is to unpack and settle in.”
Establish a system
“Stay calm amidst the moving chaos by establishing a system,” says Christian Phelps, owner of Path2Purpose in Castle Rock, CO. “Gather essential supplies like packing tape, stretch wrap, bubble wrap, and boxes. Find a local donation center or schedule a pickup, and designate an area to place these items to keep organized. As you pack, save the kitchen and bathroom for last and use a numbering inventory system for boxes, labeling all four sides, to help if you may be storing some items or are unable to get to some items right away. A well-organized plan is the key to making your move less overwhelming.”
Practice the one-year rule
“To help purge items for the move, give yourself the one-year rule,” suggests Liz Halvorsen, owner of Mess to Bliss in Glenmont, NY. “As you are packing, let go of items you haven’t used or worn within the past year. This helps to streamline the packing process and give you less to deal with in your new space.”
Pack by category instead of by room
“Pack category by category (rather than room by room) to be more organized as you unpack, no matter how similar or different the storage spaces in your old and new places are,” explains Erin Mursch of Organized for Good in Austin, TX. “Begin by packing items that you use less frequently, and consider decluttering items you never use at all. Save your most essential items, like the coffee maker, chargers, and supplements, for packing last.”
Host a downsizing party
The Practical Sort, offering home organizing solutions, recommends hosting a downsizing party, inviting family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. “Guests can bring tote bags or boxes to collect items you’re giving away. Play trivia about your time in the home or city, with correct answers winning prizes or auction items to offset moving costs or donate to charity.
Express gratitude for past gifts and explain the difficulty of downsizing. Take photos of items with their new owners, and consign or donate remaining items in good condition. For undecided items, keep them labeled as “not ready yet” and revisit in 6-9 months.”
Pay attention to how each item makes you feel
A new home presents a fresh start, and an opportunity to radically shift the energy of your surroundings. Alaina Yonkers Founder + Lead Organizer Dynamic Order, recommends paying attention to how each item affects you emotionally while packing, and watch out for common hangups:
- Money: “But I spent so much on this jacket.”
- Family: “This was Grandma’s apron (but I don’t cook).”
- Boundaries: “My sister asked me to hold onto these books for her.”
Remember, your home isn’t a storage unit, and you don’t need to carry these burdens with you. Commit to mindful shopping, communicate with relatives about belongings, and donate any remaining items with gratitude.
5. Disassemble furniture
“If you’re moving locally within the same state, consider disassembling and reassembling your furniture yourself to save money,” suggests Chris Amaral, owner and founder of Safe Responsible Movers in Boston, MA. “Most local moving companies charge by the hour, so you can reduce the time movers spend on your move can save you some money. Also, try to avoid weekends and the 1st of the month since they’re the busiest dates, and thus more expensive than weekdays mid-month.”
6. Label furniture based on room destination
Seattle resident and founder of Easy Company Moving, Kyle Carson shares, “Inefficiencies in large-scale moves often stem from the time spent organizing items in their new rooms, rather than moving large furniture. A helpful tip to save time and money is to label furniture with its destination at the new place.
Using multiple colors of painter’s tape corresponding to different rooms can streamline the process, reducing the need for questions and expediting the move. Additionally, it’s advisable to label the furniture the night before or on the day of the move and remove the tape promptly to minimize residue.”
7. Be wary of the weather
Spring weather is notoriously unpredictable — sunny one moment, then rainy or snowy the next. Weather forecasts are only reliable a few days in advance, so you really can’t plan. Have a backup plan ready in case the weather impacts your move and consider:
- Scheduling movers a day or two earlier to account for delays.
- Allowing for an extra day of transit if traveling a long distance.
- Keeping furniture covers handy for inclement weather.
- Parking your moving truck close to your unit or under cover if possible to minimize exposure.
George Rohlfing, president of Brookline Transportation Company in Hanover, MA, suggests keeping weather for all seasons accessible. “Spring, particularly early spring, can mean unpredictable weather, so make sure rain gear and a warmer coat and gloves are accessible.”
8. Store your garments correctly
Helena’s Cleaners, a dry cleaner and laundry service in DC, shares essential spring moving tips for preserving your garments during long-term or seasonal storage “First, ensure your items are thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing them to prevent mold or mildew growth, and moth infestations. Second, opt for breathable storage containers or garment bags to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Third, store garments in a cool, dark, and dry environment to avoid discoloration or sun damage. Lastly, periodically check on your stored items and give them some fresh air to prevent any musty odors from developing over time.”
9. Lean on your friends
“When friends offer to help, ask if they will take your hazardous waste such as motor oil, antifreeze, and paint thinner,” suggests The Seana Method. “Movers are unable to transport these items, but having a neighbor store them until the next hazardous waste pickup day can effectively resolve this issue.”
10. Take breaks
When you’re moving, it seems like you forget about necessary things like eating and drinking water because you’re so focused and determined to get everything done. As the weather heats up, it’s important to make sure you take breaks to take a sip of water and remain hydrated so you can power through your move. To keep your energy levels up, grab a quick sandwich or snack bar.
11. Check in on your pets
“There can be lots of new noises when moving to a new apartment and those noises can cause excessive barking,” explains Erick Eidus, CEO of PupPod, an enrichment game for dogs. “Try playing relaxing music when you leave or use an enrichment game to keep your dog busy and tire them out mentally. Some games can even be controlled remotely when you’re away from home or used to keep your dog busy when you’re unpacking.”
12. Transfer all your utilities in advance
Gather all the information for your utility companies – heat, electrical, water, internet, cable, and phone – and make calls as soon as you can to set up transferring your utilities or closing any accounts.
Because spring is busier for moving, the earlier you can do this, the less time you’ll have to spend on hold when you give the companies a call. Being proactive about these matters will save you time and stress.
13. Avoid traffic when possible
Traffic in the spring can be particularly chaotic. If you’re driving a moving truck and are not overly comfortable with large vehicles, plan out your moving time to avoid seasonal traffic. Spring break might seem like a great time to move, but there will be a lot more people on the road traveling.
This will take some undue stress off of navigating busy streets in a truck or cargo van.
14. Maintain organization while unpacking
“When you move into your new place, focus on unpacking the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms first, but don’t expect to finish in one day,” says Jamie Gibberman, co-owner of Get Organized RVA. “Instead, prepare one essential box for each room to cover your immediate needs for the first couple of days. For the kitchen, include plates, utensils, dish soap, a sponge, dishwasher detergent, dish towels, and paper towels.
For the bedroom and bathroom, pack sheets, pillows, blankets, clothing, toiletries, toilet paper, and bath towels for each person. Label these boxes clearly as Bedroom Essentials or Kitchen Essentials with identifiable stickers to easily locate them. Consider using a moving app to inventory your boxes, some of which even allow you to print QR codes linking to each box’s inventory for quick access.”
15. Protect against pollen
The spring season is packed full of pollen. While all the blooming plants are beautiful, the pollen that’s seemingly everywhere can get tracked in your house, or collect on your furniture and boxes. Make sure you seal your boxes before bringing them out of our apartment, cover your furniture, and remove your shoes before unloading your belongings in your new space to avoid spreading pollen all over your apartment.
16. Start fresh
“View your move as a step in the journey of continual improvement,” shares Maureen, CEO of In-Style Organizing. “Begin by digitizing what you can — photos, documents, etc. to free up physical space. Create a detailed floor plan of your new space to decide where things will go, making downsizing decisions easier. Pack personal suitcases for each family member with essentials for the first week to minimize disarray, you don’t wanna be rummaging through boxes for toothpaste at 2 AM. Adopt the ‘one in, one out’ rule to keep your space organized and clutter-free. Moving isn’t a chore; it’s an opportunity to upgrade your lifestyle and enforce a standard of minimalism and luxury.”
17. Deep clean your new home
When it comes to spring cleaning, it’s best to pick one space at a time to tackle rather than doing everything in one day. This will help avoid cleaning fatigue and make the process more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
Pay extra attention to the kitchen and bathrooms
“Ensure you have all necessary supplies, cleaner, microfiber cloths, gloves, a duster, vacuum, and mop,” says Vanessa Bossart, owner of Greenterra Cleaning. “Microfiber cloths are especially important for their ability to trap dust and grime without leaving scratches or lint behind. Start cleaning from high points, like ceilings and cabinet tops, working your way down to catch falling dust and debris last.
Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, using a cleaner to scrub countertops, appliances, sinks, and showers. Don’t forget inside cabinets, wiping them down with a dampened microfiber cloth to disinfect and remove dust and grime. For streak-free windows and mirrors, spray with cleaner and wipe with a clean cloth. Vacuum floors thoroughly, focusing on corners and edges, then mop with a diluted cleaner solution. Consider professional carpet cleaning for pet-affected carpets.”
Deep-clean high-touch surfaces
For your new space, Bumble Bee Cleaning Service recommends deep cleaning high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. “Utilizing a mixture of vinegar and water can be an effective, eco-friendly cleaning solution. Remember, a clean space is the first step to making your new house feel like home.”
Vacuum in various directions
“For a really thorough clean, try vacuuming or mopping in different directions — horizontal, vertical, even diagonally,” explains Jetty Carpet Cleaning in Pearland, TX. “If you’re struggling to remove all dust and debris, consider enlisting the help of a professional floor cleaning service for a complete solution.”
Put your dishwasher to use
“Wash fridge bins on a quick cycle with extra detergent or vinegar for stubborn spills,” advises Kyra Deprez, owner of Lost Pines Maids. “Clean vent hood filters by soaking them in hot, soapy water, then finish the job in the dishwasher.”
Make sure filtration is working like new
“Spring is the time for renewal and what better way to start fresh than to make sure all your homes’ filtration methods are working like new,” says Kevin Ivers, owner and operator of Blue Grass Cleaning in Lexington, KY. “Start by changing HVAC filters and having your carpet and rugs cleaned. Many people don’t realize that carpets work as a filter to catch pollen, dust, and dander. So it’s important to vacuum regularly and have them professionally cleaned at least once per year.”
18. Establish systems to keep your new place clutter-free
“When you get to your new location, immediately set up a donation box,” recommends The Seana Method. “Most people – even if they declutter before moving – end up unpacking items they regret having brought. Having a place to put such items alleviates guilt and establishes a healthy pattern for circulating out unwanted belongings going forward.”
Jamie Gibberman from Get Organized RVA advises against immediately purchasing organization bins and containers. “Instead, take time to assess your space and ensure items flow efficiently in their current locations. Avoid wasted time and energy by confirming long-term storage solutions before investing in bins and baskets that may end up as clutter.”
Spring moving tips for stress-free moves: final thoughts
Moving is never a walk in the park — it’s tough and downright stressful. But fear not – these 18 spring moving tips are here to make your journey smoother. This article is your lifeline when the moving details start overwhelming you, whether you’re moving down the block or across the country.