Moving to a new home is both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating within Hampton Roads (Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hampton or Newport News) or traveling across Virginia, the process can be stressful if not well planned. With some organization and preparation, you can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some practical moving tips to help you get from point A to point B without losing your sanity.

1. Start Early

Time is your best friend when preparing for a move. Start planning and packing as early as possible. By getting a head start, you can avoid the last-minute chaos and ensure that everything is well organized. Create a timeline that breaks down tasks week by week, starting from at least six to eight weeks before the move. That’s also when you should contact Absolute Moving Company to get your move scheduled in their books. Waiting too late could mean losing your preferred day and time.

2. Declutter Before Packing

Moving is the perfect time to declutter your home. Take the opportunity to donate, sell, or toss items that you no longer need. A good rule of thumb is: if you haven’t used it in the past year, you probably don’t need it. This will reduce the amount of stuff you have to pack and make your new space feel fresh and organized.

3. Create a Moving Checklist

Having a checklist will keep you on track and help you remember all the little details. This list should include things like:

• Notifying your utility companies and service providers of your move
• Forwarding your mail through the post office
• Changing your address for important accounts
• Arranging for childcare or pet care on moving day
• Scheduling your move with Absolute Moving Company

4. Label Your Boxes

Labeling boxes by room and contents will make unpacking much easier. Absolute Moving Company offers free boxes* so you don’t have to scrounge the neighborhood grocery and liquor stores’ trash compactors for packing materials.  For added convenience, consider color-coding your labels by room. Clearly mark boxes that contain fragile items so they can be handled with extra care. Labeling boxes with priority (like “Unpack First”) for essential items can save you a lot of hassle when you arrive at your new home.

5. Pack an Essentials Box

The first night in your new home can be tiring, and you won’t want to dig through boxes to find what you need. Pack an essentials box with items like toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, snacks, and basic kitchen supplies. This will make your first 24 hours in the new place much more comfortable.

6. Take Photos of Your Electronics

Before you disconnect your electronics, take a quick photo of the cords and their connections. This will make setting up your TV, computer, and other gadgets much easier when you arrive at your new home.

7. Use Quality Packing Supplies

If Absolute Moving Company isn’t packing for you, invest in packing tape, and protective materials like bubble wrap or packing paper – Absolute can supply the boxes*.  While it might be tempting to skimp on supplies, using durable materials will prevent damage to your belongings.

8. Plan for Your Pets

Moving can be stressful for pets, too. If possible, arrange for them to stay with a friend or family member on moving day to reduce anxiety. If they’ll be with you during the move, make sure you have all their essentials packed separately, including food, water, and comfort items.

9. Notify Important Parties of Your Move

Remember to notify banks, insurance companies, and government agencies (DMV, IRS, etc.) of your new address. Don’t forget to update subscriptions and services like cable, internet, and utilities so that they are ready when you move in.

10. Plan Your Furniture Layout in Advance

If possible, get the dimensions of your new space and plan where your furniture will go before moving day. This will save time when you arrive, and the movers can place everything exactly where you want it. You can even label boxes with corresponding rooms to streamline the process.

11. Stay Positive and Take Breaks

Moving can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Make sure to pace yourself and take breaks when needed. Celebrate small victories as you go along, whether it’s successfully packing up a room or arriving at your new home. A positive mindset will go a long way in making the experience more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal—especially when using Absolute Moving Company to do the heavy lifting.  With some preparation, organization, and a positive attitude, you can make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible. Remember to start early, declutter, and take advantage of these moving tips for a more efficient and hassle-free move.

Good luck with your move!

*Get FREE Moving Boxes with Move.  

Boxes provided are a combination of small, medium and large. No wardrobe or appliance boxes.

1 bedroom – receive up to 25 boxes
2 bedrooms – receive up to 40 boxes
3 bedrooms – receive up to 55 boxes
4 bedrooms – receive up to 75 boxes
5 bedrooms+ – receive up to 100 boxes

If job is cancelled, boxes charged at $3 each.
Cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or offers.