How to De-Stress Your Move

Moving to a new home can be a very stressful experience. Between packing up all your belongings, coordinating with movers, and settling into a new place, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, there are ways to make the process smoother and less stressful. All you need to do is learn a few practical tips to help de-stress your move, and your transition to your new home will be much easier.

Start Early with Making Plans

Planning and organizing early can take out a lot of stress from your move. To make a very detailed and effective plan, here’s what you should do:

  • Create a timeline: Outline all tasks and set deadlines for each step.
  • Make a checklist: List everything that needs to be done, from packing to changing your address.
  • Gather supplies: Collect boxes, tape, markers, and bubble wrap well in advance.
  • Sort belongings: Decide what to keep, donate, or discard.
  • Schedule services: Book movers, cleaners, and any other services you’ll need.
  • Notify important parties: Inform banks, utilities, and postal services of your move.

In essence, if you deal with these tasks early, you’ll have a clear plan and avoid last-minute rushes.

a person surrounded by a laptop, tablet, and a cup of coffee while making a plan on how to de-stress your move
If you want to remove stress from your relocation, create a solid plan long before the moving day comes.

Declutter Before Packing

We all know how nerve-wracking a huge amount of boxes and bags can be to look at, let alone to carry and unpack. Decluttering before packing is a great way to make your move less stressful. Start by going through each room and deciding what you need, what you should give away, and what should end up in the trash. This will help you reduce the number of items you need to pack and move, making the entire process easier. A good rule of thumb is to let go of anything you haven’t used in the past year. If you have a lot of items, consider hiring moving helpers in Orange County to assist with the heavy lifting and transporting of donations. They can make the process faster and less overwhelming.

Decluttering is great because it saves time and money on packing materials and moving costs. Also, you’ll start fresh in your new home without unnecessary clutter.

Hire Professional Movers to De-Stress Your Move

Hiring professional movers can take a huge load off your shoulders. They handle the heavy lifting, transportation, and even the packing if you need it. This can be especially helpful if you have a lot of belongings or fragile items. Also, you can look for reliable companies that offer packing services in Orange County to ensure your items are securely packed and transported. Professional movers have the expertise to move your belongings efficiently and safely, which reduces the risk of damage and makes the whole process smoother. Plus, having experienced movers means you can focus on other important things, like setting up utilities or saying goodbye to friends. Investing in professional help can make your move significantly less stressful and more organized.

Pack Smartly and Efficiently

Don’t just throw your stuff into bags with no order. With a bit of attention to detail, you can save time later on and reduce stress. Here’s what you should do:

  • Label everything. Write on each box what’s in it and where it goes.
  • Use quality materials. Invest in sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect your items.
  • Pack room by room. Focus on one room at a time to stay organized.
  • Keep items together. Pack related items together, such as kitchen utensils or bathroom supplies.
  • Protect fragile items. Use bubble wrap and packing paper to cushion breakables.
  • Create an inventory. Keep a list of what’s in each box for easy reference.

These steps will help you stay organized and ensure your belongings arrive safely.

books, wrapped and labeled as such
put some effort into packing as this can significantly remove the stress that comes in the form of the chaotic unpacking

Take Care of Yourself

To de-stress your move, don’t forget to take care of yourself during a move. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to prioritize your well-being. Therefore, don’t forget to give yourself a break from time to time. Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals to keep your energy levels up. Additionally, don’t feel like you are the one who needs to do everything in your new home. For example, if you need help setting up furniture or appliances, consider looking into installation services in Orange County to get things up and running quickly. This can help you manage the moving process better without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, try to get a good night’s sleep each night to stay refreshed and focused. People who take care of themselves in these situations are in a better position to handle the stresses of moving and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

Keep Essentials Handy

Even though it seems silly, the essentials box can help you avoid lots of meltdowns. Imagine needing your meds or vitamins and realizing you don’t know in which of the 50 boxes they are. Therefore, you should pack a box with items you’ll need right away, like toiletries, medications, important documents, and a change of clothes. This way, you won’t have to search through multiple boxes to find what you need during the first few days in your new home. Also if you are sending some of your belongings a vaulted storage in Orange County, make sure your box with essentials is not among them.

Having your essentials easily accessible and key installations taken care of will reduce stress and help you settle in more comfortably. Remember, being organized and prepared with your essentials can make a big difference in how smoothly your move goes.

Stay Positive and Flexible

Maintaining a positive attitude and staying flexible can change the tone of the whole process. Here are some tips to help:

  • Expect the unexpected. Be prepared for delays or changes and adapt as needed.
  • Focus on the benefits. Think about the exciting opportunities your new home will bring.
  • Take breaks. Give yourself time to relax and recharge during the moving process.
  • Ask for help. Don’t be shy in situations like this one. Ask your friends, family, or professionals to help you.
  • Celebrate small wins. Acknowledge and reward yourself for completing tasks.
  • Stay organized. Keep track of important documents and schedules.

Staying positive and flexible will make you better equipped to handle any challenges that come your way.

two people who are dancing around cardboard boxes
Always strive to stay positive during this process.

Make Your Move Stress-Free

Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful event. In fact, with a bit of effort, you can completely de-stress your move and make it a very successful event you’ve coordinated. Don’t forget about the power of decluttering before packing, hiring professional movers, and keeping your essentials handy. All of that, and other mentioned strategies will help you have a fresh start in your new home without all the negativity the moving process sometimes brings.

Get Your Free Quote Now

What Our Clients Say

4.8
Sandy S.
1 week ago
I highly recommend AR moving. I had to move furniture from an assisted living location into a public storage facility. From talking with Lillian on the phone to working with Carlos & Luis during the move, everything went smoothly & efficiently. Furniture pieces were carefully wrapped, loaded & transported to the storage unit. Everyone was friendly & professional.
Ryan D.
1 week ago
Fast, friendly, and professional. Great experience and I will definitely use them again.
Mckenna L.
3 weeks ago
Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage was good
Ok B.
3 months ago
Moving is never fun, and rarely goes smoothly. But AR Moving (Affordable Reliable Moving) changed all that. True to their name, they were among the lowest...
Jeff S.
6 months ago
This company recently moved my elderly mother locally. They were fast and efficient. Nothing broken and the cost was fair. Showed up when they said they...
Melissa B.
9 months ago
This company is the real deal! From the initial contact with Tyler who organized the move and was very communicative and available to answer any questions, to the day of, everything exceeded my expectations. Our crew consisted of Armando, Edwin and John who were all fantastic! They worked so hard solution seeking and navigating our new space (which has a very tight stairwell and is 3 stories) not to mention moving everything out of our old apartment which was also on the 3rd floor (no elevator). They wrapped our furniture and took great care handling all of our boxes and fragile pieces. Seriously, these are some of the hardest working guys I have ever seen and they had a great attitude the whole time! I highly recommend them and will be using them again for my next move. Worth every penny. Thanks again for the 5 star service!
Cheryl M.
1 year ago
Everything from getting a quote to moving my personal belongings to another state went off without a hitch! I received a quote for this move which included...
Mario Q.
1 year ago
I had an amazing experience with Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage during my recent move in Irvine. From start to finish, the team lived up to their name—affordable, reliable, and truly professional. They showed up on time, handled everything with care, and made what could’ve been a stressful day feel totally under control. The crew was friendly, efficient, and even managed to navigate my oddly shaped furniture through tight corners without a scratch. I was especially impressed by how organized they were—labeling everything, wrapping fragile items, and keeping things moving like a well-oiled machine. If you’re moving in the Irvine area (or anywhere nearby), I can’t recommend them enough. Five stars all the way!
Christopher B.
1 year ago
Matt, Luis, and Armando worked well as a team. On time, careful, and finished under the quoted estimate. Well worth the money spent. Thank you!!!!
Gordon M.
1 year ago
Thanks to the AWESOME team who moved us!! They were on time and worked VERY hard and professionally to pack and move two locations into one! Big thanks to our guys!!!
Macaroa F.
1 year ago
This moving company is the best! I have used a few other moving companies before and this one is excellent. I would use this company again if we need to move again and I would recommend it to friends/family. The movers, Luis, Armando, and Matt were very kind, respectful, careful, coordinated, hard-working and positive. I had never had movers who were this amazing before. They go above and beyond. Thank you to Affordable Reliable Moving Company and thank you to Luis, Armando, and Matt!
Ian E.
2 years ago
Very professional, timely and well organized. Overall couldn’t be more glad to have chosen them
Kira B.
2 years ago
Great Moving Company!
K S.
2 years ago
My move couldn't have gone better. From my first call with Lillian I knew I'd be in good hands. She was kind and conscientious and I felt heard and a priority. The system the company has for updates worked well and made me feel comfortable knowing I was on their radar. My movers, Anthony and Jesse, were communicative, on time, efficient and clean. Very nice guys who were were flexible and understanding. It seemed like they really wanted me to be happy. I will need more moving help in the next couple months and I will be calling this company again to help me. I will also be requesting Jesse and Anthony. I will be recommending to my family and friends. Thank you so much
Daisy G.
2 years ago
Excellent service! I called within 24 hours and they were able to arrange the move, and big kudos to Spencer, Louis and Tony, they are polite, courteous and very profesional, I will for sure use their service again in the future.
L W.
2 years ago
They did a great job and I highly recommend them. The crew showed up on time, organized and used the time efficiently. The guys were super helpful and moved me out of a storage unit and into my new place with ease. They were respectful of my items and my home. I would refer them to friends and family and use them again. Best moving experience I’ve ever had.
GAIUS B.
2 years ago
Showed up early, friendly and professional. Matt, Armondo and Derek were a pleasure to work with. I would definitely use them again, and recommend.
Evan S.
2 years ago
Exceeded expectations. The AR team was punctual, fully prepared (had everything needed to expedite the move), and professional. Absolutely no drama and no breakage. Highly recommend. Shout to Matt and Armando for a fantastic job.
Rob M.
2 years ago
The team was very fast and careful with our belongings, I would definitely recommend them!
Jack T.
2 years ago
I'm a repeat customer. I've made dozens of moves over the decades, and the last two moves by Affordable Reliable Movers were the best I've ever had. They arrived on time, quickly and carefully packed my furnishings and delivered everything to the new address. Outstanding company and excellent service.
Jackson B.
2 years ago
Professional movers ensured a smooth move, though the process took longer than expected. Careful handling of my belongings made it a reliable option, despite the extended moving time.
Shyaan E.
2 years ago
Derek is very knowledgeable and professional. He is an industry veteran and helped me greatly with my questions when I needed to move. While we ended up packing ourself, I would highly recommend Affordable Reliable Moving Company to anyone looking for help moving.
Jeff F.
2 years ago
"I can't say enough great things about Affordable Reliable Moving Company! They helped move my 500 LB safe from my second-floor office to the 1st floor, and they did it quickly and safely in under an hour. The team was professional, efficient, and handled everything with care. I was impressed by their skill and attention to detail. Highly recommend them for your safe and or any heavy lifting or moving needs!"
Chelsea T.
2 years ago
This is our 2nd move with Affordable Reliable Moving, and they are absolutely fantastic. Today, we have Spencer, Luis, and Jesse -- they were ON TIME (a little early, in fact), super fast with the big item packing and moving, genuinely nice, and incredibly efficient. They provide wardrobe boxes, mattress covers, furniture packing, electronics (TV packing), and blankets. Booking online and over the phone was super easy both times. Highly, highly recommend this company for anyone moving in SoCal!
Gary K.
2 years ago
These guys did a great job moving my office and would highly recommend them. I had a couple of nice pieces of furniture and they white-gloved them up the stairs to my 2nd story office. All Pro!

Get Your Free Moving Estimate Today!

GET A QUOTE
Call Now Button