Moving Made Simple: Tips and Tricks from a Professional Organizer

Moving doesn’t just test your patience—it tests your back, your budget, and your emotional stamina. It’s the packing peanuts in your coffee, the mystery tangle of cords, and the slow realization that you own 37 empty jars “just in case.”

And sure, you could search for generic moving checklists. But if you’re here, you’re looking for more than that. You want the kind of step-by-step guidance that only a professional organizer can provide—clear systems, thoughtful details, and a little less chaos.

That’s where Kristina Pinkerton comes in. Kristina is a Professional Organizer and the founder of Organizing Huntsville. She’s helped countless clients move into new homes without the usual meltdown—and today, she’s walking us through exactly how to do it.

Start Planning Early

"The biggest mistake I see is underestimating how much time and stuff is involved." Kristina says it’s crucial to start early—ideally several weeks out. The moment your move becomes official, start creating a timeline.

This is the planning phase—not the packing phase. Now’s the time to wrap your head around the logistics, set deadlines, and break the process into manageable chunks.

Break your move into manageable phases:

• 4–6 weeks before: Declutter and donate
• 3–4 weeks before: Gather supplies and pack lesser-used items
• 1–2 weeks before: Pack essentials and clean
• Moving week: Final packing, fridge purge, disassemble furniture

Laying out these phases up front gives you a clear roadmap, so you’re never left wondering what to tackle next.

A move is always going to be work—but giving yourself lead time can make it feel like a plan instead of a panic.

Declutter Before You Pack

Kristina’s first step is simple: declutter before you even think about boxing anything up.

“By letting go of items you no longer use or love,” she says, “you’ll save time packing, cut down on moving costs, and make settling into your new home feel lighter and more intentional.”

So how do you actually do that?

Kristina’s method centers on visualizing the life you want to create in your next home. Ask yourself:

• Do I want clutter-free counters?
• Am I trying to downsize my furniture?
• Will this item help me feel calm and organized in my new space?

She explains, “If something isn’t being used in their current home, it’s unlikely to be useful in the new one.”

Instead of focusing on what you’re getting rid of, shift your mindset to what you’re choosing to bring with you. That alone can make letting go feel less overwhelming.

For the best results:

• Start early. Give yourself time to make thoughtful decisions.
• Sort by category. Go through all kitchen items, then books, then clothes.
• Have donate and discard bins ready. Touch each item only once.

This isn’t just about lightening your boxes. It’s about entering your next chapter with intention.

Gather the Right Tools

You don’t need every fancy gadget from a moving store, but the right basics can seriously reduce stress. Kristina’s go-to supplies are simple, functional, and easy to get your hands on:

• Small and medium moving boxes: Easier to carry and stack. Use large boxes only for bulky but lightweight items like pillows, bedding, or lampshades.
• Wardrobe boxes: These let you move clothes on hangers directly from closet to box and back again—wrinkle-free, hassle-free.
• Dish packs: Designed for fragile kitchen items like glasses, plates, and mugs. Worth the investment if you want to avoid the heartbreak of broken dinnerware.
• Packing paper: Use this for almost everything—wrapping dishes, filling space, cushioning delicate items. Save the bubble wrap for ultra-fragile things like fine china.
• Clear bins for essentials: Great for packing items you’ll need right away so you can spot them instantly.
• Colored labeling tape: Kristina uses one color per room—“yellow for the kitchen, green for the primary bedroom, red for the living room” —so everyone knows exactly where each box goes on moving day.

Gather these supplies before you start packing, so you’re not scrambling when it’s time to box things up.

Decide What Goes in Each Box

Before you even lift the tape dispenser, map out a system.

Kristina recommends packing by room first, then organizing by type within each room.

So instead of tossing all chargers into a single “electronics” box, keep kitchen gadgets with other kitchen items—even if that includes a random plug-in milk frother.

This keeps unpacking logical and reduces the number of times you’ll say, “Why is this in here?”

Make sure:

• Each box has a clear purpose
• Heavier items go in small boxes
• Boxes aren’t overloaded

This strategy will save you time on both ends of the move.

Pack Each Box Efficiently

Now that you know what goes in each box, it’s time to pack them the right way.

Here’s how to do it like a pro:

• Start with a layer of crumpled packing paper on the bottom of each box. This acts as a shock absorber.
• Wrap each item individually, even soft ones like towels or clothing, to prevent shifting and damage.
• Heaviest items on the bottom, lighter items on top. Always.
• Stack items on their smallest edge to reduce surface area and avoid pressure points.
• Avoid stacking heavy on light. That’s how things break.
• Fill in empty space with more crumpled paper to keep everything snug.

For specific items:

• Plates: Stack vertically like records, not flat.
• Glasses: Nest them with packing paper in between, and place them rim-side down.
• Lampshades: Pack separately from bases, in a box slightly larger than the shade.
• Shoes: Stuff with paper and pack heel-to-toe to save space.

Use tape generously and label as you go—you’ll thank yourself later.

Label Like a Pro

Don’t just scrawl “stuff” on the side of your boxes and hope for the best.

Kristina suggests being specific: “Instead of just writing 'Kitchen,' write ‘Kitchen – Toaster, Mixing Bowls, Mugs.’ This small step makes a big difference when you’re trying to find something quickly during unpacking.”

Pair that with colored tape for even faster sorting. Assign one color per room so your movers—or your exhausted self—can instantly tell where everything goes.

A few tips:

• Label on multiple sides so it’s always visible
• Include a short list of contents
• Use bold, legible markers (black on light tape works great)

You’ll be grateful for this system when you’re hunting for your coffee maker on day one.

Get Over the Starting Hump

Even with a plan in place, getting started is often the hardest part. The boxes, the chaos, the “where do I even begin?” overwhelm—it’s a lot.

Kristina has a tip that makes things easier: “Begin with items you won’t need right away: off-season clothing, décor, books, and sentimental items.”

Packing everything you own can feel completely paralyzing. But starting with low-stakes stuff—the items you haven’t touched in months—makes the task feel less like a mountain and more like a staircase. One step, one box, one tiny win at a time.

Unpack Essentials First

Your first 24–72 hours in a new home can be a whirlwind—but a few intentional boxes can make them feel smooth and sane.

Kristina recommends setting aside clearly labeled “open first” boxes for each room. These aren’t just about convenience—they’re your lifeline when you’re too exhausted to think.

These boxes should include:

• Toiletries
• Basic kitchen gear (plates, mugs, utensils)
• Bed sheets and pillows
• Phone chargers
• Cleaning supplies

Having these boxes ready means you can brush your teeth, charge your phone, and collapse into bed—no box scavenger hunt required.

Clear bins are perfect here, so you can see what’s inside at a glance. And because you’ve already labeled them by room, they’ll land in the right spot from day one.

“Open first” boxes also give you a clear place to begin. Instead of staring at a mountain of boxes, you’ll know exactly where to start in each room. It’s a small trick that makes a huge difference.

From there, Kristina suggests unpacking room by room, focusing on the spaces you’ll use most—like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. If a box sits untouched for weeks? That might be a sign it’s full of stuff you don’t really need.

Set Up Based on Function, Not Just Where It Fits

Now that everything’s out of the boxes, it’s tempting to start putting things away as quickly as possible—just to be done with it.

But Kristina urges you to pause. This is your chance to be thoughtful.

She explains, “I learn about [my clients’] daily routines and place items in the most functional spots based on how often they’re used, not just where they fit.”

That means:

• Just because something was stored in a certain drawer in your old place doesn’t mean that’s the best home for it now
• Your new space might have a better flow—so let that guide your storage decisions
• Taking time now saves you from constantly shifting things later

These small decisions—like putting your go-to pan next to the stove or keeping your vitamins in the drawer closest to the fridge—can add up to a home that works smarter, not harder.

Final Thoughts

Moving doesn’t have to be an emotional and logistical black hole. With a bit of strategy—and guidance from pros like Kristina—you can trade the chaos for clarity. 

And if it still feels like too much? You don’t have to do it alone. A professional organizer can help streamline the entire process—and with the right tools, make every drawer, bin, and box feel intentional from day one. 

Looking for expert support? Search for an AnyDrawer Preferred Partner in your area to get personalized help for your move.