Ultimate Moving & Packing Tips for 2026

Make your next move organized, efficient, and stress-free.

Moving doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating down the street or across the country, these tips will help you plan smarter, pack better, and settle in quicker.

🗓️ 1. Plan Early With a Digital Checklist

Start planning as soon as you know your moving date. Create a digital moving checklist that includes:

• Booking movers

• Reserve a Self Storage Unit from offers a Free Move-in Truck with unit rentals

• Scheduling utility transfers

• Packing timelines (4–6 weeks out)

• Notifications for address changes

Use apps like Sortly, Moving Planner, or Trello to keep everything organized, set reminders, and share tasks with family or helpers.

🧹 2. Declutter — Keep Only What Matters

Before packing anything, sort through your belongings. Ask yourself:

• Have I used this item in the past year?

• Does it have sentimental or practical value?

Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need — this reduces moving costs and makes unpacking much easier.

📦 3. Stock Up on Quality Packing Supplies

Invest in sturdy materials that protect your things and make packing smoother:

• Boxes in multiple sizes (small for heavy items, large for light ones)

• Bubble wrap, packing paper, reusable textile padding

• Heavy-duty tape, markers, waterproof labels

• Specialty boxes (wardrobe, dish packs, mattress covers)

Tip: Use clothes and towels as eco-friendly padding — it protects fragile items and reduces waste.

🧠 4. Label Smartly (and Color-Code!)

Clear labels are a game changer:

• Mark boxes with the room name and detailed contents

• Add QR codes if you want a digital inventory you can scan

• Use color-coding for each room to speed up unpacking

Example:

🔴 Kitchen – Pots & Pans

🟦 Bedroom – Winter Clothes

🧳 5. Create a “Night One” Essentials Box

Pack a box or bag with everything you’ll need right away when you arrive:

• Toilet paper and toiletries

• Chargers and phone accessories

• A change of clothes

• Snacks and basic cookware

• Important documents and first-aid kit

This makes your first evening in the new home comfortable — without digging through dozens of boxes.

🛋️ 6. Pack by Room & Priority

Pack one room at a time to stay focused and organized. Within each room:

• Begin with items you use least

• End with daily essentials

• Pack heavier items on the bottom of boxes

• Use smaller boxes for heavy objects to avoid injury

🧩 7. Protect Fragile Items Like a Pro

Let these packing rules guide you:

• Wrap delicate items individually (bubble wrap or clothes)

• Use towels, blankets, or towels to cushion reusable spaces

• Tape small parts or hardware to the item they belong with

• Reinforce the bottom and seams of every box

📱 8. Use Tech to Stay Organized

In 2026, technology makes moving easier:

• Moving apps help you track progress and inventory

• Digital checklists sync across devices

• Online booking and communication with movers saves time

• Go online to reserve a storage unit, and utilize the storage unit space calculator to determine the best fit for your belongings

🐶 9. Plan for Family Members & Pets

Keep everyone comfortable on moving day:

• Pack a family bag with essentials like snacks, games, and medications

• Prepare a pet travel kit with food, water, and comfort items

🚚 10. Think About Storage Options

If your new place isn’t ready right away or you need somewhere to keep extra items, consider a renting a self-storage unit with Sound Self Storage. They have 4 neighborhood locations in Washington: Renton, Kirkland, Federal Way, and Kent.

Sound Self Storage offers packing supplies, secure units, and a free move-in truck, making your move even easier.

🧼 Bonus: What Not to Pack

To streamline moving day, avoid packing:

• Open food, paint, or hazardous materials

• Plants (better carried by hand)

• Excess clutter that can be donated

• Items that won’t fit your new space

✅ Final Tip

Start as soon as you can, stay organized, and keep your essentials accessible. With smart planning and the right tools, your move can be less stressful and more successful!