Let’s be honest – moving is often chaotic and stressful. It’s part emotional whirlwind, part logistical headache, and still weirdly exciting. As someone who designs homes and moves a lot, I’ve learned how to make the process smoother, calmer, and less overwhelming.
Whether you’re moving into your dream home or just upgrading from one rental to another, these are the five things I always do to make the transition feel less like survival mode and more like a fresh chapter.
And here’s the thing: even redesigning your home can feel like moving. Shifting furniture, packing up rooms, or living around renovations brings its own kind of chaos. It’s often overlooked, but just as disorienting – so yes, these tips are just as helpful when you’re working with a designer.
1. Take stock (you probably own more than you think)
Before you even look at a moving box, go through your stuff. I used to think I was pretty light on possessions, not a minimalist, but definitely not a hoarder either. Then I moved. Twice. And each time into a slightly bigger place. When I started packing I realized just how many things had quietly piled up over time.
So a month or two before your move, go through your things with fresh eyes. What can be donated, sold, repaired, or let go? Be honest: do you really want to bring that chipped mug or unused blender into your new space?
Clearing the clutter now means you’ll move in feeling lighter, more focused, and only surrounded by what truly matters.
2. Pack smart (label like your sanity depends on it)
When packing, group like with like and label everything. Don’t just write “kitchen.” Be specific. “Plates & mugs,” “cutlery,” “coffee gear.” I once had seven boxes labeled “kitchen” and looked for a spoon for 10 minutes for my girl dinner cereal.
Use blankets or towels to wrap fragile items because dual-purpose packing is peak genius. And if you hire movers? Take photos of your cabinets and closets and share a rough inventory with them. It makes for better quotes and less confusion.
3. Prepare the new place before the boxes arrive
A deep clean of your new place before move-in day is essential. Trust me, the last thing you want is to scrub mystery grime off shelves while tripping over the boxes and your new furniture.
And then definitely place your labelled boxes in their destination rooms. Clothes? Bedroom. Kitchen gear? Kitchen. Even if you don’t have that closet or kitchen drawers in place yet, you don’t want to pile twenty boxes in your hallway.
4. Sort out the essentials
I planned my fridge to be delivered days before the move so it had time to settle and get cold before I filled it with food. I also tried to order a washing machine in advance… and ended up living a week without one. I literally packed damp clothes, moved them, and hung them to dry in my new place.
So learn from me: line up those essentials ahead of time, whether it’s a fridge, washer or a mattress. Because having your favorite food at hand and cozy clothes clean makes all the difference during the first nights.
5. Order furniture early
Think carefully about what needs to be added to your new place. Make a list and rank them by priority. I focused on curtains, bed and sofa because they make my place livable fast.
Do you need a custom kitchen or closet? Order it early. In Estonia, it can take months from design to delivery. If you already know the space and have measurements, get the ball rolling before you move in. Otherwise, be mentally prepared to live with temporary fixes a little longer than you’d like.
Bonus: do the admin so you can actually enjoy moving in
Update your address, cancel old utilities, forward your mail. Basically all the boring and unsexy stuff. But doing it early means your first week in the new place can actually be about turning it into a home, not chasing paperwork.
Moving will always be a bit messy, but it doesn’t have to drain you. With a bit of prep (and a fridge strategy), you can land in your new home feeling calm, organized, and ready to settle in.
And that’s the kind of beginning every home deserves.
