9 Tips to Make Moving Less Stressful

Moving into a new home should feel like the beginning of something exciting—not a chaotic experience filled with stress. Whether you're relocating across Barrington or preparing for a cross-country move, having a solid plan can help make the transition smoother and more manageable.

Here are practical tips to help you make moving less stressful while keeping your schedule, budget, and energy in check.

The earlier you begin planning your move, the more options you’ll have—and the fewer surprises you’ll face. Most moving stress comes from last-minute decisions, so it’s best to begin weeks ahead.

Create a moving checklist with key tasks, including hiring movers, notifying service providers, and organizing belongings. Establish a moving date as early as possible and work backward to build a realistic timeline.

If you’re selling a home in Barrington, coordinate with your real estate agent to align your moving schedule with the buyer’s possession date. This prevents last-minute conflicts or rushed departures.

Packing everything you own without editing first makes moving harder, more expensive, and more time-consuming. Before you touch a single box, take the opportunity to sort through your home.

• Donating or recycling unused items like clothing, books, and furniture
• Disposing of expired food, medicine, or cleaning products
• Selling high-value items you don’t plan to move, like excess equipment or oversized furniture

By reducing what you need to pack, you’ll cut down on moving costs and avoid clutter in your new home. In Barrington, where many homeowners are upsizing or downsizing, decluttering also helps your home show better while it’s on the market.

Once you begin packing, organization becomes essential. A labeling system keeps everything in order, reduces stress during unpacking, and helps movers place boxes in the right locations.

• Room destination (Kitchen, Master Bedroom, Office, etc.)
• Basic contents (Dishes, Linens, Electronics)
• Special instructions (Fragile, Load Last, Open First)

Make sure each box is sealed and that labels are visible on more than one side. This system helps you avoid lost items, misplaced boxes, or damaged belongings.

When everything is packed, the last thing you want is to dig through boxes to find a charger, toothbrush, or clean set of clothes. That’s where an essentials box comes in.

• Toiletries and medications
• Chargers and electronic accessories
• Important documents
• Snacks and water
• A few changes of clothes
• Bed linens and towels

Keep this box easily accessible so you can get through the first day and night comfortably—especially if you’re moving into your new home before fully unpacking.

Your moving team plays a major role in reducing or increasing your stress. Whether you're hiring a full-service moving company or just getting help with loading, make sure to work with experienced, reliable professionals.

In Barrington, you’ll find several local and regional moving companies familiar with the area’s neighborhoods, driveway access, and home sizes. Get quotes from multiple providers, check online reviews, and verify licenses and insurance coverage.

• Packing and unpacking services
• Specialty item handling (pianos, artwork, wine collections)
• Moving insurance and damage policies
• Availability for your preferred date and time

Booking early helps you secure your first-choice company, especially during peak seasons like late spring and early summer.

Moving day is not the time to discover that your electricity isn’t turned on or your Wi-Fi is scheduled for a week later. Make a list of all utilities, services, and subscriptions you’ll need to cancel, transfer, or set up at your new address.

• Electricity and gas
• Water and sewer
• Internet and cable
• Trash and recycling
• Home security systems

Schedule shut-offs and new installations in advance. If you're staying in Barrington, many providers offer transfer options to simplify the switch.

Not everything should go in a moving truck. Items like legal paperwork, jewelry, passports, and personal electronics are best kept with you.

Pack these valuables in a separate, secure container that you keep in your possession throughout the move. If you're using a moving company, confirm which items they won’t transport and plan accordingly.

In luxury real estate markets like Barrington, this step is especially important for safeguarding irreplaceable items during a busy transition.

Clear communication helps everything run more smoothly. On moving day, be available to direct movers, answer questions, and provide access to all parts of the house.

If you’re working with a real estate agent, confirm details related to keys, garage door openers, and final walk-throughs. Keep your phone charged and your contact list updated in case you need to reach contractors, movers, or utilities.

Even with detailed planning, minor hiccups can happen. Staying calm and responsive will help you adapt to any challenges.

If you’re moving with children or pets, their routines may be disrupted. Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day if possible, especially during loading and unloading.

Prepare bags with their essentials—snacks, toys, medications, and comfort items—to make the transition easier for them. Introducing them to the new space gradually can help reduce anxiety and create a positive start in your new home.

Partner with John Morrison and the Morrison Home Team to simplify every part of your move in Barrington, IL. From coordinating timelines to recommending trusted moving companies and preparing your home for market, John Morrison provides personalized guidance every step of the way. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, his team is ready to help you navigate the details with ease and confidence. Reach out to John Morrison and Morrison Home Team today for expert support in making your next move less stressful.