Tips for Saving Time During a Move

There’s enough drama happening during a move without making the experience longer and more drawn out due to poor — or even no — planning upfront. Think about this this way: A well-planned relocation can save you valuable time, energy, and stress during an already hectic period. 

Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, these time-saving strategies will help ensure a smooth transition to your new living space. 

Have a Timeline 

A detailed timeline is one of the must-haves behind every successful move experience. You could start by putting together a to-do list of everything that needs to be taken care of within an eight-week period. That said, it would definitely save time if you simply used the comprehensive moving checklist that’s available on the United website. We’ve broken down the entire process into manageable steps that will help reduce stress and ensure nothing is overlooked. 

Declutter and Organize 

Before packing, take time to declutter your belongings. Sort them into “keep,” “sell,” “donate” and “trash” categories. This not only reduces the volume of items to move but also gives you a fresh start in your new home. Also, here are a few tips to help you decide what should go – or shouldn’t go – with you. 

Consider hosting a garage or stoop sale. Not only will you raise extra cash, but you’ll also have fewer items to deal with before, during and after your move. Check out our tips for holding a successful garage sale. Donating items to a reputable charity is another possibility. Here’s a list of charities that provide free pickups.  

Gather Packing Supplies Early 

Don’t wait until the last minute to gather packing materials. Stock up on boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers well in advance. Pro tip: check with local businesses for free boxes. Liquor stores and bookshops often have sturdy boxes with lids they’re willing to give away. Being prepared will make the packing process much smoother and more efficient. For a deeper dive into the packing supplies you’ll need most, check out this packing supplies list on the United website. 

Start Early and Stay Organized 

Begin packing well in advance and be sure your boxes are well-labeled both by room and by items. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, leaving them on hangers for quick unpacking. Pack books in small boxes to avoid overweight containers. Nest smaller items inside larger ones to maximize space and minimize the number of boxes needed. These strategies can significantly reduce packing time and make the overall moving process more efficient.  

Want more help? See our Packing 101 Guide. 

Plan Your Route Strategically 

Few things could be worse than getting lost or delayed on the way to your new home. And while you may encounter a couple of hiccups along the route, careful planning (and even a backup plan) will almost certainly smooth your journey. 

Start by mapping out the most direct path between your old and new homes, considering traffic patterns and potential bottlenecks. If possible, schedule your move during off-peak hours to avoid congestion. For long-distance moves, research rest stops and overnight accommodations in advance to minimize unexpected delays.  

Another thing well worth considering is making a few stops along the way. We put together a series of beautiful, information-rich National Parks Guides that can help you turn your move into a mini-vacation.  

Optimize Loading and Unloading 

Maximize your moving truck’s space by creating a detailed loading plan. Pack larger, heavier items first and use smaller items to fill gaps. Label boxes clearly with their contents and intended room to streamline unloading. Consider creating a priority unloading list for essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival — and don’t forget your first night box! Of course, if you use a full-service mover like United, they can take care of most of this for you. 

Another thing to think about is what should go along with you versus onto the truck. This blog offers some useful tips. 

Hire a Full-Service Moving Company 

 Why not let a professional moving company, United Van Lines, take care of the heavy lifting? United’s full-service moving packages provide flexibility to mix and match the services you want and need, from packing and unpacking to standard furniture placement. This allows you to skip the time-consuming tasks of organizing and moving items yourself, helping you transition to your new home more efficiently.         

 Get a cross-country moving quote from United Van Lines today.         

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