How to organize your home for a move: a step-by-step guide
Hey there! Planning a move? Whether you’re heading across town or to a new city, moving can feel overwhelming—especially if your home is full of years’ worth of stuff. But here’s the thing: with the right organization strategy, you can make the process smoother, less stressful, and even a little exciting.
At The Happy Space Co., we’ve helped countless families prepare their homes for moving day, and we know exactly what works. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step so you can pack smarter, declutter effectively, and settle into your new home with ease.
Why organization matters before a move
Moving is more than just packing boxes—it’s a chance to start fresh. But if you skip the organization phase, you risk:
Bringing unnecessary clutter into your new space
Wasting time packing (and unpacking) things you don’t even want
Feeling stressed and rushed on moving day
When you prepare your home in an organized way, you save time, money, and a whole lot of mental energy. Plus, unpacking in your new home will be a breeze. Our bespoke Moving Service can take care of every step for you!
We also have a Guide to Moving in Hong Kong (you can download it here), which covers all unique aspects of moving in Hong Kong, including helpful check lists for decluttering prior to your move and who needs to be notified of address changes, among other things!
Step-by-step: how to organize your home for a move
1. Start early
Last-minute packing is the enemy of a smooth move. Aim to start the organizing and decluttering process at least 4–6 weeks before moving day.
Begin with rooms or areas you use the least, like guest rooms, storage closets, or seasonal decor
Work in small daily chunks instead of marathon sessions to avoid burnout
Keep a moving checklist so you always know what’s next
2. Declutter before you pack
Packing everything you own is a waste of time and energy if you don’t truly need or love those items.
Sort items into four categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, or Recycle/Dispose.
Be honest—if you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it.
Dispose of broken items or those beyond repair.
Decluttering before packing not only lightens your load but also lowers your moving costs (especially important if you’re paying per box or per cubic meter). At The Happy Space Co., decluttering is an essential step for all of our services: Done-for-you Organizing, Wardrobe Organization, Moving Services and Kids Organizing.
3. Tackle one room at a time
Trying to organize your entire home all at once will make you want to give up. Instead:
Choose one room and complete it before moving on
Label boxes as you go to avoid mixing items from different rooms
Take before-and-after photos—it’s motivating to see progress
By focusing on one space at a time, you’ll avoid the “everything is everywhere” trap that can happen mid-move.
4. Create an inventory
An inventory keeps your move organized and gives you peace of mind.
Keep a running list of what’s in each box
Use a numbering system (e.g., “Box 1—Kitchen: glassware, mugs”)
Consider using a moving app or spreadsheet for easy reference
This is especially helpful in Hong Kong apartment buildings, where movers often have to load items in stages via lifts—you’ll always know where your essentials are.
5. Gather packing supplies in advance
Avoid that frantic run to the store the night before you pack. Stock up early on:
Sturdy boxes in various sizes
Packing tape (and a tape dispenser for speed)
Bubble wrap and packing paper
Ziplock bags for small parts or screws
Labels and permanent markers
Pro tip: In Hong Kong, many supermarkets or homeware stores will give away sturdy boxes for free—just ask!
6. Use the “like with like” rule
Before you put anything into a box, group similar items together.
Kitchen: all baking supplies in one box, utensils in another
Bedroom: shoes in one box, accessories in another
Office: keep cords and chargers together in labeled bags
This will save you from rummaging through five different boxes just to find a spatula.
7. Pack an essentials box
The first night in your new home should feel as stress-free as possible.
Include:
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
A change of clothes
Medications
Snacks and a kettle or coffee maker
Basic cleaning supplies
Phone chargers and important documents
Label it “Open First” so you’re not digging through boxes after a long day.
8. Label like a pro
Clear labeling saves so much time during unpacking.
Write the room name and a brief description of the contents on each box.
Use colored stickers or tape to assign each room a color (e.g., blue for kitchen, yellow for bedroom).
Mark boxes with fragile items clearly so movers know to handle them with care.
9. Protect fragile items the right way
No one wants to unpack a box of broken dishes.
Wrap items individually in packing paper or bubble wrap.
Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
Use towels, blankets, or clothing as extra padding—this saves space and reduces waste.
10. Manage important documents separately
Keep passports, IDs, bank documents, and property paperwork with you during the move.
Store them in a clearly labeled folder or envelope.
Do not pack them with general household items—they’re too important to risk misplacing.
11. Plan for special items
Some belongings need extra attention:
Large furniture: Measure doorways and hallways in your new home to ensure they fit; in Hong Kong it is essential to measure elevators and check how many stairs movers would need to go up or down!
Electronics: Take photos of cable setups before unplugging
Plants: Transport them yourself if possible—they’re delicate and often don’t fare well in moving trucks
12. Lighten your load through selling or donating
Moving is the perfect excuse to let go of items you no longer need.
Sell gently used furniture or appliances online (Carousell or Facebook Marketplace are popular platforms in Hong Kong)
Donate clothes, books, and household goods to local charities - we like to donate to the Refugee Union in Central (https://refugeeunion.org)
Arrange pick-up services for large donations ahead of time
13. Deep clean as you go
Cleaning as you pack means less to do at the end.
Wipe down shelves after emptying them
Vacuum or mop floors in cleared areas
This is especially helpful if you’re moving out of a rental and want your deposit back
14. Keep a moving day kit
On the big day, you’ll need a few key items on hand:
Scissors or a box cutter
Extra packing tape
Snacks and water
A notepad and pen for quick reminders
Basic tools (screwdriver, Allen key)
15. Stay flexible
Even with the best planning, moving day can throw surprises your way.
Allow extra time for delays.
Keep communication open with your movers.
Remember: it’s not about perfection, it’s about getting from Point A to Point B with as little stress as possible.
Bonus: settling into your new home
Once you arrive, resist the urge to unpack everything at once. Start with:
Making beds—so you have a comfortable place to sleep.
Setting up the kitchen basics—plates, mugs, utensils.
Unpacking one room at a time—just like you packed.
This keeps the process manageable and lets you enjoy the fresh start you’ve worked so hard to prepare for.
Organizing your home for a move isn’t just about packing boxes—it’s about creating a smooth transition into your next chapter. By starting early, decluttering strategically, and packing with intention, you can make moving day far less stressful and even—dare we say—enjoyable.
Your new home is a blank canvas. The more thoughtful you are in preparing for the move, the more peaceful and functional your new space will feel from day one.
So, take a deep breath, grab those boxes, and get started—you’ve got this! And remember, The Happy Space Co. is here to make your move as stress-free as possible. Whether you need help decluttering before you pack, organizing each room as you go, or setting up your new home so it feels perfect from day one, we’re ready to support you at any—or every—step of the moving process.
Ready to transform your home?
We invite you to experience the joy of a tidy and organized home. Let's create a living space that sparks your creativity and brings you peace. Contact us today for a free consultation!