Moving Blueprint: Moving home for (aspiring) minimalists
Moving is really stressful. You are not only physically moving your stuff from one place to another, but you are also moving mentally, emotionally, socially, and probably most frustrating of all: bureaucratically. I’m a pretty seasoned mover. At one point I was moving to a new home almost once a year and I’ve lived in 6 countries across 3 continents. I haven’t always lived a minimalist lifestyle, but once I was in my one-move-a-year era, minimalism made the physical part of moving much easier.
I’ve recently moved house yet again. When I shared this news a reader told me they were interested in how I go about a move, whether I have “a moving blueprint” of sorts. I loved that idea, so while the move is still fresh in my mind I’ve compiled some thoughts and notes into this post to share how I go about a move as a minimalist.
Prep Work
Before doing any packing I like to prepare some of the more intangible aspects of a move.
Handle leases and visas: Once you’ve signed your contract for your new lease, send in your notice to end a current lease. Also check that any required visas are in order for everyone moving with you.
Create digital folders for the home: Make a folder on your computer for your future home (and one for your current home if you do not already have one). Store contracts, utilities, insurance, and any other important documents there. I like including the move-in year and month as well as the first line of the address in the title of the folder (e.g. HOME_2509_123MainSt)
Budget: Decide early whether to move yourself or hire professionals. Budget for movers/van rentals, packing supplies, and unexpected costs.
Track your addresses: Start keeping a list of places where your address needs to be updated: taxes, voting, driver’s license, utilities, banks, schools, subscriptions, health providers, employers, and so on. I also keep a record of every address I have lived at, with dates. This often comes in handy for visas and rental applications. Both of these lists live in my password manager and get updated year round, even when I’m not planning on moving.
Update your address: As soon as you know your new address, start making changes. Some updates happen instantly, while others take time depending on the country and company. Mail forwarding can help but is often expensive, so it is better to tackle this early.
Gather important documents: Collect passports, IDs, contracts, medical records, payment methods, and backups of electronics. This helps prevent them from being lost in the shuffle. I make sure to always have these items in an easy to find folder in case there’s a need to evacuate.
Decluttering and Downsizing
Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter. When moving, the less you take the less it will cost (financially but also in terms of stress). It really gives you some space to think critically about what you truly need/love/use.
Start “to consume” boxes: In the month(s) before a move, I like to try to prioritize finishing consumables. I’ll try to finish cosmetics, foods, condiments, cleaning supplies, and other stuff that can be used up and then I won’t restock them until I’ve moved. This works especially well for those unique things you’ve collected but never used in your daily routine, like a new pasta shape, or a bath bomb.
Factor in distance: How much I declutter often depends on how far I’m moving. If I’m moving within the same city, I can easily bring items like plants or half-used condiments. For international moves, it is often cheaper and easier to repurchase items. Furniture, especially, may be more economical to sell and replace.
Sell and donate: I like platforms like Gumtree, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to sell or give away items. I donate in bulk or toss as a last resort. I want to note that I’m already coming from a minimalist number of belongings, so getting rid of the few items I have through these platforms isn’t too much of a hassle. If you do want to get rid of a lot of small stuff in one go, I recommend doing a garage/yard/boot sale.
Visualize to discover what is necessary: Whenever it’s time for me to declutter, I’ll try to visualize what’s in the container (drawer, box, cabinet, etc.) before I open it. If I forgot something was in there, it might be time to reassess its importance.
Packing
Once I’ve decluttered, I start packing based on a usage scale. Everyday items stay out longest, rarely used items can be packed early. Aka my toothbrush gets packed on the day of the move, a painting can be packed months in advance.
One month to two weeks out: Pack non-essentials such as seasonal clothing, decor, or extra bedding. Then slowly pack more and more things.
Set aside essentials: For each person (and pet), prepare a carry-on with toiletries, clothes, laptops, chargers, and anything you will need right away. Keep one or two boxes open in the kitchen for last-minute packing.
Furniture and assembly: Keep screws and small parts in sandwich bags. If you do not have the original instructions, take photos as you disassemble or search for manuals online. Save everything in your moving folder.
Label boxes clearly: Mark them by room and contents so you can easily find things when it’s time to unpack.
Hold off on shopping: It is tempting to buy new things for your new space or wardrobe, but wait until you have moved. You will get a better sense of what works in your new home and climate. If you’re moving from a hot climate to a cold climate, it’s fine to buy a coat and some boots, resist the temptation to buy a whole new wardrobe before you get there.
Logistics and Coordination
Once everything is (almost) packed, I like to review the plan for the big day.
Coordinate logistics: Reserve parking, elevators, or loading zones as needed. Communicate with new property managers or neighbors so you don’t get off on the wrong foot, and confirm moving day details with movers. Create a plan for who will be at the property you’re leaving and who will be at the property you’re going to (perhaps you drive with the movers if you’re moving by yourself).
Plan for dependents: Make arrangements for pets, plants, and children on moving day.
Cancel utilities: Notify companies of your move date so you do not lose service too soon or pay for days you are not there.
Walk through the new home: If possible, inspect your new space before moving in, if not, do it on moving day. Take photos of meter readings and any damage, then share with the property manager. Save any pictures or documents in the folder of your new space.
Moving Day
Moving day is always the peak of stress. New place. Hoping your stuff makes it in one piece. Hoping you make a good first impression on your new neighbors. It’s a big deal and can be completely overwhelming. I always remind myself to take care of myself, that things are just things, and that with genuine conversations, people are nicer than the world may seem today.
Final walk-through: Take meter readings and photos of your old place. Save them in your folder. Make sure no boxes or furniture is left behind.
Keep essentials with you: Rely on those carry-on bags for valuables, documents, and immediate necessities.
Comfort: Keep snacks, water, and a roll of toilet paper handy.
Settling In
There’s always this weird moment where you’re standing in your new place surrounded by boxes, the main stress is gone, you’ve handed in the keys to the old place, and it’s just quiet. The work isn’t done just yet but a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Take a breath, enjoy it, the worst part is over, now it’s a matter of settling in.
Set up utilities: If you haven’t done so yet, now it’s time to get internet, electricity, and water running. Complete any outstanding address changes too.
Deep clean: If you can, clean before moving in. If not, do a thorough clean of cabinets, closets, handles, switches, floors, and windows before unpacking fully. I find that this helps the place feel more like home sooner.
Try the “packing party” method: If you’re interested in downsizing further: The Minimalists came up with the concept of a ”packing party” where you pack up all your stuff and then only take out what you need as you need it. After a while you let go of anything still in boxes. Since everything is packed already, why not give it a shot?
Unpack fast, keep an “outbox” nearby: Because I already live quite a minimalist lifestyle, I prefer unpacking as quickly as possible. I’m usually done in a day or so for a one bedroom apartment. As I unpack I do keep an “outbox” handy (an outbox is a container or area where I put things I plan on selling/donating/throwing away). Often, a new environment shows you whether you’ve outgrown certain things or they might not even fit in the new place.
Final thoughts
Moving will probably never be completely stress free because there are just too many moving pieces, both literally and figuratively. What I have found is that living minimally gives me a huge head start. Fewer belongings mean fewer boxes, fewer decisions, fewer expenses, and fewer chances for things to go wrong. What remains is more energy to focus on the exciting parts of moving: building a new home, meeting new people, and exploring a new environment.
If you are about to move, I hope these notes serve as a starting point for creating your own “moving blueprint.” Everyone’s circumstances and comfort levels are different, but with some planning, intention, and lightness in what you carry, both physically and emotionally, a move does not have to feel like chaos. Every move is a chance to carry forward only what truly matters.