How to Maintain a Routine During a Move: Stay Organized & Stress-Free

MHC Moving
Apr 8
4 min read

Moving can feel like pure chaos—boxes everywhere, schedules thrown out the window, and a to-do list that never seems to end. But keeping some sense of normalcy during a move is possible—and trust us, it helps reduce stress for you and your family!

Here’s how to stay organized, keep your routine intact, and maintain your sanity while transitioning to your new home. 🚛📦

⏳ Plan Ahead & Set a Moving Timeline

A moving plan = less stress and fewer last-minute panics.

✔ Create a moving calendar – Set key dates for packing, utility transfers, and moving day tasks.

✔ Break it into steps – Don’t try to do everything at once! Assign a couple of tasks per day.

✔ Stick to daily goals – Packing just one room per day helps keep things manageable.

✔ Schedule downtime – Moving is exhausting, so plan breaks, meals, and time to relax.

📦 Pro Tip: Use a moving checklist (digital or paper) to track what’s done and what’s left!

🛏 Stick to Your Sleep Schedule

Moving can easily throw off your sleep routine, but exhaustion makes everything harder.

✔ Pack your bedroom last so you can sleep comfortably until the final night.

✔ Set up beds first in the new house – Nothing’s worse than digging for sheets at 2 AM.✔ Use blackout curtains or sleep masks if you're adjusting to new lighting.

✔ Keep a consistent bedtime (even on moving day!) – You’ll function better with rest.

📦 Pro Tip: If you have kids, keep bedtime routines exactly the same—same book, same stuffed animals, same goodnight ritual.

🍽 Keep Meal Routines as Normal as Possible

It’s tempting to survive on fast food during a move, but sticking to familiar meals helps maintain a sense of stability.

✔ Plan easy meals in advance – Use slow cookers, sheet pan dinners, or prepped meals.

✔ Pack a kitchen essentials box – Include plates, utensils, a pan, and the coffee maker!✔ Stock snacks – Keep healthy snacks handy for quick energy boosts.

✔ Stick to regular mealtimes – Eating at the same time every day helps maintain routine.

📦 Pro Tip: If you have kids, keep at least one favorite family meal during the week to provide familiarity.

🗂 Keep Important Documents & Essentials Accessible

Losing track of important items during a move adds unnecessary stress.

✔ Pack a "Moving Essentials" bag with:

🏡 Lease/mortgage papers
📄 Birth certificates & IDs
💊 Medications
🔌 Chargers & electronics
🛏 Pajamas & toiletries

✔ Use clear plastic bins for essentials so they’re easy to spot.✔ Label everything! Searching through 20 “Miscellaneous” boxes is NOT fun.

📦 Pro Tip: Take pictures of important documents before packing—just in case.

🎒 Maintain a Morning & Evening Routine

Even when life is chaotic, having consistent habits makes things feel more normal.

✔ Stick to your normal wake-up & bedtime schedule.

✔ Get dressed as if it’s a regular day (staying in PJs all day can feel unproductive).

✔ Have a short morning routine – Coffee, breakfast, quick planning session.

✔ Wind down at night – Avoid screens before bed, take a warm shower, or read a book.

📦 Pro Tip: If you normally work out in the morning, try to keep it up—even if it’s just a short walk or stretching session!

🛁 Unpack Key Rooms First

Instead of living in box chaos, focus on setting up the most-used areas first:

✔ Bedroom – A cozy, sleep-ready space keeps you functional.

✔ Kitchen – Eating in your new home makes it feel real.

✔ Bathroom – Toiletries, towels, and a shower curtain = instant comfort.

📦 Pro Tip: Having just one “finished” space makes the whole house feel more settled.

📅 Use a Digital or Paper Planner to Stay on Track

Keeping a clear schedule helps you stay organized & sane during the move.

✔ Use Google Calendar, a paper planner, or a moving app to track tasks.

✔ Set daily reminders so nothing gets forgotten.

✔ Block out time for errands, work, and unpacking—not just moving tasks.

📦 Pro Tip: Set a "Housewarming Goal Date"—it’s a great way to motivate yourself to finish unpacking!

💆 Take Breaks & Manage Stress

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when everything is in transition. Here’s how to stay calm and collected:

✔ Take short breaks – Even 10 minutes outside can refresh your energy.

✔ Listen to music or a podcast while packing to make it more fun.

✔ Get fresh air & exercise – A quick walk can clear your mind.

✔ Laugh it off when things go wrong – Because let’s be real, something always does.

📦 Pro Tip: Give yourself grace! Moving is tough, perfection is not required.

🏡 Set a "Back to Normal" Goal

To prevent living in chaos for weeks, set a goal date for when everything should be settled.

✔ Plan to have the house fully unpacked within 2-3 weeks.

✔ Schedule a “first dinner” celebration to make it feel official.

✔ Do something fun in your new area—exploring makes a house feel like home!

📦 Pro Tip: Keep your first weekend after moving “free” to catch up on last-minute setup.

🚀 Final Thoughts: You Got This!

Moving is disruptive, but keeping a routine and staying organized makes a huge difference. By planning ahead, sticking to key habits, and taking time to unwind, you’ll transition smoothly and feel settled in no time!

🚛 Need a stress-free move? MHC Moving can help! Contact us today!

(402) 853-7167 or www.mhcmoving.com/contact