There’s a reason moving is ranked right up there with divorce and job loss as one of life’s most stressful events. Now toss in kids, a packed family schedule, and the fact that you’re doing it all last-minute—and you’ve basically earned superhero status. But even if you don’t feel like Wonder Woman at this very moment (and honestly, who does when surrounded by half-packed boxes and a coffee that went cold hours ago?), take heart: you’ve got this.
I’ve helped moms move out of apartments, forever homes, and everything in between. And no matter how last-minute the scramble is, there are smart ways to make it easier—without sacrificing your sanity, your favorite mug, or your child’s beloved stuffed dinosaur.
Let’s dive into the essentials.
1. Make Peace With Imperfection
Here’s the thing: your move won’t be perfect. And it doesn’t need to be. Once you accept that not everything will go exactly as planned, something magical happens—your stress level drops. This isn’t the time for color-coded spreadsheets or perfectly labeled boxes with washi tape (unless that actually relaxes you, in which case: go for it).
Instead, think in terms of “good enough.” Did you throw half your spice cabinet into a Ziploc? Amazing. Did the toys make it into a laundry basket instead of a box? That counts. Right now, progress matters more than polish.
Give yourself permission to wing it in places that don’t matter long-term.
2. Pack a Personal Essentials Bag for the Whole Family
Before you even look at a moving box, stop and pack a bag for each family member like you’re going on a weekend trip.
Include:
- 2–3 changes of clothes
- Pajamas
- Medications
- Toothbrush and toiletries
- Favorite toys or comfort items (for kids, and honestly, maybe for you too)
- Phone chargers
- Snacks and water bottles
Label the bag clearly and keep it in your car—not the moving truck. When you finally stumble into your new place after a chaotic day, you’ll thank yourself for not having to dig through “Box #23 – Probably Bathroom Stuff???”
3. Use What You Have (And Skip the Fancy Supplies)
Running out of bubble wrap? No problem. Towels, socks, blankets, and even stuffed animals make amazing packing materials.
Instead of trying to source perfect boxes or specialized containers, work with what’s around you:
- Suitcases? Great for books and heavier items.
- Hampers and baskets? Ideal for toiletries, cleaning supplies, or pantry items.
- Trash bags? Slide them over hanging clothes and tie at the bottom—closet to closet, done.
Pro tip: Label bags with masking tape or a marker directly on the plastic. Fancy? Nope.
4. Ask for Help—Even If You’re Not Used to It
This is a big one. If you’re the kind of mom who usually takes on everything yourself (raises hand), now’s the time to call in reinforcements.
Friends, neighbors, family members—they might not offer because they don’t want to intrude. But if you ask, many will show up with snacks, muscle power, or even just to entertain the kids for a couple hours.
Even professional help is worth considering:
- Hire a sitter or ask a fellow mom for a playdate swap
- Book a cleaning service for move-out or move-in cleanup
- Use a local task app to find someone who can load or unload boxes
- Hire a moving company. If you don’t know how many hands you’ll need, take a look at a recent post by Zip Moving and Storage – “Do You Need Two or Three Movers?” – where they explain what factors affect your decision.
Trust me—no one gets a gold medal for suffering through a move solo.Efficient? Oh yes.
5. Label Smarter, Not Harder
You don’t need a labeling system that rivals the Library of Congress. A simple, fast system works best when time is tight:
- Label each box with the room it belongs in
- Add a note if it’s high priority (e.g., “Kitchen – Open First”)
- Use bright stickers or colored duct tape if you’re visual and need to scan quickly
And don’t forget: write on multiple sides of the box. Nothing’s more frustrating than playing spin-the-box when you’re exhausted and hunting for your coffee maker.
6. Keep the Kids Busy (and Involved)
Moving day with kids is like juggling flaming torches while walking a tightrope over a kiddie pool filled with juice boxes.
The trick? Get them involved—on their level.
Toddlers and Preschoolers:
- Give them a small box to decorate and fill with their favorite things
- Let them be “packing assistants” with soft items like stuffed animals or plastic dishes
- Create a “moving day kit” with snacks, stickers, a tablet, and a sippy cup
Older Kids:
- Assign real responsibilities like labeling boxes, packing their room, or directing movers
- Let them help make decisions about where things go in the new house
- Give them a disposable camera or phone to document the adventure
Moving can be unsettling for little ones. Giving them a sense of control—however small—goes a long way.
7. Prioritize Key Rooms First
The entire house does not need to be unpacked in one weekend. In fact, you shouldn’t even try.
Instead, focus on these three zones:
1. Bedrooms. Make the beds. That’s it. Fresh sheets, favorite pillows, and something familiar help everyone crash peacefully when exhaustion hits.
2. Bathroom. Stock it with toilet paper, hand soap, towels, and a shower curtain. Nothing says “we live here now” like your first hot shower in the new place.
3. Kitchen. Unpack the basics: plates, utensils, a frying pan, and the coffee maker. The rest can wait.
Everything else—decor, garage items, the mystery box of tangled cords—can chill until you’re ready.
8. Plan Quick, No-Fuss Meals
Cooking on moving day? Forget it. You need fuel, not flair.
Plan ahead with grab-and-go meals like:
- Pre-made sandwiches
- Cut-up fruit or veggie snack packs
- Cheese sticks and granola bars
- Wraps or burritos that don’t require utensils
Use paper plates and plastic cups for a day or two—there is zero shame in this.
And if it’s all too much? Pizza delivery was basically made for this moment.
Bonus tip: Keep a cooler stocked with drinks and easy snacks so you’re not constantly hunting for water bottles while also searching for the blender. (Spoiler: it’s in the box labeled “Office.”)
Final Thoughts
Moms, if you’re moving at the last minute, I’m here to tell you: you are doing an incredible job.
You’re holding your family together while holding packing tape in your teeth, making sure no one packs the dog’s food in a box labeled “Summer Clothes.” You’re keeping it all moving—pun intended—even when it feels like everything’s falling apart.
And that’s the real secret: it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be done well enough for your family to land safely in your new space.
So give yourself grace, celebrate the messy victories, and once you’ve made it through the day—throw on pajamas, curl up on the floor mattress, and toast to your success with whatever clean cup you can find.
You moved. You made it. And you’re still standing.
Now, go find that coffee maker.
