Moving day is consistently ranked as one of life's most stressful experiences. But with the right preparation, it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here's how to get through it smoothly.
Two Weeks Before: Confirm your moving date and reserve the elevator (if your building requires it — most LA buildings do). Start packing non-essentials. Buy boxes, tape, and markers. Create a "first night" box with essentials: toilet paper, basic tools, phone charger, snacks, cleaning supplies, sheets, and towels.
One Week Before: Finish packing room by room. Label every box on the TOP and SIDE with the room it belongs in and a brief description of contents. Take photos of your electronics setup so you know how to reconnect everything. Clean your current apartment as you empty each room.
The Night Before: Pack your personal essentials bag (medications, valuables, important documents, change of clothes, laptop). Charge all devices. Confirm the time with your movers or helpers. Lay out clothes and shoes for moving day — think comfort and closed-toe shoes.
Morning of Moving Day: Do a final walkthrough of your old apartment. Check every closet, cabinet, shelf, and drawer. Look behind doors and inside medicine cabinets. Check the balcony, garage, and storage unit. More things get left behind in closets and medicine cabinets than anywhere else.
At Your New Apartment: Before the furniture comes in, do a quick clean of the floors and bathroom. Take move-in photos of every room (walls, floors, appliances, fixtures) — email them to yourself and your landlord. Check that all utilities are on. Verify that all locks work.
Unpacking Strategy: Bed and bathroom first — you need to sleep and shower. Kitchen next — being able to make coffee and basic meals reduces the pressure to eat out. Living room and decor last. Don't try to unpack everything on day one. Give yourself a week.
LA-Specific Moving Tips: Check for street parking permits if your building doesn't have a loading dock. LA parking enforcement doesn't take breaks, even on moving day. Avoid moving on the 1st or 15th of the month — those are the busiest moving days. If you're moving during summer, start early to beat the heat.
After you're in, assembling flat-pack furniture, mounting TVs, and installing shelving can be handled by local professionals. Focus on settling in, and let the experts handle the setup.