After months of longing and planning, it's finally time to start packing for your upcoming move. Moving is undeniably thrilling but can be nerve-wracking. Let us help make the day smoother than ever before - we'll provide top tips that will leave you feeling excited instead of stressed on the big day.

Making Moving Easier

Moving can feel daunting any time of the year, but it especially has its challenges when kids and pets are involved. However, no need to worry - with some careful coordination and planning we promise that your move won't be as chaotic as throwing things in the back of your friend's pick-up. Let us make this transition easier for you by offering tips on how to save money, time (and even sanity!) during this process.

Use Bubble Wrap

Moving can be a stressful experience, but proper packing materials like bubble wrap are essential for safe travels. Taking the extra time and effort to properly protect your items with more bubble wrap will ultimately save you from paying an unwanted price for broken dishes or shattered electronics later.

Bubble wrap isn't one-size fits all - with multiple sizes available, you need to choose based on what will be wrapped. Whether it's small or large bubbles, this wrap can provide the perfect packaging.

• Super-small or small-size bubbles are great for those delicate items like fine china and decorative glassware that need extra cushioning. Get peace of mind knowing you've secured your prized possessions safely on their journey to their new home.

• Give your bigger breakables an extra cushion of protection with medium-size bubble wrap — perfect for when the item needs that little bit more care.

• You can use large-size bubbles to provide a comforting buffer between two larger items during transportation. Get ready to give your belongings the utmost protection.

Go to Your Local Grocery Store for Free Boxes

If you’re looking for sturdy, quality boxes to get your moving project started, we recommend dropping by a nearby grocery store or retail location and chatting with the manager or customer service station about grabbing some of their (often free!) shipping boxes. Be sure to check out labels so that you can stock up on heavy-duty options specifically made to ship heavier items like jars or bottles.

Make a Survival Box

Moving to your new home can be super exciting, but that excitement won't last long if you arrive without the everyday items we use most. To make life easier during this transition phase pack a survival box with all of those must-haves like toiletries and favorite snacks. That way when you get there, your first few days will feel comfortable even before everything else is in place.

• Protect your survival gear from all the elements with a covered plastic bin. Make sure you can count on reliable protection against weather, moisture, and anything else that might come along.

• Before you settle into your new home, don't forget to make sure the essentials like medications and pet food are packed up. Help little ones feel more at ease by bringing along their go-to comforts - perhaps a well-loved stuffed animal or blanket.

• Assemble a personalized box of essentials for each family member to help them survive any emergency. Fill the boxes with supplies such as flashlights, rechargeable batteries, first aid kits, and non-perishable food items. Customize their survival kit so they'll always have everything they need to get through tough times.

• If anyone is in need of essential medications, inhalers, or other medical supplies, don't let anything stand between your family and good health. Their essentials box will be there to help provide easy access to the life-preserving medications that can make a world of difference.

• When moving day is over and it's time to get cozy, put on those freshly-laundered jammies for a peaceful evening, then have an outfit ready so that in the morning everyone can start celebrating this beautiful new chapter as you happily create your home sweet home.

• Curling up with a favorite book, snuggling a beloved toy, or wrapping up in the warmth of another comforting item – these are little joys that remind us how treasured we really are. Whatever it may be, embracing something special is like giving someone an extra hug on those days when they may need one most.

• Whether it's homemade or store-bought, nothing quite satisfies like indulging in a favorite treat. Pre-packing a personal selection will help each one take some time to savor the moment and enjoy.

• Parents will appreciate something they'll use and love every day - a beautiful, handcrafted coffee mug that brings warmth to their morning routine. Perfect for those cozy moments shared over steaming hot cups of coffee.

• Refreshing sheets, plush towels, and luxurious toiletries await - all set to help make the new homecoming cozy and comfortable.

On moving day, let's make sure everyone gets settled in with all the comforts of home - a warm shower or bath to wash away any stress from the move, cozy beds ready for some sweet dreams, bellies full of favorite foods that bring back childhood memories and perhaps an entertaining story. And then top it off with a delicious breakfast (and coffee!) first thing in the morning.

Label Everything

Moving is stressful enough, but packing smartly can help make the transition much smoother. Be sure to specify exactly which room your boxes should go into and also include a detailed list of all items packed inside - that way you won’t be stuck lugging around heavy unopened crates or randomly rummaging through them just trying to find the one item you need. Taking some time upfront to label each box accurately paves the road for an easier unpacking experience so when it comes time to organize, everything will already feel like home sweet home.

Get creative and make moving a blast with color-coded boxes. Imagine the magic of seeing Disney characters on your living room boxes, Star Wars stickers for one child's belongings, and My Little Pony to keep another kid's items safe. It'll be so much easier - no more guessing games when it comes time to unpack since you’ll be able to tell in an instant if something got misplaced during the move.

Security & Organization Tip For Labeling Moving Boxes

Depending on how much you trust your movers, you might not want them to know exactly where your priceless family heirlooms, jewelry, or expensive gaming systems are. So, for an extra layer of security and organization, avoid labeling what’s in the boxes on the boxes directly. Instead, use a number system where you assign each box a number, and document that number in a notebook or digital spreadsheet along with descriptive details of what’s in the box. Keeping track of boxes’ detailed contents in a digital spreadsheet also allows you to search the document digitally for keywords like “teapot” or “cheese grater” so that you know exactly where to find the item you’re looking for when it’s time to unpack.

Take Pictures

When it's time to move, give yourself a moment of peace by capturing every step on camera. Time-stamp those photos for extra security and you'll be ready to go. These are tips that should help when it comes to simplifying the process and ensuring your day runs smoothly.

• Capture photos of the home you are leaving behind after you’ve cleaned it up and moved everything out, or risk losing your security deposit. A photographic record is an essential element to ensure a smooth closure of any rental agreement and will keep that end of the chapter as stress-free as possible.

• To keep your high-value items safe during the move, take photos of unique artwork and electronics - capture angles that show intricate detail for art pieces. For tech like computers or gaming equipment, snap pictures or take videos while they’re turned on and running to prove any potential damage was a result of moving. That way you can protect yourself against damage or loss.

• Unlock the secrets of your sound system. Before moving into a new home, take photos of how everything is connected in your audio, gaming, or theater setup. A few snaps now can save you loads of time and frustration later so that you'll be ready to rock out with minimal set-up delays.

While it requires a bit more time and planning, you will find that these packing and moving tips will make for an easy move and an easy transition to your new space. Count on Pulte to make every move you make a good one. Discover stunning floor plans and check out Pulte's new home communities today!