If you are a procrastinator, you are probably dreading the packing and moving process. Every minute you put off a critical task is another minute of stress as moving day gets closer.
Even people who are not normally procrastinators can feel overwhelmed. The sheer number of tasks, from sorting belongings to forwarding mail, can freeze you in place. That freeze is the enemy. If you live in Grand Rapids, Holland, or anywhere in West Michigan and your move date is closing in, these tips will get you moving.
Declutter and Get Rid of What You Don’t Need
Moving is the best time to decide what stays and what goes. Walk through every room and pull out old electronics, broken appliances, worn furniture, and clothes that no longer fit.
- Trash anything broken beyond repair.
- Donate items in good shape to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, or a local church.
- Sell things in excellent shape on Facebook Marketplace or at a garage sale.
Fewer items means fewer boxes, less truck space, and a lower moving bill. If you need a system for sorting, check out our guide on how to get rid of junk before moving.
Gather Packing Supplies Early So You’re Not Scrambling
Start collecting supplies the moment you know your move date. You will need cardboard boxes, bins, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and moving blankets.
Free boxes are easy to find. Liquor stores and grocery stores give them away to anyone who asks. You can also check with neighbors, coworkers, or local buy-nothing groups. The earlier you stockpile, the less you spend later.
Don’t forget markers and labels. Having the right materials on hand removes one more excuse to delay. For a full breakdown of what to gather room by room, use our packing checklist.
Break Packing Chores Into Small, Manageable Tasks
The biggest reason people procrastinate is because the job feels too big. The fix is simple. Break it down.
- Commit to packing one room per day, or even one closet per evening.
- Set a timer for 30 minutes. Pack until it goes off. If you are in a groove, keep going.
- Work while watching TV, listening to a podcast, or playing music.
Keep healthy snacks nearby so you don’t lose momentum. Trail mix, granola bars, and fruit keep your energy steady without a long lunch break killing your progress.
Get the Whole Family Involved
Spread the work around. Each family member can be responsible for their own room. Even small children can pack stuffed animals and toys. Older teens can handle labeling moving boxes and heavier lifting. Having another person in the room with you, even if they are doing their own thing, helps you stay focused. Psychologists call this “body doubling,” and it works.
The Real Cost of Waiting Too Long to Book Movers
Procrastination does not just cost you peace of mind. It costs real money.
- Fewer time slots. The closer you get to your move date, the fewer openings professional movers have. Weekend slots in West Michigan fill up fast, especially during peak moving season from May through September.
- Higher rates. Last-minute bookings often land on premium days. Planning ahead gives you access to midweek rates, which are typically lower.
- Rush packing mistakes. When you pack in a panic, things break. Fragile items get tossed into boxes without padding. Boxes go unlabeled. That means more damage, more lost items, and more frustration at the other end.
The takeaway: get your free moving estimate now, even if your move is weeks away. Locking in a date early removes one of the biggest stressors on your list.
The Procrastinator’s 7-Day Moving Countdown
If you have about a week before moving day, this countdown keeps you on track. Adjust it based on the size of your home.
Day 7: Plan and purge. Make a task list. Decide what you are keeping, donating, and tossing. Set out trash bags and donation boxes.
Day 6: Gather supplies and start packing storage areas. Hit the store for boxes and tape. Pack the basement, attic, garage, and guest rooms first. These are items you will not need this week.
Day 5: Pack living areas and decor. Books, DVDs, wall art, seasonal items, and decorations go into boxes today. Label every box by room and contents.
Day 4: Pack the kitchen (except essentials). Wrap dishes, glassware, and small appliances. Keep one pot, one pan, a few plates, mugs, and utensils out for the next few days.
Day 3: Pack bedrooms and closets. Fold and box clothing you will not wear before the move. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging items. Leave out a few days’ worth of outfits.
Day 2: Handle admin tasks. Forward your mail through USPS. Transfer or cancel utilities. Update your address with your bank, insurance, and doctors. Confirm your moving time with Big Lake Movers.
Day 1: Pack remaining items and prep. Box up the last of your kitchen and bathroom items. Disassemble furniture. Clear walkways for the crew. Pack your essentials bag (see below).
Pack a Moving Day Essentials Bag
One bag should travel with you, not on the truck. Pack it the night before your move. Include:
- Phone chargers and a portable battery
- Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, deodorant)
- Two changes of clothes
- Medications and prescriptions
- Important documents (IDs, lease or closing papers, moving contract)
- Snacks and water bottles
- A basic cleaning kit for a final wipe-down of your old place
- Sheets and a towel for the first night in your new home
This bag saves you from digging through a wall of boxes at midnight in an unfamiliar house.
Reward Yourself for Checking Tasks Off the List
Reward yourself for hard work. Go for a walk, grab a coffee, or watch an episode of something you enjoy after you finish a task. Small rewards create momentum. They turn a grind into something you can stick with.
The key is to keep rewards proportional. Packing a closet earns a 15-minute break. Finishing an entire room earns dinner out. Match the reward to the effort.
Ask for Help, Then Actually Take It
Asking for help is hard. But moving is one time where you should take every offer you get.
If your mom offers to watch the kids while you pack, say yes. If a friend shows up with coffee, accept it. If a coworker offers to grab boxes from their office, take them.
And if you have simply procrastinated too long, hire professionals. Big Lake Movers provides full packing services in Michigan and brings all the supplies. Our crew boxes everything safely and efficiently while you focus on the rest of your to-do list. For those who just need extra hands for the heavy stuff, our loading and unloading labor is a cost-effective option.
Your movers can also give you a moving timeline and advice on what to pack first. The point is, ask for guidance and follow it. It pays off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book movers if I tend to procrastinate?
Book at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead for a local move in Grand Rapids or Holland. During peak season (May through September), 6 weeks is safer. The earlier you lock in a date, the more time slots you have and the less you pay.
What if I only have a few days before my move and nothing is packed?
Call a moving company that offers packing services. Big Lake Movers can pack your entire home on short notice. Our crew brings boxes, tape, and padding. You do not need to supply anything.
How do I stop procrastinating on packing?
Set a timer for 20 minutes and start with one drawer or one shelf. The hardest part is starting. Once you begin, momentum builds. Pair it with music or a podcast. Get a family member to work alongside you for accountability.
Can I hire movers for loading and unloading only?
Yes. If you want to handle packing yourself but need help with the heavy lifting, our moving labor team will load your truck, transport your belongings, and unload at your new place. This is popular with procrastinators who pack late but still want a professional move.
Get Your Free Moving Quote from Big Lake Movers
Stop putting it off. The pros at Big Lake Movers handle residential moves across Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, and all of West Michigan. Whether you need full-service packing, moving labor, or just a truck and a crew, we will build a plan around your timeline.
Call Big Lake Movers or request your free quote online. The sooner you call, the more options you have.
