Moving is often seen as a long, stressful process, but what if you could get everything done in just one day? Whether you’re moving across town or just relocating to a new apartment, having a solid plan in place can make a one-day move possible. The key is preparation, organization, and utilizing the right resources. If you follow this ultimate guide, you’ll be able to move efficiently, minimize stress, and get settled in your new home all within a single day.
Why Move in One Day?
There are several reasons you might need or want to move in one day. Perhaps you have a tight timeline, or maybe the opportunity to move quickly has presented itself. Whatever the reason, moving in a single day is achievable with the right mindset and strategy.
One of the biggest advantages of moving in one day is that you can get everything done in a short amount of time, reducing the long-term stress and allowing you to settle into your new space faster.
Pre-Move Preparation: Plan Ahead
Moving in one day doesn’t mean you can leave everything until the last minute. The key to a successful one-day move lies in preparation. The more you do before the big day, the smoother the process will be.
Start Early
Start planning and packing at least a few days in advance. This will give you ample time to gather the necessary supplies, sort through your belongings, and start packing non-essential items. By the time moving day arrives, the bulk of your work should already be done.
Create a Checklist
Having a detailed checklist is essential for a one-day move. Write down everything that needs to be done, from packing to arranging transportation. Checklists will help you stay organized and ensure that no task is overlooked.
Organize Your Belongings
Start by sorting through your belongings and deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. Moving can be the perfect time to declutter. Sell, donate, or throw away items you no longer need. Reducing the amount of stuff you need to move will make the process much faster and more manageable.
The Right Supplies and Tools for a Quick Move
To make your move efficient, you’ll need the right tools and supplies. Having everything you need ready before the moving day will save you time and frustration.
Packing Materials
Ensure that you have enough boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Label all boxes by room and contents. Use strong boxes for heavier items, and make sure to wrap fragile items carefully to avoid damage during the move.
Moving Equipment
Consider using moving equipment to make the process smoother. A furniture dolly, for example, can help you move heavy items like sofas and refrigerators more easily. Furniture sliders can also help you move items across the floor without damaging it. If you’re moving appliances, be sure to have the necessary tools to disconnect and secure them for transport.
Moving Vehicle
One of the most crucial components of a one-day move is transportation. Make sure you have access to a reliable moving vehicle, whether it’s a rented truck, van, or a professional moving service. It’s important to choose the right size vehicle for your belongings to avoid multiple trips.
Packing Efficiently
Packing efficiently is crucial when you only have one day to move. The goal is to minimize the number of trips you need to make and ensure that your belongings are packed in a way that makes the unloading process faster and easier.
Pack Early and in Stages
Start packing non-essential items in advance, ideally a few days before the move. Begin with items that you won’t need immediately, such as books, off-season clothing, or extra kitchenware. Leave the essentials—like toiletries, bedding, and a few kitchen items—until the morning of the move.
Use the Right Packing Techniques
Pack strategically to maximize space in each box and ensure the protection of fragile items. Use soft clothing to wrap delicate items, and fill any empty space with packing paper or bubble wrap. For larger furniture, disassemble as much as possible to make it easier to move.
Label Your Boxes Clearly
Label each box with the room it belongs to and a description of the contents. This will make it easier for you (or movers) to place boxes in the correct room upon arrival, saving time and effort when unpacking.
Get Help: Don’t Do It Alone
A one-day move is much easier with help. While you may be tempted to do everything yourself, having additional hands will make the process faster and more efficient.

Ask Friends or Family
Reach out to friends or family members to help with the move. Divide tasks so that everyone has a role, whether it’s packing, loading, or driving. Having extra hands will speed things up and reduce the physical strain on you.
Hire Professional Movers
If you’re not comfortable asking for help or if you want to guarantee that your move is handled with care, consider hiring professional movers. At Big Bear Movers, we specialize in efficient, one-day moves. Our team will take care of the heavy lifting, so you can focus on getting settled into your new home.
On Moving Day: Stay Organized
On the big day, it’s essential to stay organized and follow the plan you’ve created. This will help ensure that everything gets moved efficiently and nothing is left behind.
Start Early
Begin the day as early as possible to maximize the time available. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to deal with unexpected obstacles, such as traffic or last-minute packing.
Coordinate the Loading Process
If you’re handling the move yourself, start loading the heaviest and most cumbersome items first, such as furniture and large appliances. This will give you the most room for other boxes and make unloading at the new place more straightforward.
Take Breaks, But Stay Focused
Moving can be exhausting, especially when done in a single day. While it’s important to take breaks when needed, don’t lose focus. Keep the momentum going, and stay committed to completing the move in the allotted time.
Unpacking and Settling In
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, unpacking is the next task. Since you’ve already labeled your boxes and packed efficiently, this should be the easy part.
Unpack the Essentials First
Start by unpacking the essentials you’ll need immediately, like bedding, toiletries, and kitchen items. This will ensure that you can settle in comfortably, even if you’re too tired to unpack everything right away.
Organize as You Go
As you unpack, place items in their designated rooms. This will help keep your new home organized from the start, making it easier to tidy up as you go. You can always finish unpacking the less essential items later.
Hiring Professional Movers for a Seamless One-Day Move
While DIY moving is possible, hiring professional movers like those at Big Bear Movers can make the entire process smoother. We specialize in one-day moves and are equipped with the right tools and experience to get you to your new home safely and efficiently.
If you want to ensure a stress-free, successful move in one day, let us take care of the heavy lifting. Our team of professionals will handle the packing, loading, transportation, and unloading, so you can focus on enjoying your new home.
Conclusion
Moving in one day may seem like an impossible task, but with the right preparation, tools, and team, it’s entirely doable. By starting early, staying organized, and using the right resources, you can ensure that your move goes smoothly and efficiently. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire professionals, following this plan will help you get everything done in a single day.
For more information on moving services, visit Big Bear Movers to make your one-day move as easy as possible.