Let’s be honest — moving is no one’s favorite activity. Between packing boxes, changing addresses, and coordinating schedules, it can feel like a full-time job. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be chaotic.

Whether you're buying, selling, or doing both, Katie Roberts has helped dozens of Ohio families move smoothly — and she’s gathered some seriously helpful tips along the way.

Here are 7 ways to make your move less stressful, more organized, and (dare we say it?) kind of satisfying.

Start Decluttering — Before You Even List

Moving is the perfect excuse to get rid of stuff you don’t use, need, or even remember owning.

Start by going room by room:

• Donate or sell items you haven’t touched in the last year
• Recycle broken gadgets and mystery cords
• Toss expired pantry items and old cleaning supplies

Katie often helps her sellers create a pre-listing declutter plan that not only makes moving easier but also helps homes show better and sell faster.

Pack a Little Every Day

The key to staying sane? Don’t save it all for the last minute.

Start with the least-used items:

• Off-season clothes
• Books, décor, and hobby supplies
• Extra kitchen gadgets or duplicate items

Label boxes clearly and add a short description on the side. Your future self will thank you.

Keep a “Moving Day Survival Kit”

This is a total game-changer. Set aside one or two boxes with must-have items for the first 24–48 hours in your new home.

Include things like:

• Toiletries and medications
• Chargers, paper towels, and snacks
• Change of clothes
• Pet supplies
• Important documents

Tape a big “OPEN FIRST” label on top so it doesn’t get lost in the pile.

Overlap Utilities (If You Can)

Avoid that awkward (and sweaty) first night without power or water by overlapping utility accounts by at least a day or two. That way, you can do your final walk-through and cleaning at your old place without a hitch — and arrive to a fully functional new home.

Katie provides her clients with a local utility transfer checklist so you don’t miss a beat.

Don’t Forget to Change Your Address

This step gets forgotten more often than you’d think. Make sure you update your address with:

• USPS (you can do it online in 2 minutes)
• Banks and credit cards
• Subscription services
• Your employer and medical providers

Katie even reminds her clients with a checklist post-closing to help make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Take Photos Before You Leave (and Arrive)

Snapping quick pics of both homes right before move-out and move-in protects you from potential disputes or damage claims — especially if you’re renting, or selling with an occupancy agreement.

It also helps you remember how furniture was arranged — or where that mystery cord came from!

Ask for Help — and Say Yes to It

You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s hiring movers, asking friends to help with boxes, or working with a Realtor who can coordinate timelines on both the buying and selling side — support is everything.

Katie doesn’t just show up for the paperwork — she’s there to guide, remind, and even recommend trusted local moving pros to get the job done right.

Moving Doesn't Have to Be Miserable

If you’re planning a move in the Centerville or Dayton area, you deserve a Realtor who understands the full picture — and actually helps make the process smoother.

Call or text Katie Roberts at 937-205-8656 to get support before, during, and after your move. Whether you're buying, selling, or both, she’ll help you get it done without the chaos.