By The Jill Armstrong Team
Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions. Whether you’re relocating across Iowa City, settling into a new home in North Liberty, or making a move to Coralville or Tiffin, the process can feel overwhelming without the right plan in place.
As Iowa City real estate agents and Realtors, we at The Jill Armstrong Team have guided countless clients through buying and selling homes in Johnson County. Over the years, we’ve seen what works, what creates unnecessary stress, and which small strategies can make a major difference. The truth is, a successful move isn’t just about packing boxes—it’s about preparation, efficiency, and knowing a few insider tricks.
If you’re preparing for your next move, here are genius moving hacks you’ll wish you knew sooner.
Start With a Strategic Declutter
One of the most overlooked moving hacks is also the most impactful: declutter before you pack.
Every item you move costs time, energy, and potentially money. Before boxing anything, go room by room and sort items into four categories—keep, donate, sell, and discard. In established neighborhoods like Manville Heights or University Heights, where homes often have generous storage, it’s easy to accumulate more than you realize.
If you’re selling your Iowa City home, decluttering also improves staging and buyer perception. Clean, simplified spaces photograph better and show more effectively during tours. This dual benefit—lighter move and stronger listing—makes decluttering a powerful first step.
Pack an “Essentials First Night” Box
After a long moving day, the last thing you want is to search through dozens of boxes for your toothbrush or phone charger.
We always recommend preparing a clearly labeled “first night” box for each family member. Include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, basic kitchen supplies, paper towels, and important documents. If you have pets, pack their essentials as well.
This simple step transforms your first evening in your new home—whether it’s a downtown Iowa City condo or a spacious North Liberty single-family property—from chaotic to comfortable.
Color-Code by Room
Labeling boxes is helpful. Color-coding them is game-changing.
Assign each room a color and use matching tape or stickers on boxes and door frames in your new home. Movers—or helpful friends—can immediately identify where each box belongs without constant direction.
In larger homes, especially newer builds in Coralville or Tiffin with multiple bedrooms and finished basements, this hack dramatically reduces confusion and speeds up unloading.
Photograph Before You Disconnect
Before unplugging electronics, take clear photos of cable configurations. This applies to televisions, routers, gaming systems, and office setups.
When you arrive at your new home, these reference images eliminate guesswork and frustration. With remote work increasingly common across Iowa City’s professional community, quickly restoring a functional home office is often a top priority.
Use What You Already Own as Packing Material
You don’t need to purchase endless rolls of bubble wrap.
Towels, linens, sweaters, and even socks make excellent padding for fragile items. Wrap dishes in kitchen towels and place glassware inside clean socks for added protection. This reduces waste and makes efficient use of items you’re already transporting.
For homeowners in Iowa City’s luxury market, where fine dishware and décor are common, thoughtful packing with soft household items offers both protection and practicality.
Don’t Empty Drawers—Secure Them
If you’re working with professional movers, ask whether they allow you to leave lightweight items inside dresser drawers. In many cases, drawers can remain full if secured properly with stretch wrap.
This saves packing time and minimizes reorganization at your new property. However, always remove valuables and fragile items first.
Schedule Utilities Before Closing Day
One of the most frustrating moving mistakes is arriving at your new home without electricity, water, or internet service.
As soon as your closing date is confirmed, schedule utility transfers. In Iowa City and surrounding communities, this includes electricity, natural gas, water, trash services, and internet providers.
For buyers relocating to new developments in North Liberty or Tiffin, confirm service availability early, especially for high-speed internet. A quick call weeks in advance can prevent delays.
Create a Moving Timeline
A detailed timeline reduces last-minute panic.
- Four weeks out: begin decluttering and gathering packing supplies.
- Three weeks out: start packing non-essential items.
- Two weeks out: confirm movers and utility transfers.
- One week out: pack essentials and label clearly.
- Moving day: conduct a final walkthrough of your old home.
For sellers, we at The Jill Armstrong Team also help coordinate possession timelines to ensure a smooth transition between closing and move-in.
Measure Twice, Move Once
Before moving large furniture into your new Iowa City home, measure doorways, stairwells, and room dimensions. Compare them with your furniture measurements to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Historic homes near downtown often feature narrower staircases, while newer construction in Coralville and Tiffin may offer more generous entryways. Planning ahead protects both your belongings and your walls.
Pack a Cleaning Kit Separately
Even if your new home is professionally cleaned, you’ll likely want quick access to disinfecting wipes, paper towels, and surface spray.
Keep a small cleaning kit accessible for wiping down countertops, cabinet shelves, and bathroom surfaces before unpacking. This small step makes settling in feel intentional and fresh.
Digitize Important Documents
Keep closing documents, identification, moving contracts, and financial records in a clearly labeled folder—or better yet, scan them to secure cloud storage.
Real estate transactions involve significant paperwork. Having digital backups ensures you can access critical information quickly, even if physical files are temporarily misplaced during the move.
Introduce Yourself to the Neighborhood Early
Moving isn’t only about boxes—it’s about community.
Once you’ve settled in, take time to explore your new surroundings. Visit local coffee shops in downtown Iowa City, walk nearby parks, or attend community events. If you’ve moved to neighborhoods like Peninsula or North Liberty’s growing residential corridors, local amenities are part of the lifestyle appeal.
Building connections early makes your new house feel like home much faster.
Hire Professionals When It Matters
While DIY moves can work for smaller transitions, professional movers provide efficiency, insurance protection, and peace of mind—especially for long-distance relocations or luxury properties with delicate furnishings.
As experienced Iowa City real estate agents and Realtors, we often connect clients with reputable local moving companies who understand the logistics of navigating both historic properties and modern developments.
Investing in expert support can prevent costly damage and reduce stress dramatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to move in Iowa City?
Late spring and summer are popular due to weather and school schedules, but they are also busier seasons. Fall moves often offer greater flexibility and availability.
How far in advance should I book movers?
Ideally, four to six weeks before your move—especially during peak summer months in Johnson County.
Should I move before or after closing?
In most cases, possession transfers at closing. However, rent-back agreements or delayed possession arrangements can sometimes be negotiated depending on market conditions.
What’s the biggest moving mistake to avoid?
Underestimating time. Packing always takes longer than expected. Starting early is the single most effective way to reduce stress.
Let’s Make Your Next Move Seamless
Moving marks the beginning of a new chapter. With the right preparation—and the right real estate guidance—it can be an exciting and empowering experience.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or relocating within Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, or Tiffin, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Visit the team to explore available homes and connect with The Jill Armstrong Team. We look forward to helping you move forward with confidence.
