Moving into a new home is one of life’s big milestones, and often one of the most stressful. But what if a little know-how could make the process smoother and more satisfying from day one? Here, Jade Compston, content creator and DIY expert, share her go-to moving tips based on real-life experience to help you feel settled and in control, faster.
Moving into a new home is a big moment – equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Between the packing, unpacking, cleaning, and figuring out where everything goes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And, if you’re renting, you’ve got the added pressure of working around rules that limit what you can change. But, here’s the good news: settling into a new place doesn’t have to be hard. With a few smart tricks (and a bit of DIY know-how), you can make your move smoother and your space feel like home, fast.
These are 6 simple moving tips I always recommend to take the stress out of moving and help you feel more at home from day one.
Tip 1: Hold Off on the Hammer
I know the urge is real, you’ve unpacked the boxes and now you want to get all your artwork up on the walls ASAP. But trust me on this one: give it some time.
When you live in a space for a little while, you get a better feel for the flow, where the light hits, how furniture is arranged, and what walls need what kind of personality. So wait until you know for sure where you want to put what.
When you’re ready to hang, skip the nails and go for a damage-free solution with Gorilla Glue Mounting Putty. It’s perfect for renters, students, or anyone who wants flexibility without the hassle of patching holes. It’s ideal for lightweight items like posters, small décor, and mini frames. For slightly heavier pieces, it can also help keep frames level and steady (no more crooked gallery walls!) It bonds to a range of surfaces—painted walls, brick, tile, metal, plastic, and glass—and removes cleanly with minimal residue. Plus, it’s affordable, reusable and doesn’t dry out.
Tip 2: Build a Go-To Fix-It Kit
Every move comes with its fair share of “oops” moments, wobbly furniture, chipped decor, mystery messes behind the fridge… you name it. That’s why one of the first things I unpack (before the pretty stuff) is my trusty fix-it kit.
Here’s what I always include:
· Gorilla Glue Original. A must-have for quick repairs. It’s strong enough to bond stone, ceramic, metal, glass, and even some plastics. Perfect for fixing broken decor or furniture that didn’t survive the move. To fix fabric flaws, the Gorilla Fabric Glue is great for repairing cushions, curtain hems, or the odd tear in upholstery.
· A Screwdriver – You’d be surprised how often something needs tightening during a move. A small multi-head screwdriver will get you out of a jam fast.
· Sugar Soap Wipes – Let’s be real: there are always hidden messes when you move in. A pack of these wipes makes cleaning grubby cupboards, walls, or skirting boards quick and easy.
· A Pair of Gloves – Pair these with your wipes so you’re not scrubbing up someone else’s grime with bare hands. Always handy to have for both cleaning and handling awkward jobs.
· Spare Batteries (AA + AAA) – Because so many essentials—like remotes, doorbells, clocks, or kids’ toys—still rely on batteries. Having a few spares means you won’t be caught out.
Tuck everything into a small toolbox, basket, or caddy and keep it within reach during your first few days. Trust me, this little kit will save you more times than you can count.
Tip 3: Max Out Your Vertical Space
Storage always feels tight when you’re moving in, especially in modern homes that don’t come with much built-in shelving.
Think up, not out. Over-the-door hooks, floating shelves, wall-mounted baskets, even tension rods in cupboards or wardrobes can give you a whole new level (literally) of organisation. It’s a renter-friendly way to get more space without adding bulky furniture.
Tip 4: Spot-Fix Wooden Furniture Like a Pro
Let’s be honest, moves aren’t gentle on furniture. That beloved side table? Suddenly wobbly. The vintage op-shop find? A little worse for wear. And don’t even get me started on mystery dings and knocks.
For wooden pieces, Gorilla Wood Glue is my go-to for long-lasting fixes. It’s ideal for things like loose joints, cracked legs, or minor structural damage. Just apply a small amount of glue to the joint, clamp it tightly, and let it cure. The bond is strong, fast-setting, and designed specifically for wood-on-wood repairs.
Tip 5: Rugs Will Be Your Best Friend
Hard floors can make a space feel cold and echoey, especially in winter. Rugs are one of the easiest ways to warm things up, both literally and visually.
They add texture, coziness, and personality to any room. Go bold with colour, layer with patterns, or stick to neutrals for a calm vibe. Either way, a good rug can completely transform a space. Bonus points for noise reduction and hiding any less-than-perfect flooring underneath!
Need help keeping rug corners or mats in place? Gorilla Glue Double-Sided Tape is a mess-free, fast-setting solution that’s ideal for quick fixes. It tears by hand, doesn’t stain surfaces, and works just as well outdoors as it does inside.
Tip 6: Label Everything You Can
Moving means chaos – boxes everywhere, cords tangled, pantry items scattered. Labelling might feel like a small detail, but it’s a total sanity saver.
Pop labels on power cords, pantry jars, storage tubs, even drawer dividers. Not only does it make things easier to find, but it keeps shared spaces tidier. Plus, it adds a super satisfying aesthetic touch when everything’s neatly named.
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful or sterile. With a few clever hacks you can settle in, personalise your space, and feel at home faster.
