Moving to a new state is a big life shift—one that becomes even more complex when you’re trying to manage a full-time job at the same time. Whether you’re moving for personal reasons, a partner’s career, or simply ready for a change of scenery, balancing the demands of relocation with a packed work schedule can feel like a high-wire act. But with the right game plan, it’s entirely doable—and you don’t have to lose your sanity (or PTO) along the way.
Start Planning Early—Even Earlier Than You Think
When you’re working full-time, your free hours are limited. That’s why the best thing you can do for yourself is to start early. Break your move into manageable pieces and spread them across several weeks or months. Create a checklist with target dates for tasks like booking movers, researching housing, updating utilities, and scheduling days off. Use a calendar app or a shared Google Doc if you’re coordinating with a partner. That way, you can avoid last-minute chaos and reduce the chance that your move interferes with work deadlines.
Use Evenings and Weekends Wisely
Once you have a plan in place, start chipping away at it in the evenings and on weekends. For example, one week you can focus on getting quotes from moving companies. The next, you might tackle sorting and donating items you no longer need. Save more labor-intensive jobs—like packing the kitchen or disassembling furniture—for weekends. The key is to use your “off” hours intentionally, but without overloading every night. Burnout is not your friend here, so give yourself breaks, too.
Talk to Your Employer Early (and Strategically)
Communication with your boss or HR department is important if your move will affect your work hours or if you’ll need time off. If you’re moving for personal reasons but staying in your role, you may need to negotiate a remote work arrangement or request a few days off for the move itself. On the flip side, if your company already offers remote flexibility, be sure to clarify logistics like time zone expectations and any address-related tax or payroll changes. Keep the tone professional and solution-oriented—you want to reassure them that your move won’t impact your ability to deliver.
Declutter Before You Pack a Single Box
Packing eats up more time than you think, especially when you’re juggling it between meetings and emails. Make it easier on yourself by doing a deep clean-out before you start boxing things up. Go room by room, and be honest about what you actually want to take with you. The fewer items you move, the faster packing goes—and the less you’ll pay for movers or a rental truck. Schedule donation pickups or trips to the recycling center on weekends to stay on track.
Hire Help Where You Can
If your budget allows, hiring help can be a lifesaver. Professional movers, packing services, or even a TaskRabbit for a few hours can significantly cut down the hours you’ll need to spend on physical labor. You could also consider a full-service moving company that handles everything from packing to unloading, letting you stay focused on work with minimal disruption. Even small help—like a cleaning crew to tackle your apartment after you leave—can reduce stress during a very busy week.
Schedule Time Off Strategically
Try to schedule at least 1–2 days off around the move itself, even if you’re remote. Use PTO for the actual day of the move and perhaps the day after, when you’re likely to be dealing with unpacking, Wi-Fi setup, or just locating your toothbrush. If you can’t take full days off, see if your employer allows flexible hours so you can shift your workload around. It’s hard to stay productive when you’re living out of boxes or dealing with moving truck logistics mid-Zoom call.
Don’t Neglect the Basics
In the whirlwind of moving while working, it’s easy to forget the simple things—like updating your address with banks, changing your voter registration, transferring your prescriptions, or making sure your dog’s vet records are handy. These little details can add up fast if they’re left to the last minute. Tackling a few of these on your lunch break or during a quieter workday can make the final transition feel a lot smoother.
A Smooth Move Is All About Balance
Moving out of state while working full-time is no small feat, but it’s absolutely doable with the right structure. If you are looking for help with moving, companies like Colonial moving can help. By planning ahead, asking for help, and being realistic about your time and energy, you can pull off the move without sacrificing your job performance. Remember: not everything has to happen at once. Keep your expectations reasonable, and give yourself some grace through the process. You’ll get through it—and you’ll be glad you did once you’re settled into your new home, job intact.
