When we think about using AI, we often imagine complex, high-tech applications or tools for writing resumes and cover letters. However, AI can also simplify tasks —including moving. As a matter of fact, this article is really inspired by one of our clients who we just talked with about how they used ChatGPT to help organize their packing and moving strategies.

While you can find great moving tips online or on our website, getting tailored advice for your specific home and belongings can make all the difference. For instance, by providing ChatGPT with details about your home—such as its size, number of bedrooms, closets, kitchen cabinets, bookshelves, and storage spaces—you can receive a customized plan. This might include how many boxes you should get and what size, how best to pack your home, what size storage unit to rent, or which moving truck to choose.

From organizing logistics to creating detailed packing plans, ChatGPT offers practical solutions for both simple and large-scale challenges you may not have considered. Here are some tips for using ChatGPT to assist in your next move.

Packing Supplies and Organization
We asked Chat GPT This Question:
I have a 2,500 square foot home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an office, great room, kitchen, game room, and laundry room. The 3 bedroom closets are very full, and I have a large kitchen and pantry with a lot of items, plus a linen closet and laundry room storage. I also have several mirrors and art pieces. What packing supplies and organization would you recommend, including the number of boxes, tape, and protective materials?

ChatGPT Answer:
Based on the details of your home, here’s a breakdown of the packing supplies you’ll likely need:

Boxes
• Small Boxes (1.5-2 cubic feet): ~50
Ideal for heavy items like books, pantry goods, and small kitchen appliances.
• Medium Boxes (3 cubic feet): ~80
Great for most household items like decor, folded clothes, and smaller toys.
• Large Boxes (4.5 cubic feet): ~50
Perfect for lightweight but bulky items like bedding, linens, and pillows.
• Wardrobe Boxes: ~6
Handy for transferring hanging clothes directly from your closets.
• Specialty Dish Boxes: ~6-8
Protect delicate kitchenware like plates, glasses, and china.

Tape and Materials
• Packing Tape Rolls: 10-12 rolls (quality tape ensures boxes stay secure).
• Bubble Wrap: ~100 feet (for fragile items, mirrors, and artwork).
• Packing Paper: ~20 pounds (to wrap kitchenware and fill empty spaces in boxes).
• Furniture Pads/Blankets: 6-8 (to protect furniture during the move).
• Mirror and Artwork Boxes: 4-6 (designed to safeguard large flat items).
• Corner Protectors: For artwork and mirrors with frames.

Organization Tips
• Labeling: Use color-coded labels or markers for each room (e.g., blue for the kitchen, red for the office). This makes unpacking easier.
• Inventory List: Create a master list of what\u2019s in each box. You can number boxes and jot down key contents on your phone or notebook.
• Essentials Box: Pack a separate box for first-night essentials like toiletries, medications, chargers, and basic kitchen items.
• Fragile Items: Pack mirrors and artwork individually using bubble wrap and cardboard corner protectors. Secure them in specialty boxes, and mark them as “Fragile.”

This setup should cover the majority of your needs for a home of your size and layout.

As you can see, this gives much more specific guidance as to what will help you in planning your move. For your home, you may want to include details about your garage or back yard toys or furniture. You can get very specific to the special details of your home. It’s also great to use if you have something unique about your home, such as a piano or special art pieces.

Here are some additional areas where ChatGPT could be useful:
1. Logistics Planning
• Provide guidance on selecting the right size moving truck based on your inventory.
• Assist in determining the appropriate storage unit size if needed.
• Help plan the most efficient driving route to your new location, factoring in fuel stops and rest breaks.
2. Packing Order and Timing
• Advise on the order to pack your items. For example, seasonal and infrequently used items should be packed first, while daily essentials should be packed last.
• Help you create an essentials box for the first night in your new home, including toiletries, bedding, chargers, and snacks.
• Recommendations for loading the moving truck efficiently to prevent damage and maximize space.
3. Post-Move Assistance
• Unpacking strategies to set up your space efficiently and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• A list of organizations and services to notify about your address change, such as the post office, banks, and subscription services.
• Home organization tips for setting up closets, kitchens, and storage areas.
4. Additional Tips and Research
• Understanding the legal or logistical considerations for moving pets, plants, or special items.
• Providing cost-saving tips, such as finding free or discounted packing materials.

Every home is unique from the size, number of people, pets and type of move. Are you downsizing, upsizing, moving in town or out of state. You may wonder, what is the best way to handle moving day with a toddler? When we asked ChatGPT, here was part of the answer:

Tips for Handling Moving Day with a Toddler
1. Secure Childcare (if Possible)
• If you can, arrange for your toddler to stay with a trusted family member, friend, or babysitter during the most chaotic parts of moving day. This keeps them safe and allows you to focus on the move.
2. Create a “Toddler Kit”
• Pack a bag with your toddler essentials:
• Diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes.
• Snacks, drinks, and a sippy cup.
• Favorite toys, books, and a comfort item (e.g., a blanket or stuffed animal).
• Any medications they might need and a small first-aid kit.
3. Set Up a Safe Space
• Designate one room or area in your current home or the new home as a “safe zone” for your toddler. Include toys, a play mat, and a few familiar items to keep them entertained. This gives them a sense of stability amid the chaos.
4. Involve Them in Small Tasks
• Give your toddler simple, supervised “jobs” to help them feel included, such as packing a small box of toys or “helping” with tape.
5. Keep It Fun
• Frame the move as an adventure. Talk to your toddler about their “new house” and how exciting it will be. Let them explore the new space at their own pace.

As a Realtor, we try to offer advice during every step of the moving process, but sometimes you may need more specific advice to your specific needs. ChatGPT doesn’t have all the answers, but it can be one of the tools you can turn to when you want help in organizing and preparing to make your move as smooth as possible.

Holly has been a Desert Ridge resident since 2000 and has been a Realtor since 2006. She is the leader of The Henbest Team with Realty One Group. Holly is ranked in the top ½ of 1 percent of Realtors in Arizona and is a certified luxury marketing expert. She has been ranked #24 in the Top 50 Realtors by the “Phoenix Business Journal” for the past several years and recognized by “So Scottsdale!” magazine as a Real Estate Superstar for 2019, 2020 and 2021. She’s also been the #1 ranked realtor at Realty One Group/North Scottsdale for the past several years. Learn more at henbest.com.