Moving is exciting, but it's also one of life's biggest stressors. Between packing boxes, coordinating movers, changing your address, and settling into a new neighbourhood, your routine can quickly be turned upside down. With so many moving parts, it's easy for healthy routines, including your sleep, to take a back seat.
Whether you're moving across town or across the country, a little planning can make the transition smoother. From purging what you no longer need before packing to creating a comfortable sleep setup in your new home, the right strategies can help reduce stress and make moving day more manageable.
Read on for practical moving tips, plus helpful sleep advice to help you rest easier before, during, and after your move.
How does moving affect your sleep?
Stress and sleep are closely connected. When you're preparing for a move, your brain is juggling countless decisions, from organizing your belongings to planning logistics and adjusting to a new environment. Even if you're physically tired, your mind may still be in planning mode when it's time for bed.
Common reasons moving can disrupt your sleep include:
- Increased stress and anxiety
- Changes to your daily routine
- Sleeping in an unfamiliar space
- Packing away bedroom essentials too early
- Different lighting, noise, or temperatures in your new home
If you're wondering what to do when you can't sleep during a move, rebuilding a consistent bedtime routine is one of the best places to start.
In the week before you move: Declutter, plan, and prioritize your sleep routine
The week leading up to moving day can feel overwhelming, but a little planning can make the transition much smoother. Instead of rushing to pack everything at once, focus on organizing your belongings, creating a realistic packing plan, and maintaining the routines that help you feel your best.
Declutter before you pack
Moving is the perfect opportunity to take stock of what you own. Before packing each room, ask yourself whether each item still serves a purpose and whether it will suit your new home.
For larger items like furniture, consider:
- Will it fit comfortably in your new space?
- Does it match the layout or style of your new home?
- Is it still in good condition?
If the answer is no, it may be time to sell, donate, or recycle it (Casper offers In-Home Delivery & Setup, so if you decide to order a new mattress, our team can also remove your old one and donate it for you).
Ultimately, decluttering before you move means fewer boxes to pack, less to transport, and a fresh start in your new home.
Plan your new space
Moving is a great time to rethink how you want your new home to function. Before moving day, take measurements of your new bedroom and consider whether your current furniture and mattress are the right fit for the space.
If you're downsizing, you may need a smaller bed or furniture that better suits the room's layout, like a twin mattress or twin XL mattress. If you're moving into a larger home, it could be the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a larger mattress, like a king mattress, or invest in new bedroom furniture to create a more comfortable sleep environment. Not sure which mattress size is right for your new space? Explore our Mattress Size Guide to compare dimensions and find the best fit.
Refresh your sleep setup for a fresh start
Moving is also the perfect opportunity to upgrade your sleep essentials. If your bed is more than seven to ten years old or no longer feels supportive, it might be time to replace your mattress. Replacing it during your move can help you start this new chapter feeling well-rested.
Casper Canada offers premium mattresses designed to provide ergonomic support, pressure relief, and comfort for a variety of sleep styles, helping you sleep better night after night. Even better, all our mattresses are conveniently compressed into a box, ship free across Canada, and can be delivered directly to your new home, making for one less thing to worry about during your move.
You can also refresh your sleep environment with:
- Supportive pillows for better neck alignment
- Breathable sheets and bedding to help regulate temperature (For more cool sleep tips, check out The Ultimate Guide for Hot Sleepers)
- Cozy duvets for year-round comfort
- Durable bed frames that create a stable foundation for restful sleep
Stick to a consistent sleep routine
Even if your evenings are filled with packing, try to keep your bedtime and wake-up time as consistent as possible. Maintaining your usual sleep schedule can help you manage stress, stay energized, and feel more prepared for the busy days ahead.
Keeping your bedtime routine familiar can also help you unwind after a productive day. Try:
- Reading a book
- Gentle stretching
- Meditation or deep breathing
- Listening to calming music
- Limiting screen time before bed
Save your bedroom for last
It may be tempting to pack up your bedroom early, but keeping it functional until the final day helps preserve a comfortable place to recharge.
Leave these essentials unpacked until the last day:
- Your mattress
- Pillows
- Bedding
- Bed frame
- Blackout curtains (if you have to pack these, make sure you have an eye mask like the Winky Sleep Mask handy)
- White noise machine (if you use one)
Maintaining a comfortable sleep environment for as long as possible can make a noticeable difference.
The night before you move: How to fall asleep when your mind won’t stop racing
Moving often comes with endless to-do lists. If you're struggling with how to fall asleep, try giving your brain permission to stop planning for the day.
Write tomorrow’s to-do list
Spend five minutes before bed writing down everything you need to accomplish the next day. Getting those thoughts onto paper can help reduce bedtime overthinking.
Practice relaxation techniques
Try:
- Deep breathing
- Guided meditation
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Gentle stretching
Even five to ten minutes can help your body transition into sleep mode.
Avoid late-night moving tasks
Try to avoid moving-related tasks like answering emails from your movers, comparing internet or utility providers, organizing boxes, and scrolling through checklists. Instead, reserve the last hour before bed for relaxing activities.
After you move: Set up your bedroom first in your new home
After a long moving day, you'll appreciate having one room that's completely ready. Rather than unpacking the kitchen or decor first, focus on your bedroom.
Prioritize:
- Assembling your bed (Casper bed frames feature hassle-free assembly)
- Making the bed with familiar bed sheets
- Setting up bedside lighting, like the Casper Glow Night Light
- Plugging in your alarm clock or phone charger
- Keeping the room tidy and clutter-free
Creating a calm bedroom helps your brain associate your new space with rest sooner.
Sleep tips for families moving with kids
Moving can feel especially overwhelming for children. New schools, unfamiliar bedrooms, and disrupted routines can make bedtime more challenging. Fortunately, a little consistency goes a long way.
Tips for kids to sleep better during a move
Some helpful tips for kids to sleep include:
- Keep bedtime and wake-up times consistent.
- Pack favourite stuffed animals, blankets, or night lights separately so they're easy to access.
- Set up your child's bedroom before unpacking less essential rooms.
- Read familiar bedtime stories each night.
- Talk openly about the move while acknowledging any worries they have.
The more familiar bedtime feels, the easier it can be for kids to settle into their new surroundings.
What to do when you can’t sleep after moving
Even once the boxes are unpacked, adjusting to a new home takes time. Different sounds, lighting, or neighbourhood activity may temporarily affect your sleep. If you're wondering what to do when you can't sleep, try these simple strategies:
- Get outside in natural sunlight each morning.
- Stay physically active during the day.
- Avoid heavy meals and alcohol close to bedtime.
- Limit screen time if you wake during the night.
- Resist the urge to watch the clock.
For more sleep hygiene tips, read our list of Wellness Tips from Casper’s Sleep Expert.
Make your new home feel like home, starting with better sleep
Moving may temporarily disrupt your sleep, but it doesn't have to derail your well-being. By protecting your bedtime routine, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and making your bedroom a priority from day one, you'll give yourself the best chance of settling in quickly.
And if your move is the start of a new chapter, it can also be the perfect time to upgrade your sleep setup. Whether you're looking for a supportive mattress, cooling sheets, memory foam pillows, or a complete bedroom furniture refresh, Casper has thoughtfully designed sleep essentials to help you rest comfortably in your new home.
Because no matter where life takes you, a great night's sleep can help every new beginning feel a little easier.
FAQs
Why does moving make it harder to sleep?
Moving is considered one of life's most stressful events, and stress can have a direct impact on sleep. Between changing routines, packing, planning logistics, and adjusting to a new environment, it's common to experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Re-establishing a consistent bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help you adjust more quickly.
How can I sleep better while moving?
If you're wondering how to sleep better during a move, focus on maintaining healthy sleep habits whenever possible. Stick to a regular bedtime, avoid packing your bedroom until the last minute, limit screen time before bed, and create a relaxing wind-down routine, such as with Casper’s Winky Sleep Mask or Glow Night Light. Once you arrive at your new home, set up your bed frame and mattress first to help make the space feel familiar and comfortable.
What should I do when I can't sleep after moving?
If you can't sleep after moving, avoid lying awake in bed for long periods. Instead, get up and do a calming activity like reading until you feel sleepy. During the day, expose yourself to natural sunlight, stay active, and follow a consistent sleep schedule to help your body's internal clock adjust to your new surroundings.
How long does it take to adjust to sleeping in a new home?
Similar to how it can take time to adjust to a new mattress, it can also take time to adjust to sleeping in a new home. Everyone adjusts at a different pace, but many people begin sleeping more comfortably within a few days to a couple of weeks. Factors like stress levels, your bedtime routine, and how quickly you settle into your new environment can all affect the adjustment period.
What are the best sleep hygiene tips during a move?
Some of the most effective sleep hygiene tips include:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
- Avoid caffeine late in the day.
- Limit screen time before bed.
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
- Set up your bedroom before unpacking other rooms in your new home.
Should I replace my mattress when I move?
Moving can be a convenient time to replace an old mattress, especially if it's no longer providing the comfort or support you need. If your mattress is seven to ten years old, sagging, or causing aches and pains, upgrading to a supportive mattress can help improve sleep quality and make your new bedroom feel complete.
How can I help my child sleep better after a move?
Keeping your child's bedtime routine as consistent as possible can help them feel more secure during the transition. Try setting up their bedroom first, unpacking favourite blankets or stuffed animals right away, reading familiar bedtime stories, and maintaining regular sleep and wake times. These simple tips for kids to sleep can make adjusting to a new home easier.
Can moving affect sleep quality even after I've unpacked?
Yes. Even after you've settled into your new home, unfamiliar sounds, lighting, or routines may temporarily affect your sleep quality. Most people naturally adapt over time, especially by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
How can I improve sleep quality in my new home?
To improve sleep quality, make your bedroom a space that's designed for rest. Choose a quality mattress, durable bed frame, and supportive pillows, keep the room cool and dark, reduce clutter (such as by putting belongings inside a nightstand), and establish a relaxing bedtime routine. Small changes to your sleep environment can help you feel more comfortable and settled in your new home.
What is Casper’s delivery time in Canada?
Casper Canada orders usually ship out in 3 to 5 business days and arrive 2 to 10 business days after that.
What is the Casper Canada return policy?
Casper Canada offers a 100-night sleep trial on all mattresses. If you’re not in love with your Casper bed-in-a-box at any time during the trial, you can make a free and easy return. Casper Canada has free returns for all mattresses and will even pick up your mattress from your front door.
Does Casper Canada offer a mattress warranty?
Yes, Casper Canada offers a 10-year limited warranty on all mattresses.
How long does a Casper mattress last?
Wondering “how long does a mattress last?” The average mattress lasts between 7 and 10 years when cared for properly. However, memory foam mattresses, especially those made of high-density foam, like all Casper mattresses, can retain their shape and offer support longer than low-quality foam mattresses (sometimes up to 12 years).
Whether it's foam, spring, or hybrid, the longevity of a mattress is tied to the quality of the components. Casper Canada mattresses are backed by a 10-year warranty and use the highest quality components, like CertiPUR-US® Certified Foam, to ensure every mattress provides years of comfortable, restful sleep.
Learn more about when to replace your mattress.
Where can I buy a Casper mattress in Canada?
Wondering where to buy a Casper mattress in Canada? The Casper Mattress is available exclusively on Casper.ca and in Casper Canada stores. The rest of Casper’s mattress lineup, including the Original Hybrid Mattress and the Wave Hybrid Snow Mattress, is available on Casper.ca, in Casper Canada stores, and in Sleep Country Canada stores.
