The Most Instagrammable Moving Moments: How to Document Your Move

Moving to a new home is a big transition, even if you’re just moving across the city. If this move marks a new chapter in your life, be sure to capture this milestone with plenty of photos! You don’t have to put lots of work into staging an “Instagrammable” moving day—just a few authentic photos will do the trick. But if you really want to document your move and have plenty of memories to look back on, here are some moving day photo ideas.

Photos Ops During the Pre-Move Planning

Want to go above and beyond? Start your moving day photography well before the actual day arrives! You have several chances to capture fun snapshots as you plan for this transition. Don’t miss these photo ops in the weeks leading up to the big day:

Timeline and Progression Photos

If you want to end up with a visual timeline of your move, start taking photos early. You could capture some shots of the home search process, showing multiple listing printouts spread across your kitchen table or screenshots of your favorite properties. Then, take photos of the moment you sign your lease or closing documents. These behind-the-scenes glimpses are sure to be happy memories for you to look back on.

Create a Countdown

For those documenting their move on social media, consider creating a countdown series leading up to moving day. Post photos of your calendar with the big day circled, or snap pictures of moving supplies as you gradually collect them.

Get Some “Before” Shots

Take photos of your current space as it is. But instead of just getting static photos, you might want to capture your home “in action.” Show your morning routine in the kitchen, your workspace setup, or your pet’s favorite sunny spot by the window. These lifestyle shots commemorate the small moments we often overlook when reflecting on our past.

Leaving Space for the Sentimental

Take photos of sentimental corners—the reading nook where you spend Sunday mornings, the wall where you track your child’s height, or the garden you’ve carefully tended. You certainly don’t want to forget these positive memories as you move on to a new home.

Capture the Chaos of Packing Day

Packing is tedious, but you can liven up the process with some photo ops. While boxing up all your possessions may seem boring, a well-thought-out image can capture the chaos of moving day and score some Instagram likes. Here are a few ideas to begin with:

• Get Creative With Labels—Use colorful markers, fun fonts, or even draw small illustrations on your boxes. Create a flat lay of your labeling supplies, or take close-up shots of particularly creative or funny box labels. “Random kitchen gadgets I definitely need” or “Clothes I swear I’ll wear someday” add a bit of humor to the process.
• Take Progress Shots—Snap photos throughout the day to show your progress. If you’re feeling fancy, create a time-lapse effect with still photos, or film short clips for a highlight reel. You can capture the emotional moments, too! Take pics of special items you’d forgotten about and the things you plan to donate.

The Main Event: Moving Day

Moving day is here! There are plenty of opportunities for photos today. Capture the scale of the operation with wide shots of the moving truck parked outside your home, and get photos of the movers in action (but always ask permission first and be respectful of their work).  If you have friends and family helping out, make them a part of your Instagrammable moving day. Take photos of everyone working together and snap some pics during breaks. Group photos with your moving crew could become one of your most cherished memories, even if you’re all sweaty and exhausted.

Traveling to Your New Home

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, document the journey itself. Capture photos through your windshield of familiar landmarks you’re leaving behind or new landscapes you’re heading toward. For long-distance moves, document stops along the way—gas stations, restaurants, scenic overlooks, or quirky roadside attractions. These travel moments make your adventure feel even more memorable.

Document the First Moments in Your New Space

The moment you receive your keys or first unlock your new front door deserves documentation. This picture can represent ownership, new beginnings, and achievement. Stage this shot thoughtfully—show the key in the lock, your hand on the door handle, or the keys against your new address numbers. Before the movers arrive, capture the empty spaces that will soon become your home. These “blank canvas” shots will contrast beautifully with later photos of the same spaces filled with your belongings. Use natural light to your advantage and shoot during golden hour if possible.

Snap Photos While Unpacking

Once all the boxes are unloaded into your new home, consider getting a few shots of the unpacked boxes. These photos can represent the exciting potential of your new space. Stack the boxes artfully for a more aesthetic shot, or keep the chaos front and center. As you unpack each room, create before and after content that shows the transformation. Start with photos of rooms filled with boxes, then document the progression as furniture gets placed and belongings find their homes. If you want to document your move in detail, create individual posts for each room’s “reveal.”

Creating Your New Home’s Character

Instagram is all about sharing your life authentically. So, once most of the unpacking is done, show your personalized space in all its glory. Here are a couple of moments that make perfect photo ops after the work is finished:

• Cooking the First Meal—Cooking and eating your first meal in your new home is an exciting moment!  Document the process from unpacking your kitchen essentials to sitting down to eat. Even if it’s just takeout eaten on moving boxes, documenting the first meal is a fun way to say “hello” to your new space.
• Decorating and Personalizing—Show how you make the space yours through decorating choices. Photograph the process of hanging artwork, arranging books on shelves, or setting up your workspace. Before and after shots of the same corner or wall show dramatic transformations your followers will love to see!

Our Pro Social Media Moving Tips

Documenting your move isn’t difficult when you know which shots will make the most impact. If you’re really hoping to get some exceptional photos, here are our social media moving tips for capturing the best pictures:

• Pay Attention to Lighting—Moving usually happens in the daytime, so you’ll probably have access to plenty of natural light. However, indoor shots in empty or cluttered spaces can be challenging. Use window light whenever possible, and consider bringing portable lighting if you’re shooting in darker areas. Golden hour (in the evening) is your best bet for photos of your new neighborhood!
• Make the Most of the Equipment You Already Have—You don’t need professional equipment to document your move effectively. Smartphone cameras are perfectly adequate for social media content. Make sure you have your phone charger at the ready! Moving day is long, and you’ll want to capture moments throughout without worrying about battery life.

Making Your Move Memorable and Shareable

Moving is an exciting time that often represents growth and new beginnings. Documenting the process is a great way to preserve your memories and give yourself something tangible to look back on. At U.Santini Moving & Storage, we’re proud to be part of such a memorable process. Our New York City team works hard to ensure your move goes smoothly, even as you take breaks to snap photos. Contact us today for details about our services.