The Ultimate Moving Playlist: Songs to Keep You Motivated

Between packing boxes, coordinating logistics, and managing countless details, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed on moving day. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can reduce stress during this high-energy day, including playing the right soundtrack. A well-curated moving playlist can turn hours of packing into a dance party, make heavy lifting feel lighter, and help you maintain momentum when exhaustion sets in. Everyone wants a little something different when it comes to a moving playlist, so we’ve covered some of the most popular genres. Find out why making a moving day playlist is an excellent idea and listen to some of our recommendations.

Why Music Makes Moving Easier

Music naturally activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and endorphins that boost your mood (even during stressful times). When you’re relocating to a new space, these feel-good chemicals can make all the difference. Music also helps regulate your pace and energy levels. Upbeat songs naturally encourage faster movement, which can help you power through packing sessions. Meanwhile, steady rhythms can help you maintain consistent energy during long stretches of work. Beyond the physical benefits, music creates emotional distance from stress. Instead of focusing on how much work remains, you’ll find yourself singing along to your favorite songs and actually enjoying the process.

What Makes a Good Moving Day Playlist?

We all have different music tastes, but no matter what you prefer to listen to, the best moving day playlist will have these elements:

• Energy Levels to Match Your Tasks—The best songs for moving match the varying energy levels for the tasks you’ll be doing throughout the day. High-energy tracks work perfectly for packing and carrying boxes, while moderate-tempo songs suit organizing and cleaning.
• Familiarity—For most people, familiarity is key, especially when you’re moving into a new, unfamiliar space. Moving probably isn’t the time to discover new music. Stick with songs you already know and enjoy. Familiar melodies allow you to sing along and de-stress without thinking!
• Positive Lyrics—Choose songs with positive messages or themes of new beginnings, adventure, and positive change. Avoid anything too melancholy or nostalgic, which might make leaving your old home feel harder.
• The Right Length—Plan for longer playlists than you think you’ll need. A full day of moving requires several hours of work, so aim for at least 4 to 6 hours of content to avoid too much repetition.

The Best Songs for Moving: Our Picks

If you don’t know where to start as you pick out packing and moving music, we have you covered! Our recommendations span all kinds of genres and moods to help you get through the stressful day. Check out some of our favorites:

High-Energy Anthems

When it’s time to tackle the heavy boxes and furniture, you need songs that pump you up and keep you moving. These high-energy tracks provide the perfect soundtrack for getting the hard work done:

• “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
• “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
• “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
• “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
• “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
• “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
• “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson

Feel-Good Classics

Packing is easily the most tedious part of moving, and you need songs that create a positive vibe and help time pass more quickly. These feel-good classics provide the perfect background music for sorting through belongings and filling boxes. They’re familiar enough to sing along with, but not so intense that they become distracting:

• “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
• “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
• “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen
• “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves
• “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
• “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
• “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys

Pump-Up Songs for When Energy Drops

Every long-distance or local move has moments when motivation wanes. But a few pump-up songs can be all you need to get the energy going again! Keep these songs readily available for those moments when you need an immediate energy boost:

• “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
• “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz
• “Good as Hell” by Lizzo
• “Confident” by Demi Lovato
• “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
• “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
• “Rise Up” by Andra Day
• “Unstoppable” by Sia
• “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon
• “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia
• “Clarity” by Zedd ft. Foxes

Songs About New Beginnings and Fresh Starts

Moving sometimes means a significant life transition. If your move is the start of a new chapter, consider adding some songs that celebrate new beginnings. These tunes might be particularly effective during the final stages of packing, when stress and emotions might run high:

• “A New Day Has Come” by Celine Dion
• “New Rules” by Dua Lipa
• “Begin Again” by Taylor Swift
• “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson
• “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars
• “Home” by Phillip Phillips
• “Brave” by Sara Bareilles
• “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
• “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors

Songs to Unwind To

After a long day, finding the right music to relax and unwind is essential. In addition to saving some upbeat songs for moving day, make a playlist of a few soothing numbers. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• “Easy on Me” by Adele
• “Everything Has Changed” by Taylor Swift
• “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers
• “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay
• “Falling” by Harry Styles
• “All I Want” by Kodaline
• “Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish

How to Create Your Personal Moving Playlist

Maybe our recommendations for a moving day playlist don’t quite resonate with you. Perhaps you like some of the ideas but want to make your playlist based on your own tastes. If you’re planning a playlist from scratch, consider these tips:

• Start With Your Favorites—What are your favorite songs right now? Start creating your playlist using the genres and artists you already enjoy.
• Mix Familiar With Motivating—Combine songs you know by heart with tracks that specifically motivate you. The familiarity provides comfort while the motivational elements keep you energized.
• Plan for Different Phases—Create sections within your playlist for different moving activities that need different vibes. Choose from morning energy burst songs, midday motivation boosters, and evening wind-down tracks.
• Test and Adjust—Before moving day, test your playlist during other activities. Notice which songs truly motivate you and which ones feel out of place. Adjust accordingly. There’s no wrong way to choose motivational music for moving!

Tips for Using Music During Your Move

Your playlist is made and ready to go—what next? To make the most of your music during a move, try these easy steps:

• Get a Portable Speaker—Phone speakers won’t provide enough volume or quality for a moving soundtrack. Invest in a portable Bluetooth speaker that can move with you from room to room.
• Create Multiple Playlists—If you have the time, create more than one playlist. Make different lists for different moods and activities. Having several options prevents music fatigue and keeps things interesting.
• Plan for Logistics—Consider how you’ll manage your music during the actual move. Download playlists for offline listening (especially if you haven’t connected the WiFi at your new place yet) and bring charging cables for your devices.

Making Your Move Memorable (in a Good Way)

Creating the right moving playlist is just one piece of the puzzle as you plan to move into your new space. Thankfully, U.Santini Moving & Storage is here to help you cover the rest. We offer full-service local and long-distance moving for residents (or future residents) of the New York City metro area. Get in touch with us today to discuss your upcoming move.