Your big moving day is quickly approaching. Hopefully, by now, you’ve finalized your moving plan and are well underway with the packing process. Even the most dedicated packers need to take a break once in a while. Why not check out one of these movies all about the moving process? You’ll be able to relate to them on a whole different level now that you’re in the middle of moving!
This varied list features some films that are perfect for the whole family, but it also features some movies that are intended for adults. Furthermore, this list features movies about moving back home as well as movies about moving to a new place, so no matter what moving situation you find yourself in the middle of, there will be a film on here that you can watch and relate to!
“Toy Story”
A classic since its release in 1995, many people don’t remember that the original “Toy Story” is centered around Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and the other toys trying to get home before their owner, Andy, and his family moves away.
This film, like most of the animated Disney films, has a significant emotional undercurrent that’s enough to make even the most macho of men reminisce about their long-forgotten childhood toys.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by packing so many boxes, why not load up your Disney Plus account and stream the original “Toy Story?” It’s great for the entire family, and since you’re in the middle of moving, you’ll be able to relate to Andy and his family who, in the background of all of the toy drama, are packing for their big move.
“The Conjuring”
If you’re not in the mood for an animated family movie, why not check out the antithesis? “The Conjuring” is not only one of the scariest mainstream horror movies of the past decade, but it’s also all about a family moving into a new home!
While, of course, you’ll be able to get sucked into all of the paranormal tension of the demon that’s haunting the family, you’ll be able to see how this close-knit family of five daughters handles a huge move to a rural area.
Before you press play, you should know this movie is genuinely scary, and after the closing credits roll, you might find yourself up all night packing — anything to avoid lying in your darkroom, thinking about that Annabelle doll.
“Cheaper by the Dozen”
“Cheaper By the Dozen” tells the story of a family with 12 children as their lives are uprooted due to an interstate move. If you thought planning your family’s move was difficult, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief watching Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt plan and execute a move with their 12 children (you could also watch the 1950 original film).
Relatable, funny, and heartfelt, “Cheaper by the Dozen” is a film the entire family can enjoy, either as a break during the moving process or as a fun, first night in the new home!
“Footloose”
Moving to a small town can be tough for teenagers. They’re leaving their school, all their friends, and everything they’ve known at their current location. Because of this, they’ll certainly be able to relate to Kevin Bacon in “Footloose” (or Kenny Wormald in the 2011 remake, although we, at Liberty Moving and Storage, recommend the original)!
Your teen might not be thrilled that the family is moving, but you can point out that, thankfully, your new town does not have a ban on dancing!
“Moving”
This 1988 Richard Pryor film is the second movie on our list that is explicitly not for viewing with the entire family! This R-rated comedy follows the iconic comedian as he prepares to move to Idaho. While lots of things about moving have changed since the late ‘80s, you’ll probably get a kick out of realizing just how much has remained the same.
If you find yourself overwhelmed and stressed out as you pack up your home, why not kick back on the couch and have some laughs while watching “Moving?”
“Up”
The second animated Pixar film to appear on our list isn’t about moving in the traditional, pack up your boxes and move to a new house, kind of way. Rather, it is a fantasy about an elderly man who ties thousands of balloons to his house, causing it to fly to South America.
Certainly not to be taken literally, “Up” is more heartfelt than you might expect. While its fantastical elements make it a great family choice, its opening montage featuring a couple’s long life together—including their infertility and the wife’s death— might break your heart before the main character even begins his big move.
“Blue Valentine”
While we’re on the topic of movies that might break your heart, any list of movies about moving would be incomplete without mention of the devastatingly sad “Blue Valentine.” This drama jumps back and forth in time between the beginning of Michelle William’s and Ryan Gosling’s relationship (where Gosling works as a mover for a moving company), and their inevitable separation years later.
This devastating film isn’t as focused around the moving process as some of the other films mentioned on this list, but it is a rare movie that highlights what it’s like to work as a professional mover. It’s also explicitly not for children!
“Boyhood”
“Boyhood” is definitely not a plot-heavy movie. Instead of focusing on a strict storyline, it follows a boy through 12 years of his life as he grows from boyhood to adulthood. A significant portion of the film deals, in painstakingly realistic detail, with the culture shock he faces as he moves to a new high school after his parents’ (Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette) divorce.
This quiet, realistic meditation on childhood is a great movie to watch with your teenager who’s nervous about your upcoming move. By the time it’s over, you’ll all be feeling like you can tackle anything that’s thrown at you!
“Downsizing”
This Matt Damon social satire takes the moving process to a whole different level. Rather than moving to a big city, Damon is shrunk down to five inches and, due to his tiny size, is able to live his best life in a town made up of what is, essentially, a bunch of dollhouses.
“Downsizing” certainly isn’t to be taken literally, but it’s the kind of film you can watch when you’re feeling overwhelmed about the moving process and think “Well, at least I don’t have to move there!”
“Beetlejuice”
No list of movies about moving would be complete without the inclusion of “Beetlejuice.” Perfect for children and adults alike, this family-horror-comedy classic is about a teenage girl (Winona Ryder) whose parents (Jeffrey Jones and Catherone O’Hara) buy what ends up being a haunted house.
Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis play ghosts trapped in the house who want Ryder and her parents gone. They decide to hire the ghost Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) to scare the family out.
Hilarious and iconic, “Beetlejuice” is sure to get a laugh out of everyone who watches it. If you’re stressed out after a night of loading up boxes, why not unwind with this classic comedy about moving?
While all ten of the abovementioned films might not fit your tastes perfectly, we’re confident that you’ll find at least one of them to be the perfect movie to watch while moving!
If you’re planning a move and would like a free moving quote, contact the team of professionals at Liberty Moving and Storage! Having been in business for over 70 years, Liberty Movers have the experience and expertise to make your move as easy and stress-free as possible! Give us a call today!
