Keeping Track of Moving Parts: Your Moving Timeline

Managing a move can be chaotic, from submitting your change of address forms to reserving a moving company, bringing home packing supplies, and setting up utilities. Keeping track of what to do and when to do it can feel overwhelming.

While every move is different, one thing is for sure — the earlier you start planning the moving process, the better. Creating a timeline helps you stay on track throughout your move, so nothing slips through the cracks.

This moving timeline will help you stay organized and reduce stress.

Two Months Before You Move

  • Organize: Create a folder, file, or online spreadsheet to keep all of your moving information in one (easily accessible) place.
  • Research moving companies; ask friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers for recommendations and check online review sites. Get at least three written estimates.
  • Declutter your home: Sort through all your belongings and categorize everything as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” or “Trash/Recycle.” Remember: You don’t want to pay to move things you don’t want or need.
  • Plan how you’ll move fragile, valuable, or large/unusually shaped items. Some items may require special attention; if you need a specialty household mover, secure services now.

Six Weeks Ahead of Your Move

  • Gather packing supplies — giving yourself plenty of time to gather boxes and packing paper.
  • Sell unwanted items at a yard sale or online. Donate whatever’s left to a charitable organization.
  • Notify schools: If you have children, notify their current schools of the move and research the new schools’ registration procedure.
  • Request copies of medical and dental records from your health care providers. You may need to visit in person to collect them, so it’s best to do this before moving.
  • Book your moving company.

One Month Before the Move

  • Start packing: Begin with non-essential items and rooms that you don’t use as often, such as extra bedrooms, attics, and basements.
  • Create a “first open box” list that includes the items you’ll need first after arriving in your new home.
  • Notify utility, phone, cable, internet companies, and other service providers of your move and schedule set-ups in your new home. You’ll also want to cancel memberships and subscriptions associated with your old address.
  • Give your landlord notice if you’re renting.

Three Weeks Out from the Move

  • Keep packing! Fortunately, you’ve given yourself plenty of time to pack carefully and keep it all organized.
  • Change your address and have your mail forwarded through USPS.
  • Make a plan to use up perishable food. Start cooking and eating out of your freezer and pantry to minimize food waste.

One Week Pre-Move

  • Give away or safely dispose of hazardous chemicals or items that cannot be moved, such as propane, solvents, fuels, and more.
  • Confirm your reservation with your movers and provide them with any information about parking, stairs, narrow hallways, or other potential issues.
  • Clear food from cabinets, pantries, and the fridge/freezer.
  • Clean your home. You’ve already packed almost everything, so this step should be easier.
  • Finish packing.

Moving Day

When moving day arrives, don’t stress. You’ve followed the timeline and checked off your tasks; now it’s time to let the movers do the heavy lifting. Contact us for a free quote.

 

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