Things can get hectic during a big move. There are so many little things to remember it’s easy to let something slip. To combat that, we’ve laid out the most important things to remember during a move in one convenient moving timeline. It might be a good idea to print out this page and check it off as items are completed. Staying organized during such a big life event will allow you more time to enjoy your new home when you arrive.
8 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Begin by learning about the different types of moving services and decide which option is best for your moving needs.
- Researching moving companies and moving insurance options.
- Organize all important move-related paperwork, download uShip’s FREE Moving Checklist and Moving Inventory Templates to help build a moving calendar so you can stay organized along the way!
- If you have a landlord, let them know about your move at this time. (Note: most properties require a 60-90 day notice prior to a move).
- Set a budget for your move.
7 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Gather packing materials.
- Purchase plastic coverings for your carpet to protect it on moving day.
- Purge and sort. A move is the perfect time to get rid of some of the clutter in your home. If you haven’t used it in a year, don’t move it!
- Plan a garage sale and donate anything you don’t sell to a local charity.
- Get quotes from moving companies.
6 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Lock in your chosen moving company.
- If you will need a storage facility, acquire one now.
5 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Begin packing non-essentials and fragile items.
- If the move will require time off work or other delays, discuss that with your supervisor around this time.
4 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Submit change of address form.
- Notify all appropriate parties of your move and provide them with an updated address (utilities, family and friends, pharmacy, etc.).
- Stop buying perishable foods.
- Start cooking what you have on hand to reduce the amount of perishables you’ll have to move.
3 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Begin closing accounts that you won’t be transferring to your new home.
- If you will be using a new doctor, have any medical records transferred.
- If your kids will be attending new schools, have their school records transferred.
- Start planning for care of any pets and/or children during your move. If the kids are old enough to help, consider letting them help, if they are not consider asking a family member or friend to watch over them until the move is over.
2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Introduce children to their new bedrooms. Giving your kids a chance to get familiar with their new surroundings will help ease their stress (and yours) when moving day comes.
- Box it up! Finish packing and disassembling what will be moved to be ready for your movers to arrive.
- Arrange for internet access at your new place.
- Separate hazardous materials and cleaning supplies. Pack and move these items personally to ensure a safe arrival.
1 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Consider hiring a cleaning company to clean out your old home, top to bottom, to ensure you will get your deposit back.
- Confirm your moving date/times with your chosen moving company.
- Confirm AC/heating services will be turned on at your new home by moving day.
- Pack an essentials bag that you can have on hand and ready to go for your first night in the new home.
- Defrost and clean out your freezer. Clean out your refrigerator.
- Run through your inventory, checklist, and moving calendar one final time.
THE DAY OF YOUR MOVE
- Lay down any protective materials (i.e. plastic over the carpet) to prevent any possible damage to your home during the move. With people coming in and out all day, it’s better to be safe
than sorry. - Make a final pass through your home after all of the movers have left to double check nothing was left behind.
Remember, staying organized and planning your move appropriately will help ensure your moving day comes and goes with ease.
