8 Weeks Before Moving Day: Plan & Declutter

• Create a Moving Binder/Folder: Centralize estimates, receipts, contracts, and a running checklist.
• Set a Budget: Estimate costs for movers, packing supplies, travel, and new utility deposits.
• Research & Book Movers/Rental Truck: Get quotes from at least three reputable companies and book early, especially for peak season.
• Start the Great Purge: Sort items into Keep, Donate, Sell, or Discard. Fewer items reduce cost and stress.
• Measure: Take measurements of large furniture and your new home’s rooms and doorways to plan placement.
• Inventory Valuables: List or photograph high-value or fragile items for insurance purposes.
• Request Records: Begin transferring school, medical, dental, and veterinarian records.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day: Supplies & Notifications

• Order Packing Supplies: Boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers.
• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Focus on storage areas, seasonal items, books, and decorative pieces.
• Notify Important Parties: Landlord, post office (change of address), utilities, and service providers.
• Use Up Perishables: Plan meals to consume pantry, freezer, and refrigerator items.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day: Packing & Logistics

• Continue Packing: Pack items used less frequently, leaving daily essentials for the final week.
• Label Boxes Clearly: Include room, contents, and "FRAGILE" or "ESSENTIAL" labels where necessary.
• Update Address: Notify banks, insurance, subscriptions, and credit card companies.
• Arrange Time Off: Request moving day off from work.
• Service Vehicle: If driving long distance, schedule a car service.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day: Final Prep

• Book Child/Pet Care: Arrange a sitter for moving day.
• Confirm with Movers: Reconfirm date, time, address, and details with your moving company.
• Assemble an "Essentials Box": Include items needed immediately upon arrival.
• Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Paint, cleaning chemicals, propane, and other items movers cannot transport.
• Empty and Defrost Appliances: For fridges and freezers, clean and defrost before moving.

1 Week Before Moving Day: The Final Push

• Finish Packing: All non-essential items should be packed.
• Clean the Old Home: Schedule cleaners or deep-clean yourself.
• Prepare Appliances: Disconnect and secure appliances being moved.
• Gather Valuables & Documents: Secure passports, financial papers, jewelry, and medications personally.
• Withdraw Cash: For tips or unexpected expenses.

Moving Day: Execution

• Essentials Bag/Box on Hand: Keep separate from other items being loaded.
• Protect Your Home: Lay down coverings for floors and carpets.
• Guide the Movers: Be present to answer questions and direct placement.
• Final Walkthrough: Check every closet, cabinet, and corner.
• Take Final Meter Readings: Record utility readings at the old house.
• Supervise Unloading: Direct movers where to place boxes at the new house.

Post-Move: Settle In

• Unpack Essentials Box: Set up bathrooms, beds, chargers, toiletries, and medications.
• Prioritize Utilities: Ensure electricity, water, and heat are functional.
• Strategize Unpacking: Start with the kitchen and bedrooms.
• Explore: Locate nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and other essential services.
• Change Locks: Consider replacing locks for security.

Moving Day Essentials Box Checklist

• Personal Items: Toiletries, toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels, towels, change of clothes, medications, first-aid kit.
• Documents & Tech: Phone chargers, IDs, contracts, cash.
• Basic Kitchen: Paper plates, plastic cutlery, cups/mugs, coffee maker, coffee, non-perishable snacks, water bottles.
• Tools: Basic toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, wrench), scissors, box cutter.
• Cleaning: Trash bags, all-purpose cleaner, sponges.