Prepare for Your Upcoming Move with This Week-by-Week Timeline

When preparing for something as big as moving house, it is important to be as organized as possible. One way is by creating a week-by-week moving checklist and sticking to it. Check out the following guide for help creating your own personal moving timeline – from eight weeks to one week prior to moving day.

Weeks Prior to Moving Day: 8

• Decision time! Eight weeks prior to moving day is the optimal time to make that important decision – opt for a self-move or hire movers.
• If you are currently renting, inform your landlord that you will soon be leaving the property, and begin your search for a new place in the city you are moving to.
• Confirm with your current employer that you will be moving, and arrange your first day of work at your new job. Or, if you do not yet have a job in your new area, begin your search as soon as possible.
• Create a moving budget so you will know roughly how much money you will need to organize and execute your upcoming move.
• If you decide to use professional movers, being your search for a top-rated moving company that is affordable and professional.
• Contact several moving companies and request an in-house estimation of your future relocation costs.
• Inventory your home by making a detailed room-by-room list of all your possessions.
• Review your home inventory list and decide which items you will take with you and which ones will be left behind.
• Create a special binder to keep all of your moving-related paperwork.
• Begin thinking about how you are going to pack your belongings.

Weeks Prior to Moving Day: 6

• If you have opted for a self-move, begin strategizing your plans for renting a moving truck. Contact truck rental companies and compare prices and conditions.
• Collect all medical records from your doctor and also from your pet’s vet. If you have school-aged children, now is the time to also obtain their school records. This is also a good time to take your pet(s) to the vet for a complete check-up, required vaccinations, and advice on the upcoming relocation.
• Start looking for a new healthcare provider and a new school for your kid(s) in your future city. Be sure to ask around for suggestions and recommendations before the move takes place.
• If your move is local, visit your soon-to-be home, and measure the dimensions of rooms and doorways. This will eliminate potential problems come moving day.

Weeks Prior to Moving Day: 4

• If you will be having a self-move, four weeks prior to moving day is a good time to go ahead and contact your friends and family to ask them if they can help you move.
• Begin collecting moving boxes of various sizes. Also, gather packing supplies, such as:
  • Bubble wrap
  • Tape
  • Markers
  • Packing paper

• Learn what items your moving company forbids being transported due to their hazardous nature.
• Cancel any subscriptions for delivery services and memberships to clubs/organizations.
• Driving to your new home? Now is the optimal time to have your car serviced so your upcoming road trip goes smoothly.
• If you are flying to your new home, you will need to find a trustworthy auto transporter to ship your car.
• Arrange travel plans – book flights and hotels, collect important documents, etc.
• Begin packing, being sure to label all of your boxes. This will make unpacking much faster and more efficient.
• While packing, prepare one or two boxes/containers with all of the absolute essentials you will need during the time when you won’t have easy access to your belongings.

Weeks Prior to Moving Day: 2

• Contact your chosen professional mover to ensure all plans are still in order.
• If moving with kids, make a point to talk with them about the upcoming move. Discuss with them what is expected from them, and also use this time to calm down any fears they may have of the unknown ahead.
• Contact your current utility companies to inform them of the date your services will need to be disconnected. Also, contact service providers in your new area, and arrange a connection date.
• Consider how you will pack and ship any fragile or valuable items – artwork, paintings, antique furniture, and jewelry. For optimal protection, use appropriate packing techniques with materials that provide good cushion and padding, like bubble wrap and packing paper.

Weeks Prior to Moving Day: 1

• Pay any remaining bills before your scheduled move-out date.
• Begin disassembling large furniture – dressers, beds, desks, etc. Keep in mind, you may need help handling these tasks, so you will need to have enough time to find helpers.
• If you have fallen behind in your moving schedule, seek aid from friends or professional movers.
• Make a move-out cleaning checklist, and prepare all cleaning materials in advance.
• Finish any last-minute organizing, packing and preparing for the big day ahead.

For all the moving tips and tricks you need to know, click here.