Planning a household move can feel like a lot to handle, but breaking it down into a timeline can make the process more manageable and reduce stress. Here’s a comprehensive timeline to help you organize and prepare for your move.
8 Weeks Before the Move
Create a Moving Plan: Begin by creating a detailed moving plan. Outline critical tasks, set deadlines, and assign responsibilities to family members.
Research Moving Companies: Start researching moving companies. Get quotes from at least three reputable movers, check reviews, and confirm their availability for your preferred moving date.
Declutter Your Home: Begin sorting through your belongings. Choose what to sell, donate, retain, or throw away. Decluttering now will make packing easier and reduce moving costs.
Create a Moving Binder: Organize all your moving-related documents, including estimates, receipts, and an inventory of your belongings, in a moving binder. This will help you stay organized and on top of important information.
6 Weeks Before the Move
Notify Relevant Parties: Let utility companies, your landlord, and other pertinent parties know you will move. Arrange to transfer or disconnect services as needed.
Gather Packing Supplies: Collect packing supplies, such as boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you don’t use daily, such as seasonal clothing, books, and decorative items. Label each moving carton with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home.
4 Weeks Before the Move
Confirm Moving Arrangements: Confirm your moving date and details with the moving company. Ensure they have accurate addresses and unique instructions for handling your belongings.
Arrange for Time Off Work: If necessary, request time off work for the days surrounding your move. This will give you time to handle last-minute tasks and settle into your new home.
Transfer Medical and School Records: Transfer medical records to new healthcare providers and school records to your children’s new schools.
Notify Your Insurance Providers: Inform your home and auto insurance providers of your move. Make sure your new home will be covered on moving day.
2 Weeks Before the Move
Service Your Car: If you’re moving a long distance, have your car serviced to ensure it’s in good condition for the trip.
Finish Packing Non-Essentials: Continue packing items you won’t need in the next two weeks. Ensure fragile items are well-protected and marked “fragile.”
Plan for Moving Day: Make a plan for moving day logistics, including parking for the moving truck and access to your new home. Arrange for someone to watch young kids and pets to keep them safe.
Make a Moving Day Essentials Box: Fill it with necessities you will need when you get to your new house, like basic kitchen supplies, toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.
1 Week Before the Move
Confirm Details with Movers: Reconfirm all details with your moving company, including arrival times and any special instructions.
Pack Suitcases: Pack suitcases with clothes and personal items you’ll need for the next few days and the first few days in your new home.
Clean Your Current Home: As you finish packing each room, clean it thoroughly. This is especially important if you’re leaving a rental and want your security deposit back.
Prepare Appliances: If you’re moving appliances, prepare them for transport. This may include defrosting the refrigerator and disconnecting the washer and dryer.
Moving Day
Conduct a Final Walkthrough: Before leaving, do a final walkthrough of your home to ensure nothing is left behind. Check all closets, cabinets, and storage areas.
Stay Available: Be available to the movers to answer any questions.
Settle Into Your New Home: Once everything is unloaded, set up essential areas like the kitchen and bedrooms. Take your time unpacking and organizing your new space.
By following this timeline, you can ensure a smooth and organized household move, minimizing stress and making the transition to your new home as seamless as possible. We can help with everything from the packing to the heavy lifting. Contact us for more information.