When to Start Packing for a Move

One week before moving day
Contact your moving company. Follow up to confirm that your plans are on track so there are no last-minute surprises.

Say your goodbyes. Organize a farewell party, spend quality time with your closest friends and visit your favorite places in town.

Check your packing progress. Most of your belongings should be packed up and labeled by this point. If you’re doing any cleaning or repairs yourself, make sure you’ve got all the supplies you need.

Prepare an “open first” box. This way, you’ll have all your essentials as soon as you arrive in your new home. Read more about what to put in it here. Don’t forget to decide how you’ll get it to your new home. If you’re flying and arriving before movers, you may want to consider sending it to yourself ahead of time.

Hire a sitter. Keep your children and pets from getting underfoot by securing a sitter for moving day. If your dog attends a daycare, consider sending them to it or boarding them if you’re moving within the same area.

Pay your bills. If there are any outstanding bills from your current address, square them away before you move. If you’re moving within the same service area, make sure your move dates and new address is updated in the relevant service provider systems.

Disassemble large furniture pieces. Bookshelves, bed frames, and other furniture may require disassembly and more intricate packing. Get them ready for shipment.

Do any DIY repairs you’ve planned. With much of your stuff in boxes and more space available, tackle repairs like patching wall holes and touching up paint.