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.
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.
When to Start Packing for a Move:
Two days before moving day
Finish packing. Get everything in boxes except the few items you can’t do without for a couple of days and the cleaning supplies you’ll need before moving out.
Defrost and clean your fridge. Get all your household appliances ready to move — empty them, clean them and make sure they’re fully dry and safely wrapped for transportation.
Secure your valuables. Confirm that you have all valuables and important documents with you for moving day.
When to Start Packing for a Move: Moving day
Make sure you have what you need. Whether you’re driving down the street or flying to a new continent, make sure you have all the necessities for your transit.
Double-check your home for forgotten items. A final walk-through can ensure you don’t leave anything behind. Don’t forget the outdoors.
Review the paperwork. Carefully read the moving paperwork you’ll be signing, and double-check the moving fees to make sure everything is on the level.
Thank the movers. Prepare some refreshments for them, and keep cash on hand for a tip if you’re satisfied with their work. Common practice is to tip each mover $4-$5 for every hour they work.
Share your info. Give the truck driver your exact new address and phone number to ensure your stuff makes it to the right location.
Clean up. Now that the place is empty, leave it the way you’d want to find it as a new owner.
Say goodbye to your old home. Lock it up and bid it farewell. The time has come to set foot on the road to your new life! Snap some pics or take a video as tribute.
While many tasks are common for residential moves, certain aspects of your move may be unique and require a different approach. Personalize this moving timeline to make it work just right for you.
