Four weeks before moving day
Request your records. If you’re moving out of town, get copies of your family’s medical records and your kids’ school transcripts.
Take your pet to the vet. Schedule a complete checkup for your fur baby, and get all their health certificates and vaccination records. If you’re moving to a new region, do research on parasites like ticks and chiggers.
Get rid of unwanted items. Organize a moving sale, sell items online, donate them to charity or give them away to relatives and friends. Consider using the clutter scale. Think of this as your chance to lighten your load.
Gather moving boxes and supplies. Why pay for boxes when you can get them for free? If you’ve got physical newspaper or magazine subscriptions, now is the time to start stacking them for packing material. If you don’t have subscriptions, try asking neighbors or local groups online.
Cancel memberships and subscriptions. If you won’t be going to the same gym or using the same delivery services, update your info so you don’t get charged for stuff you don’t need.
Start packing items you won’t need before moving day. The more you get done now, the less you’ll have to deal with later. Clearly mark boxes with the name of the room they’ll go in; you’ll be thankful you did this when moving day comes.
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.
