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June 13, 2024

Ideal Moving Timeline: Tips to Prepare for Your Movers

Organizing and planning ahead can make moving simple and stress-free. Making a thorough schedule ensures that you remember and prepare everything for when the movers arrive. Here is a sample moving schedule to help you plan for your household relocation.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Research Moving Companies: Start researching moving companies. Look for reviews, get recommendations, and obtain quotes from at least three companies.
Create a Moving Binder: Organize your moving-related documents, including estimates, receipts, and inventory lists.
Notify Your Landlord or Realtor: If you’re renting, inform your landlord of your move-out date. If you’re selling, coordinate with your realtor.
Decluttering: Sort your belongings into keep, donate, sell, and discard. Having less stuff to move can help you start fresh in your new home.

6 Weeks Before Moving

Order Supplies: Purchase moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Consider specialty boxes for fragile items.
Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won’t need before the move, such as seasonal clothes, books, and decorations.
Label Cartons: Write the contents of each box and the room in your new house on the labels. This will make unpacking much more manageable.
Arrange School Transfers: If you have children, contact their current and future schools to handle the transfer process.

4 Weeks Before Moving

Confirm Moving Details: Verify the day, time, and any special needs with your moving company.
Notify Utilities and Services: Contact utility companies (electricity, water, gas, internet, etc.) to arrange the connection to your new residence and the disconnection to your existing one.
Change of Address: Submit a change of address form to the postal service. Notify banks, insurance companies, and subscription services of your move.
Take Measurements: Make sure your furniture will fit in your new house by measuring the doorways, hallways, and staircases. Make any necessary adjustments to your moving plans.

2 Weeks Before Moving

Pack Essentials: Pack a separate essentials box or bag with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and essential kitchen items.
Service Vehicles: Service your car first if you’re driving to your new home.
Plan for Pets and Plants: Make arrangements for transporting pets and plants. They require special care during a move.
Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Safely discard hazardous materials that movers won’t transport, such as paint, chemicals, and batteries.

1 Week Before Moving

Finalize Packing: Finish packing all remaining items. Ensure that everything is labeled correctly and protected.
Confirm Details with Movers: Reconfirm the moving day schedule, including the arrival time of the movers and any special instructions.
Prepare Appliances: Defrost the refrigerator and freezer. Disconnect and clean appliances and ensure they are ready for transport.
Pack Valuables: Pack valuables such as jewelry, important documents, and small electronics separately and plan to transport these items yourself.

Moving Day

Finalize the Packing: Ensure everything is packed and ready to go before the movers arrive. This will allow them to start work immediately.
Inventory Check: Perform a final walk-through of your home to ensure nothing is left behind.
Meet the Movers: Be present when the movers arrive. Provide them with any necessary instructions and stay available.
Final Clean: Once everything is loaded, clean your old home to leave it in good condition.