The Ultimate Moving Checklist: 8 Weeks Before Your Move
A comprehensive timeline to ensure your move goes smoothly from start to finish.
Moving to a new home is one of life's most exciting yet stressful experiences. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, proper planning is essential for a smooth transition. This comprehensive 8-week moving checklist will help you stay organized and reduce stress throughout your moving journey.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
Start Planning Early
The earlier you start planning, the less stressful your move will be. Eight weeks gives you plenty of time to handle all the details without rushing.
Key Tasks:
- Research Moving Companies: Get quotes from at least 3-5 licensed and insured moving companies. Read reviews and check their credentials.
- Create a Moving Budget: Factor in moving company costs, packing supplies, travel expenses, and potential storage fees.
- Start Decluttering: Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Less stuff means lower moving costs.
- Gather Important Documents: Collect birth certificates, passports, medical records, school records, and financial documents in one safe place.
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
Book and Organize:
- Book Your Moving Company: Reserve your moving date with your chosen company. Summer months and month-ends book up quickly.
- Order Packing Supplies: Stock up on boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and markers. Consider specialty boxes for dishes and wardrobes.
- Notify Your Landlord: If renting, give proper notice according to your lease agreement.
- Research Your New Area: Find doctors, dentists, schools, and other essential services in your new neighborhood.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
Time to Start Packing
Begin with items you don't use daily. Pack room by room and label everything clearly with contents and destination room.
Essential Tasks:
- Change Your Address: File a change of address with USPS. Update your address with banks, credit cards, insurance, and subscriptions.
- Transfer Utilities: Schedule disconnection at your old home and connection at your new home for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable.
- Transfer School Records: If you have children, arrange for school records to be transferred to their new school.
- Arrange Time Off Work: Request time off for moving day and a day or two after to unpack and settle in.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Final Preparations:
- Confirm Moving Details: Reconfirm date, time, and details with your moving company.
- Pack Most Items: Everything except daily essentials should be packed by now.
- Arrange Pet Care: If you have pets, arrange for their care on moving day or prepare pet carriers for transport.
- Clean Out Storage: Empty and clean garage, attic, basement, and storage units.
Moving Week
The Final Countdown
This is it! Stay calm, follow your checklist, and remember that professional movers are there to help.
Last-Minute Tasks:
- Pack Essentials Box: Include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, important documents, and a change of clothes for each family member.
- Empty and Defrost Refrigerator: Clean and defrost your fridge at least 24 hours before moving.
- Prepare Cash for Tips: Have cash ready to tip your movers (typically $20-30 per mover for a full day).
- Do Final Walkthrough: Check every room, closet, and storage area to ensure nothing is left behind.
Moving Day Tips
Be Present
Stay available to answer questions and provide directions to the movers throughout the day.
Check Inventory
Review the inventory list with your movers and note any existing damage to furniture.
Take Photos
Photograph your old home after it's empty and your new home before unpacking.
Inspect Delivery
Check items as they're unloaded and note any damage on the inventory sheet immediately.
After the Move
Once you've arrived at your new home, take time to settle in properly:
- Unpack Essentials First: Set up bedrooms and bathrooms first so everyone can rest comfortably.
- Check All Systems: Test lights, outlets, plumbing, and appliances to ensure everything works.
- Update Your Driver's License: Visit the DMV to update your address on your license and vehicle registration.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Introduce yourself to neighbors and start building community connections.
Need Professional Moving Help?
Let OnTime Moving Co handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your new home. Our experienced team makes moving stress-free.