The Ultimate Moving Guide

Finalizing Your Move-Out Timeline

Embarking on a move to a new house is an adventure filled with excitement and challenges. To make this journey smoother, we've crafted The Ultimate Moving Guide, a comprehensive resource to help navigate each stage of your move effortlessly. Our guide to moving is designed to assist you from the initial planning stages through the moving days, ensuring you stay organized and stress-free. Whether you're moving for work, upgrading your living space or downsizing, this ultimate moving guide offers tips and timelines to help you make informed decisions. Let's transform your moving experience into a seamless transition to your new home!

8 Weeks Before the Move: Deciding What Stays or Goes

As moving day approaches, deciding which items to keep or discard is key. Engage with movers early on to facilitate logistics and gain insights on what to retain or sell based on your new space. This is not just about logistics but also about making informed decisions for a smooth transition.

Start consolidating your belongings by assessing each room critically. Ask yourself: Have I used this in the past year? Does it hold sentimental value? If not, consider letting it go. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace are excellent for selling unwanted items. Craft engaging listings with clear photos to attract potential buyers, helping you declutter while earning extra cash for moving expenses.

If you decide not to sell certain items, consider donating them to local charities. This not only helps you declutter and streamline your move but also supports the community.

6 Weeks Before the Move: Organizing Logistics

At this point, you should have a better idea of how much you’ll be taking to your new home. If you are moving yourself, determine how many boxes you will need and the size of the truck required by calculating the cubic feet of the boxes, plus that of large furniture pieces. A good rule is one box per room, plus extras for specific items like books and kitchenware.

If you are moving out of town or to a new community, be sure to request copies from service providers, including medical records and final utility bills. As a parent or guardian, also make arrangements to transfer your children's school records.

4 Weeks Before the Move: Decluttering Time

With packing just around the corner, now is the perfect time to declutter your home. Take a thoughtful inventory of your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell or store. If certain items won’t fit or suit your new space, explore storage options or prepare them for sale. Make sure everything is clean and in good condition since presentable items are easier to store and more likely to sell. A quick cleaning or minor repair can significantly boost their value.

Consider hosting a garage sale before you begin packing to lighten your load and earn a little extra cash. If you are moving far, be sure to make necessary travel and hotel reservations at least a month in advance.

3 Weeks Before the Move: Packing Strategy

Three weeks out is the time to systematically pack your home. Start with items you won't need soon, like seasonal clothes and extra linens. Secure important documents such as passports, birth certificates, social security cards, etc. in a waterproof bag for easy access and safety.

Cancel current utilities to avoid unnecessary charges. Inform providers of your moving date and keep cancellation confirmations for reference. Simultaneously, activate utilities at your new residence to ensure everything is ready upon arrival.

Packing materials to consider are boxes, bubble wrap, nylon packing string, old newspapers, scissors, rope, large self-stick labels, furniture pads, packing tape, utility knife and packing peanuts.

2 Weeks Before the Move: Share the News

Now is a great time to notify friends and family of your move if you haven’t done so already. Send out a fun postcard or e-mail! Complete a change-of-address documents with the U.S. Postal Service and update all personal accounts like prescriptions, online subscriptions, bank account, etc.

If you are moving long distances, service your vehicle to ensure safety during transit. Routine maintenance checks like oil changes and brake inspections offer peace of mind for a smooth journey.

Parent tip: Arrange for a babysitter on moving day if you have small children to keep them safe and entertained so you can focus on the move. Same goes for pet parents!

2 Days Before the Move: Final Preparations

With two days to go, finalize preparations for moving day. Ensure large furniture is disassembled and pathways are clear for efficient loading. Set aside valuables and important documents in a secure, easily accessible place. Prepare first-day essentials like clothing and toiletries, reducing stress upon arrival. Having these necessities on hand helps you settle in comfortably, avoiding the inconvenience of rummaging through boxes.

Moving Day: You’ve Almost Made It!

Congratulations on reaching moving day! Pick up the rental truck early if you’re moving yourself or carefully read the terms and conditions in your mover’s agreement before signing. You’ll want to keep the agreement on-hand until your goods are delivered to settle any charges or claims.

As you load, create a detailed inventory of packed items. This list aids in unpacking and tracking belongings, ensuring nothing goes missing. Before leaving your old home, check all corners for overlooked items. Inspect attics, garages and appliances to ensure nothing is left behind.

Delivery Day: You Made It!

Congratulations, you’ve made it to delivery day! As boxes come off the truck, verify each one is accounted for and undamaged. This step is vital for peace of mind and necessary for any claims.

Make sure utilities are connected and that your new locks are installed. Start arranging your new home by placing boxes in designated rooms based on labels. This organization simplifies unpacking, allowing you to create a comfortable, welcoming environment. Take your time to declutter further, focusing on essentials that enhance your new living space.

And that’s it! Now the real task of settling in and organizing your home begins. We know change can be intimidating and uncomfortable but with our moving guide, the right resources and preparation, you can grab the bull by the horns and ace the journey to a new home.

To explore more resources on the moving process and homebuying journey, visit our Home Buyer and Sellers page.

Interested in more? Check out these articles:

Title Insurance and Your Newly Built Home
Top 4 Considerations When Choosing a Neighborhood
Low Maintenance Home Features and Tools for Effortless Cleaning