Moving Timeline

6-8 weeks before moving

1. Research your new community. Check in with city hall and the Chambers of Commerce to pick up a new residents kit.
2. If moving to a new city or state, ask your doctor, dentist, attorney, etc. for referrals and necessary records. Choose a new school for your children and make sure to get their records transferred. If you have pets, get copies of their records from your veterinarian.
3. Check with your insurance companies to see how your policy will be affected by the move.
4. Notify your post office of when your new address will take effect.
5. Start clearing away junk! Move only the items you need. And if you didn’t know you had it until now, you probably don’t need it. Why waste time packing items that will just go back into storage? Plan a garage sale or schedule a pick-up/drop-off with your local charity.
6. Once you have an idea of how much you’re actually moving, choose a moving company. Get your free quotes from homesmoving.com! Compare movers to see which company best matches your budget and needs. Schedule a tentative pick-up and delivery date.

4-6 weeks before moving

1. Schedule the disconnect date with your local utility company and the connect date with your new utility company for your new home.
2. Cancel or redirect newspapers and magazine subscriptions, garbage and recycling, and all other home services.
3. Give your new home a final inspection and cleaning. Measure doorways and staircases to see if furniture and large items will fit through easily.
4. Start using items that may not be worth moving; cleaning supplies, frozen foods, fruits and vegetables.
5. Start packing items you know you won’t need for the next few weeks. Be sure to set aside valuables that you wish to carry personally. Clearly label the boxes that you do not want the movers to touch.
6. If moving into a condo or apartment building, check with management to learn about move-in procedures. You may need to reserve a loading area and elevator.

1-2 weeks before moving

1. Be completely packed except for daily use items! Between coordinating movers and meetings, the last thing you need is to still worry about packing.
2. Confirm the scheduled pick-up/move-in date with your moving company
3. Confirm disconnect/connect dates with your utility providers
4. Make sure your new doctor/dentist/insurance company/attorney, etc. has received all the necessary documents.
5. Refill any prescriptions you need.
6. If moving into a condo or apartment building, confirm with management of your move-in date and elevator/parking reserve.
7. Pack an “essentials box” full of necessary items that will get you through your first night. Fill this box with towels, toilet paper, toothpaste/toothbrush, soap, instant foods, plates and silverware, flashlight, and a change of clothes.
8. Also keep with you a supply bag equipped with extra tape, heavy duty bags, a marker, and a box cutter. You want to be prepared if you need to quickly dig into a box again.
9. Be sure to defrost your refrigerator as time comes near and drain the garden hose if you plan to take it with you. Lawn movers, clothes irons, and anything else that may carry liquids should be emptied as well.
10. Give your new home a final check and consider taping down tarp to protect your floors from the heavy traffic of moving, especially if moving during the rainy season.