A countdown to moving means that you need to, well, get moving. Filling out forms, packing boxes, and shining your floors until they’re spotless—in the weeks leading up to your move, you’ll be dealing with plenty of tasks. Though it’s easy to get overwhelmed at the thought of everything, we have a simple strategy to help you succeed. Instead of frantically doing everything all at once, gradually complete the following steps. Plus, we’ve even organized them into a helpful timeline. That way, you know what to do and when to have it done. Check out our ultimate countdown to moving below.
8 Weeks Before the Move
- Compare estimates from at least 3 moving companies.
- Pick up a Change of Address form at your local post office.
- Start sorting your things to determine which items you should keep, sell, donate or trash.
- Assess the appliances you are leaving behind to make sure they are working well.
- Clean out your garage.
7 Weeks Before the Move
- Look up clothing and/or furniture donation spots near you.
- Clean out your closet and ask everyone in your household to do it too.
- Contact utility services for your new home and schedule to have them turned on upon arrival.
- Research doctors, dentists and vets in your new location.
- Start eating food in your fridge and pantry that won’t make it through the move.
6 Weeks Before the Move
- Share your new address with family and friends.
- Organize important documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, etc.
- Make arrangements for any items going into storage.
- Ask your accountant about moving expenses that may be tax deductible.
- If you are moving at your workplace’s request, consult with your employer as to what expenses the employer will be covering.
5 Weeks Before the Move
- Select a moving company and book your moving dates.
- Ask your moving company which items are covered by insurance. Seek additional mover’s insurance if necessary.
- Appraise expensive items the moving company will be shipping for you.
- Consult with your insurance company if you are moving before you have sold your old home.
- Obtain copies of personal records from schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc.
- Plan your means of travel to your new location, whether by plane or car.
- Cancel local subscriptions like newspapers, magazines, etc. if moving to a new area.
- Have local subscriptions forwarded if moving locally.
- Start packing non-everyday items
4 Weeks Before the Move
- Submit your Change of Address form to the post office, or submit online at moversguide.usps.com.
- Have your car serviced (if traveling by car to your new home).
- Arrange for utilities to be shut off or transferred to your new owner the day after the move.
- Reach out to your home security company to have service cancelled after the move.
3 Weeks Before the Move
- Arrange for daycare/babysitting and/or petsitting for moving day.
- Check lesser-used spaces in your house (attic, closets, basement) for forgotten items.
- Decide what to do with plants you don’t plan to move.
- Contact the DMV to have your license address changed (if moving in state).
- Plan for your road trip if driving a long distance. Make a playlist for the drive!
2 Weeks Before the Move
- Ask friends for help with packing.
- Arrange for a place to stay if closing day is prior to moving.
- Use up any food you have left before moving day.
1 Week Before the Move
- Confirm your moving date(s) with the moving company.
- If transferring banks, close your old account and have new deposits routed to your new bank.
- Get a bank check for certified funds for closing (if applicable).
- Finish packing!
Moving Day
- Unplug appliances not moving with you.
- Pack last-minute items.
- Lock windows and doors.
- Set thermostat appropriately.
- Leave any keys, appliance manuals, etc. for new owner.
- Do a final walk-through.
- Look forward to what’s next!
Soon, all your hard work will be worth it. Once you’ve completed the countdown to moving, you can settle into your home. Instead of making lists, showing events, and offers, you’ll be making marvelous memories.
Still looking for the right home? Need to sell the one you own? Or are you looking to do both? No matter what you need, Ryan Roberts is here to help both buyers and sellers alike in the Auburn, Opelika, and Lake Martin area. To get started, fill out our contact form here. As for learning more about moving and real estate, visit our blog here.