Moving Countdown Tips and Tricks

Did you know that along with loss of a loved one, divorce, and loss of a job, moving is counted as a top stressor that someone can experience over a lifetime? Here are some tips and tricks to help you if you are planning a move.

2 – 3 Months Before You Move

First things first, make a plan unique to you! We’re going to give you some great general tips, but everyone’s situation is different. Combine our tips with this ‘epic’ moving checklist and make a template that is right for you.

6 to 8 Weeks Before You Move

• Get estimates from moving companies and look at their online reviews.
• Take measurements at your new home to make sure all of your current furniture will fit. No point in packing a couch if it won’t fit in your new space!
• Look at your things. What do you want to keep, donate, and throw away?
• Buy moving supplies.
• Moving out of your child’s school zone? Collect necessary information like transcripts or have them sent to the new school.

4 Weeks Before You Move

• Hire a mover. Get all details in writing and take pictures of all paperwork and save it to your phone. It’s easy to misplace paperwork while moving.
• Get packing!
• Change your address with the post office and contact other relevant entities about your move: credit card and utility companies, banks, etc.
• Transfer medical records.
• Create an ‘important’ box or two that you will take yourself when moving.
• If you’re getting rid of a lot of things, have a garage sale.

2 Weeks Before You Move

• Call your moving company to reconfirm the day and time of your move. Tie up any loose ends.
• Speak to your boss about taking a Friday and/or Monday off. A long weekend is a blessing when moving!
• Arrange for a babysitter for your children on the day of the move if needed.
• Continue packing!

1 Week Before You Move

• Finish packing, but don’t get discouraged! Chances are, you will still be finding things to pack or purge up to moving day.
• Pack a suitcase full of comfortable clothes and toiletries.
• Look for local restaurants, sandwich shops, and grocery stores close to your new home. You will need quick options like pizza and cereal while moving. 
• Defrost the fridge.
• Do a final cleaning and inspection of your house. Too busy to clean? Hire a service.
• Arrange for a last trash and recycling pickup.
• Arrange payment for the mover and be sure to have cash on hand for tips and emergencies that may arrive.

Finally, accept that moving is stressful! Don’t be too hard on yourself, and definitely don’t try to move into your new home and have everything perfectly arranged in a few days. Once your first and most important things are put where they belong, assign a little-used room in your new home to house unpacked boxes and scattered items. That way, your living space is clear of clutter while you finish up unpacking. Best of luck!