Home Moving Timeline
Home Moving Timeline: How to Plan a Successful Move
Planning a move? There’s no denying that relocating to a new home can be one of life’s most stressful events. Between organizing, packing, and scheduling movers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The key to a smooth, stress-free move is timing and preparation—knowing what to do and when to do it.
If you’re just starting the moving process, our guide on the ABCs of Moving is a great place to learn the fundamentals before diving into your timeline. Once you understand the basics, you’ll be ready to plan each step of your move with confidence.
That’s why Lile Relocation Services created this comprehensive Home Moving Timeline Checklist. With over 65 years of experience helping families move across the United States, we’ve learned exactly how to plan a successful relocation from start to finish.
This easy-to-follow guide walks you through each stage of the moving process—from decluttering and packing to transferring utilities and coordinating with your movers. Follow our 8-week moving planner and expert tips to stay on schedule, stay organized, and enjoy a seamless transition to your new home.
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8 Weeks Before Your Move
Create a moving budget
Figure out how much you can spend on your move. Learn how much money you will need to organize and execute your local or long-distance move. Your financial figure can determine if hiring a moving company fits your budget.
Research moving companies
Start researching moving companies online. Check out their customer reviews and their websites for the services they offer. Take a week or two to do your research. You can also ask friends and family if they have any suggestions.
Get Organized
Create a moving folder or file for all your moving-related documents. Dedicate a moving notebook for taking notes to keep yourself organized.
Declutter
Go through every room in your home and decide what to keep and what to sell or donate. Remember, any large valuables (piano, antique furniture, grandfather clock, etc.) will need extra moving protection coverage to protect you if they get damaged during the move.
6 Weeks Before Your Move
Order Supplies
Buy packing materials, such as boxes, tape, markers, and bubble wrap. Don’t forget specialty boxes like dish packs and wardrobe boxes.
Notify Schools and Doctors
Transfer your kid’s academic records to their new school (if necessary). Also, don’t forget to transfer your medical records to your new doctor or dentist. Visit your veterinarian for your pet’s papers as well.
Clear it out
Choose your moving company
4 Weeks Before Your Move
Book your move
It’s time to select your moving company. Get a written confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.
Start Packing and Create a Labelling System
Set aside an hour each day and start packing non-essential items. Things like books, off-season clothing, and home decorations. Label and number each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Pack and label an essentials box for things you will need immediately after moving into your new home. Another great idea is to take pictures of the box contents. This way, you will know the contents of each box when you arrive at your new place.
Change your address
Visit your local post office or fill out an online USPS change-of-address form.
2 Weeks Before Your Move
Change your utilities
Contact your current utility companies and schedule a transfer or cancellation of services.
Pets and Plants
Make arrangements on how to transport your pets and plants to your new home.
Contact the moving company
Reconfirm your moving date with your moving company.
Finish up packing
Unless you hire a moving company to assist you with packing, it’s time to pack everything except the essentials. Pack a suitcase with clothing and anything you will need until moving day.
Coordinate your valuables
Separate the valuables you want to take with you (jewelry, heirlooms, money, etc.). You don’t want these items mixed up with other packed items. Keep them safe and secure to transport them with you.
1 Week Before Your Move
Clean Empty Rooms
Pack your suitcases
Get everyone in your family to pack a suitcase to live out of for a few days. You should pack essential items like clothing, socks, and toiletries.
Moving Day
Clean out the fridge
Clean out and defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Check your cabinets and pantry for any food items.
Work with your movers
Stick around to answer any questions your movers may have. You can help them by identifying fragile items. Be there when the movers load your items onto the truck. You will be responsible for verifying that the movers loaded everything. Sign the Bill of Lading when you are satisfied that everything is loaded.
Final Walkthrough
Make sure you don’t forget anything and that everything is clean.
In Conclusion | Home Moving Timeline
Hopefully, our home moving timeline can help you with your upcoming move. Moving can be stressful; Lile is here to help make the entire process go smoothly and seamlessly. Our goal is to start you off on the right foot and reduce the stress of moving your home. At Lile, we are the Local Moving Professionals ready to help you!
Are you preparing for a move? Contact us at 888-507-6304 or complete our online residential services quote form to set up a FREE in-home or virtual moving survey.
