Home Moving Timeline
Home Moving Timeline: How to Plan a Successful Move
Everyone knows moving can be a very stressful time in your life. Moving into a new home requires a lot of organization and cooperation for everything to go smoothly. You may know what you need to do for your upcoming move, but you might not know when is the best time to do it during the process. That’s why Lile created this home moving timeline checklist. We made this checklist based on our 60+ years of moving customers across the United States. We want your move to go smoothly, so look beyond our 8-week moving planner.
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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 will fit within 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 so you can take 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
Create a meal plan to help clear out your fridge and pantry before moving. Also, use up cleaning supplies. Most household cleaning products can not be transported on a moving truck. Check out our list of non-transportable items.
Choose your moving company
If you choose to use a professional moving company, now is the time to schedule your moving survey. Get an in-home or virtual estimate from at least three moving companies. Don’t take moving estimates over the phone. Also, always be sure the company has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) associated with it. In the end, pick a company you feel confident with moving your precious belongings.
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
Begin cleaning rooms that are empty or near empty. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it is a nice gesture to the new homeowners.
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 Has Arrived
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.
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. Get your free moving quote today!!!
