Moving to a new home can be a massive undertaking that demands a great deal of your time and attention. You can make the process faster, simpler, and even more fun by creating a step-by-step timeline for all of your moving tasks.

Eight Weeks before Moving

Eight weeks before you are scheduled to move, you should:

1. Research moving companies and narrow down what local movers you may want to hire. Some of the criteria to consider when looking for a moving company includes cost, availability, and licensing or bonding.
2. Start sorting out your possessions. Get rid of belongings that you no longer use or need. Have a garage sale to raise more money for your move or donate items to Goodwill or other charities.
3. Start keeping track of your moving expenses. Get a binder or folder in which to keep receipts and records of expenses. You may be able to claim some of these costs on your taxes next year.

Six Weeks before Moving

Six weeks before your scheduled move, you should:

1. Pay the deposit to reserve the movers and the moving company. The deposit guarantees that no one can take your place in the schedule and that you will have movers ready to help you on a moving day.
2. Buy moving supplies. Some of the supplies you will need include cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, masking or packing tape, a dolly for moving heavy boxes and appliances, and a permanent marker for labeling.
3. Start using your perishable goods. Use up all of your cleaning supplies, frozen and refrigerated foods, personal hygiene products, and other supplies that are a hassle to pack and can be easily replaced once you get moved into your new home.
4. Pack infrequently used belongings like your fine china set, extra sets of drapes or linens, holiday decorations, and other things that you do not need to use prior to the move.
5. Reserve the moving company. Call your local movers and schedule the day and time for the company’s services.

Four Weeks before Moving

Four weeks before moving, you should:

1. Call your renters or homeowners insurance and adjust your policy if needed. Update your new address and alert the insurer of the date of your move.
2. Change your address with your bank, brokerage firm, and subscription services. Let them know the last day that you will be in your old home.
3. Pack books, collectibles, and other items that you will not need to use in the next month before the move.
4. Schedule the shut-off or transfer of your utilities.
5. Confirm your reservation with the movers.

Two Weeks before Moving

The last two weeks before moving can be hectic. Stay calm and on task by:

1. Scheduling time off from work for the move. Depending on your job and the distance of your move, you may want to take at least two to three days off work.
2. Transfer your kids’ school records to the new school if possible.
3. Transfer your medical records if you have a new doctor ready to take over your care.
4. Plan what rooms to pack and load into the moving truck first.
5. Put in a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service.

One Week before Moving

The final week before the move may be a blur of activity. Stay focused on taking care of tasks like:

1. Service your car. Get the oil changed, tires rotated, and fluids checked.
2. Transfer or fill your prescription medications. This task will ensure that you have all of the medicines you or your family need to stay healthy during and after the move.
3. Pack your clothing. Leave out one or two changes of clothing to change into during the next seven days.
4. Make sure the moving business has the right contact details for you. Check the phone number you provided and also provide a secondary contact number in case your primary number cannot be reached.
5. Set aside a few basic hand tools to use during the move. You might need a hammer, screwdriver, or wrench for moving tasks.

Moving Day

The arrival of Moving Day means that you need to be on top of your game all day long. Make the day go smoother by:

1. Signing and getting a copy of the schedule of inventory from the moving team. This schedule lets you know what is in the truck and in what order the boxes will be loaded and unloaded.
2. Check the DOT number and name on the moving truck. In your haste, you could overlook these important details. Make sure the name and numbers align with the information given to you when you made your reservations. This step ensures you avoid being the victim of a scam or thieves posing as moving employees.
3. Accept help when it is offered to you. Allow your friends or relatives to distract your kids or help move things in and out of the truck. Cooperating and taking help when offered will help keep your stress levels low.

Moving out of one house and into another does not have to be a stressful and exhausting process. You can stay focused and get ready in plenty of time by knowing in what order to handle the most common moving tasks. Prepare now by creating a helpful step-by-step moving timeline.