Updated on November 7, 2024
One of the most challenging things to coordinate for any move is the timing of everything, especially for long-distance moves. You must adhere to a detailed packing timeline to move to be able to handle everything that needs to be done. The key to ensuring your move goes smoothly is to create a detailed plan and stay organized.
You should start planning your move two months ahead of the date you would like to move, especially if you are moving during the busy moving months of April - June. This is where you should start packing items such as seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, or anything you won’t need immediately while also getting your moving services scheduled for your preferred date.
Let’s jump into how to create your timeline for packing to move to your new home today and get started the right way!
8 Weeks Out Before Your Move
> It’s time to purge! Spend extra time downsizing your belongings before you pack. You should always simplify before any move, especially if you are trying to trim your moving expenses. You certainly don’t want to pay to move items you no longer want or need at your new home. Start early with this process so you have plenty of time to sift through everything and make decisions at your own pace.
> Create a budget. Moving to a new home can involve a down payment, closing costs, first and last month's rent deposit, packing and moving costs, and many other expenses. A budget can help guide you as you make some big decisions over the coming weeks.
> Find a moving company, like 1-800-PACK-RAT, that will be a good fit for your situation. Choosing a moving company can be overwhelming, but choosing one that can move on your schedule and provides flexible services that fit your packing for a move timeline is vital. Be sure to get a quote from some different companies and consider not only the monetary costs, but also the physical and time costs of the moving company.
7 Weeks Out From Your Move
> After purging, but before packing, is the time to create an inventory of everything in your home. Make a detailed room-by-room inventory list of all your possessions and determine which items might require special handling, packing, or extra insurance.
> Gather your packing supplies. This means getting your moving boxes, packing tape, moving blankets, bubble wrap, etc. You can purchase moving supplies online or from big box warehouse stores or ask neighbors or neighborhood social media groups in your area if anyone has boxes and supplies they are not using anymore and would like to get rid of for free or for a small fee.
6 Weeks Out From Your Move
> Packing will be an ongoing endeavor until your moving date, and now is the time to begin! Pack up non-essential items you won’t need or use in the next few weeks. Label boxes with what is in each box, especially if the box contains fragile items, so the contents can be easily spotted from every angle, even if the boxes are stacked.
> Start scheduling any additional services you might be using, such as professional labor assistance, auto transport services, etc. Once you have a moving date settled, contact these vendors to schedule services for the same day or thereabouts so you aren’t stuck with not getting the services you need when you need them.
5 Weeks Out From Your Move
> Update your mailing address and set up mail forwarding with the United States Postal Service, so you don’t miss any important bills, checks, and deliveries while you are in the process of moving. This will help cut down on missing items as well as reduce the chances of identity theft occurring,
> We also highly suggest changing your address with each vendor or, subscription service, or utility provider personally. While the post office will forward mail, it isn’t a perfect solution, and stuff will fall through the cracks. Make sure to have your address change process as a part of your checklist for moving!
> If you’re moving out of a rental, give your landlord or rental company notice if you haven’t already. Most places will require you to give notice or inform them that you will not be renewing your lease, typically a month before your lease is up. Failing to do so might result in a lost security deposit or legal issues.
4 Weeks Out From Your Move
> Contact your utility companies and other service providers to disconnect the services at your old address and start your services at your new place. Don’t assume the utilities will be switched over automatically, even if you are staying with the same providers.
> Put a temporary halt on any subscriptions to delivery services and memberships to clubs and organizations you won’t need after moving.
3 Weeks Out From Your Move
> Make travel arrangements for you and your family. Make specific plans for hotel stays, rental cars, air travel, or anything else you might need to arrive safely at your destination, and start mapping out a path you will be taking along the way. If you are driving your car a long distance, make time to get it serviced now and have it ready for a long drive.
2 Weeks Out From Your Moving Day
> Take the opportunity to say goodbye to your friends with a small, simple goodbye party.
> Gather and organize all your essential documents and valuables into one safe place. You will want to move these items personally, always keeping you on them. This includes passports, birth certificates, social security cards, etc. If you are taking any jewelry or other valuables, keep them with you. If you have a safety deposit box at a local bank, remember to remove those items before your move.
> Confirm the dates and times of your services with your moving day vendors. No matter what form of moving you choose, call the companies you will be working with and double-check that everything is still on track for your agreed-upon day.
1 Week Out From Your Moving Day
> Pack a “moving day” or overnight bag for each family member, just like you would pack when going on a trip. Include a pair of pajamas, a change of clothes, and your toiletry items like toothpaste, a toothbrush, and shower essentials (including a towel). For children, pack one or two of their favorite belongings in their overnight bag to provide assurance. This box or bag should be the last thing you pack, so it is the first thing you unpack at your new home.
> Have everything packed and ready to go for your moving day. The last thing anyone wants is to be still packing boxes on the day of your move, especially if you have hired professional labor providers coming over to assist. Have everything staged in a main room, labeled, and ready to go.
Let 1-800-PACK-RAT Help Make Your Upcoming Move Simple
Having control over your move and timeline to prepare and transition from one home to another is vital, and can provide a lot of peace of mind during a rather chaotic time. If you are looking for a moving company that can handle all of your belongings while providing a flexible moving solution that works on your schedule, consider giving 1-800-PACK-RAT a call!
Our portable storage containers are perfect for any size local or long-distance move. They can even be kept on-site at your home or in one of our nationwide warehouse locations if you need temporary or long-term storage. The process works like this: we deliver however many containers you need to your home, you pack them at your pace, and when ready, we will come and pick them up and deliver them to your new home. It is that simple - no more driving or rushing to make a move happen in an afternoon or a single day like you would have to do with a traditional moving truck!
And if you need more time or aren’t ready to get your stuff back and need storage, you can keep your container on-site for 24/7 access or store it in one of our 70+ nationwide warehouses until you need it again. Storage is made simple, as you don’t have to load and unload multiple times or rent a truck to once again haul everything back to your new home. You can keep your container for as long as needed or securely store it with us.
No matter your moving or storage needs, 1-800-PACK-RAT makes it simple and on your terms. Call us or go online for a free quote and see how our containers can make your move easy today!