Countdown to Moving Day

Moving is one of those life events that is both exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. If you have an upcoming move on the horizon, you can do yourself a real favor by planning out a week by week strategy which will make the work so much easier.

8-7 Weeks

This is the time to research the company you plan to use for moving. This is also a great time to look into specific services you will need in your new location. Doctors, dentists, financial institutions. It is also not a bad idea to take a look at moving insurance. This protect your possessions during a move.

Spend some time getting estimates from a few different moving companies. This will ensure you get the best deal possible. Also, make sure you start the process of having your address changed.

6-5 Weeks

Start doing an inventory of your clothing and belongings. It might be time to donate to Goodwill in order to cut down on the volume of things you need to move. Also, start the transfer process for your kids if they will be heading to a new school.

Start getting your moving supplies and cardboard boxes ready for the big day, and don't forget to notify your friends and family of your new address. Get a room by room packing plan in place so that you and your family do not feel overwhelmed by the amount of work in front of you.

4-3 Weeks

Arrange for time off at work and even set up a babysitter if your children are too young to be helpful. If you think the move will be too emotional for your kids, then that is a good reason to get a sitter as well.

Begin to arrange all important paper work and personal items which you do not wish the moving company to handle. Figure out your plan for moving these items.

If your moving company will be handling expensive items, then you will want to take pictures of these items and date the photos just in case anything happens during the move.

2-1 Week

You might feel that you are running out of steam at this point, but keep packing. Make sure you have filled out an official change of address form with the post office. This is also the time to clean out any major appliances which will be moving.

Your move should be feeling really, real now. It's time to schedule a utilities turn off date. This should be set for one day after your move out date. Confirm all final details with your moving company. Set up a cleaning service to come directly after the move out to conduct a move out cleaning. Be sure to get plenty of rest the night before your move, because regardless of how much pre-planning you do, the day of the move will be physically and emotionally tiring.

Be sure to take time with your family to enjoy all of the wonderful memories you made in your home and to reassure each other that this move is the beginning of a lot of new memories as well.