When Should I Start Preparing for a Move?

If there’s one thing that’s true about moving, it’s that packing always takes longer than you think it will. If you’re relocating soon, it’s important to have a timeline in mind and do your best to stick to it. This will help ensure you have enough time to handle all the logistics – from finding a great moving company to safely packing all your belongings.

The general rule of thumb is that the earlier you start preparing, the easier your move will be. Take a look at this suggested timeline for planning a stress-free move.

6 to 8 Weeks Ahead

Two months to six weeks before your move, start taking an inventory of your belongings and deciding what you’ll take with you and what you can get rid of. Designate an out-of-the-way area to store items you want to donate or sell. This is also a good time to start cleaning out the attic, garage, and basement.

You’ll also want to begin researching moving companies as early as possible. Begin by asking for recommendations and reading reviews. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, call and ask for quotes so you can compare services and rates. 

4 to 5 Weeks

Now that you’ve spent some time going through your items, it’s time to start getting the ones you’re not keeping out of your house. List items for sale online, plan a yard sale, or make arrangements to donate things you’re not going to sell.

Next, use the information you’ve gathered to choose a moving company and confirm your moving date. If you’ll need a storage unit, consider reserving that space now as well.

You’ll also want to go ahead and order your packing supplies. Once they arrive, you can start packing things you know you’re not going to use – like holiday decorations, fine china, and off-season clothing.

2-3 Weeks

If you’re not hiring professional packers, you’ll want to give yourself two to three weeks to pack up all your belongings. Start with non-essential items and pack room by room. Begin with storage rooms, your garage, and your closets. Make sure to label your boxes and store them in a safe place.

1 Week

Now, your move is getting really close! This is the time to finish packing up all of your non-essential items. It’s also a good idea to create a “day-of” box that will hold anything you’ll need right up until you move and as soon as you arrive at your new home. In addition to personal items, your box should include items like toilet paper, a few sets of plates and cutlery, and some cleaning supplies.

Let Us Make Your Move Easy!

If you’re on a time crunch for your move, don’t panic! While the timeline above is ideal, people move on short notice all the time. In this case, hiring a great mover is one of the smartest things you can do.

John’s moving is the area’s most trusted moving company. We offer professional packing and unpacking services as well as both local and long-distance moving. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your move.