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The Ultimate Moving Checklist For 2023: Everything You Should Do Week By Week

by Atmosphere Movers

June 19, 2023

So, you're making a move! Whether you are preparing to put down roots in a new community or simply upgrading your living arrangements, moving can be just a bit overwhelming.

From deciding to move to packing up your things and preparing for the big day – there’s a lot that goes into a successful move.

At Atmosphere Movers, we help individuals make a move in and around New Orleans every single day – and we’ve learned a thing or two about how to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

We have put together this Ultimate Moving Checklist for 2023 to help you plan your move week by week, ensuring that no important detail is overlooked.

 
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12 Months Before The Move

It’s a year out from your move – maybe you’ve been asked to relocate for work, or you’ve finally decided to purchase your dream home. No matter the reason, it is best to start planning early!

  • Start Researching: If you already know where you’re moving, research the area. Learn about the neighborhood, schools, local facilities, and lifestyle.
  • Budgeting: Establish a moving budget. This should include moving company costs, packing materials, travel expenses, possible storage, and other moving-related costs.
  • Schedule Planning: Mark the projected move date on your calendar and start planning backward.
  • List Down: Begin a moving binder or digital file to keep track of quotes, receipts, and an inventory of all items you’re moving.

6 Months Before The Move

Once you are six months out from your move, it’s time to really start turning those goals into actionable items on your checklist. While you might not be totally ready to sign and seal the deal on a moving company, there are several other tasks to begin working on.

  • Update Household & Vehicle Records: Update your address with your local DMV and for any memberships or subscriptions that you may have.
  • Start Decluttering: Take the time to go through your belongings and decide what will stay in storage, what should be donated or sold, and what you will take with you.
  • Choose Your Moving Company: Research moving companies in the area and compare rates. Get quotes from a few and ask for recommendations from friends or family who have moved recently.
 
couple in living room makes a moving checklist on a moving cardboard box

3 Months Before The Move

At this point, you’ve likely landed on your next home – and are starting to consider what the actual moving process will look like. This is the point where all your hard work in the first six months will pay off – as you’ll start to feel the tangible effects of your checklist beginning to take shape.

  • Book Your Moving Company: If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to book your moving company and make sure all dates are in-sync with each other for a smooth move. Make sure that all paperwork is in order – including any insurance policies – before signing any contracts.
  • Inform Important Parties: Notify your employer, post office, bank, insurance company, and any subscription services about your move. You don’t want to show up to your new home and be surprised that you can’t access important services.
  • Medical Records: Obtain copies of medical records for all family members – especially if you are moving to a new state.
  • School Records: If you have children, arrange for their school records to be transferred. Getting this done ahead of time will help ease the transition into their new school.

8 Weeks Before The Move

The move is getting closer – and now you are starting to think about packing! While much of the packing will start in the month leading up to your move, now is the time to make a moving strategy and collect the supplies you’ll need.

  • Supplies: Begin collecting boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies. Find a moving company that offers the full package, or shop around your local stores and online for the best deals.
  • Continue Decluttering: Begin the de-clutter process, as this will help reduce the overall cost of moving. If you haven’t already done so, now is a great time to donate all those clothes and items you no longer need – it’s both practical and therapeutic.
  • Pack Items You Don’t Need: Begin packing items you won’t need between now and moving day. This includes off-season clothing, books, decorations, knick-knacks, and other non-essentials.
  • Friends & Family Helpers: Start looking for friends or family members who can help with the move. Be sure to ask in advance so they can plan ahead!
  • Utilities: Notify your utilities about the move and arrange for services to be stopped at your old home and started at your new one.
 
man smiles as he carries a packed brown cardboard box downstairs at his home

4 Weeks Before The Move

There’s only one month until the big move! Now is the time to take care of all the details and make sure you are organized.

  • Confirm Moving Company: Confirm your moving company if you have hired one. If not, start looking for quotes and compare prices – you don’t want to forget this essential step!
  • Insurance: Get insurance for your move – this will protect any damaged or lost items in transit.
  • Notifications: Notify the post office and other services like banks and doctors about your move.
  • Final Declutter: Go through all your items one last time to ensure you don’t need anything else.
  • Pack Room By Room: Begin packing room by room, starting with the least used areas first. Label each box as you go and create an inventory list.
  • Valuables: Decide how to move valuable items. Some items, like jewelry or important files, might be easier to move.
  • Garage Sale: Host a garage sale or donate unwanted items if needed. This is a great way to cut down on the amount of stuff you need to move.

2 Weeks Before The Move

The pressure is on – you are only two weeks away from moving day! Here’s what you should be doing now:

  • Service Vehicles: If driving, have your vehicle serviced. You don’t want to end up on the side of the road with car trouble!
  • Change Of Address: Fill out a change of address form at your local post office. This will help redirect any mail you might have forgotten.
  • Travel Plans: If traveling a long distance, make travel plans for the trip. This includes hotel reservations and any stops along the way.
  • Final Cleaning: Make sure your old home is completely clean before you leave. You may opt to hire a cleaning crew to come in after the move to clean the space fully.
  • Final Packing: Most of your belongings should be packed by now. Label each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for.

1 Week Before The Move

It’s the week of the move, which means now all that’s left is executing the plan. Here’s what you may want to check on the week of your move:

  • Final Packing: Make sure your belongings are packed and ready to go. Make a list of the last few items you need to pack.
  • Confirm Movers: If using professional movers, confirm their arrival time and any additional instructions they might have for you.
  • Pack An Overnight Bag: Pack a bag with all the essentials for your first night in the new home. This should include toiletries, pajamas, and any medications you might need.
  • Check Utilities: Make sure all utilities are set up for your new home. This includes water, gas, electricity, and internet. This will help you make the transition smoothly.
 
Professional moving team carefully loading furniture onto a truck labeled Atmosphere Movers

The Day Before The Move

The day before your move is a great time to set into motion any final tasks or check-ins. Here’s what you may want to do the day before your move:

  • Defrost Your Fridge: If your refrigerator is moving with you, defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day.
  • Final Walkthrough: Do a final walkthrough of your home to make sure nothing is left behind or unpacked.
  • Rest Well: Get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day!

Moving Day

Welcome to moving day – you made it! If you’ve followed this checklist, you are likely more than prepared for your move. Now it’s time to put everything into motion. Here’s what you may want to do on the big day:

  • Be Ready On Time: Have all of your belongings ready at least fifteen minutes before the movers arrive.
  • Coordinate With Movers: Make sure that the movers know where each box needs to go in your new home and how to handle any large or delicate items.
  • Go On A Final Walkthrough: Do a quick final walkthrough of both homes to make sure all of your belongings are accounted for. You may want to take pictures of the empty home as well.
  • Enjoy Your New Home: After all your hard work, it is time to relax and enjoy your new space! Make sure you have food and drinks on hand for yourself and any friends or family who are helping with the move.

Make Your Move Simple with Atmosphere Movers

If you’re looking for a stress-free move, you need a plan that works like a charm. At Atmosphere Movers, we’ve got what it takes to make it happen!

With our wealth of experience, resources, and dedication, we’ll make sure you have everything you need to make your move a phenomenal success.

Our team of expert professionals will work with you to ensure your move is as stress-free and efficient as possible. From packing services to long-distance moves, we do it all! Reach out today and learn how to make your move the best it can be.

 

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