Moving Guide: The Ideal Timeline for a Smooth Move

Kristin Luna

We get it: Moving can be daunting. On top of the actual physical labor -- the sifting through your belongings, deciding what to keep and what to trash, boxing everything up and moving it (or hiring movers) -- there are all the other headaches that can accompany a change of address, such as notifying the post office, your bank, your credit card company, and any other critical business that routinely sends you mail.

Getting good movers is key.

But moving doesn't have to be an intimidating, overwhelming experience -- if you've done your research. We pieced together the following timeline to help your next move go as seamlessly as possible.

One Month Prior

Schedule professional movers and/or arrange for a moving truck reservation. An on-site inspection for a moving company quote is always a good idea. They might see potential difficulties that could impact the move—and the price.
Moving is a great time to purge excess items buried in the corners of your home. Separate and deliver unwanted things to Goodwill or your local charity and make a clean break from the stacks of magazines, books, triplicate dishes and other "junk" in your life.
If you have children, and the move will impact their schooling, research new schools and all requirements for transfers. This can be immensely complicated or seamless, depending on your school district.
Find and research medical providers in the new location. Arrange transfer of medical records to your new provider and refill regular prescriptions.

One Week Prior

Purchase moving supplies like boxes, tape, packing paper and packing blankets.
Evaluate furniture sizing and difficulty of moving it all out of your old house and into the new. Note: Doorway sizing and switchback stairs are particularly tricky with larger, bulkier pieces.
Call in favors with friends to help you purge and box up your belongings. Separate valuable or irreplaceable items that you’ll transport on your own.
Most municipalities include an option of bulk garbage pickups as part of your monthly bill. Contact your trash removal company and arrange for a pickup if you anticipate a large volume of trash.
Start packing and sorting essentials from non-essentials for the limbo between moves.
Make sure boxes are properly labeled so they get to the right room. Consider a numbering system to keep track (Kitchen: 1 of 10, Master Bedroom: 4 of 9)
Consume or trash perishable food in the kitchen or refrigerator.
Set up Change of Address with USPS (this cannot occur more than 90 days prior to move). The post office will need seven to 10 days to process and begin forwarding mail. Magazines and newspapers will not be forwarded by USPS, so be sure to notify your subscription provider of a change of address directly.
Schedule utilities shutoff and set up new accounts at your new home. In some cases, this requires a deposit with the utility company or a credit check. Don't assume they can just flip a switch for the gas or electric.
If the move is more than a day's drive away, check hotel availability along route and make any necessary bookings. Concurrently, research a backup hotel in your new location in case of emergency.
Notify banks, financial firms and insurance companies of your move and provide the new address to them directly.

The Day After

If you get everything unpacked, congratulations! If not, start with the essentials that will make your new house feel more like "home."
Recycle moving boxes and take a long nap. You deserve it.