Crunch time! The big move is coming up, and it’s time to kick it into high gear. You’ve got this! First things first: expect some extra craziness. Stay as organized and on-task as possible. But know things might not feel organized (that’s okay!).
Speaking of organization: need something to make your moving day feel a little less chaotic? We’ve got you! Check out these color-coded moving labels and keep reading for some of our favorite tips to prep for the big week.
Break it down
The week before moving goes by in a blur. It feels like there are a thousand things to do. And in reality, there might be. Break it down a bit. Plan priorities. Follow the checklists. Or split the week into phases - packing days, cleaning days, purging days, and so on. Time blocking can help you stay focused through the hectic moments. Work to accomplish a set number of goals each day.
Quick tip: Another thing to break down? Furniture. Be sure you use the week before moving day to take apart any furniture or larger items if you need to!
Confirm all the little things
There are many moving parts (pun intended!) during a move, but especially in the last week. Be sure to confirm everything. If you’re using movers or friends, make sure someone will actually show up on moving day. Remember to schedule the last day of utilities. Change your billing or shipping address wherever you need to. Put mail on hold. Schedule any installations or pickups. It's even a good idea to tell your neighbors about your moving truck so they can plan ahead.
Things to confirm the week before a move:
- Change of address
- Access to your new home (make sure you know how and when you’re getting keys or a code)
- Final walk-through of a new home
- Ask about any building or installation restrictions (some neighborhoods or military
installations have certain regulations, such as where to park a truck, what entrances to use, etc. Know these things ahead of time to avoid moving day headaches!)
Get rid of food
If you haven’t already significantly pared down your food supply, go go go! The week before a move, your pantry or fridge should be pretty empty. If they’re not, consider giving any remaining food to a neighbor, a food pantry, a school/teacher, or dropping off at a mobile food bank. Order takeout or just plan to have an interesting concoction of meals leading up to the move.
Make a final day plan
Pets, kids, documents, valuables, and car keys need a place to go on moving day. Plan ahead where all these things will go. Schedule childcare. Board a pet or ask a neighbor to keep them in their backyard for a few hours. Keep keys and phones somewhere secure. Don’t forget important documents! Put those in a suitcase or vehicle so they don’t get tossed into the truck.
Things to include on your final day plan:
- Secure valuables and important documents
- Set out snacks and water
- Have minimal cleaning supplies ready (disinfectant wipes, paper towels, a vacuum or
broom) - Designate a spot for kids or pets
- Prep each room by removing things from the walls and setting out room labels for you or your packing crew
Make a plan for donation/dump items
If you’re throwing out furniture, schedule a bulk pickup or make a curb alert on your local neighborhood pages. If you’re selling large pieces of furniture, make sure someone is coming to get them and doesn’t leave you stuck last minute. It’s better to have your house empty a week or two out than be stuck on moving day!
Get it done without getting it perfect
The final week before a move is stressful for everyone. Chances are, you’ve been preparing and packing (and stressing) for weeks or even months. Tensions are high. Remember to give everyone some grace. Including you! It’s okay to get it done without it being perfect.
Pack a first-night box or bag
There’s nothing worse than getting to the final destination and realizing you don’t have a shower curtain or air mattress. A first-night box or bag with some essentials helps make roughing it before your things arrive less painful.
Some things to include in a First Night Box:
- Night lights
- Toilet paper
- Shower curtain
- Trash bags
- Flash light
- First aid kit or basic medical supplies (at least some Tylenol and Band-Aids!)
- Paper plates, plastic silverware, paper towels
- A few tools (screw driver, hammer, etc.)
Designate a No-Pack Zone
In the chaos of packing and loading, it’s easy for items to get loaded into a truck. Have a room or closet designated as the “no pack” zone. Clearly (and brightly!) label or lock the area so people don’t go there.
Quick tip: Use these DO NOT PACK tools to designate a No-Pack Zone on loading day!
Take pictures and videos of your items
Do a walk-through video of your home, furniture, and items. Document your things, especially valuables. Even if you’re moving and packing yourself, it’s good to have documentation. This may serve as proof of the condition of items or your home in the future.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Hire childcare. Call friends for a packing party. Ask a neighbor to watch your kids for the
afternoon while you pack. Board pets for a day or two. Hire cleaners. Pay for a junk removal service. Asking for help is difficult, but outsourcing some tasks alleviates last-minute stress!