Moving Checklist: Tasks by Week Before Your Move

Moving Checklist: Tasks by Week Before Your Move

Relocation can be stressful, and being unprepared can make it worse. Organizing and planning early can reduce anxiety and help you settle in more easily. This checklist breaks the work into time periods, so you can keep track of each task.

Start with the preparation stage, since organization matters most now. The work you do before the move will help you when you reach your new home.

Our Moving Checklist

Six to Eight Weeks Before Moving

Complete these tasks six to eight weeks before your move:

• Create a file for each move-related document. Keep digital or paper copies in one place.
• Decide whether to move yourself or hire professional help.
• Research moving companies if you plan to hire professional movers in Hackensack. Read reviews, ask friends for recommendations, and compare prices. Most companies will want to assess your belongings at home, so schedule that visit.
• Book a date with your moving company, and get written confirmation of your moving date and route.
• Create a moving budget. Include the cost of movers, any new furniture you need, and food for the move.
• Notify the relevant parties about your move, such as your child’s school, doctors, employers, and any groups you belong to.
• Look for new providers in your new city, such as doctors, schools, and childcare.
• Arrange renter’s insurance for your new apartment. Also ask about coverage for your belongings during the move in case something is damaged.
• Start collecting eco-friendly packing supplies, such as boxes and packing tape.
• Request time off from work, ideally at the end of the week.

Four to Five Weeks Before Moving

At this stage, you will begin the physical work of moving. Complete these tasks:

• Set up your organization system for your boxes. There is no single right system, but planning it now will help later.
• Start sorting your belongings. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need. For example, if a worn table will not suit your new home, consider selling or donating it.
• Finish the moving arrangements, such as booking a truck or confirming a company for a specific day.
• Keep valuables separate so they are not mixed in with other items or damaged during the move.
• Check with your moving company about items it cannot transport. If there are any, arrange to deliver them separately.
• Complete the address change form provided by the U.S. Postal Service.
• Schedule the cancellation or transfer of utilities, including gas, electricity, and internet or cable.
• Arrange care for your pets. If you are moving out of state, plan care for them during the move. Update their identification tags with your new address.
• Arrange any temporary storage you need.
• Update your address with your bank, and transfer accounts if necessary.
• Use up perishable food that you do not plan to move.
• Consider a yard sale if your landlord allows it. You can also promote your yard sale online.

Two to Three Weeks Before Moving

• Pack what you can.
• Return library books and rented DVDs.
• Finish any utility arrangements and confirm your moving date with your movers.
• Check what cleaning your rental requires, and schedule a cleaning day.
• Plan a day for any repairs needed in your apartment.
• Use up food so you do not have to pack the contents of your refrigerator.
• Host a farewell gathering with friends and family in the area before you leave. This can help you say goodbye while your home is still set up.

One Week Before Moving

• Finish packing, and label each box with its contents, based on the organization system you created earlier.
• Create an inventory of your boxes. Numbering them can help you confirm that everything arrived.
• Pack one box with the essentials for your first night in your new home.
• Pack a suitcase as if you were traveling. Together with the essentials box, this can help your first night go smoothly.
• Pack cleaning supplies, since cleaning the old home is often one of the last tasks before handing over the keys.
• Confirm pet or childcare plans.
• Check installation dates for new utilities, such as internet, gas, and electricity.
• Confirm the moving details with your moving company and any helpers.
• Clean the apartment to the standard your lease requires.
• Schedule a final walkthrough with your landlord to review the apartment’s condition and return the keys.
• Ask your landlord whether you can reserve a parking space on moving day. This may mean parking in an alley or lot near the building.

Moving takes hard work, whether you do it yourself or hire local movers in NJ. Use this checklist as a starting point, and adjust it to fit your situation. A timeline that works for you can help keep the move on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start preparing for a move?

Begin about six to eight weeks before your move, starting with documents, moving decisions, and budgeting.

What should I pack for the first night?

Pack a box with essentials, such as toiletries, medications, chargers, and bedding, along with a suitcase for the first night.

Does Ample Moving NJ help with checklists and planning?

Ample Moving NJ provides residential moving services in New Jersey. Contact our team to discuss your move and plan your timeline.

Ample Moving NJ Contact Information

Ample Moving NJ
9 Linden Ave, Jersey City, NJ
12017215777