Moving Prep: Moving & Packing Checklist

Nobody likes to move. While you may be excited to get to your new home, moving is stressful and can be a lot of work! At Unique Movers, we are here to help, whether you need our services for packing or moving or just for helpful tips like this: for a smooth moving process, preparation starts a lot earlier than you think.

Ready to move? Fill out our contact form or call (320) 237-3776. We’re here to provide an expert moving and packing estimate and discuss the best options for your move!

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Unique Movers moving and packing checklist and timeline

Checklist For 8 Weeks / 2 Months Before The Move

Decluttering

Two months before is a great time to go through the house and consider what you’d like to leave behind. It happens quietly and gradually, but we all accrue things we don’t need or don’t use. Some items are trash, and some are great for donations – we even offer donation services to get your unwanted items to people in need.

Research Moving Companies

Even if you think you’ll handle the moving yourself, we always recommend checking out multiple moving companies to get an idea of their service and pricing. Our website has a page that makes it easy to compare different companies!

Organize School Records

Staying ahead on important paperwork like school records is a great idea. Head to your children’s school and arrange for their records to be transferred to the school district you are moving to.

Checklist For 6 Weeks / 1½ Months Before The Move

Order Supplies

When you start packing, you want to ensure you aren’t scrambling to get a hold of enough boxes, tape, and packing materials. We can provide supplies for moves you hire us for or even DIY moves!

Checklist For 4 Weeks / 1 Month Before The Move

Confirm Your Mover

If you are hiring a moving company for your move, it is crucial to make the arrangements well in advance.

Begin Packing

Everyone will be moving things they can go a month without using. Start packing these items first, and you’ll put yourself in a good position when it comes time to pack everything up.

Label Packages

We cannot stress this one enough! While packing, label everything as clearly as possible with the room it’ll go to in the new place and the package contents if you want to make unpacking as easy as possible.

Change of Address

Notify the postal service of your upcoming move. You can change your address online or in person, and your mail will be forwarded to your new address on your chosen date.

Notify Important Parties

Get ahead and notify anyone who regularly sends you important mail (such as your bank) of your upcoming move.

Checklist For 2 Weeks Before The Move

Set Up Internet

In today’s world, not having internet for even a few days can be a significant inconvenience. Make arrangements so your new internet provider can set up service (or your current provider can transfer service) immediately after the move.

Ask Off Work

Even for a local move, you’ll want to ensure you’re available all day by asking off work. You never know what issues may need to be dealt with, and it’ll save you a lot of stress if you can be present and focus on the move.

Checklist For 1 Week Before The Move

Finish General Packing

Anything you can get by without for a week should be packed up. You will inevitably have a couple of boxes that must wait until the end, but you want to have as little packing as possible left with one week to go.

Pack Suitcases

Try to live out of a suitcase for the remainder of your time before the move and any anticipated time needed after moving day. This way, you can pack up most of your clothes and focus on more important things.

Checklist For A Few Days Before The Move

Defrost the Freezer

If your fridge or freezer is moving with you, empty, unplug, and defrost it a few days in advance to give it time to warm up and dry out.

Double-Check the Details

Now is a great time to check in with the moving company to verify details like arrival time, estimated length of the move, and how and when you will be paying.

Checklist For Moving Day

Pack the final few items, keep some cash on hand for tips, and focus on answering questions and dealing with any situations that arise. While movers are there to help and happy to chat with you, they’ll be able to work most efficiently and effectively if you focus on answering questions and keep your own to a minimum. After that, unpacking is all you have left to do before enjoying your new home!

Ready to move? Fill out our contact form or call (320) 237-3776. We’re here to provide an expert moving and packing estimate and discuss the best options for your move!

Request A Quote

Get in touch today for an estimate, and to answer any questions you may have about our moving services!

Have You Ever ThoughtJunk removal of tires and debris from a residential garage near Monticello, MN, by two members of the Unique Movers crew.Unique MoversDecluttering Before a Move | Junk Removal | Unique Movers