Cities
Table of Contents
Most moving stress comes from compressing tasks that need lead time into the final few days. This timeline spreads the same work across the weeks before a move, so nothing gets rushed at the end.
Six Weeks Out
Confirm your moving date and start researching movers. Begin the decluttering process room by room — this is the task with the longest natural lead time, since selling or donating items takes longer than you'd expect.
Four Weeks Out
Get quotes from at least two or three movers based on an actual survey, and book your chosen one in writing. Start collecting paperwork for address changes, school transfers, or interstate documentation if applicable.
Three Weeks Out
Begin packing items you won't need before the move — off-season clothes, books, storage-room contents, décor. Order any additional packing material you plan to use if self-packing partially.
Two Weeks Out
Confirm building access arrangements (lift bookings, security clearance, parking) at both ends. Schedule utility disconnection at your current address and connection at the new one — most providers need at least this much notice.
One Week Out
Confirm final details with your mover in writing: date, time, crew size, vehicle. Start using up perishable food. Settle any final bills or paperwork at your current address.
Two Days Out
Pack your essentials box separately — chargers, a change of clothes, toiletries, medication, key documents. Finish packing everything except what you'll use in the final 48 hours.
Moving Day
Do a final walkthrough of every room before the truck leaves. Get the inventory list signed at pickup. Keep your essentials box and valuables with you rather than on the truck.
First Week After the Move
Unpack essentials first, then work room by room rather than trying to finish everything in one day. Update your address with your bank, employer and any subscriptions. Keep your inventory, invoice and insurance documents together in one folder.