Moving to a new home is both exciting and overwhelming—but with the right timeline, you can ease the chaos and stay organized from start to finish. Whether you're upsizing to accommodate a growing family or downsizing to simplify your lifestyle, a well-planned move can make all the difference.

This Move-In Guide breaks the process into manageable chunks over eight weeks, allowing you to take full advantage of the school break, favorable weather, and the buzzing housing market.

8 Weeks Before Moving: Start Strategizing

With two months to go, it's time to lay the foundation for a smooth transition.

• Create a moving binder to keep track of quotes, receipts, and to-do lists.

• Research moving companies or rental trucks and get multiple quotes.

• Declutter your home by donating, selling, or discarding items you no longer need.

• Make a “Must-Have” list for your new home if you're upsizing or downsizing.

• If you have kids, notify schools and gather records for enrollment at your new location.

Tip: Moving during school breaks means fewer disruptions to your child’s routine—and less traffic on the roads!

6 Weeks Before Moving: Book & Organize

Now's the time to secure your logistics and start planning the packing phase.

• Book your movers or truck—popular summer weekends fill up fast.

• Purchase packing supplies such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.

• Start packing non-essentials, like off-season clothes and decorative items.

• Label boxes clearly by room and contents.

• Plan a garage sale or donation drop-off for remaining items.

Tip: Summer weather can be your friend—dry roads and longer daylight hours make for easier moving days.

4 Weeks Before Moving: Notify & Update

With a month to go, it’s time to update your network and take care of admin tasks.

• Change your address with USPS, banks, subscriptions, and insurance providers.

• Notify utility companies to set end/start dates for electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash.

• Confirm your moving arrangements and get a written estimate.

• Plan for pet care or child care on moving day if needed.

Tip: In a hot market, staying organized means you're ready to act fast if closing or lease dates shift suddenly.

2 Weeks Before Moving: Final Prep

You're almost there—start tying up loose ends and finalizing details.

• Pack the majority of your home, leaving only essentials for daily life.

• Prepare an essentials box with toiletries, medications, chargers, basic tools, and snacks.

• Confirm arrangements with movers and share directions and any access instructions.

• Clean your current home or schedule a professional cleaning service.

Whether you’re moving into a larger home or streamlining to a smaller space, planning ahead keeps you from getting bogged down in last-minute stress.

Moving Week: Go Time!

It’s time to bring it all together.

• Defrost the fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before moving.

• Do a final walkthrough to check for overlooked items.

• Supervise the move, making sure boxes are handled correctly.

• Keep valuables and important documents with you—not in the moving truck.

• Unpack essentials first and gradually settle in.

Welcome to your new home! Take a deep breath, enjoy the fresh start, and celebrate your hard work.

Common Moving Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even the best plans can go sideways without a few caution flags. Here are some of the most common moving mistakes—and how to stay clear of them:

1. Waiting Too Long to Start

• Mistake: Procrastinating leads to rushed packing, forgotten tasks, and unnecessary stress.

• Avoid it: Stick to the 8-week timeline and tackle tasks in small chunks.

2. Underestimating How Much Stuff You Have

• Mistake: Booking too small of a truck or not having enough boxes.

• Avoid it: Inventory each room before booking a moving service or buying supplies.

3. Not Labeling Boxes Clearly

• Mistake: Opening 15 boxes just to find your coffee maker.

• Avoid it: Use color-coded labels or write the room name and key contents on each box.

4. Ignoring Weather Forecasts

• Mistake: Moving in extreme heat or during a rainstorm without preparation.

• Avoid it: Monitor the forecast and have tarps, cold drinks, and fans ready if needed.

5. Forgetting to Update Important Contacts

• Mistake: Missed mail, late bills, or lapsed services.

• Avoid it: Create a list of contacts to notify and work through it methodically.

6. Overpacking Boxes

• Mistake: Broken items or back injuries.

• Avoid it: Pack heavy items like books in small boxes and keep weight manageable.

7. Not Setting Aside Essentials

• Mistake: Digging through boxes for a toothbrush or clean clothes.

• Avoid it: Pack a "First Night Kit" with everything you’ll need for the first 24–48 hours.

Final Thoughts

A successful move isn’t just about packing boxes—it’s about timing, preparation, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're moving up, scaling down, or simply finding a better fit for your lifestyle, following this timeline and staying aware of potential missteps will keep your transition smooth and stress-free.

Need help finding your next home or selling your current one? Reach out—I'd be happy to guide you every step of the way.