Here’s a realistic moving checklist from 8 weeks before your move date to unpacking. It also includes packing tips, decluttering strategies, and practical lessons learned from multiple moves.
Moving has always been something I dread, but also something I love.
I’m scared of the boxes and the mess and hoping that nothing breaks in the process. But I like that it forces a reset when you move. And I really love the cleansing feeling I get when packing and unpacking. And the feeling of a busy body, standing for hours on end unpacking things – I enjoy it too.
In a previous article on decluttering, I said that moving is the ultimate edit to your life. You quickly realize what you use, what you like, and what follows you from house to house for no reason. “Is this worth moving?” is the ultimate poignant question.
After moving across town, moving into a rental property that is being renovated, and going through a lot of “pack it all up and put it all back together,” we’ve learned that the best moving strategy isn’t to do it all at once. We start doing small things early on. As with all decluttering projects, the less stuff you have, the easier it will be.
This moving checklist starts eight weeks before your move date and walks you through the entire process.
Moving checklist: 8 weeks before moving
Let’s start decluttering
Don’t pack anything you don’t want to unpack. This is the golden rule. Start sorting before applying tape to one box.
Go room by room and categorize them as follows:
I like to start with easy wins like extra towels, duplicate kitchen utensils, old toys, and mystery codes. Every time I’ve moved, I’ve found myself wondering, “If I had to move next week, would I want to pay for it?” If the answer is no, exit. Fortunately, this time I have much less stuff than before. This year’s theme is downsizing.
Create a digital folder for your moving information and start paperwork
Create a label in your email or folder in the cloud using the following command:
Movers quotes + reservations Lease or closing documents Utility transfer confirmations + dates Address changes Websites + accounts (Create a master list that you can reuse or use such a list to track your progress) Forwarded email confirmations
Book movers and cleaning companies early
If you are hiring movers, hire them now. We all want to save money on moving companies, but having someone else do the tedious work can be priceless. Sofas, dressers, and dining tables are easy DIY moves.
Another way to save time if you’re already stressed is to hire movers and movers. When you’re worried about where you’re going to sleep that night, the last thing you want is to find bread crumbs in one of your refrigerators. This is an incalculable expense.
6 weeks before moving
Gather packing materials
Ask a friend if they can give you an extra shipping box for a few weeks. Even better, find someone who will be moving in front of you and offer to pick up the boxes. It’s a win-win.
Start collecting:
Small boxes for small collections (like bathroom drawers) Medium boxes for most household items Large boxes for light and bulky items Wine boxes for glassware Wrapping paper Tape Sharpie Zip bags for hardware Smart sticky notes for easy labeling (15% off with code KATEATS!)
I also have a lot of laundry baskets in my house for “first to open” items and larger baskets that I use for things I move myself. These baskets have moved more random necessities than I can count.
Start packing non-essential items
Starting early can help avoid a chaotic final week.
Seasonal products
Holiday decorations, off-season clothing, and specialty dishes. These are often already “packed”, but if not, do them first.
books, ornaments, artwork
Pack things you can’t miss. All the decorations and everything hanging on the walls.
Guest room
This is often the easiest first room.
closet
If you sort and pack your items in open boxes, you won’t have to think about it when you move.
4 weeks before moving
Plan your food strategy
This guy always sneaks up on people. Start eating food from your freezer and pantry. The less food you move, the better. Freezers in particular tend to contain heavy items such as frozen meat that need to be moved quickly, or are stored in large coolers.
Measuring furniture for new home
I literally lost sleep thinking about how to set up my room. I think this is one of the most exciting parts. If you can arrive at your new location early (during a preview or rental tour), measure all the walls. That way, you can plan out your furniture before you arrive, making it much easier to tell your movers (or friends who are helping) where to put things.
2 weeks before moving
Pack by zone instead of randomly
This is one of my biggest packing tips.
Pack into categories or zones.
Baking supplies Coffee station Everyday tableware Kids art supplies Bath amenities Garage supplies Artwork Out-of-season clothes and what to wear during moving week
Label all boxes clearly
write:
Room destination Contents Priority
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Label category:
OPEN FIRST – ESSENTIALS OPEN THIS WEEK – NEEDED IMMEDIATELY PLEASE WAIT – DECORATIONS AND ADDITIONS
1 week before moving
Check everything
Check your moving company. Confirm utility bill remittance. Check childcare and pet plans. Check closing logistics.
Empty and clean the room at the same time
If you can’t hire a cleaning company, you can avoid headaches on moving day by cleaning while you’re moving. Once you leave the house, you don’t want to go back to cleaning. How boring! Ready to unpack. So I try to clean the inside of the cabinet when I empty it. Vacuuming a new area is always the last thing you do, so you can give the floor a final clean.
Disassemble the hardware of furniture and bags
If you choose to disassemble the furniture yourself, tape the hardware bag directly to the furniture. This is a small thing that will save you a big headache.
pack the essentials box
Mine usually includes:
Coffee set Paper towels Dish detergent Charger Scissors Toilet paper Basic cooking utensils Pajama sheets Towels Bath amenities/shower supplies/cosmetics Extra clothing Basic tools (for furniture)
First, let’s deliver it to your new home!
Checklist for moving day
please keep these
Do not load the following items onto a moving truck:
Important documents Jewelry Medicine Laptop Everyday valuables Overnight bag Essentials box (cleaning supplies included)
Do a final walkthrough
open:
Cabinet Drawer Closet Refrigerator Garage Outdoor Storage
There’s always one thing you forget.
feed people
It sounds silly, but you need snacks on moving day.
Protein bars, sandwiches and takeout. If you’re planning well, schedule your takeout the day before to arrive at 6pm. Or have frozen meals ready to go in the oven.
Unpacking strategy: first 72 hours
Unpack in this order
Unless you’re insanely obsessed with physical activity like I am, people often lose momentum here.
Bedroom first
First, make your bed. That way, at least you can rest when you’re ready to rest. (Especially if you have children with you!)
kitchen second
Please install the coffee maker. Keep the basics in the fridge (if possible, move them from the old fridge to the cooler).
Next, unpack it.
Everyday tableware Silverware One pot One pot Basics of food
I almost always prioritize making my kitchen functional over decorative space.
bathroom 3
Stock up on showers. Hang up a towel. Put away toiletries.
Being able to sleep, caffeinate, eat, and shower makes me feel somewhat normal.
What not to do after moving
Don’t be too quick to decorate
Live in your home before you hang anything on every wall. I often change my mind or try to hang something too high or too low in a hurry. Take some time to learn about traffic patterns, light, and what you need in your room. And have a little fun with your minimalist walls 🙂
Please wait to purchase before unpacking
First, let’s unpack it. Then I’ll sort it out. Next, buy a container. Every home has different drawers, shelves, and nooks. You may not need to buy as much as you think. I like to use the “save for later” cart on Amazon and look ahead at several baskets and containers that I can purchase as needed.
Create a box zone “later”
Some boxes may have to wait. I like to have a “box storage area” for boxes that don’t need to be unpacked right away. This can be a large closet, attic, storage room, guest room, etc. Throw anything you don’t really need out of the way and out of sight.
My packing tips that always come in handy
Use towels or blankets to wrap fragile items
Free packing materials. I currently have Frame TV wrapped in a blanket and stored in my basement closet.
Leave your luggage in the drawer as much as possible
The filled wrap dresser saves you time. I always ask movers if they can keep my clothes inside.
Use large baskets for essentials
I have a large collection of baskets that have gone through all sorts of moves. I like to carry my non-breakable kitchen items from cabinet to cabinet in large baskets rather than packing them tightly into boxes. (Of course, this is different if you are moving long distance.)
Recruit friends
If you’re moving locally, having a few friends help you move lamps, kitchen appliances, cushions, etc. can save you hours over doing it yourself. I really appreciated the help of my friends during my last move, I seriously underestimated how long it would take and I couldn’t have done it without them. Show your gratitude by feeding and hydrating your crew and giving back as you travel.
Seeing all the movements at once can be overwhelming. But moving is actually just dozens of small tasks. Pack one shelf. Label one box. Clear one drawer. Progress gets stuck. And the sooner you start, the better.
Wish me luck this week and follow me on Instagram @Kateats!
