08/26/2026
Planning a Move? Here’s Your Week-by-Week Guide to a Smoother Moving Day
Moving can feel overwhelming, but it gets a whole lot easier when you know what to do and when to do it. Whether you're moving across town or across the state, a little planning can make a big difference.
8 Weeks Before Your Move
Start planning! Create a moving budget, research moving companies, and begin going through closets, storage areas, the garage, and other places where things tend to accumulate.
6–7 Weeks Before
Choose and book your moving company. Start deciding what you want to keep, donate, sell, or toss. This is also a great time to start gathering boxes and packing supplies.
4–5 Weeks Before
Start packing items you don't use every day. Seasonal clothes, books, decorations, extra kitchen items, and storage areas are good places to begin. Start making a list of everyone who will need your new address.
2–3 Weeks Before
Now it's time to get serious about packing. Label boxes by room and include a quick description of what's inside. Arrange utilities for your new home and confirm the details of your move.
A1 Moving Tip: Clearly mark anything that should NOT go on the moving truck. Important documents, medications, valuables, keys, chargers, and anything you'll need immediately should stay with you.
1 Week Before
Finish most of your packing and prepare a box or suitcase with everything you'll need for your first night. Think toiletries, clothes, bedding, towels, medications, chargers, coffee supplies, pet necessities, and a few basic kitchen items.
The Day Before
Charge your phone, double-check your moving-day plans, clear walkways, and make sure boxes are labeled and ready to go. Keep important paperwork and essentials separate from everything being loaded.
Moving Day!
Do a final walkthrough before leaving. Check closets, cabinets, drawers, the garage, basement, attic, and outdoor areas. Keep your phone, keys, paperwork, medications, and valuables with you.
Your First Week in Your New Home
You don't have to unpack everything immediately! Start with bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen. Work through the remaining boxes room by room and give yourself some time to settle in.
One Last A1 Moving Tip: The earlier you start planning, the less stressful moving day will be.
Moving soon? A1 Moving is here to help make moving day easier, from the first box to the last.
Save this checklist for your next move or share it with someone who's getting ready to move!