Moving Timeline Checklist
Having a plan, can make all the difference.
You can review the information here, or download it as a checklist to have on hand.
6 Weeks Before Moving Day (or, as soon as you know you will be moving)
- Contact Will-Do Movers for a free estimate and to reserve your moving date. You can fill out our online estimate form, or call us at 651.388.6493.
- Gather or purchase packaging supplies, including sturdy boxes that can close, packing tape, newsprint, tissue paper, bubble wrap, clear ziplock bags, and permanent markers. You may order packing supplies from Will-Do Movers; otherwise, we recommend Uline as an excellent source of sturdy boxes and packing materials.
- Begin packing out-of-season items and infrequently used items, such as those stored in the garage or attic.
- Keep a “Donate” box handy to downsize prior to the move. If you have a great deal of items you do not wish to move with, have a garage sale, or list items on Craigslist.
- Make a list of your utilities, accounts, mail subscriptions, and other places with which you will need to change your address. Consult our Who Needs Your New Address? section for a handy checklist.
- Do a change of address with the USPS.
- Make a list of utilities (power, gas, cable, internet, yard services, etc.) that will need to be canceled and get contact information on what utilities you will need to contact at your new location.
- Make a list of the large appliances you will be moving with and make note of which will need a professional to disconnect (i.e. gas lines or water lines). Contact Will-Do Movers if you need recommendations for a local service provider.
- If you have a pet, consult your veterinarian for any paperwork you might need (e.g., vaccine/health certificates), and make sure your pet’s vaccines are updated. If you will be boarding your pet during the move, make those arrangements now, as boarding facilities can fill up quickly. Consult our Moving with Pets page for more tips.
- Start “eating down” items in the fridge and freezer, so you won’t have to deal with perishables close to moving day.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
- If you are doing the packing, it’s time to really get going! See our How to Pack Your Boxes page for the Do’s and Don’ts of packing your things.
- Keep items from different rooms in different boxes; don’t mix contents of different rooms.
- Wrap items carefully with plenty of cushioning to absorb shock. Put heavier items on the bottom, and lighter items on top. Don’t leave any space for objects to shift or rattle, but also make sure boxes don’t bulge outward.
- Limit weight of boxes to 50 pounds or less to make handling easier.
- Seal boxes tightly with packing tape.
- Clearly write your last name, what room the box goes in, and the contents of the box on the SIDE. This will allow you to know what’s in the box when the boxes are stacked together. It may also be helpful for you to write the boxes’ contents in a special notebook for reference.
- If you have high-value items, please discuss options for transport with your Will-Do moving coordinator.
- Schedule a date 1-2 days before moving for an appliance professional(s) to come out and prepare any appliances which need special care.
1 Week Before Moving Day
- If you have arranged for Will-Do to pack your items, this is the time that your packers will show up.
- Schedule your utilities to be disconnected the day after you leave, as well as scheduling the turn-on date at your new home. This includes cancellation of any services, such as internet/TV.
- Keep a bag or a couple of boxes with the items that you’ll need for the next week or two.
- Drain the gasoline and oil from any lawn care equipment, such as lawnmowers and chainsaws. Properly dispose of these and other hazardous liquids.
- Check any prescriptions you or your family has, and refill them in advance. If you will need to change pharmacies, this is also a good time to transfer any recurring prescriptions.
- Return any outstanding library books.
- Do your laundry and wash your dishes.
1-2 Days Before Moving Day
- Washing machines may need a stabilizer installed; consult your manual or a professional.
- Finish packing, and make sure to set aside boxes or items that you will be taking with you. Clearly label them “DO NOT PACK”.
- Make sure you have some cash on hand for incidentals (PIZZA!) for the next couple of days.
- If you are moving with your appliances, empty, clean, and thoroughly dry all appliances, including fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and stove/oven. Prop fridge and freezer doors open to dry. If these are not thoroughly dry, they can develop a bad, permanent odor. Yuck.
- If you have a gas range or other gas appliances, have a professional come today to disconnect and cap the gas lines, disconnect water lines to a fridge ice maker, etc. This gives time for water to evaporate before loading onto the truck.
Moving Day!
- Keep any valuables, prescriptions, and your organized moving binder with you!
- Let Will-Do Movers know of any extra-fragile items.
- Make sure that Will-Do has phone numbers where you can be reached.
- Keep your driver’s phone number handy as well.
- At your new home, tape signs on the rooms that correspond to what you labeled on the boxes so the movers can quickly move the boxes to their appropriate final locations.
- Take a moment to relax at your new home!