The Ultimate Moving Schedule: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Relocation

Moving to a new home, whether it's across town or to a different state, can be a great adventure. However, without preparation, it can quickly turn into a highly stressful experience. At Big Boy Movers, we've helped countless families, individuals, and businesses move within Utah and Idaho, as well as to destinations across the country. We've seen firsthand how a well-structured moving schedule can make all the difference. In this comprehensive guide to planning your move, we'll walk you through creating a moving schedule that will help you stay organized and calm throughout your relocation process.

8 Weeks Before Moving Day: The Planning Phase

The key to a successful move is starting early. If you're able to start at this time, eight weeks before your moving day is the perfect time to begin your preparations.

1. Determine your moving budget: Before you do anything else, decide how much you can afford to spend on your move. This will guide many of your future decisions.

2. Research moving companies: If you're planning to use professional movers (which we highly recommend for a stress-free experience), start researching reputable companies. Look for movers like Big Boy Movers who are licensed, insured, and have positive customer reviews.

3. Create a moving folder: This can be physical or digital. Use it to keep all your moving-related documents, quotes, and checklists in one place.

4. Start decluttering: Go through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This is especially important if you're moving long-distance, as it can significantly reduce your moving costs. Last month we wrote about planning a garage sale for this purpose.

5.Plan for special items: If you have large or valuable items like a piano, artwork, or antiques, start planning necessary special handling or insurance now.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day: Booking and Notifying

With your initial planning done, it's time to start making concrete arrangements.

1. Book your movers: Once you've chosen a moving company, schedule your preferred date. At Big Boy Movers, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you're moving during peak season (summer months).

2. Notify important parties: Start informing relevant parties about your move. This includes your landlord if you're renting, your children's schools, and your employer.

3. Begin collecting packing supplies: Start gathering boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials. 

4. Plan for pets and plants: If you have pets or plants, start planning for their move. This might involve researching pet transportation services or finding new homes for plants you can't move.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day: The Packing Begins

With a month to go, it's time to start packing.

1. Start packing non-essential items: Begin with items you won't need in the next month, such as out-of-season clothing, books, and decorative items.

2. Label your boxes: As you pack, label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make unloading and unpacking much easier.

3. Use up perishables: Start using up food in your freezer and pantry. For local moves, you might be able to transport some food items, but for long-distance moves, it's best to minimize these.

4. Arrange for utilities: Schedule the disconnection of utilities at your current home and the connection at your new home.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day: Finalizing Details

The big day is approaching fast. Now's the time to take care of the final details.

1. Confirm with your movers: Double-check the moving date, time, and any special instructions with your moving company.

2. Pack a "first-night" box: Pack essentials you'll need immediately upon arriving at your new home. This might include toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, and important documents.

3. Begin disassembling furniture: If you have any furniture that needs to be taken apart for the move, start this process now.

4. Arrange for childcare: If you have young children, consider arranging for a babysitter on moving day to keep them safe, entertained, and out of the way.

5. Transfer prescriptions: If you're moving to a new area, transfer any prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home.

1 Week Before Moving Day: The Final Countdown

You're in the home stretch! This week is all about tying up loose ends.

1. Finish packing: If your movers will not be packing for you, aim to have everything packed except for the items you'll need in the final week.

2. Clean as you go: Start cleaning empty areas of your home. This is especially important if you're moving out of a rental and want to get your security deposit back.

3. Confirm details with utility companies: Double-check that your utilities are scheduled to be turned off at your old home and on at your new one.

4. Pack your suitcases: Pack as if you're going on a week-long trip. This ensures you have everything you need readily accessible during the move and the first few days in your new home.

5. Prepare for payment: If you're paying your movers by check, get it ready. If you're tipping (which is appreciated, but not required), have cash on hand.

Moving Day: The Big Day Arrives

Today's the day! Here's how to ensure it goes smoothly:

1. Be ready for the movers: If you have chosen to pack your things on your own, please have everything packed and ready to go when they arrive. If you have chosen a full-service moving package please ensure that valuables and essentials are set aside and clear the pathways for a busy day. At Big Boy Movers, we pride ourselves on punctuality, so we'll be there at the agreed-upon time.

2. Do a final walkthrough: Once everything is loaded, do a final check of your home. Look in every room, closet, and cabinet to ensure nothing is left behind.

3. Provide your contact information: Make sure the movers have your phone number and the address of your new home.

4. Keep important documents with you: Don't pack your moving folder or other crucial documents in the moving truck. Keep these with you at all times.

After the Move: Settling In

Congratulations, you've made it to your new home! Here are a few final tips:

1. Unpack strategically: Start with the essentials – bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen items. Then move on to other areas of your home.

2. Inspect your deliveries: As you unpack, check for any damages. If you notice any issues, report them to your moving company immediately.

3. Get to know your new community: Take some time to explore your new neighborhood. Locate essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals.

4. Update your address: Don't forget to update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, and other important contacts.

Moving doesn't have to be a nightmare. With careful planning and the right help, it can be an exciting start to a new chapter in your life. At Big Boy Movers, we're committed to making your move as smooth and stress-free as possible, whether you're moving locally within Utah and Idaho or embarking on a long-distance journey.

Remember, this schedule is a general guide. Feel free to adjust it based on your specific needs and timeline. And if you need any help along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Big Boy Movers by calling 877-70-MOVER. We're here to support you every step of the way, from planning to unpacking. Happy moving!