[2023] What to do 30 Days Before You Move: The Ultimate Moving Checklist


Moving to a new home can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. With so much to do and organize, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure a smooth transition. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential tasks you should complete 30 days before your move. From scheduling movers to decluttering and packing, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and make your move a breeze!

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

In a nutshell, here’s what you need to do 30 days before you move:

  1. Schedule movers or rent a moving truck.
  2. Stock up on moving supplies.
  3. Create a master list of rooms in your new house.
  4. File a change of address form with the U.S. Post Office.
  5. Contact utility providers to cancel or transfer services.
  6. Declutter by getting rid of unwanted items.
  7. Pack seasonal and non-essential items.
  8. Transfer school records for children.
  9. Shred unnecessary paperwork.
  10. Donate furniture that won’t be needed.
  11. Pack rooms with less frequent use.
  12. Pack fragile items and set aside personal items.
  13. Confirm movers or truck rental.
  14. Pack the kitchen and non-daily clothing.
  15. Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day.
  16. Pack essentials bags for each family member.
  17. Pack remaining items.
  18. Prepare a household essentials box for the first 24 hours.
  19. Confirm arrival time and assign tasks to friends or family.

Now, let’s dive into the details of each task to ensure a successful move!

Quick Tips and Facts

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of preparing for your move, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind:

  • Over 40 million Americans move every year, so you’re not alone in this process.
  • Moving can be a stressful experience, but with proper planning and organization, it can also be an exciting adventure.
  • Start early and give yourself plenty of time to complete each task on your moving checklist.
  • Make a detailed inventory of your belongings to ensure nothing gets lost or left behind during the move.
  • Label your boxes clearly with the contents and the room they belong to for easy unpacking.
  • Take measurements of your new home to ensure your furniture fits through doorways and in the designated spaces.
  • Consider hiring professional movers for a hassle-free and efficient move.
  • Keep important documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and medical records, in a safe and easily accessible place during the move.
  • Notify your friends, family, and important contacts of your change of address.

Now that you have a general idea of what lies ahead, let’s dive into the details of each task.

Background


Moving is a centuries-old practice that has evolved over time. In ancient civilizations, people would pack their belongings on carts or animals and travel to new lands in search of better opportunities. Today, moving has become more streamlined and efficient, thanks to modern transportation and logistics.

Week One: Lay the Foundation


The first week of your 30-day countdown is all about laying the foundation for a successful move. Here are the key tasks to tackle:

  1. Schedule movers or rent a moving truck: Depending on the size of your move and your budget, you can either hire professional movers or rent a moving truck. Research reputable moving companies or truck rental services in your area and book them in advance to secure your preferred moving date.

  2. Stock up on moving supplies: Gather all the necessary moving supplies, including boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. You can find these supplies at your local hardware store or order them online. Make sure to get a variety of box sizes to accommodate different items.

  3. Create a master list of rooms in your new house: Take a virtual or physical tour of your new home and create a master list of all the rooms. This will help you plan the packing and unpacking process more efficiently. You can use a spreadsheet or a dedicated moving app to keep track of your inventory.

  4. File a change of address form with the U.S. Post Office: Visit the official website of the U.S. Postal Service and fill out a change of address form. This will ensure that your mail gets forwarded to your new address after you move. It’s also a good idea to notify important contacts, such as banks, credit card companies, and subscription services, of your upcoming move.

  5. Contact utility providers to cancel or transfer services: Reach out to your current utility providers, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable, to schedule the cancellation or transfer of services. Provide them with your move-out date and your new address to ensure a smooth transition.

Week Two: Declutter and Pack


The second week of your moving countdown is all about decluttering and packing. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Declutter by getting rid of unwanted items: Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or want. Sort through your belongings and separate them into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. Consider hosting a garage sale or donating gently used items to local charities.

  2. Pack seasonal and non-essential items: Start packing items that you won’t need in the next few weeks, such as seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, and rarely used kitchen appliances. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect your belongings during the move. Don’t forget to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.

  3. Transfer school records for children: If you have school-aged children, contact their current school and request to have their records transferred to their new school. This will ensure a smooth transition for your children and minimize any disruption to their education.

  4. Shred unnecessary paperwork: Go through your files and shred any unnecessary paperwork, such as old bills, bank statements, and expired documents. This will not only declutter your space but also protect your sensitive information during the move.

  5. Donate furniture that won’t be needed: If you have furniture that won’t fit or won’t be needed in your new home, consider donating it to local charities or selling it online. This will lighten your load and give your furniture a new lease on life.

Week Three: Organize and Prepare


As you enter the third week of your moving countdown, it’s time to focus on organizing and preparing for the big day. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Pack rooms with less frequent use: Start packing rooms that you use less frequently, such as guest bedrooms, home offices, and storage areas. This will help you stay organized and minimize the stress of last-minute packing.

  2. Pack fragile items and set aside personal items: Take extra care when packing fragile items, such as glassware, china, and electronics. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes to protect these items during the move. Additionally, set aside personal items that you’ll need immediate access to, such as toiletries, medications, and important documents.

  3. Confirm movers or truck rental: Reach out to your chosen movers or truck rental service to confirm the details of your move. Double-check the date, time, and any specific requirements they may have. This will ensure a smooth and seamless moving experience.

  4. Pack the kitchen and non-daily clothing: Start packing your kitchen items, including pots, pans, dishes, and utensils. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect fragile items. Additionally, pack non-daily clothing, such as out-of-season clothes and special occasion outfits.

Week Four: Finalize and Double-Check


As you approach the final week of your moving countdown, it’s time to finalize your preparations and double-check everything. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day: If you have young children or pets, make arrangements for their care on moving day. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to look after them while you focus on the move.

  2. Pack essentials bags for each family member: Prepare essentials bags for each family member, including a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, and any other items they’ll need immediately after the move. Keep these bags easily accessible during the move.

  3. Pack remaining items: Finish packing the remaining items in your home, focusing on one room at a time. Use the labeling system you established earlier to ensure each box ends up in the correct room in your new home.

  4. Prepare a household essentials box for the first 24 hours: Pack a separate box with essential items you’ll need in the first 24 hours after the move. This can include toiletries, bedding, towels, a few kitchen essentials, and any other items you’ll need immediately.

  5. Confirm arrival time and assign tasks to friends or family: Contact your movers or truck rental service to confirm the arrival time on moving day. Additionally, assign tasks to friends or family members who have offered to help. This will ensure a smooth and efficient move.

Get Moving


With your preparations complete, it’s time to get moving! Follow your moving day checklist and stay organized throughout the process. Remember to take breaks, stay hydrated, and ask for help when needed. Moving can be physically and emotionally demanding, so be kind to yourself and celebrate each milestone along the way.

FAQ

Moving Day

What should I do a month before I move?

A month before your move, you should:

  • Schedule movers or rent a moving truck.
  • Stock up on moving supplies.
  • Create a master list of rooms in your new house.
  • File a change of address form with the U.S. Post Office.
  • Contact utility providers to cancel or transfer services.

Read more about “What should I do a month before I move?”

What should I do 3 weeks before moving?

Three weeks before moving, you should:

  • Pack rooms with less frequent use.
  • Pack fragile items and set aside personal items.
  • Confirm movers or truck rental.
  • Pack the kitchen and non-daily clothing.

Read more about “… The Ultimate Timeline for Moving Out of State: Top 30 Tips, Checklist, and Expert Advice”

How soon should you start preparing for a move?

It’s recommended to start preparing for a move at least 30 days in advance. This will give you enough time to complete all the necessary tasks and ensure a smooth transition.

Read more about “How soon should you start preparing for a move?”

What to do 5 weeks before moving?

Five weeks before moving, you should:

  • Schedule movers or rent a moving truck.
  • Stock up on moving supplies.
  • Create a master list of rooms in your new house.
  • File a change of address form with the U.S. Post Office.
  • Contact utility providers to cancel or transfer services.

Read more about “What to do 5 weeks before moving?”

Conclusion

Moving can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and organization, it can also be an exciting adventure. By following this comprehensive moving checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for your move 30 days in advance. From scheduling movers to decluttering and packing, each task plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and successful move. Remember to stay organized, take breaks when needed, and ask for help when necessary. Happy moving!

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