Tips For Creating a Moving Timeline

Create A Moving Timeline to Reduce Stress

1. We've All Been Through the Stress of Moving 
2. Get Some Answers and Begin Organizing a Budget
3. Essential Points
4. 8 Weeks Out
5. 6 Weeks Out 
6. 4 Weeks Out 
7. 2 Weeks Out
8. 1 Week Out
9. The Big Move

1. We've All Been Through the Stress of Moving

2. Get Some Answers and Begin Organizing

Before you start your timeline, make sure you have a few things squared away. Where are you moving to? Is it a furnished place? Is your employer covering the cost of your move? Make sure to look into every possible avenue to make sure you have a successful move.

3. Essential Points

Once you’ve determined some of these essential points, it’s time to create a moving timeline. Most successful moving timelines start several weeks before moving happens, so it’s best if you have where and when you’re moving secured already. Of course, during all of these weeks, make sure to keep packing your things and tidying up—this will ensure you have a stress-free move day.

4. 8 Weeks Out 

Eight weeks before move date: The best thing to start with is using up the things you know will be too difficult to move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies. Remember, you can always buy more if necessary. If you’re in a tight spot and need cleaning supplies, try the local Dollar Tree or Family Dollar store. Next, if you’re having a moving company move you, make sure to arrange the times and dates of the move with them. If you’ve already arranged it, it doesn’t hurt to call them and confirm it.

5. 6 Weeks Out

Six weeks before move date: Start an inventory of what items you are going to be moving with and what items are likely going into a garage sale or for donation. Separate out the items for a garage sale and other community-based websites to let your neighbors know when the garage sale is. This is also a good time to inventory which companies, friends, family members and others will be getting your new address. Many companies allow you to update your address online and allow you to give the specific date of the move.

6. 4 Weeks Out

Four weeks before move date: It’s time for that garage sale you so diligently informed the public about! Sell as much as you can that you know you won’t need. This not only helps your budget with some extra cash flow but opens up the ability to move all of your most important items with no hassle.

7. 2 Weeks Out

Two weeks before move date: Check your car and service it for the trip. Make sure the tires and all of the fluids are all right and double-check with your mechanic about moving to a locale with a different climate. Double-check with your full service moving company, if you hired one, the exact date and time that the movers will be stopping by.

8. 1 Week Out

One week before move date: If you have pets or children (or both!), take them to their respective doctors and make sure their immunizations are up to date. Since you’ve now gone through all of your items, donate the items you know you aren’t taking with you. If you’re still not sure you want it, give it to a trustworthy friend or relative for safekeeping.

9. The Big Move

1-2 days prior to move day
One to two days before move date: Make sure those important papers you stored and copied are with you in the car. Take along a “survival kit” of waters, snacks, paper towels and extra clothes. This will come in handy on an especially long car trip.

With these helpful tips about creating a moving timeline, your move should be simple and stress-free!

Three weeks before move date: Make sure you take the time this week to locate and safely store all of your important documents, especially birth certificates, immunization records for the kids and anything relating to your pets. Make copies of these documents too, just in case.