What to Expect: Countdown to My Well-Planned Move

teamkad40
Jan 13
3 min read

Moving can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. The anticipation of a new beginning often comes hand in hand with challenges. But with a solid plan, you can transform this journey into a smoother and more enjoyable experience. As your moving date approaches, being organized is crucial. In this guide, I will walk you through what to expect as you countdown to your move and share practical tips to help make the transition easy.

Setting a Moving Timeline

Creating a timeline is vital for a successful move. Start with picking your move date and work backward to set key milestones. This helps ensure that you stay on track and don’t overlook important tasks.

Key Takeaways: I discovered that I had six months' advance notice for each of my eight relocations. I used various apps and websites that were useful for each step of the way.

Decluttering Before Packing

Before packing, aim to declutter your belongings. Not only does this lighten your load, but it also gives you a fresh start in your new home.

Key Takeaways: I planned months ahead to declutter and pack each room. I developed a calendar or to-do list to decide which room to tackle and when, ensuring it wasn't overwhelming as I was working full-time and my spouse was overseas during our last move. Addressing each room individually and deciding what to keep or discard helped determine the volume of items to move and the moving estimate. For instance, I dedicated each weekend to a different room.

Sourcing Packing Supplies

As the moving date draws closer, gathering packing supplies is essential. Think about what you’ll need, such as:

Boxes in various sizes
Bubble wrap for fragile items
Packing tape and strong markers for labeling

Many retailers offer moving kits, or you can find used boxes from local businesses or online marketplaces. Ensure the boxes are durable to avoid damage during the move. Buying a few extra rolls of tape or supplies can save you from last-minute scrambles.

Hiring Professional Movers or DIY?

Deciding whether to hire professional movers or move by yourself should be made early in the process. Each option comes with its advantages.

Professional movers can ease the workload significantly. On the other hand, DIY moving can save money. For example, renting a moving truck can cost anywhere from $30 to several hundred, depending on distance and truck size. Evaluate your budget and the available help to choose what’s best for you.

If you decide to hire professionals, research at least three companies. Check their reviews, quote comparisons, and service offerings. Engage movers early to avoid last-minute decisions.

Key Takeaways: After eight moves, I discovered that the ideal approach (resulting in fewer broken valuables and simpler unpacking) was to pack small and delicate household items myself and then hire a moving company to transport us.

Creating a Packing Plan

Now that you have your supplies and decided on moving help, develop a packing strategy. Pack items by room to make unpacking in your new space smoother.

Start with items you rarely use, such as decorative pieces or seasonal clothing. Keep everyday essentials packed until the last minute. Label each box clearly indicating its contents and the room it belongs to, which will streamline the unpacking process and save time.

Key Takeaways: I chose the guest bedroom as the central location to stack all the boxes I packed from each room. This allowed me to pack my belongings at my own pace without feeling overwhelmed, label the boxes for easier unpacking, and ensure that nothing was damaged.

Final Thoughts

As your moving day draws near, a structured approach can significantly ease the transition. By setting timelines, decluttering, and gathering supplies, you can ensure a smooth move to your new home.

Take each task as it comes and adapt as needed. With proper preparation, your move can be a positive adventure filled with opportunities awaiting in your new space. Best of luck on this exciting journey ahead!