Moving house is recognized as one of life’s most stressful events – up there with divorce and death.
Yet 8.2 million Americans moved between states in 2022, according to US Census Bureau estimates released in November 2023.
If you need to execute a fast property shift, stress levels can rise even higher, but with efficiency and calmness as your mantra, moving house in a month is possible, believe it or not! Here’s how:
Week 4
Book key moving services: removalists; packing and unpacking services; and cleaners.
Collect or purchase moving supplies including boxes, bubble wrap and tape.
Declutter: start with the least-used areas such as garages and storage cupboards.
Use up food and other similar supplies or dispose of expired items.
Pack unwanted – but still useable – items into bags and take to a thrift store.
Week 3
Start packing seasonal items – and number and label every box with its room and item details.
Make a list of each box for the movers, to ensure nothing is lost in the move.
Packing services are worth their weight in gold, so it may make sense to budget for one, especially if you’re doing this with limited help.
Organise the disconnection and connection of utility services at the existing and new property or contact a service who can assist. .
Organise a free forwarding mail service with USPS for everyone living at the existing and new address.
Also, notify important services of the address change including DMV, voter registration, social security administration and banks. Connection services are likely to help here.
Week 2
Organise care for pets and young children on moving day. There will be less stress involved if they are able to stay with friends or family.
Continue packing, and move into areas such as kitchens, only omitting the most used items in every room.
Remember to check every cupboard and drawer to ensure no item is left behind.
Week 1
Contact moving, cleaning and utility services again to confirm and double-check moving day plans and times.
Dismantle all furniture that you do not need for the next week, remembering to store screws etc in a safe place. Placing them in a lock bag and either attaching them to the furniture in question, or having a box where you store them all can be a good plan.
Finalise packing, including the items omitted in Week 2.
24-48 hours before Moving Day
Advise neighbors that you’re moving and ask for their understanding about noise and parking spaces.
Contact moving, cleaning and utility services again to confirm and double-check moving day plans and times
Have every item packed and ready to be picked up.
Ensure one to two “First Night or Overnight” boxes or suitcases with crucial items such as toiletries, underwear, medications, baby formula and diapers etc are easily accessible.
Turn off the refrigerator at least 12 hours before the movers arrive.
Turn off utility connections and make time for a final walk-through of the property before leaving.