When to Start Planning Your Next Move

Thinking about moving? Unless you enjoy the thrill of packing your entire life away in a single weekend, it’s time to start planning! Starting to plan six months before moving day gives you plenty of time and allows you to enjoy an easy, breezy move. However, if you cannot get a six-month head start, you can still plan a poised move in three months. Preparation is key. The longer you have to plan, the smoother the experience!

Let’s dive into the moving timeline and uncover the secrets of when to start planning a move.

When Should You Start Planning a Move?

Shopping for a new home takes an average of 4 ½ months, so give yourself plenty of time. If you plan to rent, it’s still wise to jump on an apartment waiting list or contact realtors early. Once you’ve found your new home, you can typically kick off planning three months before moving day. 

These factors can influence when to start planning a relocation:

1. Distance: Moving across town takes less planning than moving across states or countries. An international move can take up to a year to plan. 
2. Move size: The size of your home can impact planning. The bigger the house and the more belongings you own, the more complex the plan. 
3. Season: Summer is the peak moving season, and professional movers are in high demand. If you plan to move in the summer, make sure you book your moving services or truck a few months in advance. 

3 Months Before Your Move

You’ve found your perfect home. Now, it’s time to put on your planner’s hat and start coordinating your move. 

Create a Budget

Spreading moving costs over months — or a year — can help ease the financial burden. Put together a realistic budget that factors in expenses like:

• Hiring a moving company: Get quotes from professional movers, including labor, transportation and packing services. 
• Packing supplies: One of the most important moving rules is you can never have too many boxes! Consider the cost of boxes, packing tape, Bubble Wrap and markers. 
• Transportation: If you decide to self-move, factor in the cost of renting a truck. Extra expenses include fuel, tolls or parking fees. 
• Valuation coverage: Professional movers offer coverage for your belongings during transit. If you’re moving yourself, you may want to purchase insurance for the moving truck. 
• Cleaning: You want to leave your old home in good condition. Add the cost of cleaners or cleaning supplies to your budget. 
• Utility fees: Your new home may have connection fees for electricity, gas, water, internet and cable.
• Variable expenses: List miscellaneous expenses like meals, pet care or professional services. 
• Contingency fund: Set aside a “just in case” fund for those unforeseen expenses — like a hotel room should you need to take a driving break. 

Declutter Your Home

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and start sorting through your belongings. Start early by tackling one room at a time and sorting items into three categories — keep, donate/sell or discard. Be ruthless! If you last used it over a year ago, it’s likely time to let it go. Remember to check closets, basements and garages, and consider hosting a garage sale or using online platforms to sell unwanted items. By decluttering, you’ll lighten your load and create a fresh start in your new home.

Pack the Nonessentials

Starting to pack early can help avoid the weekend-before-the-move rush. Begin with nonessentials, such as wall art. Remember to label boxes as you go to make things easier when you unpack at your new home. 

2 Months Before Your Move

It’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of masterminding your move. Two months before moving day, you should:

• Book movers: For a stress-free move, hire professional movers. They can handle everything from packing and loading to transit and unloading. Research reliable local moving companies, check their services and review their customer testimonials. Once you decide on a provider, arrange a consultation for an accurate quote. 
• List your belongings: Put together a detailed inventory of your belongings. During unloading, you can tick off each item to account for everything and check for damage.
• Transfer utilities: Most utility providers need one month’s notice to disconnect or transfer services. Inform the electricity, water, gas, cable and internet companies of your move. 
• Collect documents: It’s easy to misplace documents during the excitement of a move. A binder keeps things organized and easy to access. Gather lease agreements, school records, useful contacts or other essential documents. 

1 Month Before Your Move

The last month includes wrapping up arrangements and getting ready for your new home. Take care of the following.

Finalize Arrangements

Your belongings need to get to your new home, and so do you. Make travel arrangements, whether driving across town or booking plane tickets. If you’re hiring movers, confirm arrangements with the moving company.

Change Your Address

Updating your address at this stage can save you missed mail or service suspension down the line. Notify the following providers:

• Department of Motor Vehicles to update license and vehicle registration
• Subscription services
• Banks and credit card companies
• United States Post Office for mail forwarding
• Insurance agencies for homeowners or renters insurance

Contact providers in your new area to make sure they connect utilities and services. 

Prepare Your Pets

If you have furry friends, plan how to transport them to their new home. On moving day, organize pet care in a kennel, a friend’s house or a designated area in your new house.

1 Week Before Your Move

Only one week to go! With your careful planning, you feel well-prepared for your upcoming move. Time to tick off the last few items:

• Clean your home: You want to leave your old home squeaky clean for the next tenant or owner. Arrange professional cleaners or grab those cleaning supplies. 
• Arrange a final walk-through: If you’re renting, take your landlord on a final farewell tour. Remember to document any issues that might impact your security deposit. 
• Confirm moving arrangements: Talk to your movers to check arrangements for moving day. A reputable company will work with you every step of the way to help you plan a seamless move. 

The Day Before Your Move

All your hard work and planning are about to pay off. Take this time to finish packing, including putting together an overnight bag for your first night in your new home. Get your car road trip ready with snacks and a full gas tank. If you’re flying, check in for your flight and gather your travel documents. 

Saying goodbye to your current home can be bittersweet. Enjoy your last night, reflect on the memories and savor the excitement of the journey ahead. Finally, get some well-deserved rest before the big day. 

Moving Day

The big day has finally arrived! Stay accessible to the movers, and give them instructions, such as where to place items in your new home. Once your current home is empty, do a final walk-through to ensure you don’t leave anything behind. Check closets, cabinets and storage areas. 

Now, set off for your new home. Take a moment to celebrate your achievements, bid your old house farewell and get excited for the next chapter of your life!

Plan Your Next Move With Corrigan Moving Systems

How early you should plan for a move depends on several factors — but the ideal time is well ahead of schedule. Early planning lets you organize, declutter and make all the necessary arrangements. For a stress-free move, trust Corrigan Moving Systems. As a full-service moving company with over nine decades of experience, we create an effortless moving experience. Our expert crews handle every detail so you can focus on the excitement of your new adventure.

Partner with Corrigan Moving Systems for seamless move planning. Call us today at 1-800-267-7442 or complete an online form to set up a free in-home or virtual consultation.