
Moving is one of the biggest tasks you’ll take on, and without a plan, it can quickly turn into chaos. Between packing, organizing, and making sure nothing gets left behind, the process can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with a clear moving checklist, you can stay on track and avoid the last-minute stress that so many people face. Whether you’re moving across town or to a new state, having a plan in place will make your move smoother and more manageable.
Eight Weeks Before Moving: Plan and Hire Movers
Getting started early gives you the best chance at a smooth move. Professional movers can book up fast, especially during peak seasons, so securing a spot early is crucial.
- Search for [moving services Phoenix] or a city in your area and request quotes from multiple companies.
- Compare pricing, services, and customer reviews to find the best moving company Phoenix.
- Schedule a company that specializes in residential moving services or commercial moving services, depending on your needs.
- If you are moving long-distance, check out these long-distance moving tips to avoid surprises.
- Create a moving planner checklist to track important deadlines and tasks.
Hiring movers takes a lot of stress off your shoulders. True Move’s residential moving services can help make the transition seamless.
Six Weeks Before Moving: Organize and Declutter
Sorting through your belongings now will make packing much easier. The fewer items you bring, the less time and effort it will take to move.
- Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.
- Schedule hauling services for large, unwanted furniture or junk.
- Sell or donate items in good condition to lighten the load.
- Start using up perishable food and cleaning supplies.
- If moving an office, check out office relocation services for a structured move.
Decluttering now saves you time later. If you have large items you need removed, pickup and haul-off services can take care of it.
Four Weeks Before Moving: Gather Packing Supplies and Start Packing

The sooner you start packing, the less stressful moving day will be. Make sure you have the right materials to keep your belongings safe during transport.
- Purchase packing supplies for moving, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and labels.
- Label boxes clearly by room and contents to make unpacking easier.
- Pack non-essential items first, such as seasonal clothing and decorations.
- If packing feels overwhelming, consider packing and unpacking services for professional assistance.
- Use a packing checklist for moving to track progress and avoid missing anything.
Packing takes time, but breaking it into smaller tasks keeps it manageable. If you need expert help, packing and moving services can make the process more efficient.
Two Weeks Before Moving: Address Changes and Utility Transfers
Updating your information early ensures everything is ready when you arrive at your new home. Overlooking this step can lead to unnecessary delays or disruptions.
- Change your address with USPS, banks, and any subscriptions.
- Schedule transfers for utilities like electricity, water, internet, and gas.
- Arrange time off work if needed to focus on moving day.
- Confirm the moving details with your moving company.
- If relocating across state lines, review these long-distance moving tips.
Getting these details handled now means you can settle into your new home with fewer headaches.
One Week Before Moving: Final Preparations
As moving day gets closer, it’s time to wrap up the final details. Having everything organized now will make the big day go much smoother.
- Pack a moving day essentials bag with toiletries, chargers, medications, and important documents.
- Double-check logistics with your local moving services to avoid last-minute issues.
- Clean your current home or schedule a professional cleaning service.
- Disassemble large furniture if movers won’t be handling it.
- Ensure fragile items are securely packed with extra padding.
- Make arrangements for pets or young children to keep them safe and occupied on moving day.
With everything in order, you’ll feel much more confident when moving day arrives.
Moving Day: Execution and Settling In
The big day is finally here. With the right approach, you can minimize stress and keep things running smoothly.
- Do a final walkthrough to check for any forgotten items.
- Supervise movers to ensure boxes go to the correct rooms.
- Keep important documents, keys, and valuables with you at all times.
- If you booked packing and unpacking services, guide movers on where to place items.
- Start unpacking moving day essentials first so you have immediate access to necessities.
- Take note of any damaged or missing items so you can file claims if needed.
A structured moving timeline makes moving day more efficient. Phoenix moving services like True Move handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling in.
After the Move: Unpacking and Getting Settled
Once everything has been moved, the focus shifts to making your new space feel like home. Prioritizing key tasks will help you settle in quickly.
- Unpack necessary rooms first, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
- Arrange furniture in the designated spots.
- Set up utilities and WiFi if they aren’t already active.
- Dispose of empty boxes and packing materials responsibly.
- If relocating for work, office relocation services can help minimize downtime.
- Leave a review for your moving company to help others find quality movers.
- Introduce yourself to your new neighbors to start building connections in your community.
Settling in takes time, but staying organized makes it easier. Creating a list of must-dos for your new home, such as checking appliances and locating emergency shut-off valves, can help you feel comfortable faster.
Additional Moving Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Keep a file with important moving documents, including lease agreements and moving company contracts.
- Take photos of your electronics before unplugging them so you can reconnect them easily.
- Notify friends and family of your new address to keep your connections updated.
- If you have kids or pets, arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day to minimize distractions.
- Have snacks and water on hand for moving day to keep everyone energized.
- Walk through your new home before moving in to check for any maintenance needs.
- Set up security measures, such as changing locks and updating alarm systems, if needed.
Let True Move Handle Your Next Move
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. True Move provides residential moving services, office relocation services, packing and unpacking services, and pickup and haul-off services to make your move as seamless as possible. Our experienced movers in Phoenix, AZ ensure a smooth and efficient process from start to finish.
Get the help you need for a stress-free move. Request a free quote now at 480-468-3537 or get in touch through our contact form.