Plan
Set the Moving Timeline
Confirm the closing date, possession terms, work schedules, school needs, travel time, and any overlap between homes. Build in flexibility for contract or weather-related changes.
Six to Eight Weeks Before
Start with the decisions that affect cost, scheduling, and everything that follows.
Budget
Estimate the Full Cost
Include movers or truck rental, packing materials, deposits, storage, cleaning, travel, pet care, utility setup, meals, insurance, and a reserve for unexpected expenses.
Movers
Compare Moving Companies
Request written estimates, confirm availability, review insurance and valuation coverage, verify what is excluded, and understand deposits, cancellation terms, and delivery windows.
Four to Six Weeks Before
Declutter
Sort Before You Pack
Work room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, recycle, or discard. Moving fewer items saves time, reduces cost, and makes the next home easier to organize.
Supplies
Gather Packing Materials
Collect sturdy boxes, tape, markers, labels, protective wrap, mattress covers, and specialty containers. Avoid overloading large boxes with books or other dense items.
Records
Organize Important Documents
Keep identification, contracts, closing papers, medical records, school files, pet records, prescriptions, insurance information, and financial documents together and with you.
Measure
Plan the New Space
Measure rooms, doors, stairs, elevators, and large furniture. Decide where major pieces will go and confirm whether community or building rules limit moving hours or vehicle access.
Inventory
Document Valuable Items
Photograph electronics, furniture, artwork, and other valuable belongings before packing. Record serial numbers and keep receipts or appraisals where appropriate.
Special Items
Make Separate Arrangements
Ask how movers handle pianos, safes, antiques, plants, firearms, large equipment, hazardous materials, and temperature-sensitive possessions. Some items require a specialist.
Pack for the way you will unpack
Label each box with its destination room and a short description of the contents. Numbering boxes and keeping a simple inventory makes missing items easier to identify.
Two to Four Weeks Before
Utilities
Schedule Service Changes
Arrange start and stop dates for electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, security, and other services. Keep essential service active through the agreed possession date.
Address
Submit Address Changes
Update the postal service, banks, lenders, insurance providers, employers, subscriptions, voter registration, driver's license, vehicle records, and frequently used accounts.
Appointments
Transfer Local Services
Notify medical providers, pharmacies, schools, child care, veterinarians, lawn services, pest control, cleaners, and other recurring providers. Request records when needed.
Packing
Pack Low-Use Areas First
Begin with seasonal items, decor, books, storage areas, guest rooms, and extra linens. Leave daily essentials accessible and avoid packing items needed for closing.
Food
Use What You Have
Plan meals around pantry and freezer contents, limit new bulk purchases, and decide what can safely travel. Movers typically will not transport perishables.
Access
Confirm Moving Logistics
Reserve elevators or loading areas, obtain parking permission, check truck access, confirm gate codes, and tell the moving company about stairs, long carries, or narrow roads.
The Final Week
Confirm
Review Every Appointment
Confirm the mover, closing, utility dates, cleaning, child or pet care, key exchange, and arrival details. Keep names and phone numbers accessible outside packed boxes.
Essentials
Prepare a First-Night Kit
Pack medications, chargers, toiletries, clothing, towels, bedding, basic tools, paper goods, cleaning supplies, snacks, water, pet needs, and children's comfort items separately.
Home
Finish the Property Handoff
Complete agreed repairs, remove belongings and trash, clean as required, gather keys, remotes, codes, manuals, warranties, and association information, and follow the contract's condition requirements.
Keep critical items with you
Do not place cash, jewelry, medications, keys, identification, closing documents, irreplaceable keepsakes, or devices containing sensitive information on the moving truck.
Moving Day
Before Loading
Protect Both Properties
Photograph the condition of the home, protect floors and doorways, identify fragile pieces, keep pathways clear, and confirm which items are not being moved.
Supervise
Track the Inventory
Review the mover's paperwork, note existing damage, count and identify boxes, verify the destination address, and keep a copy of the inventory and signed documents.
Final Check
Walk Every Space
Check closets, cabinets, drawers, appliances, attic, basement, garage, shed, yard, and mailbox. Confirm windows and doors are secure and follow the agreed key-delivery plan.
After You Arrive
Safety
Inspect Before Unpacking
Locate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguisher, and emergency exits. Change locks or codes when appropriate.
Delivery
Check for Damage or Missing Items
Compare delivered items with the inventory, inspect important belongings promptly, photograph damage, keep packaging, and follow the mover's claim deadlines and instructions.
Settle In
Complete the Local Details
Confirm mail forwarding and utilities, update remaining accounts, learn trash and recycling schedules, review neighborhood or association rules, and keep closing records in a secure place.
Planning a Move in Northeast Metro Atlanta?
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