Preparing to Move in 30 Days: Moving Checklist

Preparing to Move in 30 Days: Moving Checklist

Moving is a monumental task, but that doesn’t mean it has to be wildly stressful! When you’re preparing to move, creating a moving checklist and then breaking it into bite-sized pieces spread over 30 days will help you feel like you have more control over the entire operation. And let’s be frank: more control means less stress. 

So, how do you pack for a move in a month? We’ve done the organizational work for you by creating this moving/packing checklist with specific tasks to accomplish each day. If you commit to marking off your tasks, you’ll find yourself in good shape come day 30. 

Our 30-day moving checklist shows how to spread it all out over the course of a month for maximum success.

Day 1: Take inventory of everything you’ll need to pack up and move. Go room by room and make a note of everything you plan to take with you. 

Day 2: Invest in quality packing supplies, including boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers for labeling.

Day 3: Create “throw away,” “donate,” and “ sell” boxes and/or piles with the belongings you don’t want or need. Not only does it help you avoid dragging along stuff that no longer serves you, but it can also help lighten the load come moving day. 

Day 4: Make your inaugural trip to the landfill and the donation center.

Day 5: Compare moving companies and self-storage facilities. Call around and do your research. Be sure to look at locations, pricing, and amenities to ensure you find the best solutions for your needs. 

Day 6: Make your reservations with professional movers and a self-storage facility. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can secure the services you need on your preferred moving date. 

Day 7: Gather important documents—like passports, mortgage papers, insurance portfolios, and medical records—and put them in a safe place ahead of the move.

Day 8: Change your address with an official mail forwarding form. Notify banks, insurance companies, and subscription services of your move.

Day 9: Start, stop, or transfer your utility services. 

Day 10: Notify your friends, family, and neighbors of your move.

Day 11: After performing a second round of sorting, take another trip to the landfill and the donation center.

Day 12: Create online listings for items you want to sell. Look into websites and platforms such as OfferUp, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. 

Day 13: Check your prescriptions and make sure you have enough to make it through the move. If not, order more today.

Day 14: Plan your travel route. This is especially important if you’re moving cities, flying, or taking multiple days in transit to reach your new home. Also consider any impact weather could have on your travels. For instance, if there’s a chance of snow or heavy rain, look into alternate routes. 

Day 15: You’re halfway there! Begin packing lesser-used items in your home, such as fine dishware, seasonal items, and books. These are the belongings you don’t foresee yourself using or needing before your move. 

Day 16: Take a(nother) tour of your new place, if possible. This can help you determine whether you’ll need to do more downsizing.

Day 17: Continue packing lesser-used items in your home. Invite a friend over for help.

Day 18: Take care of your yard, day one. Make sure everything is accounted for and straightened up before you leave.

Day 19: Take care of your yard, day two. Some yards require two days of maintenance.

Day 20: Speak with your landlord about any property services that need to be scheduled before you leave.

Day 21: Begin a room-by-room packing tour of your house. Start by clearing out foods in your kitchen.

Day 22: Move to your bathrooms and pack up toiletries and linens that will not be used before the move.

Day 23: Call your movers a week in advance to make sure they are still coming on your scheduled day.

Day 24: Tour the remaining rooms in your house and pack up anything that will fit into a box. Leave out electronics and other essential appliances, as you may want to use them.

Day 25: Begin packing up your bedroom. Start with your closets, dressers, and desks.

Day 26: Finish packing up your bedroom. Be sure to leave a few clothes and essentials like cosmetics and toiletries free for the remaining few days.

Day 27: Perform one final day of yardwork or exterior cleaning before vacating your premises. This is especially important if you’re renting!

Day 28: Vacuum, mop, and wipe down your house. Pack up all electronics.

Day 29: Check in with your movers one last time and pack a day-of bag. This bag should include anything you’ll need during the course of your move, from your toothbrush to your reading glasses. 

Day 30: Get to sleep early before the big day. You’ve done it! With all these tasks marked off your moving checklist, you’re all set for your move.