Moving into your first home is a thrilling milestone but can also be one of the most overwhelming experiences you’ll face. The excitement of starting fresh in a new space often comes hand in hand with the stress of planning, packing, and managing countless details. Whether you’re moving down the street, across the country or shipping your life overseas, the key to a smooth transition is organisation.
For first-time movers, the process can feel daunting. Where do you start, and what needs to be done at which point? Let’s guide you through the ultimate moving timeline, from two months out to the big day itself, ensuring that nothing is left to the last minute and that your move goes off without a hitch.
Two months before moving day
With two months to go before moving day, it’s time to lay the groundwork for a smooth transition. At this stage, the focus is on planning, budgeting, and beginning the process of downsizing your belongings. Taking these steps early will save you from scrambling at the last minute and help you stay organised throughout the entire process.
Moving can come with unexpected costs, so it’s essential to create a realistic budget right from the start. Make sure that you consider all potential expenses: hiring a moving company, purchasing packing supplies, renting a moving van, and any deposits or fees associated with your new home like property surveys to check your investment is financially sound.
Now’s also a good time to research moving companies in your area – get quotes from at least three different companies to compare prices and services and decide whether you need a full-service mover that handles packing and unpacking, or if a simple van rental will suffice.
Similarly, this is the perfect opportunity to pare down your belongings. Go through each room of your current home and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Be honest with yourself about what you really need or love, and let go of things that no longer serve you. If you can’t bear to part ways with items you don’t have room for, storing them can be a good compromise.
If you’re currently renting, now is also the time to notify your landlord of your intent to move. Check your lease for the required notice period—it’s usually 30 to 60 days—and submit your notice in writing to avoid any potential disputes.
Six weeks before moving day
As moving day approaches, it’s time to dive deeper into the logistics. Ensure your new home is ready for move-in day by coordinating the transfer or setup of utilities and services. Contact your current utility providers—such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and TV—and schedule the disconnection for the day after your move. You’ll also want to arrange for these services to be connected at your new home on moving day or a day earlier at the same time, to minimise downtime. Don’t forget to notify other essential services of your address change, such as your phone provider or any subscription services, to avoid any interruptions.
In addition to updating your utilities, it’s important to notify key individuals and organisations about your upcoming move. Begin by informing your employer, especially if your move will impact your commute or require time off. Update your bank and insurance companies with your new address to ensure your financial and legal documents are sent to the right place. If you have children, you’ll also need to notify their schools in advance.
Two weeks before moving day
With two weeks left, you’re in the final stretch of your move. At this stage, it’s time to finalise packing, tie up loose ends at your current property, and prepare for moving day. These final steps are crucial for ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.
Now’s the time to ensure you’re clear on the move-out procedures for your current residence. If you’re renting, review your lease to see if there are specific cleaning or repair requirements you need to fulfil to get your security deposit back. Schedule a final walkthrough with your landlord to address any potential issues ahead of time. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to handle the deep cleaning, especially if you’re pressed for time.
During a move, it’s easy to misplace important documents if they’re packed away in boxes. To prevent this, gather all personal, financial, and moving-related documents and keep them in a secure, easily accessible place, such as your lease, insurance documents, passports, birth certificates, and medical records – anything you might need to refer to closer to the move.
Moving day
The day you’ve been planning and preparing for is finally here! Moving day can be both exciting and hectic, but with careful preparation and a clear plan, you can ensure everything goes smoothly. Start your day early to ensure you’re ready when the movers arrive. Greet the moving team and walk them through your home, pointing out any items that require special handling or that should be loaded last for easy access at your new place. If you’ve labelled your boxes by room, let the movers know so they can place everything in the correct location in your new home.
Before you leave your old home, do a final walkthrough to ensure you haven’t missed anything. Check all rooms, cabinets, and drawers for any forgotten items, and in less obvious places like the loft, sheds and garages. If you’re renting, it’s a good idea to take photos to document the condition of the property before you leave to avoid any disputes over your security deposit.
Happy new home
Congratulations – you’ve made it through the moving process and are now on the verge of starting a new chapter in your life. Moving, especially for the first time, is a significant undertaking, but it can be a smooth and even enjoyable experience if you plan in advance. By following this timeline, you’ll tackle each stage of the move with confidence, from the initial preparations to the final steps on moving day.
