Last Week Before Moving Advice

Posted on 28/05/2025

Last Week Before Moving: Essential Advice for a Smooth Transition

Moving can be one of life's most stressful events, combining physical exhaustion, emotional upheaval, and logistical nightmares all into one. The last week before the move is particularly critical, as it is the final push to ensure everything is in place. With proper planning and organization, the last week can be smooth and stress-free. This article provides essential advice to help make your last week before moving as seamless as possible.

1. Finalize Moving Arrangements

By the last week, you should have already booked your moving company or arranged for a truck rental. Confirm these arrangements to avoid last-minute surprises.

• Confirm the date and time with the moving company.


• Reconfirm with any friends or family members who are helping you move.


• Ensure you have all necessary paperwork ready, such as contracts and insurance documents.

Reconfirming your arrangements helps ensure everyone is on the same page and reduces the risk of unexpected issues on moving day.

2. Pack an Essentials Box

One of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of moving is preparing an essentials box. This box should contain all the items you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home.

• Basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo.


• Clothing: a change of clothes for each family member.


• Medications: any prescriptions and essential over-the-counter medications.


• Important documents: IDs, financial documents, and other critical papers.


• Basic tools: screwdriver, utility knife, and flashlight.

Having these items readily available will save you from frantically searching through boxes on your first night in your new place.

3. Notify Important Parties

A week before moving, it's crucial to inform key parties of your change of address.

• Post Office: Submit a change of address form.


• Utilities: Schedule the disconnection and setup of new services.


• Banks and Financial Institutions: Update your address for billing and mailing purposes.


• Workplace: Inform HR about your new address.


• Medical Providers: Notify your doctor, dentist, and any specialists.

Updating your address ensures you continue to receive essential services and correspondence without interruption.

4. Breakdown and Prepare Furniture

Large furniture items can be particularly challenging to move if not properly disassembled. Begin this task during the last week to streamline the moving process.

• Disassemble large items like beds, desks, and bookshelves.


• Keep screws, bolts, and other small parts in labeled bags.


• Wrap and protect delicate items like mirrors and glass components.

Disassembling furniture ahead of time not only makes it easier to transport but also helps protect your items from damage.

5. Purge Unnecessary Items

The last week is your final opportunity to declutter. Moving unnecessary items will only add to your workload and stress. Use this time to dispose of or donate things you no longer need.

• Sort through clothing, books, and household items.


• Donate usable items to local charities or thrift stores.


• Dispose of broken or unusable items responsibly.

Purging unnecessary items reduces the amount you have to pack and can make your new home feel more organized and clutter-free from the start.

6. Thorough Cleaning

Cleaning the home you're leaving is a crucial step that ensures you get your security deposit back, if renting, and leaves a positive impression on the new occupants.

• Clean from top to bottom, starting with ceilings and working your way down to floors.


• Focus on high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.


• Don't forget appliances: Clean the oven, refrigerator, and microwave.

Thorough cleaning makes it easier for the next person to move in and can even lead to potential goodwill and positive references in the future.

7. Label Boxes Clearly

Proper labeling is vital to ensure a smooth move-in process at your new home. Labeling helps movers know where to place each box, making unpacking easier.

• Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.


• Use color-coded labels for quick visual identification.


• Indicate if the box contains fragile items to ensure careful handling.

Clear labeling speeds up the unloading process and helps you find essential items more quickly once you've moved in.

8. Prepare Electronics

Electronics are often valuable and fragile, requiring special attention when packing.

• Take photos of cable configurations for easy setup at your new home.


• Use original packaging if available; otherwise, use plenty of padding.


• Remove batteries to prevent leakage.

Properly packing your electronics ensures they remain in good working order, making it easier to settle into your new home.

9. Food and Kitchen Preparation

Avoid doing a large grocery shop in the weeks leading up to your move. Instead, use up perishable items and plan simple meals to minimize waste.

• Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer 24 hours before the move.


• Make sure you have an appropriate cooler to transport any perishable items you are keeping.


• Pack non-perishable pantry items in sturdy, small boxes.

Proper food preparation ensures you minimize waste and have essential items readily available during the hectic first few days in your new home.

10. Secure Pets and Kids

The chaos of moving day can be overwhelming and even dangerous for children and pets. Make specific arrangements to ensure their safety and comfort.

• Arrange for pets to stay with a friend or in a kennel during the move.


• Set aside a special box with favorite toys, snacks, and essentials for kids.


• Hire a babysitter or ask a family member to look after young children.

Securing pets and kids keeps them safe and allows you to focus on the moving tasks without additional stress.

Conclusion

The last week before moving is filled with numerous tasks that can feel daunting. However, with careful planning and organization, you can make the process much smoother. Finalizing moving arrangements, packing an essentials box, notifying important parties, and following these other essential tips will help you transition into your new home with ease. Remember, moving is a fresh start, and by staying organized and calm, you can make the most of this new beginning.