Moving to a new home represents one of life’s most significant transitions—an exciting opportunity to start fresh, but also a process that can quickly become overwhelming without proper planning. Whether you’re relocating just across Atlanta or embarking on a cross-country adventure, having a well-organized timeline can make the difference between a chaotic experience and a smooth, manageable move.
At Sunrise Moving & Storage, we’ve helped countless families and businesses navigate their relocations successfully. Through years of experience in the Atlanta moving industry, we’ve learned that the key to a stress-free move lies in preparation, organization, and starting early. While we’re here to handle the heavy lifting and transportation logistics, there’s plenty you can do in the weeks leading up to your move to ensure everything goes according to plan. Use this step-by-step guide to make your relocation smooth and stress-free:
8 Weeks Before Moving Day: Start with the Basics
The journey to a successful move begins two months before your moving date. This might seem excessive, but early preparation makes a huge difference when moving day arrives.
1. Create a Moving Binder or Digital Folder
Keep all your moving-related documents, estimates, receipts, and checklists in one place.
2. Declutter Your Home
Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will reduce the amount you have to pack and move.
3. Research Moving Companies
Get at least three estimates from licensed and insured movers. Give yourself enough time to ask any questions and not feel rushed to decide on who to use.
4. Create a Budget
Factor in all moving expenses, including packing costs, movers or truck rental fees, utility setup, and a buffer for unexpected costs.
6 Weeks Before Moving Day: Organize and Prepare
With your foundation established, it’s time to tackle the administrative and logistical aspects of your move.
1. Notify Schools and Medical Providers
Request transcripts, medical records, and referrals if moving out of the area.
2. Order Packing Supplies
Stock up on boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers. Consider specialty boxes for items like TVs or wardrobe boxes. Or speak to your movers if you’d like them to handle packing, as the time and materials for this would need to be included in your paperwork.
3. Start Packing Non-Essentials
Begin with seasonal items, decor, and other areas of the home you don’t use daily (spare bedrooms, closets, etc.). Continue moving through the home, leaving the most used items for last.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day: Confirm and Update
The one-month mark is crucial for finalizing arrangements and handling official notifications.
1. Change Your Address
File a change of address with the USPS, and notify banks, credit cards, insurance companies, and subscriptions.
2. Confirm Moving Details
If you haven’t already, lock in your moving date, confirm with movers or truck rental, and review the cancellation policy. Summer months are the busiest, so moving dates go fast! The sooner you decide on a mover, the more choices you’ll have for your moving date.
3. Schedule Utilities
Arrange for disconnection and new service setup at your new home (internet, gas, water, electricity, trash collection).
2 Weeks Before Moving Day: Focus on Final Tasks
With two weeks remaining, focus on completing the bulk of your packing and handling final logistics.
1. Pack Most Items
By now, most of your belongings should be in boxes, except for essentials. Label each box by room and content.
2. Plan for Pets and Kids
Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day if needed.
3. Service Your Car
If driving a long distance, make sure your vehicle is road-ready.
1 Week Before Moving Day: Get Ready to Go
1 Week Before Moving Day: Get Ready to GoThe final week requires attention to last-minute details and preparing for the immediate aftermath of your move.
1. Pack an Essentials Box
Include toiletries, a few days of clothes, chargers, important documents, basic kitchen supplies, and medications. Anything you’ll need for the first few days as you’re unpacking.
2. Clean Your Home
Whether selling or ending a lease, clean the home thoroughly or hire professionals.
3. Reconfirm Everything
Reconfirm times with movers, recheck utilities, and make sure everyone involved in the move knows the schedule.
Moving Day: Stay Organized
When moving day arrives, your preparation pays off. Take inventory of everything loaded onto the truck, conduct a thorough walkthrough with your movers about any special handling requirements, and perform a final check of your old home before departing.
1. Take Inventory
Make a list of everything that goes on the truck. Double-check that nothing is left behind.
2. Meet the Movers
Walk them through your home, and provide special instructions for fragile or heavy items.
3. Do a Final Walk-through
Check all closets, cabinets, and appliances before leaving.
After the Move: Settle In
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, prioritize unpacking essentials, and inspect your belongings for any damage and report issues to your moving company immediately. Don’t forget to update your documents if you’ve moved to a new state and enjoy your new home!
1. Unpack Essentials First
Start with the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms.
2. Check for Damage
Report any damaged or missing items to the moving company right away.
3. Update Your Driver’s License and Registration
If moving to a new state, follow local DMV requirements.
4. Enjoy Your New Home
By starting early and staying organized, we hope you were able to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Now you can focus on enjoying your new home!
Work with the Best Atlanta Movers Today
Moving doesn’t have to be a source of stress and anxiety. With proper planning, organization, and the right moving partner, your relocation can be a smooth, positive experience. At Sunrise Moving & Storage, we bring over 25 years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction to every move we handle.
Whether you’re planning a local move within the Atlanta area or a long-distance relocation, Sunrise Moving & Storage’s team of movers in Atlanta is equipped to handle every aspect of your move with care and efficiency. We offer competitive pricing, a wide range of services to fit any need, and the peace of mind that comes from working with licensed, experienced professionals.
Ready to start planning your stress-free move? Contact Sunrise Moving & Storage today at 770-381-6191 or request your free quote online. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on your new home.
