8 Week Moving Plan

Create a Moving Folder: Gather all documents, receipts, and estimates related to your move in one place.

Inventory Your Belongings: Make a detailed list of all items you plan to move.

Research Moving Companies: Obtain quotes, read reviews, and choose a reliable moving company like Cita Van Lines. Know the difference between a broker and the actual moving company.

Set a Budget: Determine your moving budget, including packing supplies, movers, and any unexpected expenses.

Sort Through Belongings: Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.

Host a Garage Sale: Sell items you no longer need to lighten your load and make some extra cash.

Donate Unwanted Items: Arrange for pick-up or drop-off of items you wish to donate.

Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Properly dispose of items that movers won’t transport, such as paint, chemicals, and batteries.

Family Pets: When moving with your furry friend, consider dog-friendly locations, access to a private yard, nearby dog parks, and other pet amenities.

Book Your Move: Take the hassle out of your next move with our top-rated moving and storage services. Simply sign your estimate and secure your preferred moving date. From there, you'll be paired with a dedicated move coordinator who will guide you through every step of the process.

Change of Address: Submit a change of address form with the post office.

Notify Important Parties: Inform banks, insurance providers, subscriptions, and other important contacts of your move.

Transfer School Records: Contact your children’s schools to arrange the transfer of records.

Medical Records: Notify doctors and dentists of your move and arrange for the transfer of medical records.

Order Packing Supplies: Purchase boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.

Pack Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you don’t use daily, such as seasonal clothing and decorations.

Label Boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.

Create an Inventory List: Keep a detailed inventory of packed items for easy reference and tracking.

Schedule Utilities: Arrange for disconnection and reconnection of utilities at your old and new homes.

Confirm Moving Arrangements: Verify dates, times, and requirements with your moving company.

Arrange Child and Pet Care: Make arrangements for moving day to keep children and pets safe and out of the way.

Plan Meals: Use up perishable food items and avoid grocery shopping unless necessary.

Start Decluttering: Begin decluttering to lighten your load and streamline your move.

Begin The Packing Process: Start the packing process today to ensure a smooth and organized move.

Check In With Your Moving Representative: Check in with your moving representative to ensure everything is on track and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Pack Valuable Items: Securely pack valuable items and important documents.

Prepare Appliances: Clean and prepare appliances for the move, following manufacturer guidelines.

Measure Furniture: Ensure that your furniture will fit through doorways and in the new space.

Update Address: Continue updating your address with any additional contacts or services.

Cancel Your Local Memberships: Moving may mean leaving your favorite gym or community center. Check if your memberships can be transferred to save money and avoid cancellation fees. Provide notice and cancel local memberships, such as gyms, yoga studios, business associations, and social clubs.

Plan Your Goodbyes: Moving can be bittersweet, so keep family and friends updated. Notify extended family and friends early to avoid last-minute goodbyes. Schedule gatherings and visits to favorite places, like restaurants, museums, and parks, before you leave.

Pack an Essentials Box: Prepare a box with essentials for the first few days in your new home (clothes, toiletries, medications, etc.).

Finish Packing: Complete packing all items, leaving out only what you’ll need until moving day.

Defrost Freezer: If applicable, defrost your freezer and clean out appliances.

Prepare Payment: Have payment ready for the moving company, including tips if desired.

Prepare Your Home: Clean, organize, and repair any areas to ensure your home is ready for the move and appealing to potential buyers or renters.

Moving Day Kit: Pack a moving day kit with snacks, water, important documents, keys, phone chargers, and any last-minute items.

Supervise the Move: Be present to oversee the movers and answer any questions they may have.

Final Walkthrough: Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

Note Meter Readings: Record the readings of all utility meters for future reference.

Prepare Your Appliances: Clean, defrost, and unplug all appliances 24 hours before moving to ensure they're ready for transport.

Set Up Services at New Home: Arrange for the setup of utilities, internet, and other essential services at your new home before moving in.

Plan for Moving Day: Prepare a moving day kit, supervise the movers, and do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Arrange daycare for kids and pets on move-out day.

Meal prep for the week leading up to the move.

Identify and mark extra-fragile items needing special attention.

Label boxes you will need first in your new home (valuables, electronics, etc.).

If packing yourself, ensure everything is ready before moving day. The movers will check the boxes.

If Cita Van Lines is packing, group items you want packed together, like children's toys.

Unplug all electronic appliances 24 hours before moving, except plasma TVs, so they reach room temperature.

Review your first night box to ensure all items are included.

Tipping movers at move-out and move-in is optional and at your discretion.

Unpack Essentials First: Start with the essentials box and gradually unpack room by room.

Check for Damages: Inspect your belongings for any damage during transit and file claims if necessary.

Update Registrations: Update your driver's license, vehicle registration, and voter registration with your new address.

Explore the Neighborhood: Familiarize yourself with your new surroundings and locate nearby services like grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical facilities.

Introduce yourself to your new neighbors: Build connections and create a welcoming community.

Set up playdates for your kids: Arrange playdates for your kids to help them make new friends and settle into the neighborhood.

Leave an online review for your realtor: Send a thank you gift to show your appreciation.

Leave an online review for your moving company: Share your experience with Cita Van Lines online to help others choose a reliable moving service.