Stage 01 · Before the Move

Plan the move before the boxes take over.

Build the timeline, compare moving options, protect the budget, and finish packing and service handoffs before moving day arrives.

Work in order

Guides by timing.

These are the core articles selected from the published library using each article's stage, timing and priority metadata.

01 · Before the Move

Six or more weeks before

Set the date, route, housing plan and overall moving approach before committing money.

Planning & timelines When should I start planning a move, and what belongs on an 8-week timeline? 9 min read Planning & timelines DIY, full-service, or hybrid: which moving plan fits your time, budget, and risk? 7 min read Planning & timelines How do I build a moving budget before I ask movers for quotes? 7 min read Long-distance moves What should my week-by-week timeline look like starting two months before a long-distance move? 8 min read
02 · Before the Move

Two to eight weeks before

Compare movers, quotes, protection, storage and total cost before signing or paying.

Professional movers How can you verify a moving company before paying a deposit? 11 min read Professional movers How far ahead should you book movers—and what changes in peak season? 7 min read Quotes & estimates How do I compare moving quotes so the estimates are actually apples to apples? 7 min read Protection & insurance What moving insurance options are interstate movers legally required to offer me? 6 min read
03 · Before the Move

One to four weeks before

Reduce what is moving, pack in a useful order and schedule services at both addresses.

Packing by room What order should I pack the rooms in my house when preparing for a move? 7 min read Donations & removal What's the best way to declutter my home before moving day so I take less stuff with me? 7 min read Utilities Who do I call and when to set up water, electric, gas, trash, and internet at my new US house before move-in? 7 min read Boxes & packing supplies What size moving box should I use for dishes and small appliances? 6 min read
04 · Before the Move

Final seven days

Finish the records, cleaning, handoffs and checks that become expensive to miss.

Moving checklists What are the must-do tasks in the final week before moving day? 5 min read Paperwork & address How do I officially change my address with the US government when I move? 6 min read Home cleaning What should I clean before moving into a new home before the furniture and boxes arrive? 7 min read Tips & payments What last-minute tasks and tips should I follow in the final week before moving day? 7 min read

Next stage

Moving Day & Delivery

Keep records, essentials, access, inventory, payment, and delivery checks under control while the move is actively in progress.

Continue to stage 02