Moving Timeline & Checklist
Access Storage
December 9th, 2025
Moving Timeline & Checklist
Your step-by-step guide to a smooth, stress-free move Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, a clear plan can make the difference between a chaotic moving day and a calm, organized transition. This moving timeline and checklist will help you stay ahead of schedule, protect your belongings, and avoid last-minute surprises—especially when it comes to storage needs.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day: Start Planning
✔ Create a moving binder
Store estimates, receipts, inventory lists, and important documents in one place. ✔ Research moving companies or storage options
Compare quotes, check reviews, and reserve early—especially during peak seasons. ✔ Declutter your home
Sort items into keep, donate, sell, and store. This reduces what you move and helps you see how much storage you might need. ✔ Create a moving budget
Include movers, packing supplies, storage fees, cleaning, and any deposits.
6 Weeks Before: Prep & Organize
✔ Gather packing supplies
Boxes, tape, labels, bubble wrap, furniture covers, and markers. ✔ Take measurements
If you’re moving into a smaller space, determine what fits. This is the perfect time to plan which items will go into storage. ✔ Begin packing non-essentials
Seasonal clothes, décor, books, and rarely used kitchen items. ✔ Notify important contacts
Schools, medical offices, insurance companies, and employers about your move.
4 Weeks Before: Confirm & Pack
✔ Reserve your storage unit
Choose a size based on the items you’re storing. Consider climate-controlled units for electronics, wood furniture, documents, and artwork. ✔ Start room-by-room packing
Label boxes clearly with both room and contents. Color-coded labels work wonders. ✔ Plan moving day logistics
Confirm dates with movers or helpers, arrange childcare or pet care, and plan where the moving truck can park. ✔ Update your address
For mail forwarding, banks, subscriptions, and online accounts.
2 Weeks Before: Final Arrangements
✔ Pack valuables separately
Jewelry, important documents, medications—keep these with you. ✔ Service your car (if relocating far)
Check tires, fluids, and emergency supplies. ✔ Clean and repair
If required, prepare your home for checkout or resale. ✔ Confirm storage unit access details
Know gate codes, office hours, and how to lock your unit securely.
1 Week Before: Final Prep
✔ Pack a “first-day essentials” box
Toiletries, bedding, chargers, snacks, clothes, cleaning supplies. ✔ Disassemble large furniture
Beds, shelves, and tables—pack hardware in labeled bags. ✔ Back up electronics
Just in case!
Moving Day: Stay Organized
✔ Do a final walkthrough
Check closets, cupboards, garage, and attic. ✔ Direct movers or helpers
Tell them which items go to your new home and which go to storage. ✔ Protect items before storing
Cover furniture, wrap fragile items, and stack boxes safely with heavier ones on the bottom. ✔ Lock up and keep important documents with you
Never pack essentials in the moving truck.
After the Move: Settle In
✔ Unpack priority rooms
Bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms first. ✔ Organize your storage unit
Use shelving, leave a walkway, and label all sides of boxes for easy access. ✔ Update your home inventory
Note what’s in storage vs. what’s in your new home.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear timeline and organized checklist, you can stay in control every step of the way. Planning ahead—especially for storage needs—helps protect your belongings and creates a smoother, stress-free moving experience.
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