Moving is exciting.
But it doesn’t have to be stressful, costly, and chaotic when you know what to do. Recent research shows over 30 million Americans relocate at least once every year — which is 9% of the total US population.
Here’s the problem:
The majority of them are underprepared and pay for it with hidden fees, lost items, and wasted time. A shocking 78% of movers experience unexpected moving costs.
Want to know the best part?
Smooth moves are possible with the right planning and checklists.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- Why Early Planning Lowers Your Costs and Stress
- How to Properly Compare Moving Companies
- The Moving Timeline You Should Be Following
- Packing Tips That Will Save You Time
- Hidden Moving Costs You Need To Plan For
Why Early Planning Lowers Your Costs and Stress
Let me share something you probably don’t know with you…
Planning your home move in advance is the single most crucial step you can take. Waiting until the last minute always results in higher costs and more stress.
Here’s why:
Planning your move 8-12 weeks before your moving date allows you to compare your options and lock in lower rates and availability. Last-minute movers overpay by 25-40% by default since they must take whatever is available to them.
But there’s another reason early planning is important…
It allows you to compare different moving options properly. When you do your moving services comparison, make sure to research several different moving companies (such as Three Movers) and get proper quotes before you decide on your home relocation services.
Aim for at least three different quotes. This gives you:
- A better sense of market price
- Negotiation power
- Protection against being ripped off
- Time to properly research licensing and insurance
Take your time on this step. The moving company you choose for your move can make or break your entire experience.
The Moving Timeline You Should Be Following
Do you know exactly when to do what?
Following a moving timeline is essential for staying on track and avoiding last-minute panic mode. Here’s the timeline that works:
8-12 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is where you start.
Set up your moving budget, research moving companies, and begin decluttering your home room by room. You should also:
- Gather important documents and put them all in one place
- Obtain free boxes from local stores and recycling bins
4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day
Things get real now.
Book your chosen moving company or rental truck. Many people procrastinate and lose out on better rates and availability because of peak season demand. You should also:
- Notify your landlord (if renting)
- Arrange time off from work for the moving day
- Begin packing items you don’t use on a daily basis
- Fill out a change of address form with the post office
- Arrange for utilities to be turned off and on
Moving Week
The final stretch.
Pack up everything that’s left (except for your daily essentials), do a final walkthrough of your home, and prep for moving day. Keep your important documents, valuables, and your first night box with you. Don’t put those on the truck.
Packing Tips That Will Save You Time
Here’s one thing you need to know about packing…
It takes longer than you think.
Most people grossly underestimate the time it takes to pack their home. Packing alone requires 40-60 hours for an average three-bedroom house. Start as early as possible and don’t rush yourself.
The most effective packing strategies work with these simple rules:
Room by Room: Avoid mixing up items from different rooms into the same box. Unpacking is way easier this way.
Label Everything: Write the room name and a brief description of the contents on each box. Use a black marker.
Heavy Items in Small Boxes: Books, tools, and kitchen items go in small boxes, while large boxes are for lighter items like bedding and pillows.
Consider if you’ll be packing everything by yourself or hiring professional packers for some of your items. Everything you do yourself saves you money. But professional packers know how to pack fragile items without breaking them.
Hidden Moving Costs You Need To Budget For
This will come as a shock to you…
The actual moving service is only part of your total moving budget. There are dozens of additional hidden moving costs that trip people up.
Research shows that 60% of Americans say moving is not affordable. People typically go over budget by forgetting about these:
Packing Supplies: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials add up fast. Set aside $150-300 for an average home.
Insurance: The mover’s standard liability coverage isn’t usually enough. You want additional insurance to cover your valuables.
Storage Fees: If your new place isn’t ready, short-term storage may be necessary at $100-300 per month.
Tips for Movers: The industry standard is 15-20% of your moving cost or $20-40 per mover.
And here’s the kicker…
Taken together, these costs can easily tack on another $500-1,500 to your overall moving expenses. Always build a buffer into your budget to prevent financial stress.
What To Do On Moving Day
Moving day has finally arrived.
Start early, stay organized, and focused. Professional movers usually show up around 8-10 AM on moving day. Be prepared for the long day. Get some coffee, wear comfortable clothes, and mentally prepare yourself.
Before the movers arrive:
- Do a final walkthrough of your home
- Check to make sure everything is packed and ready to go
- Keep your essentials box separate
While the movers work:
- Remain available to answer any questions
- Do a final check of every room, closet, and cabinet
Before you leave your old home:
- Double check every room, closet, and cabinet
- Leave keys and other items as per the mover’s requirements
Common Moving Mistakes To Avoid
Here’s what you should NOT do…
Even with a great moving checklist, people still make costly moving mistakes.
Avoid these errors:
- Not obtaining quotes from a minimum of three different moving companies
- Packing everything without first decluttering
- Waiting until the last minute to book movers and pay top dollar during the peak season (May-September)
Let’s Wrap This Up
A stress-free home move is all about the proper planning, organization, and attention to detail.
By planning in advance, comparing your options, and budgeting for everything, you can avoid stress and regrets that 70% of people report experiencing after their move.
The key takeaways:
- Plan 8-12 weeks in advance before your moving date
- Get at least three quotes from different moving companies
- Follow a comprehensive moving timeline to keep organized
- Budget for all hidden costs in addition to the moving service
Remember, the time and effort you put into planning now will pay dividends in a smoother, less stressful move.
