The last few days before your move, similar to the last few days before a wedding, are crunch time. There are many details that start to come together rapidly, and the success of the event hinges on staying on top of them.
AAA Movers, Minnesota's trusted movers, to the rescue! We've compiled a list of tasks you should do a week before your move, two days before, and the day of to help you stay on task.
Some of these tips can be found in our helpful, printable moving checklist, but we've added some new tidbits to help out even more. (Our full checklist counts down from 8 weeks before moving day up to the day itself, so be sure to check it out!)
What to Do a Week Before Your Move
- Finish your packing. There are certain items (like your bed and daily toiletries) that you won't be able to pack until the last day or two, but everything else should be ready to go.
- Figure out a simple meal plan for the final week in your home and the first few days in your new one, and try to use up what you already have on hand.
- Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator/freezer. Use baking soda to rid it of any foul odors.
- Take care of housekeeping items in and around your home (wipe down floorboards, clean mirrors, vacuum, mow your lawn, etc.).
- If you still have any unmarked boxes, be sure to mark them and include any instructions such as “Fragile,” “Do not load in truck,” or “Load last.”
- Double check that you have transferred or cancelled all utilities, services, and subscriptions.
- If you are not going directly to your new home, ensure that your movers have an address and phone number where they can contact you if necessary.
- Put together a moving day survival kit (also called a first night bag) with items you will need for the trip and your first day or two at your new home. This includes toilet paper, snacks, bottled water, dishes, toiletries, towels, soap, etc.
What to Do 2 Days Before Your Move
- Notify the police in your town if your home will be uninhabited for a long period of time.
- Disassemble final furniture pieces (beds, dressers); your final night you can sleep on your mattress on the floor or even in sleeping bags.
- Make sure you have all your vital documents gathered together (moving paperwork, IDs/passports, directions/maps, etc.).
- Confirm the mover details: timeframe to expect the movers, where they can legally park, proper/accepted payment method(s), etc.
- Review your moving checklist to make sure you haven't missed anything.
What to Do on Moving Day
- Get a good night's sleep because it will be a busy day.
- Ensure you have the proper payment method for your movers available on moving day.
- Keep your valuables with you or locked in your vehicle until you leave so you don't have to worry about them.
- When the movers arrive, be available to answer any questions they have. You can certainly leave detailed notes about anything you want them to remember. Be accessible by phone if you do step away.
- Take care of any final housekeeping items (wipe down counters, do a quick sweep of the home to make sure everything is out, etc.).
- Hand over keys, alarm codes, and garage door remote controls to the new owner or real estate agent.
AAA Movers has been making moving easy in Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and beyond for people for over 50 years. Whether you're doing a local or long distance move, our moving specialists are here to help. Contact us for a move quote of if you'd like to schedule your move!
