2 Weeks Before Your Move

14 days until your big move. You’re getting close. You’ve employed your packing techniques. You can see the finish line. With the boxes squared away, you’ll have a lot more space to begin cleaning. It’s also time to finalize your services.

• Schedule utilities. At this point, you’ll need to set a transfer or cancellation date for your utilities. Electric, water, and gas, as well as entertainment and convenience services (e.g., cable and telephone), should be on your to-do list.
• Confirm contracted moving services. Call to confirm not only the date of your moving service, but the plan for the day. Ask about arrival times, as well as anything the company may need from you on the day of the move.
• Book short-term storage if needed. If you’re doing any work on your new home, you might need a storage facility close to your new house where you can keep your belongings while floors are being installed or other major work takes place.
• Strategize your transitional lifestyle and continue packing. This week, nearly everything should go in a box – even some of the essentials. Planning your transition will help you determine the exact items that should remain unpacked until the very end.
• Plan upcoming meals. Begin getting rid of food you won’t be able to finish. Plan simple meals that require a single pan or pot. Think over-roasted meats surrounded by vegetables and potatoes on a single sheet pan or hearty stews made in a slow cooker.
• Consider temporary tableware. It’s time to gradually pack your kitchen. As you begin to secure extra pots and pans – and later, plates, cups, and silverware – decide how you’ll serve meals in the final weeks before your move. Remember: You’ll need to clean both your dishwasher and oven; paper plates and plastic cups and cutlery are an option. You can also set aside one place setting per family member and hand-wash these items.
• Plan a light, versatile wardrobe. The goal is to select just a few items that coordinate into multiple looks. For example, one pair of dress pants that match several button-down shirts. Don’t forget comfortable moving-day clothes, including breathable cotton and durable, sensible sneakers.
• Consider travel-size toiletries. These mini items are especially important for long-distance relocation. Common items, such as toothpaste and soaps are just as important as lotions and styling products when everything must go in a box. Don’t forget a toothbrush!
• Create a transition plan for children. Moving is an especially difficult time for children. Among other tips, com recommends sticking closely to a familiar routine and finding opportunities for children to make empowering choices related to their new environment.
• Create a backup plan for unexpected events. Are your movers driving across country with an uncertain schedule? What if you arrive before your bed does? Consider transitional items – such as an inflatable mattress. Scope out local hotels in the event that the closing date of your new home gets pushed by a few days.
• Begin cleaning forgotten details. At this stage, you’re likely still living in what will soon be your old home. Aside from your regular cleaning tasks, you’ll want to focus on the details that often go unnoticed. It’s important to spend time on these to-dos and not major overhauls since you’ll run the risk of creating more work through the messes of daily living. For example, it won’t make sense to rent a carpet-cleaning tool if you have pets that frequently drag in dirt. Here are a few places to start:
  • Dust and wash baseboards.
  • Scrub around and behind toilets.
  • Scour grout in bathrooms and between other tile surfaces.
  • Wipe or dust fans, light fixtures, and blinds.
  • Wipe the insides of empty drawers and other storage areas.
  • Pull weeds in outdoor areas.
  • Clean windows and mirrors in spare bedrooms and bathrooms.