Moving is an overwhelming task. It can prompt us to confront stresses we may have been putting off while also causing some anxiety about the future. However, change can also be exciting and freeing.
By decluttering and getting organized as we prepare to move, we can use moving as an opportunity to grow.
Here are my best tips and resources to help downsize and simplify your transition so you can set up your new home in a way that aligns with your values.
Print The MoreSPACE "Organized Moving Guide"
Plus, you can print the free moving guide that aligns with this blog post to help keep you on track. It includes a timeline, moving checklist, and directory of local resources of who to hire that can help you along your journey, customized to the central PA region.
Tip: If you haven’t found “the” house yet, but you will be looking soon, be sure to schedule an appointment with a professional organizer as soon as you schedule an appointment with your realtor so you can stay on top of the process!
(And decrease your stress!)
Central PA Moving Checklist & Timeline: Months Before
Months Before: Organize Your Thoughts
What are you looking forward to about your new home?
Whether you’re excited or anxious about moving, I recommend getting started with organizing your thoughts now so you can set the precedent for the rest of your journey.
Try creating an ideal vision for your new space and your move. How would you like to feel in your new home?
Now’s the time to take measurements of your new space or get them from the contractor so you can start to think about how to make your vision more concrete.
You can also try setting an intention for your move-in. For example, you may repeat to yourself, “Things will go smoothly,” or “I have the tools and resources to manage any issue that may come up.”
You are not in this moving journey alone. Connect with family and friends to ask for support in the specific ways you need, or schedule an appointment with me so we can set goals together.
Months Before: Practical Preparation
One of the most common worries when moving is knowing who to contact and when. If you feel overwhelmed, print or type up a simple checklist that works best for your unique situation. (See a link to my moving guide below.)
At the very least, you will probably need to:
Schedule cancellation of services in your current home.
Send notice of new address.
Be sure to give notice to your rental. If you need to schedule a walkthrough for your security deposit, book a time to declutter and tidy with me beforehand.
Request time off from work.
Register with your new school district if you have children.
Schedule onsite estimates with two or three different moving companies or book a moving van.
Find comfort in knowing that everyone’s checklist will be different.
My free printable moving guide with space to write your checklist can help you organize your thoughts. To know what you need to do, you can start by checking out the following:
Declutter your checklist by crossing out steps that don’t apply to you and only including non-negotiables on your list.
Months Before: Take Action
Now is the time to start decluttering. Decluttering can be a daunting task, but you know your patterns of success best. Based on past experience, would you like to try scheduling a time to declutter all at once or go one room or category at a time? Do you work better solo or with a friend?
It’s up to you if you’d like to declutter and then pack, or pack first. Some people find it helpful to pack their non-negotiables first and then go through their remaining items afterwards. Others prefer to get rid of the things they don't want to bring into their new space, so they can better visualize what they need to pack and move.
I like to go room-by-room and as soon as the room is decluttered, you can start packing the things you won't need between now and the move.
Since you won’t be moving for a few months, I would pack things you only access about once a year, such as sentimental items, files, and holiday decorations.
When decluttering, try asking yourself:
Am I willing to invest in this item to get it to my new home? (Moving prices are often determined by weight)
Does this item fit in with the aesthetics of my new home?
Is this item worth bringing into my future?
As you declutter, be sure to:
Dispose of trash, expired items like food and paint, broken items, and items with rips and stains.
Decide what you want to try and sell and schedule an appraisal if you have a significant amount of items.
Pack up what you can donate to get it out of the way.
Return borrowed items (or ask people to pick them up by a certain date).
If you need help figuring out what to do with decluttered items, click here to get the free download with a directory to local organizations where you can donate, sell, and dispose of your items. Be sure to be stocking up on spare boxes to contain the items you do want to keep!
If you need some tips for getting started packing, see my advice below for staying organized and sane:
As you pack, stick a piece of colored tape or tape a sticky note on each box. Each room (in your new house) can get its own color.
Make an inventory of what’s inside each box, in whatever way makes the most sense for your unique brain.
For example, you might simply write contents on the box itself, or you may prefer to keep a separate list that you can refer to after moving (perhaps using your color-coded system!)
Pack the following items separately:
Important documents
Fragile or sentimental items you don’t want others to move
Tip: To save money and reduce waste, use towels and other soft goods to protect fragile items when packing.
An overnight bag with essential items you may need within the first few days in your new home.
Central PA Moving Checklist & Timeline: Weeks Before
Weeks Before: Practical Preparation
Let the neighbors know about your moving date.
Confirm appointments/turn-on dates for installation of cable, internet, and utilities.
Make minor home repairs. (Download my free client resource guide if you’d like to hire a professional).
Weeks Before: Take Action
Continue doing what you’ve done in the past few weeks. What’s working and not working so far? It’s okay to readjust your strategy over time.
I recommend starting to pack things you use around once a month, such as books, out-of-season clothes, china hutch contents, or sports equipment at this stage of the game.
Central PA Moving Checklist & Timeline: Days Before
Days Before: Practical Preparation
Finish deep cleaning your home.
Unplug your fridge if you’ll be eating out or ordering in for the next few days.
Get cash for a tip for the movers.
On Moving Day: Practical Preparation
1. The night before, pack an overnight bag that includes what you need to take care of yourself for the first night or two.
Include toiletries, clothing, sheets for your bed, paper towels, cleaning wipes, a roll of toilet paper, handsoap, pet supplies, and a toolbox (for setting up furniture).
2. On your actual move-in day, you’re not alone! I can help ease your stress by setting up your kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom as soon as you move in. Click here to view my moving special on my pricing page, and contact me to book me on your move-in day.
As you move, your role can be to help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Look for opportunities to make moving boxes more efficient.
Direct the people helping you so they feel supported and don’t have to try to read your mind.
3. Keep a running list of things you realize you need to buy. Plan to make a shopping trip later on to buy what you need all at once.
Lastly, remember to return your keys!
After Moving In:
Refer to the inventory list you made and confirm that you have everything on the list.
Meet the neighbors.
Check the ETA of your old security deposit.
A new home layout means that your organization systems will have the opportunity to be updated to better suit your lifestyle. Schedule a time to get set up with me to get yourself started on the right foot. We can set up your rooms based on your goals and vision for this new chapter in your life. What worked in your old home? What didn’t work?
Investing early in a professional organizer can save you money in the long run by creating space and time to focus on the activities that support you financially and as a person. Organizing is a way to save decision-making energy and help your brain declutter, too.
After a few months of living with your new organizing systems, schedule a recurring seasonal tidy. This will help you stay on top of the clutter. You deserve a few months of break from tidying after putting in so much work to move!
Click here to download the free printable moving checklist, timeline, and directory of local resources that will help make the process smoother for you.
If you found these tips helpful and want more personalized support for moving (including a more efficient decluttering and packing process), contact me! We can book a time to get organized as a way to practice self care during this transformative time in your life. I look forward to supporting you!
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