Breaking down your moving tasks into monthly jobs will make moving life so much easier. Moving to a new home can be both an exciting and an overwhelming task, especially if the move is out of town or out of state. Because of this, experts recommend that you plan and create an action plan of what to do months in advance.
The table below is a brief outline of what to do three, six, and nine months before moving:
| Three months | Start packing Hire movers List important contacts Gather moving supplies |
| Six months | Declutter Organize seasonal items Clear the freezer |
| Nine months | Budget Organize Research |
Knowing what you should do before moving can seem daunting and overwhelming unless you have a plan. Keep reading to learn what you should do three, six, and nine months before your moving date.
How Does Being Organized Help with an Upcoming Move?
Like most things in life, being organized is the key to not only succeeding but also relieving certain anxiety and stress. This is especially true when it comes to moving, whether it is from one house to another, one city to another, or one state to another.
Ensuring that you have taken the time to sit down and make a plan of action will help you to see the big picture of how much or how little you have to do before moving day. As you complete items on your list, it is important to mark them off so that you feel a sense of accomplishment.
How Far Out Should You Plan For Your Move?
While opinions differ on how far out you should plan for your next move, most experts agree that starting your planning, if possible, should begin nine months to a year in advance. This is because it allows you the time you need to complete the checklist.
Although some moves may come up at the last minute, it is important to start your planning process as soon as possible. Having a checklist will help you to feel more prepared as your moving day approaches.
What To Do Before You Move: Three, Six, and Nine Months Out
One of the most overwhelming tasks before moving is careful planning to ensure that everything is getting done smoothly. If you have the luxury of knowing about your move three, six, and nine months beforehand, it is best to begin the planning process before you implement it.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to do three, six, and nine months before moving:
- Three months before: choose movers, list contacts, find moving supplies and start packing.
- Six months before: declutter, clean out the freezer and start organizing holiday items.
- Nine months before: set the budget, plan out details, and start researching your destination.
Even though some tasks cannot be done until closer to the move, there is a wide range of things that can be done before your moving day. Many people choose to keep their plans in a binder or folder so they can refer to them if needed.
Keep reading to learn more about what you should be doing to prepare for your upcoming move three, six, and nine months in advance.
Nine Months Before Moving
While many people do not know they will be moving nine months or more before moving day, those that do have a certain advantage. Since moving is such a long and daunting process, the sooner you can start, the better for all parties involved.
Check out this list of things you should do nine months before moving:
- Create a budget. Budgets are ways that help you stay on track with your move, so there are no surprises in the end.
- Organize moving details. Using a file box or a binder that contains the information needed to make your move a success is an important part of planning for your move.
- Do Your Research. If you know the neighborhood you are moving to, you may want to do some research to discover everything you can about the city, state, and neighborhood you are moving to.
Six Months Before Moving
At this point in your planning process, things may seem even more chaotic with everything you have to do to be prepared for your move. If you are organized and make use of your time wisely, you will be able to overcome any obstacles.
Here is a list of things you should keep in mind six months before moving:
- Begin the decluttering process. It is recommended that you declutter and throw away anything that you have not used at the six-month mark. You can start small with a closet or another room in the house.
- Clear out your freezer. While most people clean out their refrigerator and freezer from time to time, six months before a move is a good time to do it again. It allows you to throw anything out that may be older than what is considered safe.
- Stay organized with your holiday items. Cleaning things up from a recent holiday can be difficult for some people. If you know you are going to be moving in six months, it is important to ensure that you have secured these items appropriately.
Three Months Before Moving
As the months grow closer to your move, you may begin to feel the pressure of getting everything done on time. However, if you have followed an organized plan, you should be in good shape at this time.
Here are some things you should take care of when your move is three months out:
- Decide on your moving company. Whether you are planning to use a moving company or rent a truck, you should get this booked as soon as possible.
- Create a list of people you need to contact. This list will include utility companies, credit card companies, and other people or places that will need your correct address.
- Purchase moving supplies. Getting items such as boxes, tape, and packing materials is important at this point since you will soon be packing everything up.
- Begin packing with nonessential items. Beginning your packing process with areas and things that are not important is a great way to get some things out of the way before you get busy with the rest.
At the end of the day, preparing for a move is much easier than you may think, especially if you have taken the time to plan. From setting your budget to decluttering and packing, it all plays a vital role in helping your move go smoothly.
