3 Weeks Before Your Move
21 days until your big move. Here, you’ll find even more tips on sorting and stacking that “cardboard castle” because, let’s face it, you’re still packing. It’s also time to communicate your schedule with your boss, neighbors, and more.
- Continue packing. In this round, you’ll persist in wrangling nonessential items – but with an emphasis on simplifying your list of everyday items.
- Have tough talks about “toys.” This strategy applies to children young and old. Obtain an extra-large plastic storage bin for must-have toys that will never make it to the moving van or storage pod. This bin should include comfort as well as activity-based items – such as art supplies or cherished books. Begin to pack everything else. Apply the same logic to “toys” for adults with serious hobbies.
- Don’t forget outdoor areas. Grilling tools, string lights, potted plants, side tables, umbrellas – you name it. Dismount porch swings and dismantle decor. All of these items are ready for boxing, sorting, or stacking.
- Address duplicate items. At this stage, you won’t need 20 pairs of shoes, three blow dryers, three TVs, or two dining tables. Discern the essentials and pack the rest.
- Repeat. Breakdown tables and other items; pack the legs or other parts so the furniture is less cumbersome to move.
- Consider temporary or long-term storage. By now, you’ll have an idea of just how much stuff you actually have in your home. Seeing it all in boxes provides perspective on space. Decide whether you’ll need to offload some items to a storage unit.
- Notify a trusted neighbor. Notifying your favorite neighbors of your move isn’t just good etiquette – it’s also a way to keep a close watch on your home. Moving fraud happens. Protecting your loved ones and your valuables by communicating with neighbors is key. The following action items will help you talk to neighbors about your move from a security standpoint.
- Discuss the people or companies you’ve hired. During your move, strangers may come in and out of your home often. Let neighbors know what companies you’ve hired, as well as the look of their uniforms (including colors and logos). Ask them to contact you regarding any suspicious activity.
- Outline your timeline and the key dates. Let neighbors know when workers are scheduled to enter your home. Ask them to contact you if they see workers, even in uniform, outside of these dates.
- Confirm the information with your service providers. Ask moving-related companies to guarantee workers will show up in branded uniforms.
- Plan your personal schedule. Moving day itself may take a few hours, especially if you hire professional movers. But it’s important to factor in time for packing, unpacking, and cleaning – in both your old and new homes.
- Request time off from work. You’ll likely need to request the time in increments (e.g., hours or days for appointments and meetings related to the move), as well as blocks (e.g., an entire week near the end of the process).
- Coordinate childcare. Even if you plan to drop off the kids with relatives, schedule these dates with caregivers at least three weeks in advance. Follow up with reminders as needed.
- Don’t forget your furry friends. If you’re moving across county or state lines, you’ll need to schedule travel arrangements (e.g., crating for plane travel). On moving day, you’ll likely need a boarding option or a pet sitter who can safely secure your pet – keeping him safely out of the way of movers.

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