Fall is a great time to move. The cooler temperatures can make moving day a little more comfortable, summer schedules are winding down, pumpkin spice latte’s are back on the menu and there’s still time to get settled before the holidays.
But fall in Wisconsin can also mean unpredictable weather, shorter days, and plenty of things competing for your attention. A little planning can go a long way.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, use this checklist to stay on track from eight weeks before your move all the way through moving day.
📦 8 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is the time to get organized and take care of the big-picture details.
Book your movers. Once you have a moving date, it’s a good idea to get your moving company scheduled. Booking early gives you more flexibility when choosing your preferred date.
Book a dumpster. If you’re planning a big cleanout or have furniture and other items you don’t want to take with you, arrange to have a dumpster dropped off and picked up before moving day. This gives you plenty of time to declutter as you work through each room.
Start decluttering. Moving is the perfect opportunity to go through the things you’ve accumulated over the years. Work your way through each room and decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or toss. Don’t forget about the garage, basement, attic, and closets!
Create a moving budget. In addition to your moving costs, remember to account for packing supplies, storage, travel expenses, utility deposits, and other moving-related costs.
Gather important documents. Keep things like birth certificates, passports, medical records, school records, and financial documents together in a safe place that you’ll have easy access to during your move.
🍁 4 Weeks Before Moving Day
Now it’s time to start making serious progress on packing.
Start with the things you don’t use every day. Pack books, decorations, extra kitchen items, off-season clothing, and anything else you won’t need over the next few weeks.
Keep fall essentials handy. Wisconsin weather can change quickly, so don’t pack away your coats, boots, rain jackets, or other cold-weather essentials just yet.
Update your address. Make sure your new address is updated with the post office, banks, insurance companies, schools, doctors, and subscription services.
Make arrangements for kids and pets. Moving day can be busy and unpredictable. If possible, arrange for children and pets to stay somewhere safe and comfortable while the movers are working.
Decide what you’ll pack yourself. If you’re using professional packing services, talk with your moving company about what the crew will handle and what you’ll be responsible for.
🏡 2 Weeks Before Moving Day
The countdown is on! At this point, most of your home should be organized and your packing should be well underway.
Finish packing most of your home. Leave out only the things you’ll need during the final two weeks.
Put together an essentials bag or box. Include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, towels, snacks, important documents, and anything your family or pets will need right away.
Confirm your moving details. Double-check your moving date, addresses, arrival information, and any special instructions with your moving company.
Prepare your new home. Make sure your utilities are scheduled to be turned on before you arrive. As temperatures begin to drop, you’ll also want to make sure the heat is ready to go.
Clear your walkways. Remove leaves, branches, and other debris from your driveway, sidewalks, steps, and entryways so your movers have a safe path into your home.
🚚 Moving Week
You’ve made it to moving week! Now it’s all about the final details.
Finish packing. Everything should be packed except for the essentials you’ll need during your final days in the home.
Check the weather. Fall weather can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on the forecast and make sure you have appropriate clothing and footwear ready for moving day.
Protect your floors. If rain or wet leaves are in the forecast, have mats or floor protection available to help keep your floors clean and dry.
Keep important items with you. Medications, identification, valuables, important documents, and your essentials bag should stay with you rather than going onto the moving truck.
Do one final walkthrough. Before you leave, check every room, closet, cabinet, garage, basement, attic, and outdoor area. You don’t want to discover a forgotten box after you’ve already left!
🍂 One More Tip Before You Go
You don’t have to tackle your entire move on your own. Professional movers can help with everything from packing and loading to transportation, unloading, and storage.
A little planning now can make a big difference when moving day arrives. And once the boxes are unloaded, you’ll be able to focus on settling into your new home and enjoying the season.
Planning a move this fall? Christofferson Moving & Storage has been helping families make their best moves since 1906. Contact our team today to get started!
