Before you even think about hiring movers, packing, or canceling your Pilaties membership locally, you need to do a bit of pre-move tasks.

📌 Create a Moving Out of State To Do List

If you're making the move from one state to another or even just down the road, the first thing you need is a checklist. Don’t just keep it in your head. Put it in writing or on a note on your iPhone! Trust me, there’s no such thing as “too much planning.” Get organized before you get stressed.

📌 Set the Date

Choose your moving day wisely. If you want to move on a Saturday, make sure you book the movers way in advance unless you like the idea of moving everything yourself with a few friends who may or may not be hungover or paying an arm and a leg. If you have flexibility know that you can save big moving mid week in the winter. 

Now, let’s get to the real fun part: packing those boxes. If you’re like most people, you probably won’t believe how much stuff you own until you have to pack it all into boxes. Here’s how to tackle the monster in one go:

📌 Purge, Purge, Purge

Before you even start packing, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” and “When was the last time I wore this?” The try, “Why did I even buy this?” If you haven’t used it in the last six months, it’s probably time to say goodbye. Give it one last try on and then decide: Sell it, donate it, or give it away. Your future self will thank you, and your move will cost less.

📌 Get the Right Supplies

You’re going to need boxes, tape, and bubble wrap (you know, for when you need to destroy something in a fun way and don’t want to take that anger out on your wife). Invest in a set of clearly labeled boxes. This way future you will be able to find that coffee maker without a meltdown if you can actually identify which box it’s in. Trust me and thank me later. 

📌 Pack Strategically

Start with the stuff you use the least. These could be seasonal things, your husband's questionable collection of questionable tools. As you get closer to the move date, pack up your everyday items, but keep a bag of essentials in a separate bag: toothbrush, clothes, important documents, and snacks. Lots of snacks.

Now that you’ve started the packing (or at least thought about it), it’s time to deal with the logistics. It’s not sexy, but it’s necessary. Don’t leave this to the last minute.

📌 Choose and Book Your Movers

Whether you're hiring movers or bribing your friends with cold beers, you’ll need to figure out the who, what, and when of getting your stuff from Point A to Point B. If you’re moving out of state, make sure you hire professionals and consider booking them either way if you want things done right. Interstate movers have the experience, trucks, and know how to deal with long-distance moves. There's a lot more to it than you know.

📌 Update Your Address

Go to the post office and get the deed done.

📌 Utilities and Other Fun Stuff

Take a deep breath, because now is the time to deal with your utilities. Call your water, gas, electricity, and internet companies to schedule disconnection and reconnection at the new place. 

Not the song, the move. You’re almost there, but there are a few final things to keep in mind as you enter the last stretch.

📌 Confirm Your Moving Details

A few days before the big move, check in with your moving company (or your friends who promised to help). Confirm the time, date, and logistics, especially if they’re coming to your house to pack your things for you. Last-minute communication is the key to avoiding “where’s my movers- oops we booked the wrong date” moments.

📌 Pack an Essentials Bag for the First Few Days

You’re going to need a few items right when you arrive at your new place. Pack a bag with essentials like clothing, toiletries, and any meds or items you’ll need for the first few days. It’s like a mini-vacation at your new place.

📌 Say Goodbye

Take a moment to say goodbye to your old home and community. You’ve made memories, spilled wine on the carpet, and possibly learned what not to do in your next home or what you must do asap. Don’t forget to leave behind a clean, empty space for the new tenants.

You did it. You survived the move hassle free. Now it’s time to unpack. I mean, technically, you could just throw open the boxes and let everything spill out gradually, but I’m going to suggest a more organized way.

📌 Start with Essentials

Unpack the essentials first-things like your bed sheets, bathroom junk, and kitchen items so you don’t have to live on take-out for the next month.

📌 One Room at a Time

Then, as you get more organized, tackle each room one at a time. Make it a game to finish a box a day to keep the doctor away.

Moving can be a hassle, but with the right checklist, you’ll feel more like a professional and less like you’re drowning in boxes and unprepared. From purging junk to finding the right movers, this guide is here to help you every step of the way. So, whether you’re moving next door or across the country, just remember: one box at a time you will get the job done!