Moving Day
Timeline & Checklist
Week-by-week planning from 4 weeks out through moving day — what to pack, when to notify utilities, medication transfer reminders, and the night-before checklist.
From 4 Weeks Out to Moving Day
A move only feels chaotic when nothing is on paper. This timeline keeps everything on track — one week at a time.
4 Weeks Out
- 1Book your moving company or confirm with Senior Move Manager
- 2Begin sorting belongings — keep, donate, gift to family, sell
- 3Order packing supplies: boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap
- 4Notify current landlord or start home sale preparations
- 5Request medical records from current doctors
- 6Order new furniture if needed and schedule delivery
3 Weeks Out
- 1Pack non-essential items — seasonal clothes, books, decorations
- 2Start using up perishable food and pantry items
- 3Arrange for donation pickups (St. Vincent de Paul, Habitat ReStore, Purple Heart)
- 4Schedule estate sale company if needed
- 5Confirm floor plan measurements of new home
- 6Label all boxes clearly with room name and contents
2 Weeks Out
- 1Submit change of address to USPS (usps.com/move)
- 2Notify Social Security, Medicare, and insurance providers
- 3Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near the new home
- 4Contact utility companies — schedule shutoff and new service start dates
- 5Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first 3 days in new home
- 6Confirm moving day logistics and timeline with movers
1 Week Out
- 1Pack all remaining items except daily essentials
- 2Defrost and clean refrigerator and freezer
- 3Set aside valuables, important documents, and medications to transport personally
- 4Confirm time with movers and provide contact numbers
- 5Arrange for someone to watch pets on moving day
- 6Prepare a moving day kit: snacks, water, phone charger, basic tools
Night Before
- 1Pack toiletries and next-day medications in your personal bag
- 2Charge all devices — phone, tablet, medical equipment
- 3Set aside bedding and a towel for the first night
- 4Confirm parking arrangements for moving truck at both locations
- 5Get a good night's sleep — tomorrow will be long
- 6Set multiple alarms for an early start
Moving Day
- 1Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and cabinet
- 2Take photos of the old home before leaving
- 3Keep medications, valuables, and important documents with you
- 4Arrive at new home before movers to direct furniture placement
- 5Set up the bed first — you'll need it tonight
- 6Locate the circuit breaker, water shutoff, and thermostat
Don't forget
these critical details.
A move only feels chaotic when nothing is on paper. This timeline keeps everything on track — one week at a time. Print it, keep it on the fridge, and check off tasks as you go.
Print This Timeline
Keep it on the fridge — check off tasks as you go
Want personalized guidance from a Senior Move Manager?
Found this guide helpful?
Pass it on. Every time you share this guide, another family in Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin gets a helpful head start.
Sign Up for a Resource — or New Blog Articles
Pick a resource or pick blog articles — free checklists and guides on downsizing, senior moving, care planning, and Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin senior resources. We'll send you our guides right away so you're caught up.
Want to keep reading?Visit our blog for new articles
Dive deeper with these articles
Hand-picked blog posts that expand on the topics covered on this page.