Free Planning Timeline
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.
Week-by-Week Planning
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
Critical DetailsDon't forget
Don't forget
these critical details.
Medication Transfer — Have prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near the new home at least 1 week before moving day. Bring a 2-week supply in your personal bag.
Utilities — Schedule gas, electric, water, internet, and cable at the new address. Schedule shutoff at the old address the day after move-out so you have lights on moving day.
Mail Forwarding — USPS change of address takes 7-10 business days to activate. Submit early. Also notify banks, credit cards, insurance, and subscription services directly.
Medical Records — Request copies from all current doctors. Transfer to new primary care physician and specialists near the new home before the move if possible.
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
4 weeks out — book movers, begin sorting, order supplies
3 weeks out — pack non-essentials, arrange donations
2 weeks out — change address, notify utilities, transfer meds
1 week out — pack remaining items, confirm logistics
Night before and moving day — final walkthrough, essentials bag
Want personalized guidance from a Senior Move Manager?