Book early
Reserve movers four to six weeks out. Weekend slots go fast; mid-week is cheaper and easier to book.
Declutter first
Donate, sell, or toss before you pack. You pay by weight or time, so less stuff means less money.
Label everything
Write the room and the contents on every box. Color-coded tape per room is a game changer.
Pack an essentials box
A first-night kit: toilet paper, charger, snacks, sheets, and your coffee maker. Load it last, open it first.
Photo your setup
Before unplugging electronics, snap photos of cable setups and room layouts. You will thank yourself.
Get protection
Ask movers about full-value protection, not just basic liability. Your flat-screen will thank you.
A simple timeline
- 6 weeks out: set your budget, start a moving fund, and get quotes from two or three movers.
- 4 weeks out: book your movers, order boxes, and begin decluttering room by room.
- 2 weeks out: confirm dates, set up your help calendar, and start packing the rooms you use least.
- Moving week: pack the essentials box last, confirm helpers, and keep important documents with you.
What a move really costs
A local move often runs a few hundred dollars; a long-distance, two-bedroom move commonly lands between $1,500 and $2,500 depending on distance and how much you bring. Your fund goal does not have to cover all of it, anything your people chip in is one less thing to stress about.
These are general ranges, not quotes. Always get pricing from a licensed mover.