Published: December 01, 2023

From Chaos to Comfort: A Guide to Estimate Your Move’s Duration

Moving to a new home can be an exciting but also a daunting task. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, the process of packing up your life and settling into a new place can be time-consuming and stressful. One of the most common questions people have when planning a move is, “How long will it take?” In this blog, we’ll break down a realistic timeline for a typical move, from the initial planning stages to the final unpacking.

Stage 1: Preparing and Planning (2-3 Months Before the Move)

1. Create a Moving Checklist

• Start by creating a comprehensive moving checklist. This will help you stay organized and on track throughout the moving process.

2. Set a Moving Date

• Decide on your moving date and book your moving services well in advance. The availability of these services can vary depending on the time of year.

3. Declutter and Downsize

• Begin going through your belongings, room by room, and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This is the perfect time to lighten your load and reduce moving costs.

4. Start Packing Non-Essentials

• Begin packing items that you won’t need in the weeks leading up to the move, such as off-season clothing, books, and decorations.

Stage 2: Packing and Preparing (2-4 Weeks Before the Move)

5. Gather Packing Supplies

• Acquire all the necessary packing materials, including boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labeling.

6. Pack Room by Room

• Start packing room by room, focusing on one area at a time. Label boxes with their contents and the room they belong to.

7. Pack Essentials Separately

• Pack a separate box or bag with essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.

8. Notify Service Providers

• Contact your utility companies, internet providers, and other service providers to schedule disconnect and transfer dates for your services.

Stage 3: Moving Day (The Big Day!)

9. Final Packing

• Finish packing any last-minute items, like bedding and kitchen essentials.

10. Supervise the Loading

• Supervise the loading process and ensure everything is properly secured.

11. Clean and Lock Up

• Clean your old home and ensure all windows and doors are locked before leaving.

Stage 4: Unpacking and Settling in (1-2 Weeks After the Move)

12. Unpacking Essentials

• Upon arrival at your new home, unpack your essential items box first to make your first night more comfortable.

13. Unpack Room by Room

• Take your time unpacking room by room, starting with the most essential areas like the kitchen and bedrooms.

14. Assemble Furniture

• Begin assembling any furniture that was disassembled for the move.

15. Update Your Address

• Update your address with the post office, banks, and any other important organizations.

Stage 5: Settling Into Your New Home (Ongoing)

16. Explore Your New Neighborhood

• Take some time to explore your new neighborhood and find grocery stores, parks, and other essential places.

17. Meet Your Neighbors

• Introduce yourself to your new neighbors and start building a sense of community.

18. Personalize Your Space

• Make your new house feel like a home by decorating and personalizing your space.

The length of time it takes to complete a move can vary depending on various factors, including the size of your home, the distance you’re moving, and your level of preparation. However, by following this realistic timeline, you can streamline the process and reduce stress along the way. Remember that every move is unique, so adapt this timeline to your specific needs and circumstances, and don’t forget to take breaks and ask for help when needed. Happy moving!

For more information and to find out how we can help, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Phoenix or call (480) 360-5666.