Moving notes
How Soon Should You Start Packing to Move? A Week-by-Week Timeline
I'm Cordell with Lightning Movers. The number-one move-day problem we see is packing that isn't finished. Here's the timeline we suggest. Bigger homes should start at the early end.
6–8 weeks out
- Book your movers. Summer weekends and month-ends fill first.
- Start decluttering: donate, sell, or schedule a junk haul.
- Gather supplies: boxes, tape, markers and packing paper.
4 weeks out
- Pack rooms you rarely use: the basement, guest room and seasonal items.
- Label every box with the room and contents.
2 weeks out
- Pack books, decor, most of the kitchen and off-season clothes.
- Confirm building elevator times or street parking.
The last week
- Pack everything except the essentials.
- Pack a "first night" box: sheets, chargers, toiletries, medicine and basic tools.
- Defrost the fridge 24 hours ahead.
Move day
Only the essentials box and valuables should be unpacked. Everything else should be taped and ready.
Ready to book your move?
Call (313) 736-2831 or see Detroit movers.