**4-Week Accelerated Moving Guide

(For Sellers, Buyers & Renters Who Need to Move Fast)**

When you only have four weeks to move, the key is prioritization, sequencing, and eliminating bottlenecks.
This guide walks people through what to do first, what can wait, and what cannot be skipped if they want a smooth transition — even on a tight timeline.

WEEK 4: FOUNDATION & BIG DECISIONS (Days 1–7)

1. Set Your Total Moving Budget Immediately

In a compressed timeline, costs rise fast. Decide on:

• Movers vs. DIY

• Packing labor (often worth it for fast moves)

• Storage unit or pod

• Cleaning crew for move-out requirements

• Repairs requested by buyers (if selling)

• Temporary housing or hotel stays

• Childcare/pet care on moving day

Tip: Keep 10–15% set aside for last-minute surprises.

2. Hire Movers OR Reserve Truck/Container

Do this Day 1–2.
Ask:

• Earliest availability

• Binding/not-to-exceed estimate

• Insurance coverage

• Extra fees (stairs, long carry, assembly, heavy items)

If DIY, reserve:

• Truck

• Dollies

• Blankets

• Straps

• Ramp or liftgate

If your building has elevator reservation requirements—book them immediately.

3. Contact Your Real Estate Agent (Sellers)

Ask:

• Whether you need pre-listing repairs or prep

• How showings will work while packing

• Whether a rent-back is possible if you need extra time

• How quickly homes in your area are currently closing

4. Handle Notices & Legal Timelines

• Renters: Give official written notice (30 days required in most places).

• Sellers: Notify HOA, home warranty company, and schedule final walkthrough timelines.

• Buyers: Confirm appraisal, loan docs, and closing dates align with your move-out date.

5. Change Your Address (Start Now)

Forward mail with USPS and notify:

• Banks

• Credit cards

• Insurance

• Employer

• Subscriptions

• DMV (you can update later, but start the process now)

6. Begin Decluttering IMMEDIATELY

Focus on high-volume areas:

• Closets

• Garage

• Attic

• Storage units

Use: keep / donate / sell / trash method.
Do NOT take items you haven’t used in years — you don’t have time or space.

7. Secure Important Documents

Gather and place into a fireproof box:

• Passports

• Birth certificates

• Loan docs

• Home sale/purchase paperwork

• Medical records

• Pet vaccination records

Take this with you, not with movers.

WEEK 3: PACKING & HOME TRANSITION LOGISTICS (Days 8–14)

1. Start Packing Non-Essentials Immediately

Room order:

1. Guest rooms

2. Seasonal clothes

3. Office supplies

4. Decor/art

5. Books

6. Garage items

7. Holiday décor

Label every box with:

• Room

• Contents

• Fragility

Buyers: Pack everything not needed until after closing.
Sellers: Keep the home as tidy as possible for showings.

2. Handle Utility Transfers

Schedule disconnection for the day after you move and set up:

• Internet

• Electric

• Gas

• Water

• Trash services

• Home security

These often require appointments — book ASAP.

3. Schedule Specialty Service Providers

• Car shipping

• Piano movers

• Art or antique handlers

• Appliance delivery at the new home

• Locksmith for rekeying immediately after move-in

4. Begin Kitchen Purge

Use or donate:

• Freezer food

• Pantry items

• Large bulk items

• Duplicate appliances

Set aside only what you will need for the next three weeks.

5. Start Selling or Donating Furniture

Especially if it:

• Won’t fit in the new space

• Is inexpensive to replace

• Costs too much to move

6. Confirm All Moving Company Details

• Insurance

• Arrival window

• Number of movers

• Payment method

• Tipping guidelines

7. Address Rental or Seller Repair Obligations

Renters:

• Patch holes

• Clean carpets

• Schedule walk-through

Sellers:

• Complete agreed-upon repairs

• Keep receipts for buyer verification

• Prepare for final buyer walkthrough

WEEK 2: HEAVY PACKING, CLEANOUT & PRE-MOVE EXECUTION (Days 15–21)

1. Pack the Kitchen & Breakables

This takes the most time.
Wrap:

• Glassware

• Ceramics

• Small appliances

• Cookware

Label as FRAGILE.

2. Create Your Essentials/Staging Area

Set up a corner with:

• Suitcases

• Toiletries

• Medications

• Keys

• Chargers

• Pet items

• Important documents

• First-night box

This prevents accidental loading.

3. Make a Plan for Pets & Kids

Secure:

• Babysitters

• Boarding

• Day-of care

Moves are chaotic — safety first.

4. Remove Hazardous or Restricted Items

Dispose of:

• Paint

• Chemicals

• Propane

• Cleaning supplies

Movers won’t take them.

5. Confirm Parking/Access at Both Locations

You may need:

• Permits

• “No parking” signage

• Gate access codes

• Elevator reservations

6. Finalize Travel Plans

Book flights, hotels, or routes if moving long-distance.

7. Inspect Furniture for Disassembly Needs

Take apart:

• Beds

• Large desks

• Modular furniture

• Shelving units

Store hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture.

WEEK 1: FINAL PREP, CLEANING & EXECUTION (Days 22–28)

1. Finish Packing Everything Except Essentials

Double-check:

• Toiletries

• Everyday outfits

• Medications

• Kid school items

• Work laptop & cords

2. Clean Your Current Home

Whether required or not, it avoids disputes and shows respect for buyers or your landlord.

Tasks:

• Baseboards

• Appliances

• Bathroom deep clean

• Wipe all surfaces

• Vacuum/mop

3. Reconfirm All Moving Details (Again)

Verify:

• Arrival window

• Number of movers

• Payment method

• Exact addresses

• Gate codes or special instructions

4. Protect Floors & Door Frames

Buyers/sellers should ensure:

• Floor coverings

• Corner protectors

• Stair padding

This prevents property damage during moving.

5. Photograph Everything Before Leaving

Take pictures of:

• Each empty room

• Carpets

• Condition of walls

• Garage & closets

This protects renters with deposits and protects sellers from post-closing claims.

6. Prepare Cooler With Snacks & Drinks

Hydration + energy = smoother day.

7. Disassemble Remaining Furniture & Prep Appliances

• Disconnect washer/dryer

• Empty refrigerator

• Clean oven

• Wrap mirrors

8. Confirm Access to the New Home

Buyers:

• Ensure you have keys or codes at recording

• Schedule rekey ASAP

Renters:

• Confirm key pickup with manager

MOVING DAY (Day 29–30)

1. Be Fully Packed Before Movers Arrive

Do NOT still be packing — it causes delays and extra charges.

2. Provide Movers With Clear Instructions

Include:

• Fragile items

• Priority rooms

• Stair/elevator access

3. Do a Final Walk-Through

Check:

• Cabinets

• Closets

• Garage

• Backyard

• Attic

Don’t forget the shower, washer, and fridge.

4. Load the Truck Strategically (DIY Moves)

Heavy items first: furniture, boxes, appliances.
Fill gaps with soft goods.

5. Expect Imperfections

Moves always have a hiccup or two — stay flexible.

AFTER YOU ARRIVE (Still Week 4)

1. Unpack Must-Use Rooms First

• Bedroom

• Bathroom

• Kitchen

You need sleep + food + hygiene for sanity.

2. Change Locks (Buyers)

Always rekey immediately.

3. Set Up Utilities

If not already turned on, call all providers ASAP.

4. Start a Second Round of Decluttering

Unpacking reveals how much you don’t need.

5. Break Down Boxes + Recycle Materials

6. Update DMV

You usually have 10–30 days depending on your state.

7. Walk Your New Neighborhood

Learn:

• Trash pickup day

• Parking rules

• Emergency routes

• Nearest food & pharmacy