The boxes are stacked, the address change is filed, and the big day is circled on the calendar. With one week to go, your upcoming move shifts from a distant plan to an immediate reality. But even if you’ve been planning for months, the final stretch can feel like the most intense part of the entire process.
The key to minimizing stress in the last week is focus and foresight. This guide breaks down the most important things to do each day before your move, ensuring nothing gets overlooked and your transition flows smoothly from start to finish.
Day 7: Confirm, Contact, and Coordinate
Start your week by checking the logistics:
- Confirm your booking with your moving company. Verify the time, date, and any special instructions.
- Contact your landlord or buyer. Make sure there are no last-minute details that could delay your move.
- Check access points. Whether you’re in a high-rise or a gated community, ensure your movers will have easy access for loading.
- Schedule time off work. Make sure your calendar is cleared for moving day and possibly the day after.
These confirmations provide the backbone for a seamless relocation.
Day 6: Purge and Pack with Precision
If you’ve been putting off the last round of decluttering, now is the time. Be ruthless—there’s no sense in moving things you don’t use.
Focus on:
- Closets and drawers where clutter hides.
- Garage or attic items that haven’t been touched in years.
- Bathroom and pantry expiration dates.
Then tackle any packing that’s not already complete. Keep one suitcase or duffel bag per family member with essentials like clothes, hygiene products, and chargers.
Day 5: Notify and Update
To avoid post-move headaches, notify necessary parties of your address change:
- Post office (use the USPS online change of address service)
- Banks and credit cards
- Insurance providers
- Healthcare professionals
- Subscription services
Also, inform close friends and relatives of your new address to keep communication easy.
If you’re using a professional moving services in Houston, it’s worth checking in at this stage to reconfirm timing and verify what they’ll handle versus what you’re responsible for.
Day 4: Clean, Prep, and Measure
If you’re leaving a rental, plan to clean thoroughly to secure your deposit. Scrub bathrooms, mop floors, and patch small nail holes.
At the same time, do a final sweep through your new home’s layout:
- Measure rooms and doorways. Ensure furniture will fit.
- Create a furniture placement plan. It saves time during unloading.
- Photograph your current space. Useful if you’re disassembling furniture or returning it to a similar layout.
Cleaning and preparing spaces on both ends of the move avoids stress on moving day itself.
Day 3: Food Strategy and Fridge Prep
You don’t want to lug perishables to your new home. Time to start your “eat what’s left” challenge:
- Cook meals using ingredients from your fridge and freezer.
- Avoid buying new groceries unless essential.
- Donate sealed, non-perishable foods to a local food bank.
On moving day, your refrigerator should be empty, clean, and dry. Defrost it at least 24 hours before the move to avoid leaks or damage.
Day 2: Pack an “Open First” Box
Your first night in a new place should feel like home, not a scavenger hunt. Prepare one or two “open first” boxes with immediate needs:
- Toilet paper, paper towels
- Shower curtain, soap, and towels
- Chargers and power strips
- Cleaning supplies
- Plates, utensils, and simple snacks
Label it boldly and instruct your moving company to load it last so it’s first off the truck.
Also, keep valuable documents, jewelry, and medications in a personal bag you’ll carry with you.
Day 1: Prep for the Movers
Your final day before the move should be all about readiness. A few final tasks will make a big difference:
- Disassemble large furniture that won’t fit through doorways or is safer transported in pieces.
- Unplug electronics and organize cables with labels.
- Group items by room for easier loading and unloading.
- Set aside cleaning tools for last-minute touch-ups.
If it’s a summer move, fill a cooler with water and snacks for movers and family. Keeping everyone hydrated and fueled helps the day run smoother.
Moving Day: Stay Calm and Informed
The big day has arrived, and it’s time to execute everything you’ve prepared for.
- Greet the movers and walk them through your inventory and instructions.
- Keep communication open. Be available for questions, but trust the professionals to do their job.
- Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Lock up, take one last look, and head to your new beginning.
By working with an experienced moving company and following a step-by-step plan, your transition will feel far more manageable.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth First Night
After the truck has rolled away and the last box is inside, resist the urge to unpack everything at once. Instead:
- Make the beds first—there’s nothing like a proper rest after a long day.
- Unpack only what you need from your “open first” box.
- Order takeout and toast to your new chapter.
Taking it slow lets you enjoy the milestone instead of rushing through it.
Final Thoughts: One Week to a Fresh Start
The week before your move may be packed, but it doesn’t have to be panicked. With thoughtful scheduling, consistent communication, and a few insider strategies, it becomes the launchpad for a positive new beginning.
Trust the process, embrace the change, and rely on the right support systems. Whether you’re moving around the corner or across the state, companies like Tera Moving Services are there to help carry the weight—literally and figuratively.
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