What to Do a Week Before Moving House?

Specific tasks you should do a week before moving house to make your moving day smooth and stress-free. According to a study of 2,000 Americans conducted by OnePoll, 64% ranked moving as one of the most stressful life events. But with the right preparation in your final week, you can avoid the chaos and enjoy your move.

Week Before Moving House

Double-Check Your Moving Company

Start your final week by calling your moving company to confirm all the details. Make sure they have:

• The correct moving date and time
• Your current and new addresses
• Phone numbers for the moving day
• Any special instructions about parking or building access

Ask about their arrival time window and get a direct phone number for the crew leader. Reconfirm the arrangements to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Review Your Moving Contract

Pull out your moving contract and review the terms one more time. Check:

• The total cost and payment method
• What's included in the service
• Insurance coverage details
• Any additional fees

If you haven't arranged to pay with a credit card, get cash, a money order, or cashier's check ready for payment and tips.

Pack Your Survival Essentials

Create a First-Day Box

Pack a clearly labeled "First Day" box with items you'll need immediately in your new home:

• Toilet paper and basic toiletries
• Phone chargers and electronics
• Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, flashlight)
• Cleaning supplies
• Trash bags
• First aid kit
• Medications
• Important documents

Pack Family Suitcases

Pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days. Include:

• 3-4 days worth of clothing
• Pajamas and underwear
• Comfortable shoes
• Personal toiletries
• Any comfort items for children

Think of it like packing for a short vacation. This way, you won't need to dig through boxes on your first night.

Handle Final Packing Tasks

Finish Non-Essential Packing

Aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Whether you're using professional packing services or doing it yourself, focus on completing:

• Decorative items and artwork
• Books and media
• Seasonal clothing
• Kitchen items you won't need this week

Pack a Moving Day Kit

Create a special box that travels with you (not on the truck) containing:

• Snacks and water bottles
• Paper towels and wet wipes
• Plastic bags for trash
• Basic tools
• Phone chargers
• Cash for tips
• Moving contracts and inventory lists

Take Care of Your Health Needs

Stock Up on Prescriptions

Stock up on prescriptions you'll need during the next couple of weeks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping medications in original containers and ensuring you have enough supply for your transition period. Visit your pharmacy and:

• Refill all current medications
• Get copies of prescriptions
• Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home
• Pack medications in your personal bag, not in boxes

Prepare for Moving Day Physically

Moving day will be exhausting, so prepare your body:

• Get plenty of sleep this week
• Stay hydrated
• Eat nutritious meals
• Consider taking vitamins

Prepare Your Current Home

Deep Clean as You Go

Start cleaning rooms as you finish packing them. This makes the final cleaning easier and helps you spot any forgotten items.

Handle Appliances Properly

If your refrigerator is moving with you, make sure to empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day. Also:

• Empty and clean all appliances
• Disconnect washing machines and dishwashers
• Remove batteries from remotes and electronics
• Drain outdoor equipment like lawnmowers

Return Borrowed Items

Make sure to return any locally borrowed items to their rightful owners before you leave the area. Check for:

• Library books and DVDs
• Items borrowed from neighbors or friends
• Tools or equipment from work
• Anything that doesn't belong to you

Get Ready for Moving Day

Prepare Cash for Tips

If the staff has done a good job, 10 to 15 percent of the total fee is a good tip. According to research from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 27.1 million Americans moved in 2022, and most successful moves include proper compensation for moving crews. Visit the bank and get:

• Small bills for tipping ($20s and $10s work well)
• Extra cash for unexpected expenses
• Money for buying lunch or drinks for the crew

Check the Weather Forecast

Check the weather for moving day and prepare accordingly:

• Rain gear and tarps if storms are expected
• Extra water if it will be hot
• Appropriate clothing for the conditions
• Plastic bags to protect electronics

Plan Your Moving Day Schedule

Create a timeline for moving day:

• When you'll wake up
• Breakfast plans
• When movers will arrive
• Lunch arrangements
• Expected completion time

Handle Last-Minute Tasks

Use Up Perishable Food

Clean out your refrigerator and pantry:

• Use up fresh food in meals this week
• Give away unopened items to neighbors
• Dispose of expired items properly
• Avoid grocery shopping except for essentials

Charge All Devices

Make sure all your electronic devices are fully charged:

• Phones and tablets
• Laptops and cameras
• Portable chargers
• Any devices you'll need on moving day

Prepare Important Documents

Gather all important documents in one secure folder:

• Birth certificates and passports
• Insurance policies
• Medical records
• Financial documents
• Moving contracts
• New home paperwork

Final Preparations for Your New Home

Contact Utility Companies

Call your new utility companies to confirm:

• Electricity will be turned on
• Water service is active
• Gas service is connected
• Internet installation is scheduled

Plan Your First Night

Think about your first night in the new home:

• Where will you sleep?
• What will you eat for dinner?
• Do you have basic supplies?
• Are there nearby stores for emergencies?

Notify Your Current Neighbors

Let your neighbors know about the moving day:

• Tell them when the truck will arrive
• Ask them to keep driveways clear
• Provide your new contact information
• Thank them for being good neighbors

Moving Day Preparation Checklist

The Night Before

• Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks
• Set out cash for tips
• Charge all devices
• Get a good night's sleep
• Prepare breakfast for the morning

Morning of the Move

• Wake up early to be ready for the movers
• Eat a good breakfast
• Do a final walkthrough of the house
• Have your moving folder ready
• Stay calm and positive

What NOT to Pack This Week

Some items should never go in moving boxes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides guidelines on hazardous materials that moving companies cannot transport:

• Flammable materials (paint, propane, cleaning solvents)
• Perishable food items
• Personal valuables (jewelry, cash, important documents)
• Hazardous materials (batteries, chemicals)
• Items you'll need immediately

Common Week-Before Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

84% of people who have moved recently admit that they felt very disorganized during the process, according to research published by the American Psychological Association on stress and life changes. Start these tasks early in the week, not the day before.

Don't Forget to Eat and Rest

Moving stress can make you forget basic needs. Schedule regular meals and rest breaks throughout the week.

Don't Pack Everything

Keep some items accessible for your final week:

• Basic cleaning supplies
• A few changes of clothes
• Essential toiletries
• Kitchen basics for simple meals

Managing Moving Week Stress

Stay Organized with Lists

Write down tasks and check them off as you complete them. This helps you feel in control and prevents forgetting important items. Consider using our comprehensive moving checklist to stay on track.

Ask for Help

Don't try to do everything yourself. Ask family and friends to help with:

• Babysitting during packing
• Providing meals
• Helping with cleaning
• Running errands

Take Care of Your Mental Health

More than 50% of participants said that the stress of moving has caused them to shed tears, according to research from Stanford University on life transitions and mental health. Remember that feeling overwhelmed is normal. Take breaks when needed and celebrate small victories.

Special Considerations for Different Moves

Senior Moving Preparation

If you're helping an older family member move, senior moving services can provide additional support and patience during this transition. Extra time should be allocated for sorting through lifetime belongings and making important decisions.

Apartment Moving Tips

Apartment moves often come with unique challenges like elevator reservations and parking restrictions. Contact your building management early in the week to:

• Reserve elevators for moving day
• Confirm parking arrangements
• Understand any building-specific moving rules
• Get contact information for building staff

Commercial and Office Moves

For business relocations, commercial moving services require additional coordination. Plan for:

• Employee communication about the move
• IT equipment and server shutdowns
• Important file backup and security
• Minimal business disruption

Emergency Moving Situations

Sometimes you need to move quickly due to unexpected circumstances. If you're facing an emergency moving situation, prioritize the most essential tasks:

• Secure immediate moving services
• Pack only absolute necessities first
• Handle important documents and valuables personally
• Focus on health and safety items

Final Thoughts



The week before moving house is your last chance to get everything organized for a smooth transition. By following this checklist, you'll feel prepared and confident on moving day. Remember that about 24% of Americans who have moved house admit to having lost, broken or left belongings behind due to the stress of their move. But with proper planning in your final week, you can avoid these common problems.

Start these tasks early in the week rather than cramming them into the last day. This gives you time to handle any unexpected issues that come up. Most importantly, stay flexible and remember that moving to a new home is an exciting new chapter in your life.

If you're in the Edmonton area and need professional help with your move, contact Last Stop Moving for experienced local moving services. We can handle the heavy lifting while you focus on these final preparations, ensuring a stress-free move with the right planning and support.