What You Should Be Doing One Week Before Moving Day

The moving date is seven days away and most of the major choices should be complete. The moving company is booked, the date is set and the majority of objects are inside boxes.

It is now time to manage small details rather than making large changes. A structured plan during those seven days makes the physical move easier to handle.

For international moves, there are often documents, travel plans and specific tasks to manage. The following list describes the tasks that require attention during the week.

Confirm Your Moving Arrangements

The first task is to verify the information with your moving company. Check the date the time of arrival, how the workers will enter the house and any facts about the building.

If the residence is a flat or a managed structure, verify if you must book an elevator, a loading spot or a place for vehicles. It is better to handle the tasks now instead of waiting for the arrival of the workers.

An international moving company often has requirements for the cargo. Check that you understand the process for forms, border taxes, transport and the location of the new house.

If the situation changes after the initial booking, inform your international movers immediately.

Finish the Last of the Packing

At this time most rooms should be empty of loose objects – the majority of possessions are in boxes and only the items for daily use remain. Keep those necessary objects accessible until the departure – then place them into containers with clear labels.

It is important to keep specific items with your physical body. Identification cards, travel papers, medicine, expensive objects, power cables and legal papers stay in your hand luggage instead of the cargo containers.

This is necessary during a move to another country – the cargo often arrives after your own arrival – identify what you require while you wait for the shipment.

Not sure what to keep with you during an international move? Ask Cindy, our 24/7 AI assistant for practical tips.

Gather Your Important Documents

The moving process involves many papers – keep the papers in a single location that is easy to reach.

The collection includes passports, identification cards, rental or property deeds, relocation papers, insurance forms, travel tickets and personal records.

For international moves, examine the papers from your international moving company. Check that the names, the addresses and the facts are accurate and finish any tasks before the moving date.

If you own digital versions of papers, ensure you can open the files during travel. You do not want a document to be inside a box or inaccessible when it is necessary.

Check Every Part of Your Home

The final step before the movers arrive is to walk through the residence.

Check the cupboards, the drawers, the closets, the garages, the balconies and the storage rooms – those areas are easy to forget when you focus on the primary rooms.

It is also the time to remove objects that you will not keep – hand over donations, recycling, trash or items for friends before the move begins.

If you leave a rental house, check the rules for cleaning, the house inspections, the return of keys and other plans with the owner.

Separate Storage and Special Items

If some objects go to a storage facility instead of the new residence, keep them away from the main shipment. A list of those items is helpful if you need an object later – write on the boxes so you can see what is inside without opening the lids.

The movers also need to know about objects that are breakable, expensive, very large or difficult to carry. The relocation business can tell you if an object needs specific protection.

Those discussions are easier to have before the move starts.

Prepare for Your First Few Days

Think about the items you need immediately upon arrival at the new house. A bag of necessities includes clothes, soap, towels, power cables, kitchen tools, food and daily objects. Keep the items separate so you do not search through boxes after the trip.

For an international relocation, consider the items you need while the main cargo is in transit. Electricity adapters and personal items stay with you.

If you’re moving with children or pets, prepare their necessary items in separate bags. Familiar objects help them feel comfortable in a new environment.

Make Moving Day Easier

The final days are a good time to prepare the building for the relocation. Keep the hallways and the doors clear of obstacles – place cleaning tools, trash bags, hand tools and other useful items in an open spot.

The phone battery must be full and contact numbers must be near you. If you travel separately from the cargo, check the planes, the trains and the hotel plans.

Every individual involved in the move needs to know the schedule. If managers family or other groups must work with you, confirm the plans now.

One Week to Go

The final week is not a period for panic – the hard work is mostly finished. Your goal is to ensure that no facts are missing.

The tasks are to confirm plans with the movers, finish the boxes, organize the papers, check the hidden rooms and keep your necessities. For international moves, look closely at the paperwork and the details of your arrival. Once the details are ready, you can settle into the new residence.

Want to hear more about the people and experiences behind relocation and moving around the world?

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Let’s get moving.