— A Note From Aynura

Big moves accompany some of life's biggest moments.

Setting up a first apartment. Buying a first home. Upsizing, downsizing, or landing somewhere new along the Treasure Coast — you're opening doors and moving forward. What's not to love? Of course, there's still the move itself.

I put this guide together for my clients so nothing slips through the cracks. Every section below breaks "the big move" into tidy, manageable tasks. Check items off right here on your screen, or print the whole thing and keep it in a binder.

— Step by Step

The moving timeline.

There's a lot to do before moving day. Work through it in stages and check off each task as you go — the whole move stays calm and on schedule.

8 Weeks Before

Purge before packing.Eliminate clutter and let go of what you won't use. Consider a yard sale, a donation run, or selling items online.
Create a budget for your move.Estimate moving supplies, truck rental, and anything new for the home. Start a moving binder for all your paperwork.
Begin packing.Packing slowly over several weeks avoids a stressful last-minute scramble. Do one room at a time, and save the bedroom and a first-night kitchen box for last.
Make reservations.Book your moving equipment and schedule any moving helpers you'll need.

AYNURA'S TIP: Label boxes with both their contents and the room they belong in. Color-coding each room and its boxes makes unloading effortless.

4 Weeks Before

Transfer services.Call your utility, internet, and cable providers to transfer service to your new home.
File your change of address.Submit a change-of-address form online or at the post office. Don't forget credit cards, vehicle loans, and insurance. (Use the Whom to Notify checklist below.)
Cancel or redirect deliveries.Switch magazine subscriptions, newspapers, and recurring deliveries to your new address.
Put items in storage.For large pieces that won't go to the new home right away — and that you're not selling — reserve a storage unit and pack them away.

2 Weeks Before

Confirm everything.Re-confirm your truck rental and moving help, and that they'll be where you need them at the right time.
Pack your "First Night" box.Shampoo, a change of clothes, a toothbrush, clean sheets, and a towel — clearly labeled — so you're not digging through boxes at bedtime.
Inspect and make final repairs.Walk the old home and make sure everything is in good working condition before you hand it over.

AYNURA'S TIP: Set aside extra time for fragile items like glassware — bubble wrap and cushion foam are worth every penny.

2 Days Before

Do the laundry.No one wants to move dirty clothes — it just becomes another task waiting for you at the new place.
Clean your old home.With nearly everything packed, wipe down the windows, sweep the floors, and vacuum for the next residents.

AYNURA'S TIP: Small tasks are easy to forget. Set your key dates and reminders as alerts on your phone or calendar.

Day Moving Day

Energize.Eat a good breakfast and keep water and snacks on hand. You'll be on the go for most of the day.
Pick up your equipment.Arrive 15 minutes early (or check in online) to account for lines. If you've hired a crew, have everything ready before they arrive.
Arrange care for children and pets.Whether a sitter or a quiet room away from the action, have the plan set before the truck arrives.
Make copies of receipts.Keep moving receipts and statements for future reference and taxes — tuck them into your binder.
Keep calm and breathe.Take the day one step at a time, stay hydrated, and allow yourself a break. A steady pace keeps the move running smoothly.

— Vet Your Movers

Moving company contact sheet.

Deciding between professional movers and a DIY move? If you're leaning toward pros, start with recommendations from people you trust, then use this sheet to organize each inquiry. Print one for every company you contact.

TIP: Do an initial screen at the Better Business Bureau, and confirm any interstate mover's license and complaint history at protectyourmove.gov (the U.S. Department of Transportation's consumer site).

— Take Stock

Home inventory checklist.

Cataloguing your belongings as you pack brings order to the chaos — and a written inventory (kept with receipts and photos) is invaluable should you ever file an insurance claim. Print this and fill it in room by room.

AYNURA'S TIP: Photograph or take a short video of every room, focusing on significant items. Snap a picture of how electronics are wired so reconnecting them later is simple.

Living Room
Item	Original Price	Year of Purchase	Model / Serial #
Carpeting / rugs
Sofas & seating
Coffee & side tables
Media center
Shelves
Curtains / blinds
Lamps / light fixtures
Art / clocks / wall décor

Kitchen & Laundry
Item	Original Price	Year of Purchase	Model / Serial #
Cabinets / shelving
Table & chairs
Dishware / flatware / glassware
Refrigerator
Stove / oven
Microwave
Dishwasher
Washer / dryer
Small appliances
Vacuum cleaner

Electronics
Item	Original Price	Year of Purchase	Model / Serial #
Televisions
Computers / laptops
Computer accessories & printers
Camera / video equipment
Speakers / stereo
Phones & tablets
Video game systems

Bedrooms
Item	Original Price	Year of Purchase	Model / Serial #
Bedframes & mattresses
Dressers & nightstands
Linens
Jewelry
Mirrors & lamps
Clothes & shoes

Dining, Family Room & Office
Item	Original Price	Year of Purchase	Model / Serial #
Dining table & chairs
China cabinet / buffet
China, silverware & glassware
Desk & contents
Bookcases & file cabinets
Sofas & seating

Garage, Outdoors, Basement & Attic
Item	Original Price	Year of Purchase	Model / Serial #
Sporting equipment
Tools & work bench
Lawn mower & ladders
Grill / barbecue equipment
Lawn & patio furniture
Exercise equipment
Trunks / luggage

AYNURA'S TIP: Check in with your insurance agent about valuables — jewelry in particular — to be sure your coverage limits are adequate. And drain the fuel from any power equipment before the movers arrive.

— Print & Tape

Moving labels.

Print these, fill in the contents and box count, and tape one to each box. Your movers — and your future self on the first night — will thank you.

Kitchen

Contents

Box of

Master Bedroom

Contents

Box of

Bathroom

Contents

Box of

Living Room

Contents

Box of

Dining Room

Contents

Box of

Office / Study

Contents

Box of

↑ Fragile ↑

Contents

Box of

↑ Fragile ↑

Contents

Box of

— Welcome Home

First-night tips.

Congratulations on your new home. Before you unpack a single box, a little planning makes your first night calm instead of chaotic.

Pack two "first-day" boxes

Set these aside last and load them first — so you're not hunting through a wall of boxes for the essentials.

Box 1 · The Home

To settle the house

Basic cleaning products — paper towels, sponge, all-purpose cleaner
Essential tools — hammer, screwdriver, wrench, a few nails
Trash bags, scissors, and a box cutter
Phone chargers & a power strip

Box 2 · You

Human necessities

Toilet paper (two rolls) & hand soap
Daily medicine plus over-the-counter basics
Adhesive bandages — moving is a contact sport
Paper plates, cups, cutlery & napkins for an easy first meal

Things to do your first night

Meet your new home
Adjust to your surroundings and enjoy exploring. Listen to the new sounds, find the light switches — and if a little wave of missing the old place hits you, know that's completely normal.
Take pictures
Your home will look very different on move-in day than it will a year from now. Capture it. You'll love the "then and now," and photos help you plan the space more objectively.
Relax
Before bed, take a hot shower or draw a bath. After a day of lifting and cleaning, a little "me time" is exactly what you've earned — and it helps the new place start to feel like yours.

Remember: a house is the place you stay; a home is what the place means to you. New décor, fresh paint, and photos of the people you love all help — but ultimately it's the time you spend there that makes it home.

Everything you need to organize your move.

Big moves accompany some of life's biggest moments.

The moving timeline.

Moving company contact sheet.

Whom to notify when you move.

Community

Professional Services

Home Services & Utilities

Finances

Government Agencies

Transportation & Other

Home inventory checklist.

Moving labels.

First-night tips.

Pack two "first-day" boxes

To settle the house

Human necessities

Things to do your first night

Meet your new home

Take pictures

Relax

Let's make your landing seamless.