8-Week Pre-Move Checklist For Realtors: Help Your Clients Stay Ahead of the Chaos

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right pre-move checklist, realtors can help their clients stay organized and feel more confident before a single box gets packed. Starting early makes all the difference. By breaking the process down week by week, your clients can avoid last-minute panic and actually enjoy the transition.

Week 8: Start With Research and Decluttering

This is the time to lay the groundwork. Encourage your clients to research reputable moving companies and check licensing, insurance and reviews. They should start requesting written in-person estimates and verifying that the companies have a physical business address. It’s also the perfect time to begin decluttering. Less stuff means less to move and less to pay for.

Week 7: Create a Moving Binder and Floor Plan

Help your clients keep all their moving documents and contacts in one place by setting up a dedicated moving binder or digital folder. They should also sketch out a simple floor plan for their new place. Knowing where everything will go ahead of time makes the move-in way smoother.

Week 6: Notify Schools, Employers and Medical Providers

It’s time to update important parties. If there are kids in the family, parents should contact schools to arrange record transfers. Clients should also notify their employers, healthcare providers and anyone else who might need their updated address or schedule.

Week 5: Gather Packing Supplies and Labeling Tools

Your clients don’t need to start packing yet, but they should start collecting boxes, tape, markers and labels now. Having the right tools on hand cuts stress when it’s time to pack. They can also begin labeling a few boxes for storage if they’re moving seasonal items or things they won’t need before the move.

Week 4: Confirm Movers and Start a Donation Run

By now, your clients should finalize their moving date and sign a contract with the moving company they chose. It’s also a great week to start hauling off donations. Gently used items can go to a local charity instead of getting boxed up again.

Week 3: Service Transfers and Pet Planning

Now’s the time to schedule utility shut-offs and transfers. Clients should also call ahead to set up service at their new home. If they have pets, they should line up a safe plan for move day, whether it’s a pet sitter or a comfortable travel setup.

Week 2: Pack Essentials and Clean Out the Pantry

With the move getting close, your clients should pack a “first-night” box with toiletries, meds, chargers and clothes for a couple days. They should also go through the pantry and use up or donate food they don’t want to haul.

Week 1: Final Prep and Reminders

In the final week, everything comes together. Clients should confirm all bookings, double-check boxes are labeled and make a list of what goes in the car versus what’s getting loaded on the truck. Remind them to take photos of valuable items before the movers arrive.

Why This Pre-Move Checklist Works

When you give your clients a pre-move checklist like this one, you’re giving them more than a to-do list, you’re giving them peace of mind. It helps them feel in control and prevents costly or stressful surprises down the road.

Wrap-Up

Scheduling, packing and relocating always go more smoothly with a plan in place. When realtors share a smart, easy-to-follow pre-move checklist, clients get to settle in faster and with less stress. Want to help your next buyer or seller move with confidence? Start with this timeline and pair it with the trusted, professional moving team at Positive Moves.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to prepare for a move?

The best way to prepare for a move is to start early and stay organized. Begin by researching reputable moving companies, creating a moving binder for notes and paperwork and starting the decluttering process several weeks before packing. A week-by-week timeline helps reduce stress, prevent last-minute chaos and gives you time to make informed decisions.

2. What should I do first when planning a move?

The first thing you should do when planning a move is create a timeline with clear tasks for each week leading up to moving day. Start with researching and booking a reputable moving company, then focus on sorting and decluttering your home to make packing easier. Laying the groundwork early keeps everything more manageable as your move gets closer.

3. What should I do 30 days before moving?

Thirty days before moving is the time to begin packing, schedule utility transfers and start setting aside essentials for move week. You should begin with packing non-essential items and label everything clearly to make unloading and unpacking easier. This is when the prep work pays off and your move starts to feel real.