Once you decide to relocate to a new home, your mind may begin swirling with overwhelming thoughts about everything that needs to be done. Preparing for a relocation and moving all of your belongings into a new home are monumental tasks.

Getting started early and developing a strategic plan can help you to simplify this process. It may also ensure that you do not overlook any significant steps that are crucial to the process.

One to Two Months Before Your Moving Day

One of the most important first steps to take when you are preparing to relocate is to eliminate unwanted items. These may be items that you have not used for many months or years. It may also be items that will not have a place in your new home.

Possible ways to get rid of these items include tossing them into the trash, selling them for a profit or donating them to charity. To maximize the benefit of this step, ensure that you go through every item in your home. It can take time to sort through items in each closet, cabinet and drawer, but this effort will dramatically simplify your relocation experience.

Now is also the time to purchase moving supplies, such as permanent markers for labeling, boxes, storage bins, packing tape, and protective materials.

One to Three Weeks Before You Relocate

When you pack boxes and bins too early, you run the risk of creating inconvenience for you and others in the home. After all, you may need many of your belongings in the weeks leading up to your relocation. A smart idea is to pack a few boxes in each room initially.

Begin by packing items that are not likely needed between now and your moving date. Label all boxes with the room that they belong in as well as a few details that indicate the contents. This will help you to determine which boxes to unpack first.

As the days pass by, you can increasingly pack items that are more relevant to your daily living experience.

The Days Leading Up to Your Relocation

The final days leading up to your relocation should be spent completely disassembling your home. All curtains, wall hangings, and other decorative items should be packed. Most kitchen items and bathroom items should also be packed.

Keep a few items out in the kitchen and bathroom. You should also prepare an overnight bag and keep bedding out. These are items that you can pack on the morning of your move. You also need to pack fridge items in a cooler, pet supplies and cleaning products at the last minute. Keep in mind that you may need to clean your home after the movers haul everything out.

Packing your belongings is only one preparatory step to take before relocating. For example, you also need to transfer the kids’ school records to their new school, schedule new utilities services, obtain medical and vet records and more. Consider incorporating this packing timeline into a larger-scale moving timeline for the best results.