Moving plan: a month, a week, a day ahead

Start with the date, belongings and who needs help. Adapt this plan to your schedule.

A month ahead: key decisions

• Agree on the departure date and when you get your new keys.
• Sort what to move, give away, sell or recycle.
• List large furniture. Measure it, doorways and the lift.
• Request quotes using the same inventory and task list.

A week ahead: get the basics ready

• Pack items you do not use daily. Label the room and contents.
• Confirm transport, helpers, building access and parking.
• Check the handover process and agreed cleaning scope.
• Prepare a separate first-day bag.

The day before and moving day

• Disassemble furniture if planned. Put fittings in labelled bags.
• Keep documents, medicines, keys and valuables with you.
• Check cupboards, the balcony and storage before leaving.
• After unloading, inspect belongings and furniture before signing off the work.

After

Set up sleeping arrangements and everyday essentials first. Then unpack room by room, starting with the most necessary items.

Make one working checklist

Use four columns: task, deadline, owner and status. “Arrange the move” is too broad. “Get three quotes for the furniture list by Friday” is a task you can verify.

Record access at each address: lift, stairs, distance from parking and available hours. Give this information to helpers in advance.

If you have only three days left

First confirm transport and access. Separate documents and first-day essentials, then pack the rest by room. Postpone optional sorting: safe transport and clear labels matter most now. Do not schedule cleaning while furniture is being carried out.

How to allocate the budget

List transport, loading, materials, furniture disassembly, cleaning and possible storage separately. Confirm what is included. Set your contingency according to your circumstances, not a universal percentage.