Tips for Moving: One Week Before Moving Day
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Moving day can sneak up fast. If you’re one week out and feeling behind, you still have time to get organized and reduce last-minute stress. This moving checklist focuses on the most important tasks to do before moving, so you can head into moving day prepared and confident.
Key Takeaways
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Create a Simple Moving Checklist
A clear moving checklist template helps you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Instead of trying to do everything at once, write down only what truly needs to happen in the next seven days. Checking off small wins builds momentum and keeps your move on track.
These are seven key items to include on your checklist.
1. Gather Packing Supplies
Make sure you have boxes, packing tape, labels, and protective materials ready. If time is tight, you can stop by a U-Haul® center to pick up moving boxes, tape, furniture pads, and plastic wrap in one visit. The U-Haul moving supplies calculator can help estimate how much you’ll need.
2. Clean out the Pantry and Refrigerator
Plan meals around what you already have. Donate unopened, sealed, non-perishable food items to a local food bank or offer them to neighbors. Clear out your fridge, freezer, and pantry of anything you won’t use before moving day.
3. Gather Important Documents and Valuables
Set aside passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, wills, and insurance paperwork in a clearly labeled folder. Keep small valuables like jewelry or personal electronics with you during the move for peace of mind.
4. Finish Errands and Pay Bills
Try to complete errands before moving day so you can focus on loading and unloading. Pay outstanding bills, refill prescriptions, fuel your vehicle, pick up dry cleaning, and handle any last-minute appointments ahead of time.
5. Reserve Your Moving Truck and Moving Help
Confirm your U-Haul truck rental as soon as possible, since availability can vary by location and date. If you want help loading or unloading, the Moving Help® Marketplace lets you find labor-only movers and sort by customer reviews to find the right fit.
6. Prepare Moving Day Essentials
You may not have easy access to food, toiletries, or essentials on moving day. Set aside snacks, water, paper towels, trash bags, basic tools, a toiletry bag, and cleaning supplies so everything you need is within reach.
7. Reduce What You Need to Move
If time allows, sell or donate items you no longer want. A quick garage sale or donation drop-off can significantly cut down on packing time and make your move easier overall.
How to Pack for Moving When You’re Short on Time
If packing hasn’t started yet, don’t panic. While packing early is ideal, you can still pack efficiently in a week by staying focused and keeping the process simple.
Start Packing Immediately
Skip over-organizing. Pack items as they are and save detailed sorting for after you arrive. Getting items into moving boxes efficiently is the priority.
Leave Drawers Intact When Possible
When possible, leave dresser drawers intact. Secure them with plastic wrap or tape so contents stay in place during the move.
Use Bags and Suitcases
Soft bags and rolling suitcases are great for clothes, books, and small loose items. Place filled bags directly into boxes or the truck to save time and space.
Stay Focused and Consistent
Short, focused packing sessions add up. Even packing for 10–15 minutes at a time keeps progress moving forward.
Ask for Help
Friends and family can speed up the process. If you need extra support, some Service Providers on the Moving Help Marketplace also offer packing and unpacking services.
Pack an Essentials Bag
Set aside a bag with items you’ll need right away, such as toiletries, medications, chargers, a change of clothes, and important documents. Keep this with you rather than loading it onto the truck.
Get Support for Your Upcoming Move
Ready to make moving day easier? Find labor-only movers through the Moving Help Marketplace and get the support you need for your move.