Moving to a new place in Charles, MO? It’s super-fun, but let’s be honest, it can be super stressful if you’re unprepared. Whether you’re moving to the other side of the city or two blocks down the road, it can be a lot to handle. But the good news is this: With a smart plan and a clear timeline, it doesn’t have to feel like a total mess.
Most people assume that moving is about throwing everything in boxes and hoping that everything will sail smoothly. The reality is that a successful move begins weeks in advance. When you divide the process into several steps, it becomes way easier to manage. And frankly, that kind of schedule can help you avoid that last-minute panic.
Below we have an easy moving timeline that will keep everybody sane and get you settled in your new abode.
Step 1: Get Professional Help As You’ll Need It (8 Weeks Before)
So two months before the big moving day is when you should aim to lock down the big stuff — particularly the movers.
Here’s what to do:
- Have a moving company booked far in advance (no, really, do not wait). Shoot for at least six to eight weeks in advance.
- Consider a local St. Charles moving company with good reviews. It never hurts if they are familiar with the area.
- Do make sure they are licensed and insured.
- Determine what services you want — is it just the truck or a full-service move with packing and unpacking?
Having a properly crafted moving list also helps. Include things like:
- Making calls to utilities to arrange for transfers.
- Ordering packing supplies.
- E-mailing your landlord or real estate agent.
- Updating the post office, banks, service providers, etc., with your new address.
It saves you from scrambling later.
Step 2: Begin the Decluttering Process (7-8 Weeks Beforehand)
With a few honest exceptions, most of us have more than enough stuff. It’s a golden opportunity to strip everything down and ask yourself: do I really need this?
Start with:
- Storage spaces like garages, attics, basements, basically the places where everything goes when you want to get it out of your sight.
- Then tackle rooms one by one.
Make four piles:
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Toss
This process makes packing infinitely easier, and hey, you might even make a little extra cash selling things you don’t use anymore.
Also, get your packing supplies prepared now. Think:
- Strong boxes
- Packing tape
- Sharpies for labeling
- Bubble wrap or old towels (for fragile items)
Step 3: Start Packing the Stuff You Don’t Use Every Day (6 Weeks Out)
Now is the time to start packing things. You really don’t want to be buried in boxes the night before the move!
Start with things like:
- Holiday decorations
- Out-of-season clothes
- Additional kitchen things you don’t use on a daily basis
- Books and décor
Pack by room and make sure your labels are clear. Use color-coded stickers or number systems to stay organized. It will feel far less overwhelming later.
Step 4: Pack Up the Essentials and Prep the New Place (2 Weeks Before)
Almost everything in your house at this point should be packed up, unless you’re continuing to use it every day. Now is the time to prepare for your first night at your new place.
Fill a ‘camping box’ with:
- Toiletries
- A few changes of clothes
- Important documents
- Medications
- Chargers, snacks and just basic kitchen equipment
- A tiny toolkit
If you do have access to the new place:
- Give it a good deep clean, or get someone to do it.
- Disinfect the kitchens and bathrooms
- Install curtains or blinds
- Change the locks
- Try to get the paint or small repairs done before your belongings arrive.
That way, the first few days in your new home will be a lot less of a hassle.
Step 5: Run Some Final Checks (1 week out)
We’re almost there. This week is all about finalizing details and checking off the last-minute stuff.
Do the following:
- Call your mover to verify the time, address, and other contact information.
- Have payment and tips ready for the movers.
- If necessary, deconstruct any furniture and keep screws and hardware in marked bags.
- Unplug your fridge and freezer and defrost it 48 hours before you move.
- Get the garbage out, clean the kitchen, and throw away the cleaning products that you are not taking with you.
Go through every room and ensure that nothing’s been forgotten.
Step 6: It’s Moving Day!
Finally, the big day is here. It’s going to be a little crazy, but you have done the work, and that will make things easier for you.
On moving day:
- Rise early and have a good, filling breakfast.
- Wear something comfy.
- Have your box of essentials, important documents, and mobile phone charger with you.
- Walk through the house one last time before locking it up.
- If you are driving separately, stay in contact with the movers.
Don’t forget to breathe. It’s a lot, but it’s almost over.
Step 7: Unpack and Settle In
You made it! Now it’s time to get settled.
Start with the basics:
- Set up the beds
- Get the kitchen working
- Connect the internet
- Plug in your appliances, charge your devices, etc.
Then, begin unpacking one room at a time. Don’t rush. You need not do it all in a day. Concentrate on the rooms that you’ll use the most, such as the bedroom, the bathroom and the kitchen.
Also remember to:
- Continue changing your address everywhere you had planned to do so
- Get kids or pets on schedule — familiar routines help a lot
Finally, go for a walk around your new neighborhood. Say ‘hello’ to your neighbors. Locate the grocery store, pharmacy and gas station. It will feel like home over time.
Moving is an experience one has to go through at least once in their life. With the proper timing and a little bit of patience, it can be pretty smooth. Each thing you do in advance makes the whole thing less overwhelming. So don’t procrastinate — start early, follow the guide and you’ll soon be unpacking that last box with a smile on your face.
