The Complete Timeline for Planning Your Move: Month-by-Month Guide
Moving is a big life event, and without the right plan in place, it can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, a structured moving timeline helps you stay organized, avoid last-minute stress, and make the process as smooth as possible.
This month-by-month moving guide will walk you through exactly what to do and when to do it. Plus, we’ll show you how portable storage solutions like Mobile Attic can make your move easier at every stage.
3 Months Before Your Move: Create a Moving Master Plan
The earlier you start, the smoother your move will be. At the three-month mark, you should:
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Choose a moving date. This will guide all your planning decisions.
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Decide between DIY or hiring movers. If you’re considering a hybrid approach, portable storage offers flexibility and cost savings.
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Create a budget. Factor in moving supplies, rental trucks, storage, cleaning fees, and utility transfers.
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Take inventory. Make a list of what you own, what you’ll keep, and what to donate or sell.
Pro Tip: Book portable storage early, especially if you’re moving during peak seasons. With Mobile Attic, you can have a container delivered to your home weeks in advance, so you can pack at your own pace.
2 Months Before Your Move: Declutter and Start Packing Non-Essentials
Two months out is the perfect time to begin downsizing and packing items you won’t need right away.
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Declutter room by room. Donate, sell, or recycle anything you no longer want.
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Hold a yard sale to turn unwanted items into moving funds.
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Purchase packing supplies. Stock up on boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and labels.
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Start with seasonal or rarely used items. Think holiday decorations, out-of-season clothing, and extra bedding.
Pro Tip: Portable storage containers can double as temporary storage for decluttered items you want to sell later.
1 Month Before Your Move: Confirm Details and Pack Most Items
With only four weeks left, it’s time to step up your packing efforts and lock in logistics.
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Confirm moving services—whether that’s movers, rental trucks, or your portable storage provider.
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Notify utility companies of your move-out and move-in dates.
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Update your address with the post office, banks, subscriptions, and insurance providers.
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Pack most rooms, leaving only essentials unpacked.
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Label every box with its contents and destination room.
Pro Tip: With Mobile Attic, you can store your packed container securely on your property or have it transported to their facility until you’re ready to move in.
2 Weeks Before Your Move: Final Preparations
At the two-week mark, it’s time to start wrapping up small details that can easily be forgotten.
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Confirm moving day logistics with everyone involved.
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Prepare an essentials box with toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, chargers, and basic kitchen supplies.
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Plan meals for the final days so you can use up pantry and freezer items.
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Schedule a deep cleaning of your current home—either DIY or with professionals.
1 Week Before Your Move: Pack the Last Items
In the final week, your goal is to be 90% packed.
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Disassemble large furniture like bed frames and dining tables.
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Finish packing kitchenware, leaving just a few essentials for your last days.
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Secure important documents (passports, financial records, moving contracts) in a safe, easy-to-access place.
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Double-check your portable storage container is ready for pickup or transport.
Moving Day: Stay Organized and Stress-Free
The big day is here! A little preparation goes a long way in keeping the process smooth.
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Get an early start. Begin loading your portable storage container or truck as soon as possible.
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Do a final walk-through to ensure nothing is left behind.
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Keep essentials handy in your personal vehicle.
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If using Mobile Attic, simply lock your container and let their team handle transport to your new address.
After the Move: Unpack and Settle In
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, the work isn’t over—but now it’s about creating your new space.
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Unpack room by room instead of tackling everything at once.
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Set up your bedroom and kitchen first for comfort and convenience.
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Inspect your items for any damage during the move.
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Return your portable storage container once unpacked, or keep it a little longer if you need extra time to organize.
How Mobile Attic Portable Storage Helps at Every Stage
Portable storage is a game-changer for staying on track with your moving timeline. With Mobile Attic, you can:
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Pack at your own pace—no rushing to load everything in one day.
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Skip multiple trips to a storage unit—keep your container right at your home.
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Protect your belongings from weather with secure, weather-resistant containers.
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Enjoy flexible pickup and delivery that works with your schedule.
Whether you’re moving months from now or in just a few weeks, having Mobile Attic on your side can make every step of the process smoother and less stressful.
Final Thoughts
A move can feel like a huge undertaking—but with a month-by-month plan, it’s completely manageable. Starting early, staying organized, and using flexible solutions like portable storage will help you save time, money, and stress.
If you’re ready to make your next move as simple as possible, consider partnering with Mobile Attic Portable Storage for a smooth, on-your-schedule relocation experience.






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