Creating a Moving Timeline: Things to Do Before Moving Day

The biggest moving mistakes happen because of timing, not logistics. A missed COI submission delays access to the building. A late utility transfer leaves the new place without power on move-in day. An elevator reservation not booked in time forces rescheduling the entire move. This timeline covers every task from 6 weeks out through the first week in the new home, with the deadlines that actually matter in South Florida.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day

Book your mover. Contact Safebound Moving & Storage at 561-510-7191 or request a free quote online. An in-home or virtual walkthrough provides an accurate estimate based on your actual inventory. During peak season (April through September), book 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Off-season moves can often be scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks.

Notify your building. If you live in a condo or HOA-managed property, inform building management of your move date. Ask about COI requirements, elevator reservation procedures, and approved move-in/move-out hours.

Start decluttering. Every item you remove before the move saves time and cost. Donate, sell, or discard items you have not used in the past year. For long-distance moves, reducing volume directly lowers the price.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

Submit your COI request. Most South Florida condos and managed buildings require a Certificate of Insurance from the moving company. Safebound provides COI documentation within 24 hours at no charge. Submit it to building management at least 5 to 10 business days before your move date.

Reserve the elevator. High-rise buildings require a freight elevator reservation, typically costing $50 to $200 paid by the resident. Some buildings limit moves to specific days or hours. Confirm the time slot and duration.

Begin packing non-essential rooms. Start with guest bedrooms, storage closets, bookshelves, and seasonal items. Label every box with the destination room at the new home.

Forward your mail. Submit a change of address through USPS at least 2 weeks before the move. Update your address with banks, insurance providers, subscriptions, and the DMV.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Schedule utility transfers. Contact electric, water, gas, internet, and trash service providers at both the origin and destination. Set disconnection for the day after your move and connection for the day before you arrive at the new home.

Pack the remaining rooms. Kitchen, bathrooms, and daily-use items go last. Use small boxes for heavy items (books, dishes) and large boxes for light items (linens, pillows). Wrap fragile items individually in packing paper.

Confirm move details. Call your mover to confirm the date, arrival time, and any special instructions. Confirm building access at both locations. If you need professional packing services, schedule them for the day before or morning of the move.

1 Week Before Moving Day

Finish packing. All non-essential items should be boxed. Leave out only what you need for the final week: toiletries, a few outfits, chargers, medications, and cooking basics.

Prepare an essentials bag. Pack a bag with everything you need for the first night in the new home: chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, and basic cleaning supplies. This bag stays in your car, not on the truck.

Drain fuel from outdoor equipment. Lawn mowers, generators, and grills must have all fuel removed before the crew can load them. Federal regulations prohibit transporting gasoline and propane on moving trucks.

Moving Day

Before the crew arrives. Clear a path from each room to the front door. Remove wall art and mirrors and set them by the door for the crew to wrap. Confirm parking access for the moving truck.

During the move. Walk through every room with the crew lead and point out fragile or high-value items. The crew wraps furniture in blankets, disassembles beds and tables, and loads everything onto the truck. Each item is logged on the inventory sheet.

Before the truck leaves. Do a final walkthrough of the empty home. Check closets, cabinets, the garage, and the attic. Lock all doors and windows.

First Week in the New Home

At delivery. The crew unloads, reassembles furniture, and places items in the rooms you specify. Review the inventory against your belongings before signing off.

Unpack essentials first. Kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom get priority. Everything else can wait. Set up beds and the kitchen before unpacking decorative items.

Update your address. Confirm mail forwarding is active. Update your driver's license within 30 days if you moved to a new state. Register to vote at your new address.

Safebound Moving & Storage has completed 35,000+ moves with a 4.9-star rating from 2,401 Google reviews. Get a free quote or call 561-510-7191.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before a move should you start packing?

Start packing 2 to 3 weeks before moving day. Begin with non-essential rooms like guest bedrooms, storage closets, and bookshelves. Leave the kitchen, bathrooms, and daily-use items for the last 2 to 3 days. If you prefer professional packing, Safebound's crew handles everything the day before or morning of the move. Call 561-510-7191.

What are things you need when moving?

Essential moving supplies include medium and large boxes, packing tape, packing paper, bubble wrap for fragile items, wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, and a marker for labeling. You also need an essentials bag with chargers, toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and important documents for the first night. Safebound provides packing materials as part of full-service packing.

What should I not pack when moving?

Federal regulations prohibit movers from transporting hazardous materials: propane tanks, gasoline, paint thinner, pool chemicals, and ammunition. Perishable food and open liquids also cannot go on the truck. Keep jewelry, cash, medications, and important documents in your own vehicle. Drain all fuel from lawn equipment before the crew arrives.

What to cancel when you move?

Cancel or transfer utilities (electric, water, gas, internet, trash), gym memberships, newspaper subscriptions, meal delivery services, and any local service contracts. Set disconnection at the old address for the day after your move and connection at the new address for the day before you arrive. Forward mail through USPS at least 2 weeks before moving day.

How far in advance should I book a mover?

Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead during peak season (April through September). Off-season moves can typically be scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks. If your building requires a COI or elevator reservation, add 5 to 10 business days of lead time for building management processing. Call 561-510-7191 to check availability.

What do movers do on moving day?

The crew arrives at the scheduled time, walks through the home with you to identify fragile or special items, wraps all furniture in blankets, disassembles beds and large items, and loads everything onto the truck. Each item is logged on an inventory sheet. At the destination, the crew unloads, reassembles furniture, and places items in the rooms you specify.

Do I need a COI for my move?

If you live in or are moving into a condo, managed apartment complex, or HOA-governed community in South Florida, the building will almost certainly require a Certificate of Insurance from your moving company. Safebound provides COI documentation within 24 hours at no charge. Submit it to building management at least 5 to 10 business days before your move date.

How much does a local move cost in South Florida?

Safebound charges $135 per hour for a 2-mover crew, $180 per hour for a 3-mover crew, and $225 per hour for a 4-mover crew. Every job includes a 3-hour labor minimum plus 1 travel hour, making the minimums $540, $720, and $900. A typical 2-bedroom condo takes 4 to 5 hours with a 3-mover crew. Call 561-510-7191 for a quote.

Safebound Moving & Storage is licensed, insured, and certified throughout Florida and the continental United States. Headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. USDOT 2900155 | MC MC00975408 | FL IM2839 | $750,000 insured. BBB Accredited | ProMover Certified | AMSA Member | Forbes Featured. Verify at fdacs.gov or safer.fmcsa.dot.gov