Your Easy Moving Checklist for Boston

Your Go-To Moving Checklist and Timeline for Boston

Moving day is exciting, but it can also be a bit stressful. Whether you're moving across town or to homes in Boston for the first time, having a plan makes everything much easier. This checklist and timeline will help you stay organized and make your move a breeze, especially if you're settling into areas like South Boston, Fort Point, or West Broadway.

8 Weeks Before Moving Day

This is a great time to start your planning. Don't wait until the last minute!

• Declutter and Donate: Go through your home room by room. Decide what you want to keep, donate, toss, or sell. Less stuff means less to move! Local charities like Goodwill or The Salvation Army are happy to take gently used items.
• Budget for Your Move: Figure out how much you can spend on packing supplies, movers, and other moving costs. Get quotes from a few moving companies.
• Research Movers: If you're hiring movers, get recommendations and compare prices. Book them early, especially if you're moving during a busy time.
• Gather Important Documents: Start a special folder for birth certificates, school records, medical files, and other papers you'll need. Keep this folder with you during the move.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day

Time to get more specific with your plans.

• Order Packing Supplies: Get boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. You can often find free boxes at local grocery stores or pharmacies.
• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you don't use daily, like books, seasonal clothes, and decorative items. Label boxes clearly with the room they belong to and a general idea of what's inside.
• Change Your Address: Set up mail forwarding with the post office.
• Notify Schools and Doctors: If you have kids, let their current school know you're moving. Find new doctors and dentists in your new area, like the bustling Fort Point neighborhood.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

The move is getting closer!

• Arrange Utilities: Contact your current utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet) to schedule disconnect dates. Arrange for new services to be connected at your new home.
• Confirm with Movers: Double-check your moving date and details with your moving company.
• Use Up Perishables: Start eating through frozen foods and pantry items so you don't have to move them.
• Clean Out Storage: If you have a storage unit, plan to empty it before moving day.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Almost there!

• Pack Remaining Items: Finish packing everything except for a small essentials box you'll need right away.
• Separate Valuables: Keep jewelry, important documents, and other high-value items with you.
• Clean Your Current Home: Start deep cleaning areas as you empty them.
• Plan for Pets: Make arrangements for your pets on moving day. Sometimes it's best for them to stay with a friend or be boarded.

1 Week Before Moving Day

The final countdown!

• Pack an Essentials Box: This box should contain things you'll need on moving day and your first night in the new place: toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, snacks, chargers, and pet supplies.
• Defrost Your Fridge: If you're moving your refrigerator, defrost it at least 24 hours beforehand.
• Confirm Plans: Call movers one last time. Make sure you have the keys to your new place in West Broadway or wherever you're heading in West Broadway.

Moving Day!

It's finally here!

• Supervise Movers: Be available to answer questions and direct movers.
• Do a Final Walk-Through: Check every closet, cabinet, and room to make sure nothing is left behind.
• Load Essentials Box Last: Make sure your essentials box is easy to find when you arrive at your new home.

After You've Moved In

Time to settle in!

• Unpack Essentials: Get your essentials box unpacked first.
• Change Locks: For safety, consider changing the locks on your new home.
• Explore Your New Neighborhood: Take a walk around and find local spots. Welcome to your new home in Boston!