We know that planning a move is both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, the logistics of packing up your entire life, coordinating timelines, managing budgets, and ensuring nothing gets left behind can feel like a monumental task. When you're searching for a complete moving guide, you want more than generic advice—you need a clear, actionable roadmap that takes you from initial planning through moving day and beyond.
This step-by-step moving guide provides exactly that: comprehensive guidance covering every phase of your move, from creating timelines and budgets to packing strategies, hiring professional movers, and settling into your new home. Whether this is your first move or your tenth, whether you're moving locally within Colorado Springs or embarking on a long-distance relocation, this guide gives you the framework to plan, organize, and execute a successful moving experience.
Peace Of Mind Moving And Hauling Services has helped countless individuals and families navigate moves of all types and distances. We understand the challenges you're facing, the questions you're asking, and the peace of mind you're seeking. This guide draws on our years of professional moving experience to provide the insights, tips, and practical advice that transform overwhelming moving projects into manageable, step-by-step processes.
Throughout this guide, you'll find links to detailed resources covering specific topics in depth. We've organized everything you need to know into logical sections, allowing you to either read straight through for comprehensive understanding or jump directly to the information most relevant to your current situation.
Understanding the Moving Process
Before diving into specific tasks, understanding the complete moving process helps you see the big picture and plan accordingly.
The Phases of Moving
Successful moves typically progress through distinct phases:
Pre-Move Planning (6-12 weeks before): Establishing timelines, creating budgets, researching moving options, beginning decluttering, and making major decisions about what to move and how to move it.
Packing Phase (3-6 weeks before): The bulk of packing work, organizing belongings, labeling boxes, protecting fragile items, and preparing your home for departure.
Final Preparations (1-2 weeks before): Confirming details with movers, completing last-minute packing, arranging utilities and services, and handling address changes.
Moving Day: The actual physical move—loading, transportation, unloading, and initial setup in your new home.
Post-Move Settling (1-4 weeks after): Unpacking, organizing your new space, registering vehicles, updating documents, and establishing new routines.
Understanding these phases helps you pace your efforts, avoid last-minute panic, and ensure critical tasks get completed at appropriate times rather than everything converging on moving day.
What Makes Moves Successful
Successful moving experiences share common characteristics:
- Early planning: Starting preparations weeks or months in advance rather than waiting until the last minute
- Organization: Using checklists, timelines, and systems to track tasks and ensure nothing falls through cracks
- Realistic budgeting: Understanding true costs and planning financially for both expected and unexpected expenses
- Strategic packing: Protecting belongings while organizing for efficient unpacking
- Professional help when needed: Recognizing when DIY approaches create more problems than they solve
- Flexibility: Accepting that some things won't go exactly as planned and adapting smoothly
This guide helps you build these characteristics into your moving process, creating the foundation for smooth, successful relocation.
Planning Your Move Timeline
Timing is everything when it comes to moving. Starting too late creates stress and rushed decisions; starting too early can lead to premature packing that complicates daily living. Finding the right balance requires understanding what needs to happen when.
How Far in Advance to Start Planning
The ideal planning timeline depends on several factors:
Local moves: 4-8 weeks advance planning typically suffices for local relocations with moderate amounts of belongings
Long-distance moves: 8-12 weeks (or more) provides adequate time for comprehensive planning, research, and coordination
Large homes: Homes with 3+ bedrooms or significant belongings need longer timelines for decluttering and packing
Busy seasons: Summer moves require earlier booking of movers and truck rentals due to high demand
Complex situations: Moves involving storage, multiple destinations, or coordination with other parties need extended planning periods
Starting early doesn't mean doing everything immediately—it means establishing your timeline, researching options, and completing tasks in logical sequence rather than everything converging at once.
Creating Your Moving Timeline
A comprehensive moving timeline breaks down tasks by time period:
8-12 Weeks Before:
- Research moving options (professional movers vs. DIY)
- Get moving quotes and compare services
- Create moving budget
- Begin decluttering and downsizing
- Research new community and services
6-8 Weeks Before:
- Book professional movers if using
- Reserve truck rental if DIY moving
- Start collecting packing supplies
- Notify landlord (if renting) of move-out date
- Begin packing non-essential items
4-6 Weeks Before:
- Continue packing room by room
- Arrange specialty moving services (piano, antiques, etc.)
- Schedule storage if needed
- Begin address change process
- Plan for pets and plants during move
2-4 Weeks Before:
- Confirm arrangements with movers
- Notify utilities to disconnect/connect services
- Transfer or cancel subscriptions and services
- Pack most belongings, leaving only daily essentials
- Arrange cleaning for old home
1 Week Before:
- Pack remaining items except absolute essentials
- Prepare moving day essentials box
- Confirm details with all service providers
- Do final walkthrough of new home if possible
- Prepare payment for movers
Moving Day:
- Be present for loading and unloading
- Conduct final walkthrough of old home
- Document condition of items and property
- Tip movers and handle final payments
First Week After:
- Unpack essential items and set up basic living
- Register vehicles in new location
- Update driver's licenses
- Find essential services (medical, veterinary, etc.)
- Meet neighbors and explore community
This represents a comprehensive timeline—your specific situation may require modifications. For a detailed, customizable timeline with specific tasks and deadlines, see
How to Create a Moving Checklist (The Ultimate Timeline). That resource provides the complete moving checklist you can adapt to your unique circumstances.
Booking Professional Movers: Timing Matters
If you're planning to hire professional movers, timing significantly affects availability and pricing. Popular moving dates (end of month, summer months, weekends) book up quickly, sometimes months in advance.
Summer months (May-September): Peak moving season requires 6-8 weeks advance booking, sometimes more
End of month: High demand dates requiring 4-6 weeks advance booking
Mid-month, mid-week, off-season: Greater availability and sometimes better pricing with 2-4 weeks advance booking
However, booking too early without understanding your complete moving picture can create complications. You need clarity on your move-out date, destination address, inventory of belongings, and any special requirements before committing to movers.
For comprehensive guidance on optimal booking timelines, how to evaluate your situation, and what factors affect when you should book, explore
How Far in Advance Should You Book Movers? That guide helps you navigate the timing decision strategically.
Creating Your Moving Budget
Moving costs vary dramatically based on distance, volume of belongings, services used, and timing. Understanding potential costs and creating realistic budgets prevents financial surprises and helps you make informed decisions about where to spend and where to save.
Major Cost Categories
Professional Moving Services: Typically the largest single expense for those hiring movers. Local moves often charge hourly rates ($100-$200+ per hour for crew and truck); long-distance moves typically price by weight and distance ($2,000-$10,000+ depending on distance and volume).
Packing Supplies: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, specialty containers for dishes and wardrobes can add $200-$500+ depending on home size and whether you pack yourself or pay for professional packing services.
Truck Rental (if DIY): Rental costs plus fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads) typically run $500-$2,000+ for long-distance moves; $100-$300 for local moves.
Storage: If timing gaps exist between move-out and move-in dates, storage units run $50-$300+ monthly depending on size and features.
Specialty Services: Piano moving, fine art transportation, vehicle shipping, and other specialty needs add several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Travel and Lodging: Long-distance moves may require hotel stays, meals on the road, and travel expenses for your family during the move.
Deposits and Fees: New residence deposits, utility connection fees, pet deposits, and various administrative costs can total $500-$2,000+.
Unexpected Expenses: Problems requiring solutions, last-minute purchases, replacement of damaged items, and other surprises often add 10-20% to planned budgets.
Cost-Saving Strategies
Smart planning reduces moving costs without sacrificing quality:
- Declutter aggressively: Moving less stuff reduces volume, weight, and time required
- Choose off-peak dates: Mid-month, mid-week, off-season moves often cost less
- Do your own packing: Professional packing adds $500-$2,000+ to costs
- Use free or low-cost boxes: Grocery stores, liquor stores, and online marketplaces often provide free boxes
- Compare multiple quotes: Getting 3-5 quotes helps identify reasonable pricing
- Ask about discounts: Military, senior, student, and other discounts may apply
However, some "savings" create bigger problems—the cheapest mover isn't always the best value if items get damaged or service proves unreliable.
Creating Your Personal Moving Budget
Developing accurate budgets requires:
- Researching typical costs for your move type and distance
- Getting specific quotes from movers or truck rental companies
- Itemizing all expected expenses across categories
- Adding contingency (10-20%) for unexpected costs
- Identifying where you're flexible and where quality matters most
- Tracking actual expenses as they occur to stay within budget
For detailed guidance on every cost category, money-saving strategies, and step-by-step budget creation tools, see
How to Create a Moving Budget (What to Expect). That comprehensive resource helps you build realistic budgets and make informed decisions about your moving spending.
Decluttering and Downsizing
One of the most impactful things you can do before moving is reduce what you're actually moving. Decluttering serves multiple purposes: lowering moving costs, simplifying packing and unpacking, eliminating items you don't use or need, and starting fresh in your new home without accumulated clutter.
Benefits of Pre-Move Decluttering
Cost Savings: Professional movers price by volume, weight, or time—less stuff means lower costs. Truck rentals become cheaper or smaller when hauling less. Even packing supplies cost less.
Time Savings: Packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking 30% less stuff saves hours or days of work.
Fresh Start: Moving provides natural opportunity to evaluate possessions and keep only what serves your current life rather than maintaining things out of inertia.
Easier Organization: Starting in a new home with only items you use and value makes organizing simpler and maintaining order easier.
Decluttering Strategy
Effective decluttering follows systematic approaches:
Room-by-Room Method: Work through one room at a time, making decisions about every item before moving to the next space.
Category Method: Handle all clothing at once, then all books, then all kitchen items—working by category rather than location.
Four-Box Method: Label boxes "Keep," "Donate," "Sell," and "Trash." Handle each item once, making immediate decisions rather than shuffling items around indefinitely.
The 12-Month Rule: If you haven't used something in the past year (and it's not seasonal/sentimental), it's likely safe to let go.
Emotional vs. Practical: Separate items with genuine emotional significance from things you're keeping out of guilt, obligation, or "someday I might need it" thinking.
What to Do With Items You're Not Moving
Sell: Online marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay), garage sales, and consignment shops convert unwanted items into moving budget funds.
Donate: Charitable organizations like
Goodwill or
The Salvation Army accept clothing, furniture, household goods, and provide tax deduction documentation.
Recycle: Electronics, batteries, paint, and other items requiring special disposal can go to recycling centers or hazardous waste collection events.
Give Away: Friends, family, neighbors, or online "free" groups provide options for items with value but no resale market.
Trash: Some things have simply reached end of life and need proper disposal.
Starting decluttering early (6-8 weeks before moving) removes pressure and allows thoughtful decisions rather than rushed choices under moving deadline stress.
Packing Strategies and Tips
Packing represents the most time-consuming aspect of moving for most people. Strategic approaches protect your belongings, organize for efficient unpacking, and make the process more manageable.
Essential Packing Supplies
Boxes: Various sizes for different items—small boxes (1.5 cubic feet) for books and heavy items, medium boxes (3 cubic feet) for most items, large boxes (4.5 cubic feet) for light bulky items like linens and pillows, wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes.
Packing Materials: Bubble wrap for fragile items, packing paper for wrapping and cushioning, foam peanuts or air pillows for void filling, furniture blankets for protecting large items.
Tape: Heavy-duty packing tape and tape dispenser—standard scotch tape isn't strong enough for moving boxes.
Markers: Permanent markers for labeling boxes with contents and destination rooms.
Specialty Containers: Dish barrel boxes with extra thick walls for dishes, picture boxes for framed art, mattress bags for protecting beds.
You can purchase these from moving supply stores, office supply stores, or moving companies. Alternatively, find free boxes from grocery stores, liquor stores (great for heavy items due to smaller size), and online marketplaces.
Packing Room by Room
Strategic packing works through your home systematically:
Start with Least-Used Spaces: Basements, attics, guest rooms, storage areas can be packed weeks in advance without affecting daily life.
Non-Essential Items First: Out-of-season clothing, books, decorative items, specialty kitchen equipment, and things you won't need for weeks pack early.
Essential Items Last: Daily-use kitchen items, current clothing, toiletries, and daily-life necessities pack in final days before moving.
One Room at a Time: Complete one room before starting another to maintain organization and avoid having your entire home in boxes simultaneously.
Heavy Items in Small Boxes: Books, tools, and heavy items go in small boxes to keep weight manageable—large boxes should contain only light items.
Light Items in Large Boxes: Pillows, linens, towels, and lightweight bulky items fill large boxes without creating excessive weight.
Protecting Fragile Items
Dishes, glassware, artwork, electronics, and fragile items require special attention:
Dishes and Glassware:
- Use dish barrel boxes with extra cushioning
- Wrap each piece individually in packing paper or bubble wrap
- Place heavier items on bottom, lighter on top
- Fill voids with crumpled paper to prevent shifting
- Mark boxes as "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP"
Electronics:
- Original boxes provide best protection if available
- Otherwise, wrap in bubble wrap and pack tightly
- Take photos of cable connections before disconnecting
- Pack cables and accessories with corresponding electronics
- Consider hand-carrying valuable electronics rather than loading on truck
Artwork and Mirrors:
- Use picture boxes or create custom protection
- Wrap in bubble wrap or furniture blankets
- Mark "FRAGILE" and "GLASS"
- Transport large or valuable pieces personally if possible
- Consider professional art moving services for valuable pieces
Lamps and Light Fixtures:
- Remove bulbs and pack separately
- Wrap shades carefully in tissue or bubble wrap
- Disassemble if possible
- Fill voids in boxes to prevent movement
Labeling System
Effective labeling transforms unpacking from overwhelming to manageable:
Room Destination: Mark each box with destination room in new home ("Master Bedroom," "Kitchen," "Kids' Bathroom")
Contents Description: Brief description of contents ("Winter Clothes," "Cookbooks," "Bathroom Towels")
Fragile Indicators: Mark fragile boxes clearly on multiple sides
Priority Unpacking: Mark boxes containing essential items needed first
Color Coding: Use colored markers or stickers to identify which room boxes belong in—speeds up unloading and placement
Box Numbering: Number each box and keep master inventory list noting general contents—helps ensure nothing goes missing and aids in finding specific items
"Open First" Boxes: Clearly mark boxes containing essentials needed immediately upon arrival
Good labeling means movers (or helpers) place boxes in correct rooms, you find needed items without opening every box, and unpacking progresses logically rather than chaotically.
Packing Timeline
6-8 Weeks Before: Pack storage areas, out-of-season items, rarely-used belongings
4-6 Weeks Before: Pack non-essential items from main living areas, decorative items, extra linens, books
2-4 Weeks Before: Pack most remaining items, leaving only daily essentials
1 Week Before: Pack everything except absolute necessities for final week
Final Days: Pack remaining toiletries, daily clothes, final kitchen items, essentials for moving day
Steady pacing prevents last-minute panic and allows careful packing that protects belongings properly.
Hiring Professional Movers
Deciding whether to hire professional movers or handle the move yourself represents a major decision affecting costs, timeline, physical demands, and stress levels.
Benefits of Professional Movers
Physical Labor: Professional movers handle heavy lifting, loading, transportation, and unloading—eliminating physical strain and injury risk.
Expertise: Experienced movers know how to protect furniture, pack trucks efficiently, navigate stairs and tight spaces, and handle problems that arise.
Efficiency: Professional crews complete in hours what might take you days—trained teams work quickly and systematically.
Equipment: Movers provide trucks, dollies, furniture pads, straps, and tools needed for safe, efficient moving.
Insurance and Liability: Licensed movers carry insurance protecting your belongings; damage during DIY moves comes out of your pocket.
Stress Reduction: Professional service eliminates the physical work and many logistics, allowing you to focus on other moving aspects.
Time Savings: Hours or days saved can be used for work, family needs, or other moving tasks.
For many people, particularly those with:
- Large homes or significant belongings
- Heavy or awkward furniture
- Long-distance moves
- Limited time or physical ability
- High-value items requiring professional handling
- Work or family obligations preventing DIY approaches
...professional movers provide value far exceeding their cost.
How to Choose Reliable Movers
Finding trustworthy movers requires research:
Get Multiple Quotes: Contact 3-5 companies for estimates, comparing pricing, services, and impressions.
Verify Credentials: Check that movers are licensed (for interstate moves, verify USDOT number through
FMCSA), insured, and registered.
Read Reviews: Check Google reviews, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and other sources for customer experiences.
Ask Questions:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What's included in your quote?
- What's your damage claim process?
- Do you use employees or subcontractors?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- Are there any additional fees I should know about?
Get Written Estimates: Avoid movers who only provide verbal quotes—written estimates create accountability.
Watch for Red Flags:
- Requiring large deposits (especially cash)
- Lack of physical address or identifiable business location
- Prices significantly below all other quotes
- Refusal to provide proof of licensing or insurance
- Vague or incomplete estimates
- Pressure tactics or high-pressure sales
Understand Estimate Types:
- Binding estimate: Final cost won't exceed quoted amount (unless you add services)
- Non-binding estimate: Final cost based on actual weight/time and can differ from estimate
- Binding not-to-exceed: You pay estimated amount or actual cost, whichever is lower
For comprehensive guidance on finding, vetting, comparing, and hiring professional movers, including detailed questions to ask, contract terms to understand, and how to avoid moving scams, explore the detailed resources about hiring movers tips and selecting reliable moving companies.
What to Expect from Professional Movers
Understanding the moving process helps you prepare:
Initial Estimate: Reputable movers typically provide free in-home or virtual estimates, assessing belongings and providing quotes.
Pre-Move Confirmation: Good movers confirm details several days before moving—confirming date, time, addresses, access information, and any special requirements.
Moving Day:
- Crew arrives at scheduled time
- Conducts walkthrough to understand the job
- Protects floors, doorways, and walls as needed
- Loads truck systematically
- Provides inventory list of items loaded
- Transports to destination
- Unloads and places items in designated rooms
- Conducts final walkthrough and settles payment
Your Responsibilities:
- Be present during loading and unloading
- Provide clear instructions about fragile items or special handling needs
- Ensure access to both locations (parking, building access, elevators)
- Prepare payment (often cash or certified check for final payment)
- Tip crew appropriately (typically $20-40 per mover for local moves, more for exceptional service or long-distance moves)
Professional moving transforms one of life's most stressful events into a manageable, efficient process. Peace Of Mind Moving And Hauling Services provides exactly this kind of reliable, professional service—taking the physical burden and logistics stress off your shoulders so you can focus on the transition rather than the transport.
DIY Moving Considerations
Some people choose to handle moves themselves—either for budget reasons or preference for control over the process. DIY moving can work well for smaller moves, local relocations with manageable belongings, or those with adequate help, time, and physical capability.
When DIY Moving Makes Sense
Small moves: Studio or one-bedroom apartments with minimal furniture
Local moves: Short distances where multiple trips are feasible if needed
Limited belongings: Moves where a single truck load suffices
Tight budgets: When professional moving costs aren't affordable
Available help: When you have capable friends or family willing to assist
Flexible timeline: When you can spread the move over several days
Young, healthy, strong: When you and your helpers have physical capability for heavy lifting
Challenges of DIY Moving
Physical demands: Moving heavy furniture up and down stairs causes injuries—back strains, pulled muscles, dropped items causing damage or injury
Time requirements: DIY moves take far longer than professional moves—often multiple days for what professionals complete in hours
Hidden costs: Truck rental, fuel, equipment rental, packing supplies, food for helpers, medical bills from injuries can add up
Friendship costs: Asking friends to spend entire days doing hard physical labor strains relationships
Lack of insurance: Damage to belongings or property during DIY moves isn't covered by insurance
Loading inefficiency: Inexperienced packers often can't fit everything, requiring multiple trips or leaving items behind
Stress: Managing every aspect of the move while doing the physical work creates significant stress
DIY Moving Supplies and Equipment
If you choose DIY moving:
Truck Rental: Reserve trucks early (especially during peak season). Size appropriately—most people underestimate needed size.
Equipment:
- Furniture dollies for moving heavy items
- Appliance dolly for refrigerators and washers
- Furniture straps and moving blankets
- Hand truck for boxes
- Ramps if loading requires them
Supplies: Boxes, tape, packing materials, labels as discussed in packing section.
Help: Line up adequate helpers—minimum 2-4 people for most moves. Provide food, drinks, and consider paying helpers rather than relying purely on goodwill.
Vehicle: If not renting truck, ensure your vehicle can handle what you're moving and that you're not overloading or creating unsafe conditions.
Hybrid Approaches
Some people combine DIY and professional services:
You pack, movers load and transport: Saves on packing services while getting professional transport
Movers load only or unload only: Helps with hardest parts while you handle transport
Professional help for specific items: Hire movers just for piano, appliances, or heavy furniture while handling lighter items yourself
Container services: Companies deliver containers you pack, then transport to destination (PODS, U-Pack, etc.)
These hybrid approaches often provide good balance of cost savings and professional expertise where it matters most.
Managing Moving Day Logistics
Whether moving professionally or DIY, moving day requires coordination and management.
Moving Day Preparation
Week Before:
- Confirm all details with movers or truck rental
- Arrange for someone to watch children or pets during the move
- Pack "first day" box with essentials you'll need immediately
- Prepare your home for movers (clear pathways, protect floors if needed)
- Arrange parking or loading zone access if necessary
Day Before:
- Finish all packing except absolute essentials
- Clean out refrigerator and allow to defrost if moving it
- Disconnect appliances that need disconnection
- Set aside items you're personally transporting (valuables, important documents, medications)
- Charge your phone and any devices you'll need
- Get cash for tips and any final payments
Morning Of:
- Pack final toiletries and essentials
- Strip beds and pack final linens
- Do final walkthrough checking closets, cabinets, garage, attic, basement
- Have coffee and breakfast—long day ahead
Moving Day Essentials Box
Pack a box or bag with items you'll need immediately upon arrival:
- Toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Phone chargers
- Important documents and valuables
- Medications
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries
- Basic tools (screwdriver, scissors, box cutter)
- Snacks and drinks
- Pet food and supplies
- Basic dishes and utensils
- Trash bags
- Light bulbs
- First aid kit
This box travels with you rather than on the moving truck, ensuring you have necessities even if unpacking takes several days.
During Loading
If Using Movers:
- Be available to answer questions
- Point out fragile items or special handling needs
- Review inventory list as items are loaded
- Do final walkthrough of home before departure
- Take photos of your empty home's condition
If DIY Moving:
- Pack truck strategically—heavy items on bottom, lighter on top
- Distribute weight evenly
- Use straps to secure items and prevent shifting
- Pack tightly to minimize movement during transport
- Load room by room to keep similar items together
During Unloading
If Using Movers:
- Be present to direct placement
- Check items off inventory list
- Inspect for damage before movers leave
- Keep pathways clear for movers
- Do walkthrough and settle payment
If DIY Moving:
- Unload room by room
- Place boxes in correct rooms according to labels
- Set up beds early—you'll be exhausted
- Unpack essentials first, everything else can wait
Final Old Home Walkthrough
Before leaving your old home:
- Check every closet, cabinet, drawer, and storage space
- Check attic, basement, garage
- Verify nothing left behind
- Take photos documenting home's condition
- Lock all doors and windows
- Return keys as required
- Make note of any damage requiring discussion with landlord
Settling Into Your New Home
The move isn't complete once everything arrives at your new home—settling in requires its own set of tasks.
First Week Priorities
Immediate (Day 1):
- Set up beds
- Unpack bathroom essentials
- Set up basic kitchen function
- Locate and unpack essentials box
- Verify utilities are functioning
- Do basic cleaning if needed
First Few Days:
- Unpack kitchen and set up basic household function
- Unpack bathrooms
- Unpack clothes and set up closets
- Test all appliances and systems
- Locate important documents
- Set up wifi and technology
First Week:
- Continue unpacking room by room
- Arrange furniture
- Hang pictures and decorations
- Explore immediate neighborhood
- Locate essential services (grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies)
Administrative Tasks
Update Address:
- USPS Change of Address form
- Banks and credit cards
- Insurance companies (home, auto, health)
- Employer
- IRS (use Form 8822)
- Voter registration
- Professional licenses
- Subscription services
- Online shopping accounts
- Friends and family
Update Vehicle Registration: Most states require updating registration and driver's license within 30-90 days of establishing residence.
Transfer or Establish Services:
- Utilities (electric, gas, water)
- Internet and cable
- Security system
- Trash and recycling
- Lawn care or snow removal
- Mail and package delivery preferences
Register Children in Schools: If you have school-age children, complete enrollment processes, provide required documentation, and arrange transportation.
Find Essential Services:
- Primary care physicians
- Dentists
- Veterinarians
- Pharmacies
- Mechanic/auto service
- Hair salon/barber
- Dry cleaner
Meet Neighbors: Introduce yourself to immediate neighbors. It's easier to do this early rather than months later.
Unpacking Strategy
Prioritize Function Over Perfection: Get basic household operations functioning before worrying about perfect organization.
One Room at a Time: Complete one room before moving to the next to see progress and establish functional spaces.
Decision Fatigue: Unpacking requires constant decisions about where things go. Take breaks when feeling overwhelmed.
It's Okay to Take Time: You don't need to unpack everything in one week. Many people take months to fully settle, and that's normal.
Live in the Space First: Consider living with basic setup before committing to final furniture placement or organization systems—you'll learn how you actually use the space.
Special Moving Situations
Some moves involve unique challenges requiring special planning.
Moving with Children
Preparation:
- Explain the move age-appropriately
- Involve children in age-appropriate ways (packing their rooms, choosing new bedroom colors)
- Visit new home and neighborhood if possible before moving
- Read books about moving
- Maintain normal routines as much as possible
Moving Day:
- Arrange childcare if possible—moving day is stressful for children and having them present complicates logistics
- If children must be present, designate one adult as their primary caregiver rather than trying to juggle moving and childcare
- Pack a bag with activities, snacks, and comfort items
After Move:
- Set up children's rooms early to establish their space
- Maintain familiar routines (bedtime rituals, meal patterns)
- Explore new neighborhood together
- Be patient with adjustment period—behavior changes are normal
- Connect with other families through schools, parks, activities
Moving with Pets
Before Moving:
- Update ID tags and microchip information
- Get copies of veterinary records
- Find new veterinarian in destination area
- Ensure vaccinations are current
- Get health certificate if required for interstate travel
Moving Day:
- Keep pets in safe, quiet room during loading
- Transport pets personally rather than on moving truck
- Bring familiar items (bed, toys, litter box)
- Stop periodically on long drives to offer water and bathroom breaks
- Never leave pets in hot vehicles
After Moving:
- Set up pet area immediately with familiar items
- Keep pets contained initially while they adjust
- Walk around new property on leash even if you have fenced yard
- Update veterinarian information
- Update pet license if required in new location
Senior Moves
Downsizing Assistance:
- May need extra time and emotional support for downsizing from long-time homes
- Consider hiring senior move specialists who understand unique needs
- Involve family members in decision-making about treasured items
Physical Limitations:
- Professional movers particularly valuable for seniors who can't do physical work
- Ensure new home is accessible and safe (grab bars, good lighting, minimal stairs)
- Set up essential services and supports before arrival
Emotional Support:
- Moving from long-time homes can be emotionally difficult
- Plan video calls or visits with out-of-town family
- Help seniors establish connections in new community quickly
Military Moves
Use Available Resources:
- Military installations offer relocation assistance and information
- Understand your entitlements and weight allowances
- Use military moving services or get reimbursed for approved expenses
Frequent Moves:
- Develop systems for efficient packing and setup
- Keep comprehensive inventory of household goods
- Build networks quickly through military community
- Maintain important documents in accessible, portable system
Moving Resources and Tools
Having the right resources and tools makes moving more efficient.
Online Resources
Change of Address:
USPS Change of Address is official way to forward mail to new address.
Moving Checklists and Guides: Numerous websites offer free printable checklists and planning tools.
Cost Calculators: Online calculators help estimate moving costs based on distance and belongings.
Review Sites: Research movers through
Better Business Bureau, Google reviews, and Yelp.
Community Information: Research new communities through city websites, local Facebook groups, and neighborhood apps like Nextdoor.
Essential Tools
Planning Tools:
- Digital or paper calendar for tracking deadlines
- Spreadsheet or app for tracking expenses
- Inventory system for tracking what's packed where
- Master checklist for tracking completed tasks
Physical Tools:
- Heavy-duty tape dispenser
- Quality box cutter
- Permanent markers
- Measuring tape (for ensuring furniture fits in new spaces)
- Basic tool set for disassembly and reassembly
Apps:
- Moving checklist apps
- Expense tracking apps
- Photo inventory apps for documenting belongings
- Floor plan apps for planning furniture placement
Professional Services
Beyond moving companies, other professionals can help:
Professional Organizers: Help with decluttering and packing strategies
Estate Sale Companies: Handle selling contents when downsizing significantly
Junk Removal Services: Haul away items you're not moving, selling, or donating
Cleaning Services: Clean old home after moving out or new home before moving in
Pet Transport Services: Professional transport for pets during long-distance moves
Storage Facilities: Temporary or long-term storage for belongings that won't fit in new home immediately
Your Next Steps: Planning Your Successful Move
This complete moving guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the moving process from initial planning through settling into your new home. You now understand the timeline, budgeting considerations, packing strategies, options for professional vs. DIY moving, and what to expect throughout the entire process.
As you move forward with your planning:
Create Your Timeline: Use
How to Create a Moving Checklist (The Ultimate Timeline) to build your comprehensive, customized checklist with specific tasks and deadlines appropriate for your situation.
Book Your Movers: If hiring professionals, consult
How Far in Advance Should You Book Movers? to understand optimal timing and ensure you secure reliable movers for your preferred dates.
Budget Realistically: Develop comprehensive financial planning using
How to Create a Moving Budget (What to Expect) to understand all costs and make informed decisions about your moving spending.
Peace Of Mind Moving And Hauling Services specializes in making moves smooth and stress-free. Whether you're moving across Colorado Springs or across the country, whether you need complete door-to-door service or specific help with heavy items, we provide professional moving solutions tailored to your needs.
Our services include:
- Residential Moving: Complete household moving services for homes and apartments of all sizes
- Local Moving: Efficient local relocation within Colorado Springs and surrounding areas
- Long Distance Moving: Reliable interstate and cross-country moving services
- Packing Services: Professional packing to protect your belongings and save your time
- Storage Solutions: Secure storage for short-term or long-term needs
Our experienced team understands that every move is unique. We work with you to understand your specific situation, concerns, and priorities, then develop moving plans that address your needs while respecting your budget.
We're not just
Colorado Springs movers—we're your partners in successful relocation. Our name reflects our commitment: we provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing your move is handled by professionals who care about your belongings and your experience.
