What to do 8 weeks, one month and one week before moving day

Moving house runs more smoothly when you know what to focus on and when. The biggest mistake people make is trying to do everything at once or leaving important tasks too late.

Using the Smaver Smartlist structure, here’s how to break your move into clear stages so you can stay organised, reduce stress and avoid costly surprises.

You can also skip ahead to your exact stage using the full online checklist at Smartlist and track everything in one place.

Eight weeks out, you are in the Planning phase. This is where decisions matter more than boxes.

Focus on the big picture:

• Confirm your moving date
• Decide whether you are using professional removalists or moving yourself
• Start collecting quotes
• Review your insurance and check whether transit cover is needed
• Book time off work if required
• Arrange school transfers if applicable

This is also the time to begin decluttering. The less you move, the less you pay and the less you unpack later.

If you have not already, jump into the Smaver Smartlist Planning section and start ticking off tasks. You can save your progress and return at any time.

This stage is about locking things in and reducing last minute pressure.

Around one month before moving day you should:

• Confirm your removalist booking
• Arrange utility disconnections and new connections
• Update your address with key organisations
• Organise mail redirection
• Begin packing non essential items
• Measure large furniture to ensure it fits in your new home

If you are moving into an apartment, confirm lift bookings and access requirements.

This is also the ideal time to start packing strategically. Label boxes clearly by room and priority. Keep important documents separate and easy to access.

The Smartlist One month before section lays this out step by step so you do not miss critical admin tasks.

This is where execution begins.

One week before your move, focus on:

• Finalising packing
• Confirming details with your removalist
• Preparing a moving day essentials box
• Defrosting the fridge and freezer
• Returning borrowed items
• Backing up important files

Prepare a simple essentials kit with chargers, medications, toiletries, snacks and key documents. This avoids rummaging through boxes on your first night.

Log into the Smartlist One week before section and make sure everything is checked off before the final countdown begins.

Spreading tasks across these stages reduces overwhelm and prevents expensive last minute decisions.

Planning early gives you:

• Better pricing options
• More booking availability
• Fewer rushed purchases
• Less emotional stress

Every move has moving parts. The key is knowing what to do and when to do it.