A move has a hundred moving parts, and the difference between a calm move and a chaotic one usually comes down to planning. This week-by-week checklist walks you through everything from the moment you decide to move to the day you unpack the last box, tailored for anyone relocating in the [greater Atlanta metro](/service-areas).
8 Weeks Out: Plan and Research
Set your moving budget and start saving for it · Research and get written estimates from two or three licensed Georgia movers · Create a folder (physical or digital) for all move-related documents · Start a room-by-room inventory of what you own
6 Weeks Out: Declutter and Sort
Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss · Schedule donation pickups or drop-offs (Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat ReStore all serve metro Atlanta) · The less you move, the less your move costs — decluttering pays for itself
4 Weeks Out: Book and Notify
Confirm and book your moving company in writing · Submit a change of address with USPS · Notify utilities (Georgia Power, water, gas, internet) of your move date · Update your address with banks, insurance, and subscriptions · Reserve the freight elevator at both buildings if applicable
2 Weeks Out: Pack and Prepare
Begin packing non-essentials room by room · Label every box by room and contents · Set aside an essentials box for the first night · Confirm parking and elevator access at both locations
Moving Week: Final Steps
Pack a personal bag with a few days of clothes and toiletries · Defrost the fridge if you're taking it · Confirm the time and details with your movers · Keep important documents and valuables with you, not on the truck
Moving Day
Be present to direct the crew and answer questions · Do a final walkthrough of the old place before leaving · Check items off your inventory as they're loaded and unloaded · Have cash or card ready if you plan to tip the crew
The Bottom Line
A move feels overwhelming until you break it into steps. Start early, declutter ruthlessly, and book a licensed mover in writing — the rest falls into place.
Call us: (404) 514-4814 · Mon–Sat, 8am–6pm · Licensed GA HHG #9320 · BBB A+
Book at least 4 weeks ahead for off-peak moves (October through April) and 6–8 weeks ahead for peak season (May through September). End-of-month dates fill up fastest because most leases turn over then.
Yes — always. A written, itemized estimate is the only protection you have against surprise charges on move day. In Georgia, licensed movers are required to provide one. If a company won't put pricing in writing, walk away.
Phone chargers, a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, important documents, basic tools, paper towels, trash bags, and bedding for the first night. Keep this box with you in your car — not on the truck.