Local Moving Timeline

Moves can be both exciting and challenging. Even if you’re just planning your relocation from one neighborhood to the next in Music City, understanding the timeline of events is crucial for a smooth transition.

The best local movers in Nashville have provided a realistic local moving timeline to help you plan a move that’s a stress-free experience so you can focus on what truly matters: settling into your new home.

Let’s prep for your new beginnings!

Before the Move 

6-8 Weeks Out: Research and Plan 

Once you’ve solidified a date for the big move, it’s time to hit the ground running. The first step is researching reputable local moving companies in Nashville. Learn what moving services they offer, read previous customer reviews, and gather moving estimates to determine the best movers for your specific needs. The earlier you book your movers, the better your chances of securing your desired moving date and time.

Putting your house on the market? Now is also the time to stage it! Start decluttering and organizing your belongings. Create a sorting system and decide which items should be kept, donated, sold, or tossed. We’d recommend renting a storage unit for items you won’t need immediately. It not only makes your home more appealing to potential buyers but also simplifies your move later on.

At Move On, our moving estimates are binding, meaning that the price will not change as long as the details of the job do not change. As part of our full-service moving, we offer both moving and storage options—long- and short-term—so you can have peace of mind, no matter the timeline of your move.

4-5 Weeks Out: Create a Packing Plan 

Now comes everyone’s least favorite part of moving: packing…but hear us out! Creating a packing plan well in advance is key to a stress-free move.

Get your packing supplies all squared away (boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers) and prioritize packing up the items you don’t use as much. Think seasonal clothes, holiday décor, and kitchen items you rarely use. You’ll also want to label your boxes so it’s easier to unpack later in your brand-new home. 

This is also the time to book your preferred local moving company in Nashville. Make sure you communicate your moving date and any specific requirements you may have—including any specialty or fragile items, like your musical instruments!

2-3 Weeks Before: Finalize the Details 

We’ve almost made it to the big day! If you’ve booked with a local moving company, make sure you confirm your moving date with ‘em. And before you leave your home for good, make sure you also take care of the minor details like: 

• Scheduling, transferring, or canceling your utilities 
• Forwarding your mail to the new address 
• Updating your home or renters’ insurance 
• Collecting and organizing all personal records (school, medical, etc.) 

This is also the time to start packing up the rest of your items, focusing on essential items this time. It’s easier to start this part early because you have more items in your home than you think—trust us!

1 Week Before: Finish Up Packing 

Most of your belongings should be all packed up and ready to go at this stage. Pay extra attention to those fragile items and valuables, ensuring they are well-protected. And if any last-minute concerns come up, make sure to communicate them with the movers.

We’d also recommend creating an overnight bag with a few essential items like a change of clothes and pajamas, toiletries, basic kitchen items, a towel and shower curtain, small electronics, and any snacks and water. That way, you’re not digging through boxes at your new place and causing yourself more stress.

A pro tip: put out a set of clothes the night before your move. And remember, comfort is key.

Moving Day 

The big day has finally arrived! On the day of the move itself, the key is to stay organized and coordinate with your local movers. Make sure they have clear instructions on any specific requirements you may have. From there, they can handle all the heavy lifting for you. 

As the items are being loaded onto the truck, do a final walkthrough to check for any forgotten items. Open all drawers and cabinets, check the back of the closet, go through your crawlspace or basement—anywhere you might have stored stuff. Even though you’re still going to be in Nashville, you don’t want to leave anything behind. 

Once everything is loaded up, you can finally drop off the keys and say goodbye to your old home. (Don’t worry you can still drive by it if you’re feeling nostalgic!)

After the Move: Settle In and Unpack 

Once you get to your new place, take the time to settle in. And make sure you’re on-site after the move so your movers can place all the furniture exactly where you want it.

A pro tip: start unpacking the essentials the day or 2 after the move and then gradually work your way through the remaining boxes over the next couple of weeks. Moving takes a lot of energy, and you don’t have to be in a rush once you’re in your new place. If you put any items in storage, you can go pick ‘em up and start to organize your space.

Moving is a big deal (even if it’s just across town) but it doesn’t have to be if you have a good plan in place. With this helpful timeline, you’ll be well-prepared for each phase of your journey. And if you’re ready to make your Nashville move even easier? Get an estimate from the moving professionals from Move On today!