This is the final week — the home stretch. The big decisions are behind you. Now it’s about three things: finishing the packing, getting the truck or container a clear spot close to your door, and setting aside what you’ll need in your hands on moving day. Take it day by day with the drop-downs below, and grab the printable checklist (PDF) so you can tick things off as you go.
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7 Days Before – Lock in the plan▼
Finish the loose ends and set up where the truck or container will go.
☐Finish packing everything but the essentials. By now only the things you use every day should still be out.
☐File any last address changes. Your bank, your subscriptions, the DMV — anything you put off, finish it this week.
☐Truck move? Request your parking permit now. A city parking permit or “No Parking” signs can take a few days to issue, so ask early — you’ll post them the day before. See the box above.
☐Container move? Confirm your drop date and clear the spot. Find out exactly when your container is coming, and make sure the drop spot is open and easy to reach. You’ll hold it with a parked car until it arrives. See the box above.
4-3 Days Before – Take things apart and use things up▼
Break down the big stuff and run down anything that can’t make the trip.
☐Take apart the big furniture. Beds, tables, and anything that comes apart travel safer and pack tighter broken down. Bag the screws and tape the bag to the piece.
☐Use up or give away the food. Eat down the fridge and freezer, and donate unopened cans — perishable food can’t go on the truck.
☐Get rid of what can’t ride along. Flammables, spray cans, propane, paint, and most chemicals aren’t allowed on a truck. Dispose of them properly now.
☐Start a “stays with me” pile. Set aside the papers, valuables, and medications you’ll carry yourself.
2 Days Before – Pack your essentials and prep the fridge▼
Get your own bag ready and the appliances move-ready.
☐Pack an essentials bag for each person. A few days of clothes, toiletries, medications, chargers, and important papers — what you’ll want the first night without opening a box.
☐Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer. Empty it, unplug it, and leave the doors open so it dries out. A fridge that travels wet can grow mildew inside.
☐Touch base on the arrival window. A quick call to confirm when they’ll arrive, that they have your address and how to get in, and that you’re ready to pay.
☐Charge everything and get some cash. Phones, power banks, and small bills for tipping the crew.
The Day Before – Final checks▼
Small things tonight make tomorrow easy.
☐Truck move? Post your parking signs. Put up the permit or “No Parking” signs tonight so the spot is clear and the truck can get close in the morning.
☐Set aside what stays with you. Essentials bags, valuables, documents, keys, and an “open first” box go in your own car — never on the truck.
☐Take a few photos. Snap how your electronics are wired and big furniture before it comes apart, so it’s easy to set back up.
☐Do a last walk-through, then rest. Closets, cabinets, the dishwasher, behind doors — then set your alarm and get a good night’s sleep. Moving day starts early.
Save the spot for the truck or container — it’s one of the few things this week that can cost you real money. The closer the truck or container is to your door, the faster and cheaper the move. A long walk between your door and the truck — movers call it a “long carry” — is one of the priciest surprise add-ons there is. How you save the spot depends on which kind of move you’re doing, because the two aren’t the same job:
Container move — hold the drop spot before it arrives. A container is dropped off ahead of move day and sits in place while you load it. So the spot has to be clear and held before it arrives. As soon as you know your drop date, clear that space and park a car there to hold it until the container lands. Most cities don’t regulate where a container sits, so holding the space with your own car is usually all it takes. Once the container is set down, it holds the spot itself.
Truck move — arrange move-day parking ahead of time. A rental or moving truck shows up on move day itself, so there’s nothing to hold for days. The job is making sure the truck can get close to the door on the day. In a city or an apartment area, ask your city early about a parking permit or temporary “No Parking” signs — they can take a few days to issue. Then post them the day before or the morning of. On a suburban driveway this is usually not needed.
This matters most in apartments and tight city streets, where open curb space disappears fast.
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Print it and check it off
This page is also a printable one-page checklist — the same days and items above, condensed so you can carry it around, tick things off by hand, and keep your momentum without a screen.
A container is dropped before move day so you have time to load it — often several days ahead. Find out your exact drop date when you book, and have the spot clear and held with a parked car by then.
What is a “long carry,” and why does it cost more?
It’s the distance the crew has to carry your things between your door and the truck. The farther the truck has to park, the longer every trip takes — and that time can be added to your bill. A close, clear spot is the cheapest insurance against it.
Do I need a parking permit?
For a container, usually not — most cities don’t regulate them, so a held spot is enough. For a moving truck in a city or apartment area, a permit or posted “No Parking” signs from the city can be well worth it.
What can’t I pack on the truck?
Anything hazardous — flammables, spray cans, propane, paint, and most chemicals — plus perishable food. Keep your medications, important papers, and valuables with you, not on the truck.
Continue your countdown
You’re in the final stretch. Here’s the rest of the countdown — step back to an earlier phase if you need to, or go straight to move day. Each phase has its own checklist you can work through at your own pace.
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