You don’t need to spend weeks planning your move. With the right approach, you can plan your moving process in one weekend. The secret? Finding a good local moving company that handles the heavy lifting while you focus on tasks only you can manage.

We’ll walk you through a two-day plan that covers the essentials so you can finish planning quickly and move on with your week.

Why Weekend Planning Works

Typically, you’ve been told to start planning your move 6–8 weeks in advance. That works for some people, but if you’re extremely busy or your move is happening at the spur of the moment, you don’t have that luxury.

But is spending a lot of time planning a move really a luxury? These days, local moving professionals use streamlined systems that eliminate most of the complexity. They handle route planning, truck sizing, equipment needs, and timing without requiring much of your time. Full-service moving companies even offer packing services, storage coordination, and specialty item handling.

How Early Should I Plan?

Book your local moving company 2–4 weeks before your move date for the best selection and rates. During peak season (May through September), aim for 4–6 weeks ahead. Moving costs increase when you wait until the last week, and quality local movers may be completely booked.

End-of-month dates fill up fastest since most leases expire then. If you must move during peak times, choose mid-week dates for better availability and pricing. Last-minute bookings often mean settling for whatever moving services are available, not necessarily what’s best for your situation.

Saturday Morning: Find Your Moving Company

Start your Saturday by researching local moving companies in your area. Begin with online reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings. Look for companies that specialize in local moves if you’re staying in the area, or those experienced with long-distance moves if you’re relocating far away.

Contact at least three companies for estimates. Most reputable movers offer a free estimate either over the phone, online, or through an in-home visit. During these conversations, ask questions about what their service offering includes and what additional costs might apply.

I learned this lesson firsthand when I moved apartments in Newark, New Jersey. After getting quotes from several companies, I chose Zip To Zip Moving Company because they explained what was included in their price and what wasn’t. Their upfront approach saved me from surprise fees and last-minute stress.

Pay attention to how each moving company handles your questions. Professional outfits will ask about your timeline, inventory size, special requirements, and access issues at both locations. They should provide detailed written estimates that break down costs clearly.

Don’t just choose the cheapest option. Look for the best value based on services included, company reputation, and their professionalism. A slightly higher upfront cost often saves money and headaches later.

Once you’ve selected your mover, book immediately.

Saturday Afternoon and Sunday: What Movers Won’t Do (Planning the Essentials)

Even full-service moving companies have boundaries about what they can and cannot do. Once you’ve found your mover, you can start checking these items off the list:

• Sort and declutter: Decide what’s coming with you versus what gets donated, sold, or discarded. Handle unwanted items through donation, sales, or junk removal services before moving day.
• Pack personal and valuable items: Fragile items, like jewelry, important documents, family photos, and sentimental pieces, should travel with you.
• Arrange utilities and services: Set up electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable at your new home. Schedule a disconnection at your current residence.
• Change your address: Update your address with banks, employers, insurance companies, subscription services, and government agencies, like the IRS and DMV.
• Research storage solutions: If you need it, reserve a storage unit and coordinate timing. Some moving companies offer partnerships with storage facilities.
• Pack essentials box: Gather items you’ll need immediately, like medications, toiletries, phone chargers, and basic tools.
• Secure important documents: Collect lease agreements, insurance papers, medical records, and financial documents to transport personally.

You might decide that some of these tasks can wait until moving day, but you should take a moment to plan how and when you’ll check them off your list. The goal is to finish your planning, not pack everything in boxes and wait for moving day.

What Do I Do on Moving Day?

Moving day is when your weekend planning pays off. While your professional movers handle the heavy lifting, you’ll manage oversight and personal responsibilities.

Before the Movers Arrive

Start by doing a final walkthrough of your new home. Check that pathways are clear, utilities are working, and parking is available for the moving truck. Double-check that you have your essentials box and important documents ready to transport personally.

During the Loading Process

Be present when the crew arrives at your current home. Walk through each room with the team leader, pointing out fragile items, special handling requirements, and any last-minute changes. Review the inventory list and confirm all items are accounted for.

Stay available throughout the loading process to answer questions about item destinations, handle any unexpected decisions, and confirm that nothing important gets overlooked. Your role is supervision and guidance while the local movers do the physical work.

At Your New Home

When the crew arrives at your destination, guide them on furniture placement and room assignments. Inspect your belongings as they’re unloaded. Note any damage on the inventory sheet before signing off. Legitimate moving companies offer basic liability coverage, but documenting issues on moving day protects you if claims are needed later.

Completing the Move

Pay according to your moving agreement. Most movers expect payment upon completion, so have your preferred payment method ready. Review final moving costs and get copies of all paperwork for your records. At the end, don’t forget to tip your movers.

Moving Forward With Confidence

A weekend moving plan can be just as effective as a plan developed over several weeks. A quality moving company is the real difference-maker. As I mentioned before, Zip To Zip Moving helped me cruise through my last move when time was in short supply. I’d recommend them to anyone moving around New York or New Jersey (maybe they do other states as well).

Good luck and get moving!