The final week before a move is when things tend to get real. Boxes are stacking up, utilities need to be switched, and that long mental to-do list starts running on a loop. The good news? A little structure goes a long way. Here’s a day-by-day checklist to keep you organized in the last seven days before your Bellingham-area move.
7 days out: Confirm the big stuff
Call your moving company to confirm the arrival time, address, and any special instructions. Double-check the parking situation at both homes โ if you need to reserve a spot on the street or notify your apartment building, now is the time. Review your inventory list and make sure nothing important has been forgotten.
6 days out: Start eating down the pantry
Open the fridge, freezer, and pantry and plan meals around what’s there. Moving food is a pain, and perishable items especially don’t travel well. Whatever you don’t use can be donated to a local food bank in the last day or two before the move.
5 days out: Transfer utilities and update your address
Schedule shut-off at your current home for the day after the move, and turn-on at your new home for the day before. Put in a USPS change of address, update your driver’s license, and notify your bank, employer, insurance, and any subscription services. It feels tedious, but future you will thank you.
4 days out: Pack the rooms you rarely use
Guest rooms, home offices, storage closets, and seasonal items can all be packed now without disrupting daily life. Label each box with both the contents and the destination room so your movers know exactly where to set things down.
3 days out: Prep your appliances
Defrost and dry the freezer. Empty and drain the washer, dryer, dishwasher, and any water-connected appliances. If you’re taking large appliances with you, check the manual or have them professionally prepped โ water left inside can cause serious damage in transit.
2 days out: Pack an essentials bag for each person
Think of it like a short overnight bag. Include a few days of clothes, toiletries, medications, phone chargers, important documents, and a change of bedding. This keeps you comfortable even if the rest of your boxes don’t get fully unpacked for a while.
1 day out: Finish packing and do a final walk-through
Anything you haven’t packed by now should go into boxes today (aside from the essentials bag and whatever you’ll need the morning of the move). Do one last walk-through of closets, cabinets, the garage, the attic, and the yard. It’s amazing how often something gets left behind in a spot you glanced over a hundred times.
Moving day: Trust your plan
You’ve done the work. On moving day, your main jobs are to be available for your movers, direct items to the right rooms at the new place, and take care of yourself โ stay hydrated, eat lunch, and try to enjoy the start of a new chapter.
If you’re planning a move anywhere around Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Whatcom County, Skagit County, or the surrounding areas, Cast Iron Moving is here to make the last week (and the big day itself) as smooth as possible. Contact us today for a free quote.
