The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Grove City Buyers

You’ve signed the papers, grabbed the keys, and maybe even taken that first deep breath in your new Grove City home. It’s an exciting moment, and one you’ve earned. But now comes the next big step: the move.

I won’t sugarcoat it. Moving can get messy, fast. Between sorting, packing, cleaning, and coordinating timelines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before the boxes are even taped shut. I’ve seen buyers go from pure excitement to full-blown stress just trying to figure out where to start.

That’s why I put together this guide, or what I like to think of as the ultimate moving checklist for new homeowners. As an experienced Grove City realtor, these are the steps I walk my clients through when preparing for a move, from the time you get the house keys until the professional movers arrive.

Why? Because with the right plan, you can protect your peace of mind and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Whether you’re counting down the days or still figuring out your schedule, this ultimate moving checklist will help keep things simple, clear, and totally manageable, so you can start this new chapter on the right foot.

6 Weeks Before Moving: Set the Stage for a Smooth Move

Once you have your new address, it's time to schedule your move date. Six weeks out is your sweet spot. You’ve got time on your side.

This is the time when you shift from “thinking about moving” to “actively preparing.” You’re not packing boxes just yet, but you are laying the foundation that makes those final weeks go smoothly (and with a whole lot less stress).

Here's my expert tips to make the most of your time:

Create a Moving Checklist & Binder

You’re about to juggle quotes, move dates, receipts, checklists, and a dozen decisions at once. Don’t wing it—get organized now so you can avoid the panic later.

A moving binder is a moving checklist on steroids. Here's how to do it:

• Set up a physical binder or a digital folder (Google Drive or Dropbox work great).

• Store your moving checklist, to-do list, utility companies info, donation receipts, and any moving company agreements in one place.

• Keep a notes section for questions that come up along the way with things like who you still need to call or which closet hasn’t been sorted yet.

Declutter and Donate

Think of this as a fresh start. Moving is your chance to leave behind the stuff you’ve outgrown or just don’t want in your next chapter. The less you bring, the easier, and cheaper, your move will be.

Here are my tips to make decluttering easy:

• Go room by room and make quick decisions: keep, donate, toss.

• Be ruthless with duplicates (do you really need three blenders?) and items you haven’t touched in a year.

• Schedule a pickup from a local charity, give them to friends and family, or plan a garage sale.

What I love about decluttering? You get to walk into your new home without boxes of "maybes." And you get to save money with your moving company by not needing a storage unit.

Research Moving Companies or Truck Rentals

Booking a moving company last-minute is like trying to book a vacation during a holiday weekend. It's more expensive, less flexible, and way more stressful. Six weeks out is the time the time to lock in your plan by hiring professional movers.

Keep these things in mind when you're at this stage of your moving checklist:

• Gather at least 2–3 quotes from reputable moving companies.

• Read the fine print. Ask about insurance, cancellation policies, and what’s included in the base rate.

• If you’re going the DIY route, reserve your moving truck, dollies, and pads now. Weekends fill up fast, especially around the 1st or 15th of the month.

Notify Your Realtor

Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, Grove City real estate agents can’t help your if they don’t know your timeline. A quick check-in keeps everyone aligned and avoids last-minute scrambles.

Here's what to keep in mind when you notify your Grove City realtor of your upcoming move:

• Share your move-in and move-out dates so they can coordinate things like final walk-throughs or key handoffs.

• If you’re moving out of a listed home, your agent can help arrange staging removal or final cleaning services.

• If you’re still prepping a home to sell, this is also a good time to ask about timing and pre-listing prep.

Request Time Off Work

Moving is more than just physically exhausting, it takes a ton of mental energy too. Take it from me, don’t try to squeeze it in between Zoom calls. Take your move seriously and be sure that you give yourself room to focus.

Here are some things that I find help my clients prepare for their big move date to their new location:

• Block off your move day and consider taking a day before and after to settle in. (Highly recommend this!)

• If you have kids, coordinate school pickups, daycare, or help from friends and family members.

• Use this time to get utilities transferred, update your address with key contacts, fill out your change of address form, and mentally gear up for move day.

Advice I Give My Clients During This Time:

This first six week out window sets the tone for your entire moving experience. Most moving stress comes from things that could’ve been handled earlier, and this is your chance to get ahead of all of it. Stay proactive, keep your checklist close, and take it one week at a time.

4 Weeks Before Moving: Shift Into Packing Mode

Now the clock is ticking a little louder. Four weeks out is when things really start happening. You’ve got your binder, your mover (or truck) booked, and your game plan in motion. Oh, and did I mention that you're probably super excited about setting up your new life in your beautiful new home.

That's why four weeks out is when you go from organizing to acting. It’s not full packing chaos yet, but it’s time to start clearing out the extras and locking in the logistics to make the final weeks run smoothly.

Here are the steps you need to be sure you handle during this stage:

Order Moving Supplies

You don’t want to be hunting for boxes or scrambling for packing tape the night before your move. Start with the basics: sturdy boxes in a few sizes, packing tape, labels, markers, bubble wrap, and packing paper.

Don’t forget specialty boxes for fragile items like dishes, TVs, and mirrors. These will save money and time when you're packing up your valuables.

My Expert Tip: Many local stores, Facebook Marketplace, or Buy Nothing groups have free or discounted supplies—snag them early.

Start Packing Non-Essentials

This is the low-stress part of packing. You’re not living out of boxes yet, which is always a win. But it is time to focus on trimming the excess by packing things like seasonal clothes, books, decor, and anything else you won’t need before the move.

Be sure that you label each of the moving boxes clearly with the room it belongs in and briefly describe what’s inside. And use this time to donate or toss anything that didn’t make the first decluttering round.

Label Everything

Trust me: when you’re standing in your new kitchen trying to find the coffee mugs, you’ll thank yourself for this one.

Here's what I recommend:

• Color code by room (kitchen = blue, bedroom = green, etc.) for even faster unpacking.

• Label the top and at least one side of each box.

• Make a "first to unpack" box for each room with essentials you’ll want right away.

Update Your Address Where It Counts

Forwarding your mail is just the beginning. Now’s the time to make sure your life moves with you. Start with a USPS change of address form, then move on to banks, credit cards, loan providers, and insurance companies.

Don’t forget subscriptions, car insurance, loyalty programs, and any delivery services you use. If you have kids, notify their school and update any medical or emergency contact records.

Transfer or Set Up Utilities

This detail is easy to overlook until you’re unpacking in the dark or without Wi-Fi. Start with contacting your current providers to schedule shut-off dates at your old address.

Once that's done, it's time to set up new accounts or transfers for water, electric, gas, internet, and trash service. And be sure to confirm your start dates so everything is live and ready when you arrive.

Advice I Give My Clients During This Time:

This is where most of the heavy lifting begins, but you don’t have to let it get away from you. The secret is staying focused on the stuff that moves the needle: the moving boxes, the addresses, the logistics. Set a timer, knock out one task at a time, and give yourself space to keep the process moving forward without rushing. You’re halfway there.

2 Weeks Before Moving: Time to Lock In the Details

With just two weeks to go, it’s time to shift into high gear. This is your final prep window before the boxes really start flying. You’ve got the big-picture pieces in motion, so now it’s about tying up loose ends, confirming logistics, and setting yourself up for a less-hectic move-in day.

Confirm Details with Movers

This step gets skipped more than it should, and it’s one of the biggest sources of day-of stress. Avoid the “wait, what time were they supposed to show up?” panic and confirm everything in writing now.

What to keep in mind:

• Call your moving company to double-check your move date, time slot, and expected duration.

• Confirm parking access—especially if you’re in a busy neighborhood or apartment.

• Ask how they prefer payment (some want cash, others require cards in advance).

• Make sure they have your cell number and you have theirs saved.

Prep Your New Home

An empty house is a golden opportunity. If you need to do any work, big or small, this is the time to tackle you new home before all your belongings fill the space.

Be sure that you:

• Schedule professional cleaners or bring your own supplies for a deep clean.

• Touch up paint, fix any last-minute issues, or install window treatments.

• If you have kids, now’s a great time to child-proof outlets or set up sleeping spaces.

Move-In Bonus: That fresh, clean slate makes move-in feel way more exciting and less chaotic.

Plan Meals Around the Move

You’re not going to want to cook during moving week, and you definitely don’t want to move a fridge full of perishables.

Start by taking stock of your pantry and freezer, and use up what you can before you leave your old house. Next, plan a few low-effort meals or schedule a couple of takeout nights. Then finally it's time to start packing up dishes and kitchen gadgets you won’t need in the next week.

Trust me, no one wants to dig through boxes to find a can opener on move day.

Set Up a “Moving Essentials” Box

This box will be your lifesaver when everything else is in transition. Keep it handy, not on the moving truck, and pack it like a mini survival kit.

Include things like:

• Chargers, toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and essential paperwork

• Scissors or a box cutter, paper towels, and hand soap

• Snacks, water bottles, and anything your pets or kids will need on day one

Why is this box important? Because this is all the stuff you don’t want to be searching for in a pile of boxes at 10 p.m.

Advice I Give My Clients During This Time:

These two weeks are all about making smart moves before the chaos hits. Get clear on the details, finish what you can in the new place, and make sure your essentials are easy to reach. When the big day comes, you’ll be glad you handled the little things now.

1 Week Before Moving: Final Prep Before the Big Day

With just one week to go, it’s time to shift into wrap-up mode. This is where small tasks make a significant impact. You’re getting things into boxes and setting yourself up for a smooth, stress-free move-in.

Pack an Overnight Bag

Think of this as packing for a weekend away—only this time, your house is full of boxes, and you have no idea where your toothbrush is.

Overnight bag essentials:

• Toiletries, chargers, medications, and at least two changes of clothes.

• Toss in a towel, pajamas, and anything you need for a good night’s sleep.

• If you’re moving with kids, pack their essentials and a comfort item or two.

This bag stays with you, not on the moving truck. You’ll thank yourself later.

Disassemble Furniture in Advance

Waiting until moving day to take apart furniture can cause delays and frustration, especially if you can’t find the right tool when time’s ticking.

Break down beds, shelving units, and any bulky items that won’t fit through the door. Bag and label screws, bolts, or tools and tape them to the furniture frame or keep them in your moving binder. If something’s complicated, snap a photo of it assembled so putting it back together is easier later.

Confirm Babysitter or Pet Care

Moving day can be chaotic. Having little ones (or furry ones) underfoot makes it even more challenging to stay focused.

Here's what I recommend:

• Book childcare or pet care for the day—or ask a trusted friend or family member to step in.

• Keep overnight bags packed for kids or pets, too, just in case things run longer than expected.

• If your pets are staying with you, prep a quiet, closed-off room where they’ll be safe and out of the way.

Do a Final Walkthrough of Your Old Home

Once everything’s packed, it’s time for one last sweep. You’d be surprised how often people leave behind chargers, tools, or family heirlooms stashed in a closet corner.

Things to keep in mind:

• Check all drawers, cabinets, and closets—including high shelves and the back corners.

• Don’t forget the attic, basement, garage, shed, and outdoor spaces.

• Double-check storage nooks (like under the stairs or in utility closets).

You want to be sure to leave the place as clean and empty as possible, especially if you’ve sold your home and want to end on a strong note with the new owners.

Advice I Give My Clients During This Time:

This final week can sneak up on you, but a little focus now goes a long way. By tackling these simple tasks in advance, you’ll save yourself from last-minute chaos and be able to step into your new home feeling much more settled.

Moving Day: Stay Focused and Finish Strong

The big day is here, and the goal is simple: keep things moving, avoid surprises, and leave your old place on a good note. With a few intentional steps, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother transition and peace of mind once the truck pulls away.

Take Photos of Each Room Before Leaving

Whether you’re renting or selling, a quick set of photos can protect you if questions come up later.

Things you should keep in mind:

• Snap clear shots of each room, including floors, walls, and any appliances or fixtures staying behind.

• Don’t forget closets, the garage, or the basement—especially if they were part of your sale or lease.

• Save them in your moving folder (digital or physical) with the date clearly labeled.

Why is this important? Because it’s a simple way to close the door on your old home—literally and legally—with confidence.

Keep Important Items With You

When in doubt, don’t pack the most important documents and items on the moving truck. Keep the essentials close so you’re not digging through boxes (or worse, calling the moving company) on day one.

Be sure that you:

• Carry personal documents, birth certificates, passports, and home sale paperwork.

• Pack medications, jewelry, laptops, chargers, and anything irreplaceable or valuable.

• If you’re traveling separately from the moving truck, put this all in a clearly labeled bag or box that stays with you.

Do a Final Walkthrough

It’s not over until you’ve done one last look around, and it’s worth taking five extra minutes to do it right by keeping these tips in mind:

• Check every room, closet, and drawer (yes, again).

• Look behind doors, under sinks, and in out-of-sight spots like attics or crawl spaces.

• Turn off lights, adjust the thermostat if needed, and lock all doors and windows before leaving.

Advice I Give My Clients During This Time:

Moving day always has a little chaos baked in—but with the right prep, you don’t have to let it take over. Think of this day as the final chapter in one home and the first page in the next. A little care at the finish line makes the new beginning feel that much better.

After the Move: Time to Settle In

You made it. The boxes are in, the truck’s gone, and now it’s just you and your new place. But before you jump into decorating or deep cleaning every closet, take a moment to settle in with purpose. These next few days should feel less about hustle and more about making your new house feel like home.

Unpack Essentials First

Start with the rooms you’ll need on day one and build from there. Focus on the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms—think dishes, towels, toiletries, and bedding.

Don’t worry about the garage or home office just yet. Handle what supports your daily routine first. This is where you'll want to use your labeled boxes to make this step quicker and more manageable.

I promise that you’ll feel more human (and less scattered) when the basics are up and running.

Test Utilities and Wi-Fi

Even if you scheduled everything ahead of time, now’s the moment to make sure it’s actually working.

Here are some things I recommend:

• Test water pressure, hot water, outlets, and light switches throughout the house.

• Make sure your internet is active, devices are connecting, and any smart home features are functioning.

• Call providers immediately if anything is off—you’ll want those wait times behind you as soon as possible.

Start Small Projects Gradually

Don’t rush to fix, paint, or upgrade everything in the first week, that would just be beyond exhausting. But I do recommend keeping a running list of to-dos while also giving yourself time to live in the space first.

It’s your home now, which means there’s no deadline for making it perfect.

It's Time to Celebrate

Seriously. Celebrate.

Order your favorite takeout. Toast with champagne (or soda, or sparkling water). Sit on the floor, take a deep breath, and soak it in. You did it, and that deserves a moment.

Advice I Give My Clients During This Time:

So many buyers rush right into “what’s next” and miss the joy of where they are. Give yourself permission to enjoy this. You don’t have to do everything in a day. You already did the hard part.

Ready to Move Without the Meltdown?

Moving is a lot. No one’s pretending it’s fun to pack up your life and haul it to a new address. But it doesn’t have to be chaos. With a clear plan, and someone in your corner who’s done this more times than she can count, you can take the pressure off and focus on the exciting part: starting fresh.

My promise to you? I don’t disappear after closing. My Grove City buyers get the complete roadmap. Yes, including on moving day. Whether you need a custom checklist, help finding reliable movers, or just someone to remind you it’s all going to be okay, I’m here to make your next move a smart one.

Need help turning your to-do list into a done list? Call or text me at (724)-992-4128, or fill out the quick form on my website. Let’s make this move your smoothest one yet.