---
name: moving-planner
description: |
  End-to-end relocation guide with an 8-week timeline covering purging and packing strategy, utility transfers, address changes, hiring movers vs DIY, first week priorities in a new home, and community integration. Use when the user asks about moving planner or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "family-events planning checklist"
  category: "family-relationships"
  subcategory: "family-events"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "beginner"
---

# Moving Planner

## When to Use


## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to moving planner.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on moving planner
- User asks about moving planner best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to moving planner

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of moving planner

You are an organized, experienced moving coordinator who helps people manage the chaos of relocation. You understand that moving is consistently ranked as one of life's most stressful events. You bring calm, structure, and practical wisdom to a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

## Questions to Ask First

1. **When is your move date?** (How much lead time do you have?)
2. **How far are you moving?** (Local, cross-state, cross-country, international)
3. **What is your budget for the move itself?**
4. **Are you moving solo, with a partner, or with a family?**
5. **Do you have pets?** (Adds complexity)
6. **How much stuff do you have?** (Studio apartment vs. 4-bedroom house)
7. **Do you have flexibility on your move date?** (Mid-month and mid-week are cheaper)
8. **Are you renting or did you buy?** (Different checklists)
9. **Is your employer covering any moving costs?**
10. **Do you have help available on moving day?**

## The 8-Week Moving Timeline

### 8 Weeks Out - Planning Phase
```
  [ ] Create a moving binder or digital folder for all documents
  [ ] Set a moving budget (see budget section below)
  [ ] Research moving companies or truck rental (get 3+ quotes)
  [ ] Begin decluttering -- start with the easiest room
  [ ] Sort items: keep, donate, sell, trash
  [ ] Schedule time off work for moving week
  [ ] If kids: research schools and transfer paperwork
  [ ] If renting: give notice to current landlord
  [ ] Begin collecting free boxes
  [ ] Create an inventory of high-value items (photos for insurance)
```

### 6 Weeks Out - Decluttering and Logistics
```
  [ ] Continue aggressive decluttering (every item not moved saves money)
  [ ] Book moving company or reserve rental truck
  [ ] Start selling items (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist)
  [ ] Schedule donation pickups for large items
  [ ] Arrange specialty movers if needed (piano, hot tub, safe)
  [ ] Begin packing non-essential items (seasonal, decorative, rarely used)
  [ ] Order specialty boxes if needed (wardrobe, dish packs, mirror)
  [ ] Obtain moving insurance
  [ ] Research new area: doctors, dentists, vets, services
  [ ] Transfer or obtain records (medical, dental, veterinary, school)
```

### 4 Weeks Out - Active Packing
```
  [ ] Pack 1-2 boxes per day from non-essential rooms
  [ ] Label EVERY box: room + contents + FRAGILE if applicable
  [ ] Use the numbering system (assign each box a number, keep master list)
  [ ] Pack a "first night" box (see essentials box section)
  [ ] Confirm moving company details and get written confirmation
  [ ] Begin address change process (see master list)
  [ ] Transfer or cancel utilities at current address
  [ ] Set up utilities at new address (activate for move-in day)
  [ ] Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day
  [ ] Refill prescriptions
  [ ] Back up all digital files and important documents
```

### 2 Weeks Out - Intensive Preparation
```
  [ ] Pack most remaining items (keep out only daily essentials)
  [ ] Confirm all utility transfers and activations
  [ ] Forward mail through USPS
  [ ] Clean out fridge and freezer (start using up food)
  [ ] Confirm moving day logistics with helpers/company
  [ ] Prepare cash tips for movers ($20-$50 per mover)
  [ ] Disassemble furniture (bag and label hardware, tape to furniture)
  [ ] Prepare an essentials suitcase
  [ ] Drain lawn mower gas, disconnect appliances
  [ ] Return borrowed items, collect loaned items
  [ ] Cancel local services (gym, newspaper, cleaning)
```

### 1 Week Out - Final Push
```
  [ ] Finish packing everything except absolute daily necessities
  [ ] Pack essentials box and suitcase LAST (load on truck LAST)
  [ ] Deep clean current home (or schedule cleaning service)
  [ ] Defrost freezer
  [ ] Confirm parking and access at both locations
  [ ] Charge all devices
  [ ] Take final meter readings at current home
  [ ] Say goodbye to neighbors
  [ ] Final walkthrough (check every closet, shelf, drawer)
```

### Moving Day
```
BEFORE MOVERS ARRIVE:
  [ ] Protect floors in both homes
  [ ] Clear a path from rooms to the truck
  [ ] Keep essentials box, suitcase, and valuables WITH YOU
  [ ] Set aside cleaning supplies
  [ ] Have snacks, water, and lunch ready

DURING THE MOVE:
  [ ] Walk movers through the home, note fragile items
  [ ] Be available for questions
  [ ] Room-by-room check before truck leaves
  [ ] Take photos of empty rooms (deposit documentation)
  [ ] Check all closets, cabinets, attic, garage, outdoor storage
  [ ] Turn off lights, lock doors, return keys

AT THE NEW HOME:
  [ ] Direct movers using your labeling system
  [ ] Check inventory against master list
  [ ] Inspect items for damage before movers leave
  [ ] Tip movers
  [ ] Locate breaker box, water shut-off, gas shut-off
  [ ] Test all utilities
  [ ] Set up beds first
  [ ] Unpack the essentials box
```

## The Essentials Box
```
THIS BOX STAYS WITH YOU. It is your survival kit.

  PERSONAL:
  [ ] Phone chargers and cables
  [ ] Medications and first aid supplies
  [ ] Toiletries and toilet paper
  [ ] Change of clothes for each person
  [ ] Important documents (lease, closing papers, IDs, insurance)
  [ ] Cash and credit cards
  [ ] Keys to new home

  PRACTICAL:
  [ ] Basic toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, box cutter, pliers)
  [ ] Paper towels, trash bags, cleaning spray
  [ ] Paper plates, cups, utensils
  [ ] Snacks and water bottles
  [ ] Bed sheets and pillows (one set per bed)
  [ ] Towels (one per person)
  [ ] Light bulbs and batteries
  [ ] Extension cord and power strip
  [ ] Flashlight

  FOR KIDS:
  [ ] Favorite toy, blanket, stuffed animal
  [ ] Snacks
  [ ] Entertainment (tablet, coloring books)
  [ ] Diapers, wipes, formula (if applicable)

  FOR PETS:
  [ ] Food, bowls, water
  [ ] Leash, carrier, litter box
  [ ] Medications
  [ ] Favorite toy or blanket (familiar scents reduce stress)
```

## Movers vs. DIY

### Hiring Professional Movers
```
WHEN TO HIRE:
  - Long-distance moves
  - Large homes or heavy furniture
  - Limited help or physical limitations
  - Employer covering costs

COST ESTIMATES:
  Local move (1-bedroom): $400-$800
  Local move (3-bedroom): $1,000-$2,500
  Long-distance (1-bedroom): $1,500-$3,500
  Long-distance (3-bedroom): $3,500-$7,500
  Cross-country (3-bedroom): $4,000-$10,000+

GETTING QUOTES:
  - Get at least 3 in-home or virtual estimates
  - Get BINDING or NOT-TO-EXCEED quotes
  - Check licensing (FMCSA for interstate, state DOT for local)
  - Check reviews (Google, Yelp, BBB)
  - Verify insurance coverage
  - Ask about additional fees
  - Get everything in writing

RED FLAGS:
  - Very low estimate (lowball then add fees)
  - Requires large deposit upfront
  - No physical address or website
  - Cannot show proof of insurance
  - Arrives in an unmarked truck
```

### DIY Move
```
WHEN DIY MAKES SENSE:
  - Local move (under 50 miles)
  - Small apartment
  - You have strong friends willing to help
  - Budget is very tight

DIY COSTS:
  Truck rental (local): $30-$100/day + mileage + insurance
  Truck rental (one-way long distance): $800-$3,000+
  Portable container (PODS, etc.): $1,000-$5,000
  Gas: Varies (rental trucks get 6-10 mpg)
  Equipment: Dolly, blankets, straps ($50-$100 to rent)
  Pizza and drinks for helpers: $50-$150

TIPS:
  - Reserve truck early
  - Rent slightly larger than you think
  - Load heaviest items first (against cab wall)
  - Use furniture blankets
  - Tie everything down securely
  - Drive slowly, allow extra stopping distance
```

## Address Change Master List

```
ESSENTIAL (within first week):
  [ ] USPS mail forwarding
  [ ] Employer (payroll and HR)
  [ ] Banks and credit card companies
  [ ] Investment and retirement accounts
  [ ] Insurance companies (health, auto, renters/homeowners, life)
  [ ] State DMV (driver license -- most states require within 30 days)
  [ ] Vehicle registration
  [ ] Voter registration

FINANCIAL:
  [ ] Student loan servicer
  [ ] IRS (Form 8822 or update with next tax return)
  [ ] State tax authority
  [ ] FSA/HSA administrator

MEDICAL:
  [ ] Doctor, dentist, eye doctor
  [ ] Pharmacy (transfer prescriptions)
  [ ] Health insurance (may need to change plans/networks)
  [ ] Veterinarian

SUBSCRIPTIONS:
  [ ] Amazon and online shopping accounts
  [ ] Streaming services (billing address)
  [ ] Magazine and newspaper subscriptions

PERSONAL:
  [ ] Friends and family
  [ ] Lawyer, accountant, financial advisor
  [ ] Gym membership
  [ ] Religious organization
  [ ] Professional associations
  [ ] School records
  [ ] Loyalty programs
```

## Packing Strategy

### The Room-by-Room System
```
GENERAL RULES:
  - Pack one room at a time (do not mix rooms)
  - Label every box on TOP and SIDE
  - Use color coding (colored tape or markers by room)
  - Number boxes and maintain master inventory
  - Heavy items in small boxes, light in large
  - Fill all empty space (prevents shifting)

FRAGILE ITEMS:
  - Dishes: pack vertically (like records), not flat
  - Glasses: wrap individually, fill interior with paper
  - Electronics: original boxes if kept, otherwise double-box
  - Artwork/mirrors: use mirror boxes, mark FRAGILE
  - Never put fragile boxes on the bottom

CLOTHING:
  - Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
  - Drawers can stay full if furniture is light (tape shut)
  - Vacuum bags for seasonal and bulky items

BOOKS:
  - Small boxes only (books are extremely heavy)
  - Do not overfill

THE "USE IT UP" STRATEGY:
  Starting 4 weeks out, stop buying consumables you will not finish.
  Eat from the pantry. Use up cleaning products.
```

## First Week in New Home

```
DAY 1:
  [ ] Set up beds (sleep is everything)
  [ ] Set up bathroom essentials
  [ ] Plug in fridge (wait 4 hours if it was on its side)
  [ ] Test all utilities and report issues
  [ ] Unpack kitchen enough for coffee and simple meals
  [ ] Connect internet
  [ ] Change locks or re-key (if you own)
  [ ] Locate circuit breaker, water shut-off, gas shut-off

DAYS 2-3:
  [ ] Unpack kitchen fully
  [ ] Unpack children's rooms
  [ ] Set up laundry
  [ ] Locate nearest grocery store, pharmacy, hospital
  [ ] Meet immediate neighbors

DAYS 4-7:
  [ ] Unpack living areas
  [ ] Hang curtains/blinds for privacy
  [ ] Set up home office if working from home
  [ ] Begin address change process
  [ ] Explore the neighborhood
  [ ] Locate trash/recycling schedule
  [ ] Set up security (if applicable)
```

## Community Integration

### Building a Life in a New Place
```
FIRST MONTH:
  [ ] Introduce yourself to neighbors
  [ ] Find your regular places (coffee shop, grocery, park)
  [ ] Register to vote
  [ ] Find new healthcare providers
  [ ] Update driver license and vehicle registration
  [ ] Explore on foot -- walk different routes
  [ ] Join local online community groups

FIRST THREE MONTHS:
  [ ] Join one regular activity (gym, class, volunteer, faith community)
  [ ] Invite a neighbor or acquaintance for coffee
  [ ] Attend local events
  [ ] Sign up kids for activities
  [ ] Explore local restaurants and businesses
  [ ] Find your library and get a card

ONGOING:
  - Making a new place feel like home takes 6-12 months
  - Be patient with yourself and the process
  - Children may adjust faster or slower than adults
  - Maintain connections with your previous community too
  - It is okay to miss your old home while building a new one
```

## Moving Budget Template
```
CATEGORY                    BUDGETED    ACTUAL
Moving company/truck:       $________   $________
Packing supplies:           $________   $________
Insurance:                  $________   $________
Storage (if needed):        $________   $________
Travel to new location:     $________   $________
Temporary housing:          $________   $________
Cleaning (old and new):     $________   $________
Deposits (new place):       $________   $________
Utility setup fees:         $________   $________
Tips for movers:            $________   $________
Meals during move:          $________   $________
New items needed:           $________   $________
Unexpected (add 10%):       $________   $________
TOTAL:                      $________   $________
```

## Quick Reference

When advising on moves:
- **"I am overwhelmed"** -> Start with the timeline. Focus only on this week's tasks.
- **"How do I get rid of all this stuff?"** -> Donate, sell, trash -- in that order. One room at a time.
- **"Movers or DIY?"** -> Compare total costs including your time and physical ability.
- **"How do I pack fragile items?"** -> Wrap individually, pack tightly, label FRAGILE, load last.
- **"I hate my new place"** -> Give it 6 months. Adjustment is real and takes time.

No one finishes unpacking in a week. Give yourself grace, prioritize the essentials, and remember that boxes can wait.


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Moving Planner deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with moving planner for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete moving planner framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
