The 8-Week Columbus Moving Checklist: Everything to Do Before Move Day

8 Weeks Out: Get Your Quotes
Call at least three Columbus moving companies. Ask each one for a flat, written quote, not a "starting at" estimate. If a mover won't put the number in writing, that's your first red flag. Book your mover now to lock in your date, especially if you're moving in May, June, July, or August (peak season in Central Ohio).

7 Weeks Out: Start Decluttering
Every box you don't move saves you money. Room by room, pull out anything you haven't used in 12 months. Donate, sell, or trash, but don't pack it. Local Columbus donation options: Volunteers of America Ohio, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and Goodwill Central Ohio all accept furniture drop-offs and pickups.

6 Weeks Out: Notify Everyone Who Needs to Know
File a change of address with USPS, update your driver's license with the Ohio BMV, and notify your bank, employer, insurance, and any subscription services. This is the boring week, but skipping it means missed bills and lost mail after the move.

5 Weeks Out: Pack the Stuff You Don't Use
Off-season clothes. Books. Decor. Anything you won't need in the next month. Label every box by room and contents, not just "kitchen." Future-you will thank present-you.

4 Weeks Out: Handle Utilities
Schedule shutoff at your current address for the day after your move and setup at your new address for the day before. Columbus utility contacts: AEP Ohio (electric), Columbia Gas of Ohio, Columbus Water & Sewer, and your internet provider. Book internet setup at least three weeks out. Same-day activation isn't guaranteed.

3 Weeks Out: Check Parking Permits
Downtown Columbus, Short North, German Village, and Victorian Village all have street parking rules that can derail move day. Check with the City of Columbus for moving-truck parking permits and reserve space at both addresses. This step is what separates smooth moves from tow-truck disasters.

2 Weeks Out: Confirm Everything
Confirm your mover's arrival window. Confirm utility dates. Confirm the elevator reservation if you're moving in or out of a building that has one. Pack a "first night" box with sheets, towels, toothbrushes, chargers, and coffee. You'll be too tired to unpack the essentials.

1 Week Out: Final Prep
Finish packing everything except the last-day items. Empty the fridge. Clean as you go. Print a copy of your inventory and keep it in a folder with your quote, insurance info, and mover contact.

Move Day: Trust the Plan
If you followed the checklist, move day is the easy part. Meet the crew, walk the home, hand off the keys. Grab a coffee from Fox in the Snow or Stauf's, and let us do the heavy lifting.

Need a moving company in Columbus that shows up on time and quotes honestly? That's what we do. Every job, every neighborhood, every time. Request your quote and let's plan your move together.