Moving into a new apartment is one of the most common transitions renters make—and one of the most stressful. To help simplify the process, we spoke with the team at Cool Hand Movers, a Brooklyn moving company known for handling New York City moves with care and efficiency.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to do before, during, and after your move, starting eight weeks out. Cool Hand Movers shared their expert insights on what really makes a move go smoothly, what renters often overlook, and how to stay ahead of the stress.

From packing strategies to utility transfers, this timeline will help you feel prepared and in control on moving day.

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8 Weeks Before Moving

Two months out is the ideal time to get your move on the calendar and start laying the foundation. Giving yourself this lead time lets you book trusted movers before their schedules fill up and reduces last-minute stress.

Start by confirming your move-out date and giving formal notice to your landlord. Then, research moving companies with strong reviews and transparent pricing.

“We recommend locking in your movers early, especially if you’re planning to move at the end of the month,” says Matt Graber, co-owner of Cool Hand Movers. “That’s when demand spikes, and the best crews get booked quickly.”

Decide whether you will do all of your own packing, or if you’d rather have a professional team pack up your stuff into boxes.

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6 Weeks Before Moving

With six weeks to go, it's time to streamline your belongings and start preparing your space for packing. Tackling clutter now will make your packing more efficient and help reduce the number of boxes you need on moving day.

Go room by room and set aside anything you no longer want or use. Items in good condition can be donated to local organizations or listed online. The less you keep, the less you’ll need to haul.

“Once people start packing, they realize just how much they’ve accumulated,” says Matt. “Starting with the stuff you don’t touch often is a great way to get momentum.”

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4 Weeks Before Moving

If you’ve already secured a place, now’s a good time to confirm your moving details with your movers. Make sure they have the right address, move-in time, and any building requirements. This is a good time to book elevators and loading docks if you need to. Many buildings require certificates of insurance from movers, which takes coordination, so ask for the building’s requirements now.

In cities like New York, now is when most renters begin to find and apply for new apartments. Listings tend to appear a few weeks before the start date, so this is a key time to search and schedule viewings.

If you have pets, now is the time to book a sitter, vet transport, or secure pet-friendly accommodations for moving day.

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2 Weeks Before Moving

Time to handle details that will make your move seamless. Begin by submitting a change-of-address form with USPS and updating your billing info with banks, subscriptions, and your employer. This helps make sure mail doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

This is also a smart time to pack up things you won’t miss over the next two weeks, like books, framed photos, and off-season clothing. If you’re using reusable bins, label them by room to make unpacking easier.

Start packing items you won’t need before the move, like books, seasonal clothes, and extra linens. If you’re using rented bins, set up a staging area in your home to stay organized as you go. Set aside any items, like cleaning supplies, that you may want to have available on move day and even after.

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Moving Week

Almost in your new home! Time to pack everything besides the pantry items, clothes, and toiletries you’ll need for your last couple of nights.

Set a schedule for transferring or setting up electric, gas, internet, and water service at your new place. This avoids overlap fees or moving into a home without power or Wi-Fi.

Double check that you’ll have access to your new apartment before the movers arrive. “Apartments are often rented within days or even hours of the lease starting date,” says Matt. “We’ve moved a lot of folks who only got their keys the morning of the move.”

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Moving Day

Keep your phone charged and have your essentials bag packed with chargers, medications, snacks, water, and any paperwork you might need.

When the movers arrive, walk them through your space. Point out anything fragile or especially heavy. Make sure boxes are clearly labeled and ready to go.

Before the movers leave your old apartment, do a final walk-through and open every cabinet and closet. It’s easy to leave things behind when you’re rushing.

When you get to your new apartment, take a few minutes to walk through the space before the movers start unloading. Make sure everything looks good and ready.

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After the Move

After the last box is unloaded, your focus shifts to getting settled. Start with the essentials—bedding, toiletries, and kitchen basics—so you can feel comfortable right away. Don’t feel pressure to unpack everything at once. Take it one room at a time.

If you used reusable bins, you won’t have to worry about clean up and recycling. They’ll be picked up on the date you scheduled.

“Unpacking can be a slow process,” says Matt. “You don’t have to do it all at once. A steady pace works better than trying to finish in one day.”

Once you’ve caught your breath, it’s time to connect. OneRoof makes it easy to meet neighbors, ask for recommendations, or even borrow things like a stepladder or extra cookware. Moving is easier when you’re part of a local community that shares knowledge and support. Explore your building’s feed to start getting plugged in.

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