April is one of the busiest months for moving, and it comes fast. If you’re planning a spring relocation, starting early keeps everything else manageable.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that about 12.1% of Americans moved in the past year, which means demand climbs quickly once spring hits. Early planning gives you first pick of dates, more reliable movers, and far less stress.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What to tackle 6–8 weeks out
- What to pack and prepare at the one-month mark
- What to finalize two weeks before
- How to prep the week before moving day
- What to expect on moving day
- How professional movers can streamline the entire moving process
6–8 Weeks Before Your April Move
Early prep is where the stress drops off. The more you set up now, the smoother everything feels later, especially in April, when Tri-Cities moving schedules start filling faster than most people expect.
Create a Moving Timeline and Budget
Start by outlining everything that needs to happen between now and moving day. A simple Google Doc or notes app is all you need.
Then sketch out a rough budget. Include packing supplies, mover quotes, potential storage services, and cleaning costs. This doesn’t need to be perfect. It just helps you stay ahead of surprises.
Begin Decluttering
Work room by room and sort items into keep/donate/recycle piles. If you haven’t used something in a year, it probably doesn’t need to make the move.
Spring is a busy donation season in the Tri-Cities, so places like Goodwill, Habitat, and Union Gospel Mission usually take drop-offs. Decluttering now saves time and keeps your moving costs down.
Research and Request Quotes from Professional Movers
April dates go quickly. Start comparing the logistics and costs of local moves and long distance moves early so you’re not stuck with limited options later.
Look for licensed companies with solid reviews, clear pricing, and experience with specialty items. Getting quotes now gives you a feel for availability and helps you plan your timeline with confidence.
Lock In Your Moving Date Early
Once you know which movers you want, secure your spot. In the Tri-Cities, spring weekends can fill weeks in advance.
Booking early gives you better control over timing and keeps the rest of your planning on track.
4 Weeks Before Moving
With one month to go, it’s time to shift from planning to packing. This stage is all about making steady progress so nothing piles up in the final week.
Start Packing Non-Essentials
Begin with the things you won’t need between now and moving day, such as seasonal clothing, décor, books, and collectibles. Label every box with the room and a quick list of what’s inside.
Color-coding or using different tape for each room makes unloading a lot easier for both you and your movers.
Gather Packing and Moving Supplies
Pick up boxes, tape, packing paper, and bubble wrap. You can buy moving kits at hardware stores or ask around for free boxes at grocery stores and local shops.
If you have TVs, artwork, or fragile pieces, consider specialty boxes. They keep items safer and reduce the chance of damage in transit.
Plan Donation Drop-Offs or Pickups
If you still have items to clear out, now’s the time. Many Tri-Cities nonprofits (like Goodwill and Habitat) offer drop-off options, and some even schedule limited pickups if arranged ahead of time.
Getting donations handled early opens up space and keeps your packing area manageable.
Notify Schools, Employers, and Service Providers
If you have kids, let their school know about your upcoming move and complete any necessary transfer paperwork.
Update your employer with your new address, especially for payroll or benefits. Then make a list of service providers to notify: doctors, dentists, pet care, subscriptions, and deliveries.
2 Weeks Before Moving
With two weeks left, your move starts to feel real. This is the point where confirming details and tying up loose ends keeps everything running smoothly.
Finalize Packing Plans and Specialty Items
Look at what’s left to pack and create a plan for the final stretch. If you have items that need extra care (pianos, safes, large furniture, or fragile pieces), let your movers know now.
This gives them time to bring the right equipment and helps avoid delays on moving day. If you’ll need short-term storage, this is also the window to reserve it.
Confirm Details with Your Moving Company
Touch base with your local movers or long distance movers to confirm arrival times, addresses, parking instructions, and any special requests.
Get everything in writing so you have it handy on moving day. If you live in an apartment or community with parking rules, ask about permits or loading-zone access.
Arrange Utilities and Change Your Address
Schedule shutoff dates for your current home and start service at your new one. Electricity, water, internet, trash: get them all lined up so you’re not living without essentials during your first week.
Then complete your change of address through USPS, and update billing info for banks, subscriptions, and insurance.
1 Week Before Moving
The final week is all about getting essentials in order and making sure your home is ready for moving day.
Pack Essentials Boxes
Set aside one box per person with items you’ll need right away, such as bedding, toiletries, medications, chargers, a few dishes, and anything that keeps the first night comfortable. Keep these boxes separate from the rest so they don’t end up buried in the moving truck.
Deep-Clean or Schedule a Cleaning Service
Give your home a good clean before move-out. If you’re renting, this helps protect your deposit. If you’re selling, it leaves the place in good shape for the next owner. You can also book a professional cleaner if your schedule is tight.
Make a Day-of-Move Plan
Think through the logistics of the actual day. Plan where pets and kids will be, where the moving truck should park, and where keys, remotes, and paperwork will go.
A simple checklist on your phone makes the morning feel a lot less chaotic.
Moving Week / Day Of
Moving day is easier when you know exactly what needs to happen. A few simple checks help keep everything on schedule.
Do a Final Walkthrough
Go room by room and check every closet, cabinet, shelf, and storage nook. Look in the garage, attic, basement, and yard. These spots are easy to forget when things get busy. A quick walkthrough prevents those “we left it behind” moments.
Supervise Loading and Unloading
Stay available to answer questions and point out anything fragile or high-priority. If you’ve created an inventory list, keep it with you so you can track items as they go on and come off the truck.
Your movers will handle the heavy lifting, but your guidance keeps everything organized.
Confirm All Items and Lock Up
Once everything is unloaded, compare your inventory with what’s been delivered. Only sign final paperwork after you’ve confirmed that all items are accounted for. Before leaving, collect keys, check every room one last time, and lock up.
The Benefits of Hiring Larsen Transfer
Working with professional movers is one of the biggest stress-savers during an April move, especially in the Tri-Cities, where spring schedules fill quickly.
When you hire movers like Larsen Transfer, we bring experience, reliability, and flexibility to every type of move, whether you’re relocating across town or heading out of state.
Professional Packing Services and Moving Experience
Hiring professional movers like Larsen’s team means they know how to pack, handle, and move belongings safely. From everyday household items to fragile or high-value pieces, they bring the right materials and techniques to keep everything protected.
If you have specialty items (pianos, safes, oversized furniture), Larsen has the equipment and training to handle them.
Flexible Residential and Commercial Services
Larsen works with homeowners, renters, businesses, and military families throughout the Tri-Cities.
Whether it’s a small apartment move or a full office relocation, their crews scale to the size and complexity of your move. This flexibility makes planning easier, especially during the busy spring season.
Secure Storage Solutions
If your move has a gap between homes, Larsen offers short- and long-term storage options.
Storage is especially helpful when closing dates shift or construction isn’t quite finished.
Reliable Scheduling and Clear Communication
You’ll know what to expect at every stage, from the first quote to the moment the last box is unloaded.
Larsen prides itself on transparent communication, accurate timelines, and a schedule that stays on track. This gives you one less thing to worry about during an already busy month.
Why Early Planning Makes April Moves Feel Easier
An April move comes with better weather, more daylight, and a natural sense of momentum, but it also comes with a busier moving calendar. The earlier you start planning, the more control you have over your schedule, your budget, and the pace of your move. Breaking the process into steps keeps everything manageable, especially during spring’s higher demand.
From organizing your timeline to coordinating packing, utilities, and moving-day details, starting early gives you space to breathe through each part of the transition. And with the right full service moving company, you don’t have to navigate any of it alone.Planning an April move? The sooner you book, the smoother the move. Reserve your date with Larsen Transfer now.
