In the last seven days, secure your move permit and elevator/parking slot, confirm your movers in writing, keep utilities running at the old home while activating the new one, complete 90–95% of packing, protect TVs and glass, and stage boxes near the exit. Keep IDs, medication, payment, and your “Open-First” kits with you.
Seven-Day Countdown (step-by-step)
Day_7 : Admin and bookings
- Get the move permit approved and save a copy to your phone.
- Book the service elevator and padding. Reserve truck parking with security.
- Email a “Move Brief” to the mover and request written CONFIRMED.
- Start your change-of-address list. Order any extra boxes and tape.
Day _6 : Layout and materials
- Finalize room layouts in the new home (bed positions, sofa wall, TV wall).
- Pack non-essential items such as books, décor, and spare linens.
- Build a simple inventory: room, item, quantity, and a quick condition photo.
Day _5 : Disassembly and backups
- Disassemble low-use furniture (shelves, side tables, small units).
- Bag screws and bolts, label them, and tape the bag under the item.
- Back up laptops and phones. Save Wi-Fi and password info.
Day _4 : Kitchen and fragile items
- Pack kitchen glass and plates using dish-packs. Keep glass upright.
- Box or crate TVs. Add corner guards to glass and mirrors.
- Put manuals, remotes, and TV feet in a labeled zip bag.
Day _3 : Wardrobes and “Open-First” kits
- Fill wardrobe boxes. Use soft items to prevent movement.
- Make two “Open-First” kits: one for the home and one per person.
- Photograph high-value items with serial numbers for your record.
Day _2 : Appliances and staging
- Defrost the fridge and freezer. Keep towels ready for water.
- Drain the washer and dishwasher. Cap and tape the hoses.
- Stage boxes by the exit. Put heavy boxes at the bottom of stacks.
Day _1 : Final checks
- Reconfirm your elevator slot and parking with security.
- Keep cash or card, IDs, permit, and invoice ready.
- Clear walkways and sleep early.
One-Week Master Checklist
Admin and access
- Move permit approved (print and phone copy)
- Elevator and padding booked; truck parking reserved
- Security contact saved; truck plate submitted if needed
- Insurance/Certificate of Insurance arranged if required
- Keys, fobs, and access cards ready for movers’ arrival
Movers and scope
- Move Brief sent and acknowledged in writing
- Crew size, arrival time, and truck size/count confirmed
- Truck carries blankets, shrink wrap, corner guards, TV crates, wardrobe boxes
- Special items declared (glass, marble, treadmill, piano, artwork)
Packing and materials
- 90–95% of items packed (start with non-essentials)
- Cartons in small/medium/large; heavy items in small boxes
- Dish-packs, bubble wrap, foam, blankets, shrink film
- TV crates or original boxes; corner protectors
- Zip bags for hardware; a tools pouch with Allen keys and screwdrivers
- Labels show room, item, and priority (1, 2, or 3) on two sides and the top
- Use a different color tape for each room
Appliances
- Manuals and small parts bagged and labeled
- Fridge and freezer defrosted two days before the move
- Washer and dishwasher drained one day before; hoses capped and taped
Utilities and services
- Old home active until the handover clean is complete
- New home power and water active 24–48 hours before move-in
- Internet installation booked; hotspot ready if needed
- Delivery subscriptions updated (water, groceries, gas if applicable)
Valuables and safety
- Photos of high-value items and serials saved
- Open-First Home kit and Open-First Personal kits ready
- Medication, passports/IDs, and chargers in your carry-on bag
- Pets/kids plan set (sitter or a separate quiet room)
Waste and cleaning
- Bulky waste scheduled for pickup or a licensed hauler booked
- Cleaning kit set aside (mop, cloths, trash bags, spray)
Box Labeling That Works
- Label format: Room + Item + Priority (1, 2, 3).
- Example: “BED 2 : Books : P2” or “KITCHEN : Glass : FRAGILE : P1”.
- Use color tape per room (e.g., Blue = Kitchen, Yellow = Living, Red = Master).
- Place labels on two sides and the top. Add “FRAGILE” or “THIS SIDE UP” where needed.
Packing Calculator (three-bedroom example; scale to your home)
- Cartons: 90–150 mixed sizes
- Dish-packs: 10–16
- Wardrobe boxes: 2–4
- TV crates: 2–3 (match the TV size)
- Covers: 8–12 for mattresses and sofas
- Protection: 20–30 moving blankets, shrink film, 24–36 corner guards
- Straps/ratchets: 2–4 per truck tier
- Consumables: bubble or foam rolls, heavy-duty tape, zip bags, markers
Rule: Pack heavy items in small boxes. Pack light items in large boxes. Keep each box under 20 kg.
Fragile Items and TVs
- TVs: Use a crate or the original box. Remove the stand. Put the remote and bolts in a labeled bag. Mark “TOP-LOAD ONLY.”
- Glass and mirrors: Add corner guards and a rigid board on both sides. Keep the piece vertical in the truck.
- Artwork and frames: Protect the face with card or foam, then wrap. Do not put weight on corners or glass.
- Marble and stone: Use a crate. Keep it vertical and pad the edges. Do not stack flat.
Furniture Disassembly
- Five days before: Shelves, low-use tables, wall units. Remove doors to reduce weight.
- Night before: Beds, dining tables, large desks unless movers will handle them.
- Hardware: Bag and label. Tape the bag under the item. Photograph hinges before removal.
- Tall pieces: Carry upright. Plan the turn at doorways and on stairs.
Appliances (safe prep)
- Fridge and freezer: Defrost for 24–36 hours and wipe dry. Transport upright.
- Washer and dishwasher: Run an empty cycle, drain fully, cap hoses, and fit transit bolts if the model requires them.
- Oven and microwave: Clean, tape doors, remove trays, and pack trays separately.
- Split AC units: Book a technician if units will be moved. Gas reclaim is required.
Open-First Kits (carry these with you)
Home kit: Kettle, four mugs, snacks, hand soap, paper towels, trash bags, basic medication, extension board, spare bulbs, multi-tool, wipes.
Personal kit per person: IDs, medication, chargers, clothes for two days, toiletries, towel.
Pet kit: Food, water, medication, leash, carrier, vet card, waste bags.
Parking and the Truck Path
- Reserve the closest legal space and ask security for cones if allowed.
- Clear a straight carry path. Protect door frames and floors with runners.
- Assign one person to hold doors, call the elevator, and guide the route.
Payments and Paperwork
- Keep two payment methods (card and cash).
- Print the mover’s invoice/contract, the permit, ID copies, and any deposit receipts.
- If required, keep the mover’s trade licence and the Certificate of Insurance.
Change-of-Address List
- Banks and cards
- Employer payroll or HR
- Mobile and internet providers
- Home, auto, and health insurance
- Vehicle registration (if applicable)
- Doctor, dentist, and vet
- Water, grocery, and gas deliveries
- Streaming and e-commerce accounts
- Delivery apps and default address in maps
- Schools and clubs
Pets and Kids on Move Day
- Arrange a sitter, or set up a quiet room away from the move path.
- Pack a pet go-bag. Update microchip contact details if you are relocating.
Time Buffers to Add
- Long carry of 40–60 meters: add 30–90 minutes
- Stairs with no lift: add 30–60 minutes per floor
- Tight doorways and turns: add 20–40 minutes
- Special items (piano, treadmill, marble, chandeliers): add 30–120 minutes
- Security or gate queues: add 10–40 minutes
Plan these buffers around your booked elevator slot and the truck window.
Also Read: Villa Movers Dubai: 3-Bedroom Costs & Zero-Damage Plan
Night-Before and Move-Day Example Timeline
Night before (45–60 minutes):
Final sweep, pack bed linen, put tools and chargers in one pouch, empty the fridge, clear walkways.
Move day:
- 30 minutes before: Check in with security. Install elevator padding and floor runners.
- Hours 0–1.5: Pack the last items. Disassemble beds or the dining table if needed.
- Hours 1.5–3: Load the truck. Put heavy boxes at the front. Keep fragile items on top.
- Transit: Guard checkout at the old place and check-in at the new home.
- Unload and place: Use color tape to direct boxes. Place large furniture first.
- Reassemble and test: Beds, dining table, fridge power on, washer connections.
- Sign-off: Count boxes, note any exceptions, and keep all receipts.
FAQs (one week out)
Do I need permits and an elevator booking?
Yes. Many buildings will not allow access without both.
Should I overlap utilities?
Yes. Keep the old home active through the handover clean. Activate the new home 24–48 hours before move-in.
What should I pack last?
Toiletries, a kettle, one pan, linen for the final night, chargers, and a small cleaning kit.
Is self-packing okay?
Yes for soft goods and simple items. Use professional packing for kitchens, glass, TVs, and artwork.
Do movers take hazardous items?
No. Do not send fuels, pressurised cans, solvents, or certain batteries. Arrange disposal in advance.
Bottom Line
One week out is about access, confirmation, and control. Secure the permit and elevator, confirm the crew in writing, overlap utilities, finish almost all packing, protect fragile items, prepare appliances, and carry your essentials with you. Do this and your move day will run on time with fewer surprises.
Also Read: Do Villa Moves Take Longer Than Apartments?
