What to Do the Week Before a Long-Distance Move
A short checklist for confirming logistics, packing your essentials bag, and finishing high-value documentation.
Published 2026-01-06 · 5 min read · Long-Distance
Confirm every detail in writing, one more time
A week out, call your mover and confirm the pickup date, the estimated delivery window, the crew size, and the point of contact you'll use during transit. This isn't about distrust — it's about catching any small miscommunication while there's still time to fix it. Confirm parking or loading-dock arrangements at your current address as well, especially if your street requires a permit.
Separate what travels with you
Set aside anything irreplaceable, valuable, or needed daily — medications, important documents, jewelry, chargers — into a bag or box you'll personally keep with you rather than load onto the truck. For a long-distance move with a multi-day delivery window, this bag should also include a few days' worth of clothing and toiletries, since your main shipment won't arrive the same day you do.
Finish your high-value inventory documentation
If you're using full-value protection, this is the week to finalize your list of high-value items and take dated photos of each one. Walk through your home with the list in hand and make sure nothing valuable has been missed. This documentation becomes your reference point if a claim is ever needed after delivery.
Prepare for the actual pickup day
Confirm access details one more time — gate codes, parking restrictions, elevator reservations — and make sure someone will be present for the entire loading window, not just the start. Have your inventory sheet and any special instructions ready to hand to the crew lead when they arrive, and keep your phone charged in case your point of contact needs to reach you during the day.
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