Moving to Bellingham Checklist: An 8-Week Timeline
Moving goes smoother when it’s broken into stages instead of tackled all at once in the final week. Here’s a realistic timeline, adjustable depending on how far out your move date is.
8 weeks out
- Start a moving folder — contact info, receipts, and any written estimates in one place
- Do a rough inventory of what you own, and start deciding what’s moving, what’s being donated, and what’s being sold
- If you’re moving during WWU’s September or June crunch, book your mover or truck rental now — this window fills up fast
6 weeks out
- Get quotes from movers if you haven’t already, and ask each one the same specific questions about your address and access situation (see our moving costs page for what to ask)
- Start collecting boxes and packing materials
- Begin packing anything you won’t need in the next month or two — off-season items, books, decor
4 weeks out
- Confirm your mover, date, and any building requirements (elevator booking, loading dock access, parking permits) if you’re in a downtown or Sehome building
- Notify your current landlord if renting, and confirm any move-out inspection requirements
- Start using up food you won’t want to move (freezer and pantry items)
2 weeks out
- Submit a change of address
- Schedule utility transfers or disconnections for your current address and connections for your new one
- Pack everything except daily essentials
1 week out
- Confirm final details with your mover — arrival window, any last-minute access notes
- Pack a “first day” box with essentials — bedding, toiletries, basic kitchen items, chargers
- Set aside anything your pet will need, and plan where they’ll be during the actual move
Move day
- Have an adult present to answer questions, sign documents, and handle payment
- Do a final walkthrough of the old address before the truck leaves
- Keep your first day box and any valuables with you rather than on the truck