Moving is never easy, especially when you’re relocating far from home. When I found out I had to move from the Bronx to another state, I had just 30 days to get everything sorted. It was overwhelming at first, but I learned a lot along the way, and I’m hoping my experience can help you if you’re in the same boat.    

Day 1-3: Make a Plan

The first thing I did was sit down and make a plan. This is crucial because, without a plan, you’ll probably forget something important. I started by listing everything I needed to do, from finding a new place to live to sorting through my belongings. I used a simple notebook and pen, but you could use an app if that’s more your style.

Day 4-7: Find a New Place

Once the plan was in place, I focused on finding a new home. If you’re moving long-distance, this might be a bit tricky, especially if you can’t visit in person. I relied heavily on online listings and virtual tours. It’s important to do thorough research here—check out the neighborhood, proximity to essentials, and make sure the place fits your needs. It took a few days, but I finally found a place that felt right.

Day 8-10: Declutter Your Life

Next up was decluttering. I didn’t realize how much stuff I had accumulated over the years. I went through every room and sorted my belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and toss. It’s amazing how much you can live without once you start going through everything. I made a couple of trips to donation centers and scheduled a bulky item pickup for things that couldn’t be donated. This process made packing so much easier.

Day 11-15: Gather Supplies and Start Packing

Once the clutter was gone, I focused on gathering supplies. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap—you’ll need more than you think, so it’s better to overestimate. I started packing up the things I didn’t use daily, like books, out-of-season clothes, and extra kitchen items. I labeled every box with its contents and the room it belonged in. Trust me, this will save you a lot of headaches when you’re unpacking.

Day 16-18: Research Moving Companies

Finding a good moving company is key, especially when you’re moving long-distance. I spent a couple of days researching different companies, reading reviews, and getting quotes. You want to make sure your stuff is in good hands. I ended up going with Movers Not Shakers, a long-distance moving company in Bronx, and they did a solid job. They handled everything with care, and the pricing was reasonable.

Day 19-21: Notify and Transfer Services

With the moving company sorted, I turned my attention to notifying people and transferring services. This includes your utility companies, internet provider, and any subscription services. I also updated my address with the post office, my bank, and other important places. If you have any memberships, like a gym or a library card, don’t forget to cancel or transfer those too.

Day 22-25: Finalize Packing and Prepare Essentials

As the move date approached, I finished packing up the rest of my belongings. I also put together an essentials box—this is super important. Your essentials box should have things you’ll need right away when you arrive at your new place, like toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, and important documents. You don’t want to be digging through boxes on your first night in a new place.

Day 26-28: Say Goodbye

Moving can be emotional, especially if you’ve lived in one place for a long time. I spent the last few days in the Bronx saying goodbye to friends, neighbors, and my favorite spots. I made time to visit my go-to coffee shop one last time, and I even took a walk through the neighborhood just to soak it all in. It’s important to have that closure before you start your new chapter.

Day 29: Final Checks

The day before the move, I did a final walk-through of my apartment. I checked every closet, cabinet, and drawer to make sure nothing was left behind. I also did a bit of cleaning, out of courtesy for the next person moving in. This is also the time to double-check that all your important documents and valuables are packed securely.

Day 30: Moving Day

Moving day is always a bit chaotic, but if you’ve planned well, it doesn’t have to be stressful. The movers arrived on time, and everything was loaded up pretty quickly. Since I had packed carefully and labeled everything, I didn’t have to worry too much about where things were going. The drive to my new place took most of the day, but when I got there, the movers unloaded everything efficiently.

Settling In

After arriving at my new home, it took a few days to unpack and get settled. Having labeled boxes made it easy to find what I needed first, and I was able to set up my bedroom and kitchen right away. The rest I unpacked gradually, at my own pace.

Looking back, planning this move in just 30 days was definitely a challenge, but it wasn’t impossible. By staying organized, doing things step by step, and not leaving everything until the last minute, I managed to make it work. And while I wouldn’t want to do it again anytime soon, I’m glad I had the experience. If you’re about to go through something similar, I hope my story helps you feel a little more prepared. Good luck with your move!