Part 1
Moving To Nashville Series
Welcome to Part 1 of our Moving To Nashville Series where we help you move to Nashville in the most stress-free and organized way possible!
A Fresh Space's Expert Tips
How to Plan & Prep for a Stress-Free Move
Welcome to Music City! Whether you’re relocating from across the country or just down the road, moving to Nashville can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between packing, planning, and navigating the logistics, it’s easy to feel stressed. But with the right plan in place, your move can be a seamless experience.
At A Fresh Space, we specialize in professional organizing and move concierge services for busy families and individuals throughout Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin. This guide shares our expert timeline and checklist so you can stay ahead of the chaos and truly enjoy your fresh start in Nashville.
Moving to Nashville
How to Plan & Prep for a Stress-Free Move
The Ultimate Moving Prep Timeline & Checklist - 8-12 Weeks Before the Move (or as soon as you know you are moving!):
1. Create an Overall Moving Plan
Start a centralized document (digital or printed) that includes to-do lists, contacts, timelines, and vendor information. I’m not a huge fan of binders – but this is where they can shine!
2. Book Your Moving Team
Secure professional movers early. Not all movers handle everything, so confirm they are licensed, insured, and reputable. Need full-service help? A Fresh Space offers end-to-end move concierge services. Having been in the industry for 20 years, we also have connections across the country and can help facilitate from here!
Note that good movers get booked really fast so booking them as soon as you know your dates is ideal. And this is a case where you often get what you pay for.
3. Start Decluttering Every Room
Go room by room and identify what to keep, donate, sell, or toss. The less you have, the more cost effective and efficient your move will be!
- edit your closet and donate old clothes, shoes, and accessories.
- toss expired pantry items, broken tools, or outdated electronics.
- go through the kids old toys
- get rid of furniture or accessories that won’t be used in the new home
- spend down your food & cleaning supplies
- go through holiday & seasonal decor – this is a great time to let a lot of that go if you don’t see it in the new home
- this is a great time to clear out the attic & garage as well
4. Create a “Stay or Go” Inventory
Identify items that should stay behind (built-ins, appliances, TV’s, etc.) and those coming with you. This is especially helpful if you’re working with movers or staging your home. Don’t forget a ‘leave with house’ zone that has things like keys, manuals, garage door openers, remotes, parts, and the like!
We like to use a color coded legend that we share with the movers. Pro Tip: use colored painters tape to mark each category.
5. Notify Your Inner Circle & Service Providers
Let schools, employers, and key service providers know about your move. Plan your cancellations for your services and make sure you know what needs to happen for each of them – such as whether you need to return equipment or fill out a form.
Moving to Nashville
How to Plan & Prep for a Stress-Free Move
4–8 Weeks Before the Move
6. Hire Specialists for Valuables or Fragile Items
Plan for the transport of pianos, exercise equipment, pool tables, antiques, fine art, or wine collections if needed.
7. Prep for Pets & Kids
Book sitters, daycare, or pet boarding on packing and moving days. Create a comfort bag for each child or pet with snacks, toys, and lovies. Check out our Moving With Pets Ultimate Guide!
8. Schedule Donation & Junk Pickups
Call ahead to local charities to schedule pickups for large furniture or bulk donations.
9. Order Moving Supplies if you are planning to pack yourself
High-quality boxes, bubble wrap, tape, labels, and specialty wardrobe or dish boxes. Pro tip: color-code labels by room or category.
10. Create a “No Pack” Zone
Designate a closet or corner for essentials you need to keep out until the last minute (important documents, chargers, a few outfits, toiletries)
Moving to Nashville
How to Plan & Prep for a Stress-Free Move
2–3 Weeks Before the Move
11. Begin Strategic Packing
Start with items you use less frequently. Pack by category, not room, for better efficiency. Label clearly and keep an inventory.
12. Plan for Movers’ Restrictions
Most movers won’t transport:
- Paint, propane tanks, cleaning products
- Perishables
- Firearms or ammunition
- Pets or plants
- Open liquids
Have a plan for transporting these separately or getting rid of them prior to the move.
PRO TIP: check with your homeowners insurance to extend coverage for your move
13. Transfer Utilities & Services + Update Your Address
Set shut-off dates at your current home and transfer/start dates at your new address. Think electricity, internet, trash pickup, and water. Submit a USPS change of address, and update subscriptions, banking, insurance, and licenses.
14. Create A ‘Leave With House’ area
Things like manuals, remotes, parts, and more.
Moving to Nashville
How to Plan & Prep for a Stress-Free Move
1-2 Weeks Before the Move
15. Pack Your Essentials & Valuable Items
We recommend packing up like you’ll be staying at an Air BnB for a week and hand carrying items that would be devastating if lost.
Suggestions:
- Clothes & accessories for the entire time
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Chargers
- Snacks
- Eyeglasses/contacts
- Vital docs (passports, driver’s license, etc.)
- Valuable jewelry
- Family photos
16. Final Home Clean-Out
Schedule a cleaning service or do a deep clean of your space. Leave it move-in ready for the next occupant.
17. Confirm All Logistics
Confirm arrival times with movers, babysitters, utility companies, and anyone helping on move day.
Pro Tip: get cash for mover tips and have a cooler with water & gatorade for them – plus be sure to order them lunch!
18. Update Shopping Addresses & Smart Home log ins
Change your address on online shopping portals (Amazon, etc) as well as remove yourself from your smart home features like Ring cameras. Don’t forget music apps, Alexa and various home electronics
Moving to Nashville
How to Plan & Prep for a Stress-Free Move
Move Day & Beyond
19. Keep Calm & Delegate
Let movers do their job, and keep your essentials easily accessible. Stay hydrated and take breaks. Be available to answer questions but stay out of their way when they are moving around. Don’t be afraid to direct for specific or important items.
20. Do a Final Walk Through
Go through every space to make sure nothing is left behind that isn’t supposed to be left! And that something didn’t get packed that needed to stay. Nothing is worse than the buyers of your home wondering where the garage door opener is on their moving day….
And most importantly: Schedule Unpacking & Organizing Help
That’s where we shine! Our Nashville based team at A Fresh Space helps set up your new home with organized systems from day one. From unpacking your kitchen to arranging your closet, we make your space functional and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Nashville doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear plan, thoughtful preparation, and the right support team, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything this vibrant city has to offer.
If you’re looking for move concierge services in Nashville, Brentwood, or Franklin, or professional help with decluttering and organizing before a move, A Fresh Space is here to help every step of the way.
Need help managing your move?
Contact us today for a personalized consultation and let us create a move plan that works for you.
