How do I plan a move to a new home?
A move has a fixed date and a long list of dependent tasks, which makes it well suited to reverse planning. A garden works the same way: start from when you want to plant, then fill in the weeks before it.
Work backward in five steps
Set the date
Choose moving day based on your lease or job. For a garden, begin with your area’s last expected frost.
Build the budget
Include deposits, transport, and any overlap in housing costs. For a garden, price soil, beds, and seed.
Secure the essentials
Confirm your housing and when you get the keys. For a garden, choose a sunny spot and prepare the soil.
Book help early
Reserve movers or a truck ahead of time, particularly for summer and month-end dates.
Handle the details
Change your address and utilities, and look up any new state license and registration rules.
Where people get stuck
Packing is what usually runs late. Start with things you rarely use, weeks before moving day.
Goals you can plan here
This is general planning guidance. Requirements and growing seasons vary by location.