Moving to Atlanta made easy, your stress free plan from a local Realtor

Moving to Atlanta, a simple step by step plan from Lindsay Levin, Atlanta Realtor

Moving does not have to be chaotic. With a clear plan and the right local contacts, you can protect your time, your budget, and your sanity. I help families move across Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Roswell, and the Upper Westside week in and week out. Here is the plan I share with my clients and the checklist my team uses.

Six weeks out, set your timeline

1. Pick a target move date and book movers. Get three written quotes and ask about insurance, stair fees, and elevator reservations.

2. Map key dates. Final clean, walk through, closing, and first night in the new home.

3. Start a donate, sell, keep routine. One room each day. If you are downsizing, measure first so you only move what fits.

Four weeks out, line up services

1. Transfer utilities for both homes. Power, gas, water, internet, trash, and security. In Sandy Springs and across Metro Atlanta, some services differ by county, so confirm Fulton, Cobb, or DeKalb before you schedule.

2. Ask your HOA or building for move windows and elevator pads. Some communities require a move deposit and a certificate of insurance.

3. Book the deep clean, the handyman punch list, and touch up paint. We can coordinate vendors and keys.

Two weeks out, pack with a system

1. Pack by room and label on two sides. Add a short list of what is inside.

2. Create an essentials bin for the first 48 hours. Meds, chargers, towels, basic tools, paper goods, sheets, and a coffee set up.

3. Protect the valuables. Keep IDs, closing papers, checkbook, passports, jewelry, and the closing gift list in a folder that stays with you.

Moving week, protect the finish line

1. Walk the new home and photograph meter readings and any prior damage.

2. Lay floor protection and door jamb guards before the first box crosses the threshold.

3. Keep a simple zone plan. Kitchen and beds first, then closets and baths, then living areas.

After you arrive, make it feel like home

1. Change locks, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and confirm sprinkler and alarm settings.

2. Update address with USPS, banks, insurance, employer, voter registration, and subscriptions.

3. Explore your new neighborhood. Grocery, pharmacy, coffee, parks, dog vet, and your best route to work. 

Special notes for downsizers and estate moves

If you are moving from a long time family home, the steps above still apply, and the sequence matters even more. We often add an estate sale plan, donation pickups. My team can manage the move and vendor calendar.

Quick checklist you can copy

• Pick move date, get three mover quotes

• Utilities off and on dates set for both homes

• HOA move approval and elevator reserved

• Donate, sell, keep plan by room

• Essentials bin packed

• Important documents folder packed and on you

• Final clean booked and paid

• Meter readings documented on move day

• Address changes completed in the first week

FAQ

What utilities do I set up first in Atlanta
Power and internet. Lead times can vary, and some providers have limited windows. Book these first, then gas and water. There are many gas marketers in Atlanta, so lots to choose from. 

How far in advance should I book movers in Metro Atlanta
In spring and summer, four to six weeks is safe. For a weekday move in slower months, two to three weeks is often fine.

Do I need HOA approval to move
Many condo and townhome communities require it. Ask for the move form, the certificate of insurance, and the allowed hours.

What is the best order to unpack
Kitchen and beds on day one. Closets and baths on day two. Living areas last. This keeps daily life running while you settle.

Need a hand

If you want a printable checklist, a vendor list, or a ten minute plan call, send me a note. My team can coordinate movers, cleaners, painters, and utilities, and we can manage your closing timeline from contract to keys.