1. Lock in Your Moving Date Early

January fills up faster than people expect. A lot of folks put off contacting movers until after the holidays, and by then, options shrink.

If you’re moving in January, secure your date in early December.

Here’s why:

• Better time slots
• More pricing flexibility
• Fewer last-minute delays
• Better alignment with key dates (lease ending, closing day, job start)

Elite Movers handles dozens of January moves every year across Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Cabot. Early booking always wins.

2. Build Your Packing Timeline Backwards

People pack forward (starting with whatever seems easiest).

Smart movers pack backwards—starting with what they’ll need last.

Here’s a simple December packing sequence:

Week 1 of December:

• Seasonal décor
• Off-season clothes
• Guest room items
• Storage closet purges

Week 2:

• Books, wall art, framed photos
• Secondary dishes and cookware
• Bathroom extras

Week 3:

• Clothing you won’t wear over the next 10 days
• Office supplies
• Garage and tools

Week 4:

• Daily-use items only
• Kitchen essentials in a single, labeled box
• Everything else boxed and staged

This system prevents the “it’s the night before and nothing is packed” moment.

3. Get Utilities and Services Scheduled Now

January is notorious for slow processing times, service delays, and long hold times.

Beat the rush.

Set these up in December:

• Electric
• Water
• Internet
• Gas
• Trash service
• Mail forwarding
• New renter’s or homeowner’s insurance

If you’re staying in Little Rock or the surrounding area, schedule utilities to turn on one day before move-in.

Arriving to a dark, cold house in January is a rookie mistake.

4. Declutter Before the Holidays End

If you wait until January to declutter, you’ll sabotage your own move.

December is ideal because:

• You’re already cleaning for guests
• Donation centers are fully staffed
• You’ll make room for new gifts
• You’ll save money by moving less

Local donation spots renters use most:

• Habitat ReStore (Little Rock)
• Goodwill Arkansas (multiple locations)
• Potluck Food Rescue (for food items)

The less you take, the faster and cheaper your January move becomes.

5. Prepare for Winter Weather (Even in Arkansas)

Winter in Central Arkansas is unpredictable.

Cold rain, frost, occasional ice—any of it can slow down a move.

Do this in December:

• Buy ice melt or sand
• Put mats at entry points
• Protect floors with cardboard or runners
• Keep towels handy for wet shoes
• Prep your car (tires, battery, wipers)

Elite Movers works in all weather, but the smoother the path, the faster the move.

6. Create Your “January Essentials Box”

This is the box that keeps your first 48 hours sane.

Pack it in December and don’t touch it.

Your essentials box should include:

• Tools (screwdriver, drill, box cutter)
• Chargers
• Towels
• Bedding
• Toiletries
• First aid items
• Snacks
• Coffee maker and coffee
• Cleaning supplies
• A few warm layers

I’ve seen people pack everything perfectly—except their basics.

Don’t make that mistake.

7. Confirm All Your January Deadlines

January moves often wrap around:

• Lease expiration dates
• School start dates
• New job start dates
• Closing dates

Put these in writing:

• What day you receive keys
• When movers arrive
• When cleaners arrive
• When the old keys must be returned
• When utilities switch over

A 10-minute confirmation in December prevents a dozen headaches in January.

8. Leave Room for “Holiday Lag”

A lot of people assume they’ll get things done the week after Christmas.

They won’t.

Nobody does.

With travel, family, stores closed, and irregular schedules, December 26–31 is basically a black hole for productivity.

Plan everything important now.

You’ll thank yourself later.

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If you’re planning a January move, the smartest thing you can do is start early—and partner with a moving team that actually knows Central Arkansas inside and out.

Elite Movers makes January moves simple, fast, and stress-free for families and renters across Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, Maumelle, and Cabot.

Book your January move now and lock in your preferred date with a free quote.

FAQ: Preparing for a January Move