The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Do Before Moving Day

Moving is stressful, but only when you’re unprepared. Use this week-by-week checklist to stay ahead of every task from the day you decide to move until the last box is unpacked.

8 Weeks Before Moving

• Create a home inventory. Walk every room and list what you own. This is the foundation of your move, accurate quotes, insurance claims, and packing all depend on it.
• Decide what’s coming. Moving is the best excuse to declutter. Sell, donate, or trash anything you wouldn’t buy again.
• Research and book your movers. Get at least 3 quotes. Check DOT numbers, reviews, and whether they offer binding estimates, a fixed total locked in writing, unlike non-binding quotes that can grow at delivery.
• Set your moving budget. Include movers, packing supplies, travel, storage, and a 10% buffer.
• Notify your landlord or list your home. 60 days is standard notice for most leases.

6 Weeks Before Moving

• Start collecting boxes. Grocery stores, liquor stores, and Facebook Marketplace are free sources. Buy specialty boxes (wardrobe, dish pack) from your mover.
• Begin packing non-essentials. Books, seasonal items, décor, and anything you won’t use before the move.
• Label every box. Room name + brief contents + FRAGILE if needed. Color-coded labels per room save hours on move day.
• Arrange for your kids and pets on moving day. Having them out of the house makes everything faster and safer.

4 Weeks Before Moving

• Notify key contacts of your address change:
• USPS (forward mail at usps.com)
• Employer and payroll
• Bank accounts and credit cards
• Insurance providers
• Subscription services
• Doctor, dentist, and pharmacy
• Transfer school records if moving districts.
• Schedule utility transfers. Turn off at old address, turn on at new address for moving day.
• Request medical records and prescription transfers.

2 Weeks Before Moving

• Confirm your moving date and details with your moving company.
• Use up pantry food, movers won’t move open food containers.
• Pack everything except daily essentials.
• Disassemble large furniture (beds, bookshelves) if you’re comfortable doing it. Most movers will do this for you.
• Clean and prep appliances. Defrost the freezer 24-48 hours before moving day.

Moving Week

• Pack your “open first” box. Include: toilet paper, phone chargers, medications, coffee maker, a change of clothes, and snacks. You’ll want these before you unpack anything else.
• Charge all devices.
• Confirm parking arrangements at both locations for the moving truck.
• Do a final walkthrough of your current home, check every closet, cabinet, and drawer.
• Take photos of electronics setups so you know how to reconnect them.

Moving Day

• Be home when the crew arrives.
• Walk the crew through the home and note any fragile or special items.
• Keep your essentials box with you (in your car, not on the truck).
• Do a final walk-through before the truck leaves.
• Sign the Bill of Lading and keep your copy.

After Moving In

• Check off inventory against the Bill of Lading before the crew leaves.
• Note any damage immediately and document with photos.
• Set up beds and bathrooms first, you’ll be exhausted.
• Update your address with the DMV within 30 days (most states require this).

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Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. Start early, stay organized, and hire professionals you can trust.