The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Don't Forget These Important Tasks

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. To help ease the process, we’ve compiled the ultimate moving checklist. This guide covers everything you need to do before, during, and after your move. With proper planning, you can minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

One or Two Months before Moving

Start De-cluttering: Go through every room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.

Separate items you haven’t used in over a year and consider letting them go.

Research Moving Options: Decide whether you’ll hire professional Packers and Movers or handle the move yourself. Obtain estimates from at least two or three moving companies if you’re hiring professionals. Check reviews and verify the credentials of potential movers.

Budget for the Move: Create a moving budget, including costs for movers, packing supplies, and other expenses. Factor in travel costs if you’re moving long distance.

Notify Your Landlord: If you’re renting, provide your landlord with a written notice as per your lease agreement.

Six Weeks Before Moving

Gather Supplies: Purchase or collect boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, and other packing materials.

Start Packing Non-Essential Items: Begin packing items you don’t use daily, such as seasonal clothing and decor. Label boxes clearly with their contents and destination room.

Transfer School Records: If you have children, contact their current school to arrange for record transfers.

Take Measurements: Measure your new home to ensure your furniture will fit. Plan the layout of each room.

One Month before Moving

Update Your Address: Submit a change-of-address form with the postal service. Notify banks, insurance providers, and other important contacts. Update your address on subscriptions and online accounts.

Schedule Utility Transfers: Arrange for utilities at your current home to be disconnected on moving day. Set up utilities at your new home, including electricity, water, gas, and internet.

Confirm Moving Arrangements: Finalize details with your moving company or truck rental. Verify the moving date, time, and contact information.

Sort Important Documents: Gather vital documents like birth certificates, medical records, and financial paperwork. Keep them in a secure, easily accessible location.

Two Weeks before Moving

Start Packing Daily Essentials: Pack items you use frequently but won’t need until after the move. Create an essentials box with toiletries, medications, snacks, and cleaning supplies for immediate use after the move.

Plan for Pets and Children: Arrange for a pet sitter or child care on moving day. Prepare travel essentials for pets and kids if they’ll be moving with you.

Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Safely dispose of items like paint, chemicals, and flammable materials that movers typically won’t transport.

Confirm Details: Double-check moving dates and times with all parties involved. Ensure your new home will be ready and accessible on moving day.

One Week before Moving

Finish your Packing: Pack remaining items, leaving out only what you’ll need during the last week. Label all boxes clearly and double-check for forgotten items.

Clean your Current Home: Deep clean each room after packing. Patch holes in walls, clean appliances, and ensure the home is ready for the next occupants.

Prepare for Moving Day: Confirm arrangements with professional Packers and Movers or helpers. Create a moving day schedule, including loading and unloading times.

Plan Meals: Use up perishable food items. Prepare simple meals or plan for takeout during the final days.

Moving Day

Do a Final Walkthrough: Check all rooms, closets, and cabinets to ensure nothing is left behind.

Protect Floors and Walls: Use mats, blankets, or cardboard to prevent damage during the move.

Communicate with your Packers and Movers: Provide clear instructions on what goes where in your new home.

Offer refreshments to your helper as a courtesy.

Keep Essentials Accessible: Carry valuables, important documents, and the essentials box with you.

After the Move

Unpack Strategically: Start with essentials like bedding and kitchen items. Unpack one room at a time to stay organized.

Set Up Utilities: Confirm all utilities are functioning in your new home.

Update Your Information: Notify friends, family, and employers of your new address.

Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration if required. 

Explore Your New Neighborhood: Locate nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential services.

Introduce yourself to neighbors to start building connections.

Check for Damage: Inspect your belongings and note any damages caused during the move.

File claims with the moving company if necessary.

Relax and Settle In: Take time to arrange your space and make your new house feel like home.

Celebrate the successful move with a small gathering or treat yourself to something special.

By following this comprehensive moving checklist, you can stay organized and on track throughout the process. With each task completed, you’ll be one step closer to enjoying your new home. Happy moving!