The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Know

Moving can be an overwhelming experience, but with the right plan in place, it can be smooth and stress-free. This ultimate moving checklist will guide you through each step to ensure nothing gets overlooked.

8 Weeks before Moving

Create a Moving Binder

Organize important documents, including lease agreements, mortgage papers, and moving estimates.

Store receipts for moving expenses (some may be tax-deductible).

Set a Budget

Estimate costs for movers, packing supplies, transportation, and deposits.

Compare moving companies and request multiple quotes.

Decide whether to move yourself or hire professionals.

Sort and De-clutter

Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.

Host a garage sale or list unwanted items online.

Notify Important Parties

Inform your landlord (if applicable) and confirm move-out procedures.

Schedule school transfers for children if necessary.

6 Weeks Before Moving

Gather Packing Supplies

Boxes (various sizes), packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, and labels.

Specialty boxes for fragile or valuable items.

Begin Packing Non-Essentials

Pack items you use infrequently (seasonal clothes, decorations, books).

Label boxes clearly by room and contents.

Take inventory of packed items.

Research Your New Area

Find local grocery stores, healthcare providers, and schools.

Transfer memberships for gyms or clubs if applicable.

4 Weeks Before Moving

Confirm Moving Arrangements

Finalize your moving company or truck rental.

Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day.

Notify Utility Companies

Schedule shut-off and activation dates for electricity, water, gas, and internet.

Forward mail with the postal service.

Start Packing More Frequently Used Items

Wrap fragile items carefully.

Keep essential documents and valuables separate.

2 Weeks Before Moving

Prepare for Moving Day

Confirm parking arrangements for the moving truck.

Make a plan for loading and unloading.

Notify Banks and Insurance Providers

Update your address with your bank, credit card companies, and insurance providers.

Transfer or set up renter’s or homeowner’s insurance.

Pack a Moving Day Essentials Kit

Include toiletries, medications, chargers, snacks, clothes, and important paperwork.

1 Week Before Moving

Finish Packing

Pack kitchenware, electronics, and remaining clothing.

Double-check that all boxes are labeled correctly.

Clean your Current Home

Deep clean or hire a cleaning service.

Take photos of the property for documentation.

Confirm Moving Details

Reconfirm with movers or truck rental company.

Ensure payments and logistics are finalized.

Moving Day

Final Checks

Do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind.

Verify that all doors and windows are locked.

Supervise the Move

Keep an inventory of boxes as they are loaded.

Ensure fragile items are handled carefully.

Settle into Your New Home

Unpack essentials first.

Set up utilities and internet.

Introduce yourself to neighbors and explore your new community.

Moving to a new home can be exciting yet overwhelming. Staying organized and planning ahead will ensure a seamless transition. Follow this step-by-step moving checklist to keep everything on track.

Create a moving folder to keep track of estimates, receipts, and important documents.

Research and book a moving company or rental truck.

De-clutter by sorting belongings into keep, donate, sell, and discard categories.

Notify landlord if renting and review lease terms.

Start gathering packing supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.

Begin packing non-essential items.

Label boxes with contents and room destination.

Notify important parties (employer, bank, subscriptions) of your address change.

Schedule transfer or setup of utilities, internet, and other services at your new home.

If applicable, request time off from work for moving day.

Confirm moving arrangements with movers or truck rental.

Arrange for school records to be transferred if moving with children.

Plan meals to use up perishable food.

Notify USPS of your address change and update voter registration.

Separate valuable items (jewelry, documents) to transport personally.

Begin packing essentials for the first few days (clothes, toiletries, medications).

Confirm travel arrangements if moving long-distance.

Arrange pet or childcare for moving day if needed.

Disassemble large furniture and prepare appliances for the move.

Dispose of hazardous materials that movers won’t transport (paint, chemicals, etc.).

Finish packing and ensure all boxes are labeled.

Clean and repair any damage in your current home.

Pack a moving day essentials bag (snacks, phone chargers, tools, important papers).

Conduct a final walkthrough of your home to ensure nothing is left behind.

Confirm move-in details with your new landlord or real estate agent.

Moving Day

Wake up early and do a final check of your home.

Supervise Packers and Movers and provide instructions as needed.

Keep important documents and valuables with you.

Take meter readings at both old and new homes.

Do a final sweep before leaving to ensure nothing is forgotten.

After the Move

Unpack essential items first and gradually settle in.

Check utilities and ensure everything is functioning properly.

Register your vehicle and update your driver’s license if required.

Explore your new neighborhood and introduce yourself to neighbors.

Leave a review for your moving company or rental truck service.

Following this checklist will make your move more organized and less stressful. With proper planning, you’ll be able to enjoy your new home in no time!