Why You Need a Checklist
Moving has hundreds of small tasks, and missing even one can cause major headaches. Forgetting to forward your mail means missed bills. Not booking movers early enough means paying 30-40%% more or not getting your preferred date. This checklist keeps you organized from start to finish.
Generate a personalized checklist based on your move type.
Open Moving Checklist Generator →8 Weeks Before
- Research moving companies and get at least 3 quotes
- Create a moving binder for important documents, receipts, and contacts
- Set a moving budget and start tracking expenses
- Begin decluttering room by room — sell, donate, or discard what you will not bring
6 Weeks Before
- Book your moving company or reserve a rental truck
- Start collecting packing supplies (boxes, tape, paper, markers)
- Begin packing non-essential items: seasonal clothes, books, decorations
- If renting, give written notice to your landlord per your lease terms
4 Weeks Before
- File a change of address with USPS at usps.com
- Notify banks, insurance, credit cards, and subscriptions of your new address
- Transfer or set up utilities at your new address (electricity, gas, water, internet)
- Schedule mail forwarding and update online shopping delivery addresses
2 Weeks Before
- Pack everything except daily essentials
- Prepare an essentials box: toiletries, phone charger, medications, snacks, change of clothes, basic tools
- Confirm your moving company or truck reservation
- Clean out the refrigerator and plan to use up perishable food
Moving Week
- Finish all packing and label every box with room and contents
- Defrost the freezer (24 hours before)
- Pack a suitcase with 2-3 days of clothes as if you were traveling
- Charge all devices and have your essentials box easily accessible
Moving Day
- Walk through every room, closet, and cabinet before the truck is loaded
- Take photos of utility meters for your records
- Supervise loading and check items against your inventory
- Hand over all keys, garage openers, and access cards
- Tip your movers in cash, individually, at the end of the job
Calculate the right tip for your movers.
Open Mover Tip Calculator →The number one regret people have after moving: not starting early enough. Begin 8 weeks out and the whole process is manageable. Wait until 2 weeks before and everything becomes an emergency.