The Ultimate Moving Checklist: 8 Weeks to Move-In Day

8 weeks out — research and plan

• Set a moving budget (movers, materials, deposits, transit costs).
• Decide DIY vs. full-service vs. hybrid (movers + your packing).
• Get 3 in-home or video estimates from licensed local or interstate carriers.
• Start a moving binder or shared note with quotes, receipts, and contacts.
• Begin a serious purge — donation, sale, trash piles in every room.

6 weeks out — book and inventory

• Book your mover. Peak-season dates fill up months ahead.
• If renting a truck, reserve it now.
• Photograph valuable items and back-of-electronics cabling.
• Inventory rooms by category (clothing, kitchen, books, etc.) for packing estimates.
• Order boxes, paper, tape, mattress bags, and a Sharpie supply.

4 weeks out — paperwork and packing

• Submit USPS change of address (set the start date for moving day).
• Schedule disconnect/connect dates for utilities at both addresses.
• Transfer or update home/auto insurance for the new address.
• Notify schools, employer, doctor, dentist, vet of address change.
• Start packing rarely used rooms first: guest room, garage, basement, attic.
• Use up frozen and pantry food you don't want to move.

2 weeks out — logistics

• Confirm mover, time window, payment method, and crew size.
• Reserve elevators or loading docks at both buildings if applicable.
• Refill prescriptions for a 30-day supply.
• Service your car if you're driving long-distance.
• Pack non-essential clothing, books, and kitchenware.
• Begin draining gas from lawn equipment — movers won't load it full.

Week of the move

• Pack a 7-day suitcase per person — clothes, toiletries, chargers, meds.
• Pack an 'open first' box per room: bedding, towels, basic kitchen, toilet paper, soap, scissors, paper towels.
• Defrost and clean the fridge and freezer 24 hours before pickup.
• Confirm payment and tip amount in cash (~$20–$40 per mover for a half day, $40–$60 for a full day).
• Charge all devices and a portable power bank.
• Take final meter readings and photos of the empty home.

Moving day

• Be on-site when the crew arrives. Walk through every room and call out fragile or do-not-pack items.
• Keep important documents, jewelry, and laptops with you, not on the truck.
• Sign the bill of lading only after you've reviewed it line by line.
• Do a final sweep — closets, cabinets, behind doors, dishwasher, washer/dryer.
• At delivery, check off the inventory as items come in and note any damage on the paperwork.

First week in the new place

• Set up beds and bathrooms first — comfort tonight matters more than perfection.
• Test smoke and CO detectors. Replace batteries.
• Update your driver's license and vehicle registration (state law varies, usually within 30 days).
• Register to vote at the new address.
• Locate the water shutoff, breaker panel, and HVAC filters.
• Leave a review for your moving company while the experience is fresh — it helps other people pick well.