The Complete Moving Checklist: 8 Weeks Out to Move-In Day

Moving has a way of feeling like a hundred deadlines stacked on top of each other. It gets dramatically easier the moment you spread those deadlines across a timeline. This is the complete moving checklist we recommend, organized week by week, so at any point you only have to think about a handful of tasks instead of all of them.

8 weeks before: decide the big things

• Set your move date — everything else hangs off this.
• Set a moving budget. A local move with pros typically runs $800–$2,500; long-distance moves often run $2,000–$8,000+.
• Choose your moving style: full-service movers, a container service, or truck rental with helpers.
• Start a document folder for quotes, leases, and receipts (some moving costs are tax-deductible for military moves).
• Declutter early. Every box you don't move is money and time saved — list items for sale now so they're gone before packing week.
• If you're renting, re-read your lease for the notice period (usually 30–60 days) and deposit terms.

6 weeks before: book everything

• Get 3+ moving quotes and book your movers or truck. Summer and month-end dates go first.
• Give written notice to your landlord if the lease requires it around this time.
• Research schools and transfer records if you have kids.
• Order supplies: boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap. Ask grocery and liquor stores for free boxes.
• Check parking rules at both addresses — some cities and buildings require a moving-truck permit or elevator reservation.

4 weeks before: paperwork and packing starts

• File your USPS change of address (takes 5 minutes online, costs $1.10). See our full change-of-address checklist for everyone else to notify.
• Schedule utility shut-off and turn-on: electric, gas, water, trash — and book internet installation now; slots fill up.
• Start packing rarely-used rooms. Storage, garage, seasonal decor, off-season clothes. Our room-by-room packing order keeps the house livable until the end.
• Refill prescriptions and request medical, dental, and vet records.
• Use up freezer and pantry food — plan meals around what you already have.

2 weeks before: the heavy middle

• Pack most of the house, leaving out only two weeks of essentials.
• Label every box with its destination room and a one-line summary of contents.
• Confirm details with your movers: arrival window, payment, item count, both addresses.
• Arrange child and pet care for moving day.
• Transfer or cancel local memberships: gym, storage units, cleaning services.
• Update your address with banks, insurance, and your employer's HR/payroll.

1 week before: the final sweep

• Pack an essentials box (or suitcase per person): medications, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, basic tools, toilet paper, snacks, important documents. It rides with you, not in the truck.
• Finish packing everything else.
• Defrost the freezer 48 hours before the move.
• Back up computers and photograph valuables for insurance.
• Withdraw cash for tips — $20–$40 per mover for a job well done is typical.
• Do a first pass of cleaning in rooms that are already empty.

Moving day

• Walk the movers through the house and point out fragile boxes.
• Keep documents, keys, jewelry, and the essentials box with you.
• Do a final sweep: every closet, cabinet, drawer, the dishwasher, and behind doors.
• Photograph the empty home (and meter readings) for your deposit and records.
• Check items off the inventory as they come off the truck at the new place.

The first week after

• Unpack the kitchen and beds first — a made bed on night one changes everything.
• Update your driver's license and vehicle registration (most states give you 10–30 days).
• Register to vote at your new address.
• Test smoke detectors, locate the breaker panel and water shut-off valve.
• Change the locks if you bought a home.
• Leave a review for your movers while it's fresh.

Frequently asked questions