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Your Six-Week Moving Checklist
Whether you're moving across town or across the country, there's quite a bit to organize before moving day.
We've put together this checklist to help you work through the details a little at a time, from choosing a moving company to making sure the utilities are ready at your new address.
Start six weeks out if you can. If your move is coming up sooner, simply begin with the items that still apply.
Check items off as you go, or print a copy to keep handy. On-screen checkmarks are not saved when you leave the page.
Six Weeks Before Moving
Get organized and make the important arrangements.
Make a room-by-room inventory. Identify everything you plan to move and note any items that may need special handling. Sort what you're keeping. Set aside items to sell, donate, recycle, or discard. There's no reason to pay to move things you no longer need. Arrange donation pickups. Contact local charities about scheduling and ask for receipts when appropriate. Research moving companies. Decide whether you need full-service movers, transportation only, or specialists for items such as antiques, artwork, or pianos. Request written estimates. Compare services, schedules, cancellation terms, and how the final moving charges will be calculated. Confirm your mover's requirements. Ask about deposits, payment methods, items they cannot transport, and protection for your belongings. Begin gathering packing supplies. Collect boxes, tape, labels, packing paper, and protective materials unless your movers will handle packing. Contact your insurance agent. Discuss coverage for the move, the new property, and the appropriate dates for changing policies. Do not cancel coverage on a home you still own. Check employer relocation benefits. If your employer is involved in the move, confirm which expenses may be reimbursed and what documentation is required.
Four Weeks Before Moving
Start handling records, services, and everyday details.
Submit your change of address. Visit USPS to arrange mail forwarding. Update important accounts directly. Notify banks, credit cards, insurance providers, subscriptions, and other organizations of your new mailing address. Arrange utility transfers. Contact electricity, gas, water, internet, and other service providers about your moving dates. Schedule utilities at the new home. Confirm when service can begin and whether installation appointments are necessary. Coordinate service dates with closing. If you're buying or selling, confirm the appropriate dates with your real estate agent before scheduling shutoffs or transfers. Gather medical and dental records. Request records or arrange transfers when changing healthcare providers. Check prescription refills. Make sure you have enough medication to cover the move and any transition to a new pharmacy. Collect school records. If children are changing schools, ask about enrollment and record-transfer requirements. Prepare for moving with pets. Request veterinary records, check vaccinations, arrange necessary medications, and research pet-friendly overnight accommodations if needed. Return borrowed items. Collect anything you've loaned out and return belongings you've borrowed. Make a plan for houseplants. Ask your moving company whether plants can be transported or arrange another way to move them. Begin using freezer and pantry items. Plan meals around food you would rather not pack or discard. Make arrangements for valuables. Decide how you'll personally transport jewelry, important documents, and irreplaceable belongings.
Two Weeks Before Moving
Take care of the details that can become last-minute headaches.
Confirm your moving reservation. Review the date, arrival window, addresses, services included, and expected payment arrangements. Check access at both properties. Arrange elevator reservations, parking permissions, gate access, or loading instructions if needed. Continue packing less-used items. Label boxes with their destination room and a brief description of the contents. Photograph electronics before disconnecting them. A quick picture of the cables and connections can make setting everything up again much easier. Plan for children and pets on moving day. Arrange supervision or a quiet place away from the activity if necessary. Schedule service cancellations. Review lawn care, cleaning services, deliveries, and other recurring appointments tied to your current address. Prepare equipment for transportation. Ask your mover how to safely prepare lawn equipment, grills, and other items that may contain fuel or hazardous materials. Review your first few days in the new home. Think through groceries, sleeping arrangements, work schedules, and anything you'll need before all the boxes are unpacked.
One Week Before Moving
Prepare the essentials and make your final checks.
Confirm the moving arrangements again. Make sure the moving company has both addresses, the correct dates, and your current phone number. Document your furniture's condition. Photograph valuable pieces and note any existing scratches or damage before loading. Set aside items the movers cannot take. Confirm the company's restrictions for flammable materials, chemicals, aerosol containers, and other prohibited items. Prepare a first-night essentials bag. Include medications, toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, important documents, and anything else you'll want immediately. Pack a separate cleaning and tool box. Keep basic cleaning supplies, paper towels, scissors, tape, and a few essential tools accessible. Separate items traveling with you. Keep keys, identification, valuables, medications, and travel bags out of the moving truck. Prepare your vehicle. If you're driving a long distance, check the tires, fluids, and any maintenance needed before departure. Clear a workspace for the movers. Leave a safe, accessible area for packing and moving equipment. Check overlooked spaces. Look through closets, cabinets, drawers, the attic, garage, storage areas, and outdoor buildings. Review your moving checklist. Make sure nothing important has slipped through the cracks.
Moving Day
A few final details before the truck pulls away.
Exchange cell phone numbers with the driver. Make sure you can reach each other if plans change during the move. Confirm the destination address. Review the new address, directions, access instructions, and expected arrival details. Review the mover's inventory. Check the paperwork and document any concerns about the condition of your belongings. Make one final walk-through. Check every room, closet, cabinet, drawer, garage, and outdoor storage area. Check doors and windows. Make sure the property is secured before you leave. Coordinate keys and access. Follow the agreed arrangements for transferring keys, garage remotes, and other access devices. Let the appropriate people know you've left. Notify your real estate agent or other designated contacts when the property is vacant, if applicable. Keep your essentials with you. Before leaving, double-check that you have your phone, wallet, medications, keys, documents, and first-night bag.
One last tip: If you're coordinating a sale and a purchase, keep your moving arrangements flexible until the closing dates and possession details are confirmed. A little room in the schedule can make a big difference.
Please note: Moving-company requirements, insurance coverage, utility procedures, and closing arrangements vary. Confirm dates, payment methods, transportation restrictions, and coverage directly with the appropriate providers. This checklist is a planning resource and may not cover every circumstance.
