Whatever motivates you to move, it can be an intricate process with many steps. To help you organize your move, we have the ultimate moving checklist.

Best wishes for your new residence! All you will have to do is figure out how to pack and transfer everything without destroying your bank account. Breaking down the responsibilities, planning, packing, and cleaning, into weekly to-do lists can make the moving process less of a headache.

One of the most stressful aspects of moving is packing. When considering how to pack for a move, a smart approach is first to gather the moving supplies you’ll need and then systematically go room-by-room until the job is done. Follow our checklist for moving to make the process more manageable and creates less stress.

Moving Checklist: 8 Weeks Before

• The documents have been signed. The preparations are already in action. It’s now time to plan how and when you’ll relocate, as well as what you’ll do when you first arrive at your new house.
• Research on moving companies and ask for referrals from family and friends who have just shifted.
• Consider whether you’ll need additional insurance coverage for your relocation. Inquire with prospective movers about their insurance policies, and check your homeowners’ coverage to see how much it covers.
• Set up a folder or file for all of your moving-related documents on Google Drive.
• Take images of quotations, invoices, and other records related to your relocation with your phone and save them on Google Drive.
• Start packing the stuff you don’t use on a routine basis a few weeks ahead of time, and continue to pack until your move day.
• Rather than having cartons of your packed belongings lying around the house, it’s a smart idea to place them in secure storage units until the relocation is fully completed.

Moving Checklist: 7 Weeks Before

• Look for Id number and license plates. Find out how long it will take you to receive a new driver’s license and vehicle tags if you’re moving out of the country.
• Create a moving budget. Include the cost of moving companies, packing supplies, and any other items you think you’ll need.
• Request time off from work for the actual move. If possible, add 1-2 days to each side of the actual moving day. It allows you time to do any last-minute packing and settle in before returning to work.
• Look for professional movers in your area. Acquire written estimates from at least three licensed movers. Get an inventory done at your home by an estimator if possible.
• Check your moving company’s Department of Transportation (DOT) number to see if they’re properly licensed.

Moving Checklist: 6 Weeks Before

• If you have children, inform their teachers about the upcoming transfer. Ask for a copy of their school records and inquire about the enrollment process at the schools nearest to your new residence.
• Throw a casual dinner party to make a few last memories at your current home. It doesn’t have to be something extravagant to be successful.
• Request a copy of your family’s health records from your doctor.
• Get your cars serviced if you’re moving across the state. You don’t want to have to struggle with a breakdown in the middle of a relocation!
• Disconnecting services such as the telephone, water, electricity, and gas can take a long time. Make sure to let them know long in advance.
• If your new house does not already have certain utilities, you should apply for them now.
• If you’re moving long distances, don’t wait until the last minute to book flights and other arrangements. Look for flight ticket deals or early bird discounts.

Moving Checklist: 5 Weeks Before

• Utilize the items in your refrigerator and freezer. From now on, avoid purchasing excessive quantities of groceries, particularly bulk orders.
• Notify your friends and family members that you are relocating. Send them an email with your new address.
• Purchase packaging items such as boxes, tape, and labels. If your mover does not include specialty things like clothing boxes, or mattress coverings, make sure to order them.
• Set up a method for labeling boxes. Key aspects include numbered boxes, color-coding per room, and a master list containing inventory.
• Remember to cancel any services or subscriptions you won’t need once you move as you update your address.

Moving Checklist: 4 Weeks Before

• Confirm important details with your mover, particularly insurance coverage. You may also require a parking permit on the day of your move.
• Items that you can’t pack or sell, such as frozen meals, detergents, and sprayers, can be used or donated.
• Inform your landlord if you’re leaving a rented property. Figure out when your security deposit will be refunded.
• You should involve your children in the packing process if they are old enough. They should pack their belongings, such as books, games, and clothes, carefully.
• You should try to acquire an idea of which objects will go where in your new home before you start packing things. It will assist you in labeling boxes.
• Fragile items should be packed and labeled carefully.

Moving Checklist: 2/3 Weeks Before

• Keep a backup of your data on your laptop. If something goes wrong during your move, you’ll be glad you have everything back up and running.
• Pack a little at a time, so you don’t have to keep everything for the last week.
• Verify that you’ve changed addresses, you’ve received all necessary moving insurance, and that you’re ready to relocate.
• All of the de-cluttering, packing, and labeling in the weeks leading up to the move may increase waste and disposable things.
• Make sure your trash is picked up, or take it to a recycling center in your area.

Moving Checklist: 1 Week Before

• Pack your backpack and essentials bag. Make sure this is kept apart from your other belongings.
• Confirm specifics with your moving company, such as the arrival time on moving day, mobile numbers, and any other last-minute instructions.
• You’ve already gotten rid of the trash, but it’s a good idea to clean the place one last time before your relocation.
• Above everything else, treasure the memories you’ve created in your house as you prepare to move on to the next chapter of your life. Upwards and forwards!

Moving Checklist for Moving Day

• Ensure that all of your boxes are packed and placed near the exit.
• Review your lease. Make sure your lease doesn’t have any additional move-out clauses. You’ll want to make sure you follow any rules to get your money back in full.
• Before leaving for your new home, properly load your car and return your house key.

Moving takes a great deal of preparation. It’s a recipe for anxiety and tragedy if you don’t plan ahead of schedule. Everything will work out fine if you follow the moving checklist presented in this article.

New Home

When you arrive at your new home there are a few things to take care of before you go crazy unloading boxes. Take pictures of any existing damages so you can be sure that they weren’t your doing. Make sure everything is still working properly. That includes your faucets, appliances, Wi-Fi, toilets, etc. Also, make sure that any fire or carbon monoxide detectors work and have brand new batteries in them if required.

Now unload that first box of your lovely cleaning supplies and go to town. You’ll want to do everything you just did to your old home in your new home. This is likely the only time your space will have that few obstacles to clean around so take advantage of it!

Finally, the fun of unloading and unpacking can really begin! It’s time to put up the color-coded sticky notes so you know what box goes where.

Be sure to take breaks as necessary. Moving will only be a chore if you let it. Remember it’s a process, not a race! When everything is said and done look around and appreciate everyone’s hard work. Be sure to tip your movers too! We both know it wasn’t easy to get that couch through the door and they did it with a smile.

When everyone is gone, unpack your first-night box and get all the essential stuff open for business. I guarantee, your bed has never felt so good.

Frequently asked questions

What packing supplies do I need for moving?

When considering how to pack for a move, you’ll need to buy or find items such as boxes, tape, blankets, a moving truck or trailer, and rope for securing loose items.

Where can I get free packing and moving boxes and supplies?

Moving is a common reality for many of us, which means once someone completes their move, they won’t need their supplies any longer. Websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle or Nextdoor app are filled with people giving away free moving supplies. Make sure to check these out a few weeks before Moving Day.

How do you pack dishes for a move?

Layer the bottom of the boxes with packing peanuts or paper. From there, wrap each plate in a layer of bubble wrap then stand the dishes up in the box. This is the best way to keep them secure. And once tightly packed, don’t forget to write “FRAGILE” on the box.

How do I organize items before moving?

A great tip is to go room by room and organize items in each into three categories: Items you plan to keep, items you plan to donate, and stuff that goes into the garbage. Organizing before a move makes it much more manageable, as you only take the items you need.

How should I pack a moving truck?

To begin packing a moving truck, you’ll want to put the heaviest items such as furniture and appliances into the truck first. Secure them with fasteners so they don’t slide around. Next, add in the bulkiest remaining items before filling the truck with boxes. And for luxury/fragile items or electronics, it’s ideal to pack them into your vehicle where they remain more secure.