Moving Made Easy with Our Checklist

Don’t you just love moving? Said no one, ever. Let’s be real, moving is a pretty big pain. Aside from making sure all your stuff is actually packed in time, you also need to figure out how to switch over utilities, change your address, decide on movers, make sure your new home is ready… the list goes on.

But even though it can be super stressful, having a good moving checklist to refer to can ease some of the frustrations and help you plan ahead. Here’s what you should do at every part of your move, starting eight weeks (yes, two months!) in advance.

8 Weeks Before

• Start researching movers and get estimates
• Make a detailed list of everything you need to pack, including furniture and small items
• Come up with an organization system while packing your belongings for easy unpacking at the new home
• Start sorting out clothes, books, and other items that will be making the move to your new home
• Designate a folder or binder for all moving paperwork and documentation
• Take measurements of your furniture so you can be sure it will fit into the new place
• Begin packing lesser used items like out-of-season clothes and decorations. It’s never too early to start! 
• Ensure all boxes are clearly labeled by room/items and marked fragile or this side up (if need be)
• Request time off work (if need be)
• Give notice to your landlord if you’re renting and haven’t already done so
• If moving long-distance, make all your travel arrangements (airline, hotel, etc.)
• If you have children, notify schools of the move and enroll them at new ones

6 Weeks Before

• Buy packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape to protect your items during transport
• Pick out professional movers to help with heavy furniture or if you don’t feel comfortable moving everything yourself
• If you’re moving on your own, book a moving van or truck
• Start donating or getting rid of items that won’t be moving with you
• Find new doctors and dentists at your destination, book your first appointment, and transfer medical records there
• Start making any small repairs to be sure you get your security deposit back if you’re a renter or to prep the home for a new buyer
• Ask friends or family to help you on the day of the move
• Don’t forget to keep packing!

1 Month Before

• Schedule a final walk-through of your home before the move
• Notify people or businesses about your address change 
• File a change of address with the post office
• Schedule the transfer of any utilities, such as electricity, gas, water, or internet
• Set aside vital documents and valuables into a box you will move yourself
• Clearly label each box you’ve packed if you haven’t already and be sure to label everything as you go
• Start using up all your food
• Get your car checked if you’re driving far for the move
• Close local memberships at places like the gym or co-op grocery stores
• If you have pets, find a new vet at your destination, make an appointment, and transfer records
• Get moving insurance either from your movers or from an independent company
• Make floor plans of your new home and where everything will go
• Fill your prescriptions
• Most importantly, keep packing!

2 Weeks Before

• Create a favorites box with items you love the most and will use right away (like your coffee maker) and plan to move that box yourself
• Confirm timing with movers or friends helping you move
• Send out change-of-address information or cards to friends and family
• Make arrangements for your children and pets to have a sitter during the move
• Backup all your electronics that can be backed up
• Find a new pharmacy at your destination and transfer your prescriptions
• Determine where the moving truck will park and if you need a permit for it
• Get everything from your safe-deposit box if you have one
• You already know it, keep packing!

1 Week Before

• Take pictures of each item in the house so that you can keep track of its condition during the move
• Take apart any large furniture you won’t be using this week
• Thoroughly clean empty rooms and spaces
• If you’re moving long-distance, pack suitcases with things you’ll need for the trip
• Gather keys from anyone who has them and put them in an envelope for the landlord or realtor
• Get cash to tip the movers (or something to thank your friends for helping)
• Do a final walkthrough of your old and new place
• For the last time, keep packing, you’re almost there!

1 Day Before

• Finish packing the remaining items (especially your daily needs)
• Move all the boxes to one area of your home so it’s easy for the movers
• Finish cleaning the house
• Take pictures of everything empty and clean
• Defrost your freezer if necessary
• Double check all appointments for movers, utilities, and sitters
• Take yourself out to dinner at your favorite restaurant, you deserve it

Moving Day

• Put something down to protect the floors during the move
• Verify the people showing up are the actual movers
• Be available to answer any questions movers or people helping you move
• It would be nice to buy food and drinks for people helping you move + you/your family
• Ask movers for all official documentation like contracts and inventory lists
• Do one final walkthrough of your old place
• Return your keys
• Take inventory of your boxes before paying the movers
• Pay and tip the movers once they’re done

After Moving

• Right after the moving crew leaves, make sure your bed and bathroom supplies are in place. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did.
• Change your locks  and get copies of your keys made
• Stock that fridge with fresh groceries!
• Unpack at your own pace, but set a two-week deadline to finish
• Invest in some security measures, like Ring doorbells
• Double check that all your accounts (banks, credit cards, student loans, etc.) have been updated with the new address
• Make sure you know when trash pickup (and recycling) is
• Ensure your smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors work
• If you moved states, get a new driver's license and license plates
• Register to vote

Three cheers to a successful move! Now all that’s left is to explore your new neighborhood, meet your neighbors, and enjoy your new home.