Moving Checklists
6–8 Weeks Before Moving
Planning the Move
– Decide on your moving date and notify relevant parties (e.g., landlord, schools, utility companies).
– Research and hire a moving company (that’s where we come in!).
– Create a moving budget to track expenses.
Decluttering Your Home
– Go room by room to identify items to sell, donate, recycle, or discard.
– Schedule a donation pickup or drop-off.
– Begin using up perishables, cleaning supplies, and frozen food.
Organizing Your Records
– Collect and safely store important documents (e.g., birth certificates, passports, medical records).
– If you’re moving out of state, ensure vehicle registration and driver’s licenses are up to date.
4–5 Weeks Before Moving
Start Packing
Non-Essentials
– Pack items you won’t need before the move, such as seasonal clothing, decorations, or rarely used kitchenware.
– Label each box by room and contents (e.g., Kitchen – Pots and Pans).
Confirm Logistics
– Go room by room to identify items to sell, donate, recycle, or discard.
– Schedule a donation pickup or drop-off.
– Begin using up perishables, cleaning supplies, and frozen food.
Notify Service Providers
– Change your address with the post office, banks, and credit card companies.
– Schedule transfers or disconnections for utilities (e.g., gas, electricity, internet).
2–3 Weeks Before Moving
Tackle Packing Room by Room
– Focus on one room at a time to stay organized.
– Pack fragile items carefully with bubble wrap or padding and clearly mark them as “Fragile.”
Prepare Specialty Items
– Disassemble large furniture and secure hardware in labeled bags.
– If applicable, prepare instructions for moving specialty items like pianos or safes.
Arrange for Child or Pet Care
– Make arrangements for childcare or pet boarding during moving day.
– Pack a “pet essentials bag” with food, toys, and medications.
1 Week Before Moving
Pack Essential Items Separately
– Create a “first-night box” with essentials like toiletries, medications, clothes, chargers, and important documents.
– Keep valuable items (e.g., jewelry, cash) with you during the move.
Clean and Prepare Your Old Home
– Clean each room after packing to save time on moving day.
– Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer 24–48 hours before the move.
Confirm Moving Details
Confirm Moving Details
– Confirm the arrival time and contact details with the moving company.
– Revisit your moving plan and ensure everything is on track.
Moving Day
Be Ready When Movers Arrive
– Ensure all boxes are sealed and labeled.
– Review the inventory checklist with the movers.
Monitor the Move
– Keep an eye on fragile or valuable items.
– Provide clear directions to movers for handling specific items or accessing rooms.
Perform Final Walkthrough
– Check all rooms, closets, and storage spaces to ensure nothing is left behind.
– Turn off lights, lock doors, and leave keys for the next occupant.
After the Move
Unpack Strategically
– Start with the essentials and unpack room by room.
– Take your time to organize items in their new spaces.
Set Up Utilities
– Confirm that water, electricity, and internet are functioning in your new home.
– Update your address with subscriptions or services you may have missed earlier.
Take Care of Yourself
– Treat yourself to a relaxing meal or a short break—you deserve it!
– Familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood and introduce yourself to neighbors.
Additional Tips:
Create a Moving Binder
Keep all moving-related documents, receipts, and schedules in one place.
Inventory Your Items
Create a detailed list of what you’re packing, especially valuable items.
Photograph Items
Take pictures of electronics before disassembly to simplify reassembly. Also, document any existing damages to ensure keep track of any old damage prior to the move.
Label for Efficiency
Use color-coded labels for boxes (e.g., red for kitchen, blue for bedroom) to help movers and unpackers navigate easily.
Coordinate Deliveries
Schedule the arrival of new furniture or appliances to coincide with your move-in date.