2 Months Before Moving
Get organized! Create a Moving Folder (physical or digital) to keep contracts, receipts, to-do lists, and other moving-related files.
Pack important financial and legal records, and make copies to keep in a separate location.
Research schools and doctors in the area you'll be moving to.
Get updated pet records.
Back up computer files and photos.
Request time off for your upcoming move.
Ditch the junk BEFORE your move, especially if you're downsizing:
- Have a garage sale
- Donate items to Goodwill or a similar organization
- Figure out what needs to be trashed
Create an inventory of your home, room-by-room.
Determine what your moving budget will be.
Reach out to several moving companies for estimates.
6 Weeks Before Moving
Choose your moving company — read all contracts before you sign them, and confirm your moving company's DOT number.
Notify important parties about your move:
- Post office (request an address change)
- Schools, doctors, and other service providers
- Insurance companies
- Utilities, TV and internet providers
- Subscription services
Order packing supplies, or begin collecting free boxes from friends and local businesses.
Label your moving boxes, marking those for fragile items and numbering all the boxes.
Pack a little bit each day to make packing easier — start with items you rarely use, such as seasonal decorations.
Ask your landlord if there are requirements for moving out, and give them your new address for your safety deposit check.
Address any important home repairs.
Have vehicles serviced if you're moving long-distance.
Spend time with family and friends, especially if you are moving far away.
1 Month Before Moving
Reserve a moving date with your chosen company.
Arrange travel plans if necessary, including booking flights and hotels.
Pack important documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.) to keep with you in the event that you need them during the move.
Create a furniture layout for your new home. Having an idea of where furniture should be placed will help your movers work quickly.
Fill any prescriptions and pack them with your personal items that don't go on the moving truck.
Schedule TV and internet services to be set up at your new home.
Begin the enrollment process for your children in their new school(s).
Purchase valuation protection from your mover (or moving insurance from a third party) to cover your belongings while en route.
Confirm parking options for the moving truck at your new home. You may need a permit. Some apartment and condo complexes will require a reservation for use of their loading zone and elevators.
Create a moving day playlist!
2 Weeks Before Moving
Confirm move-in day with your real estate agent, then touch base with your movers to let them know of any changes.
Get packing! It's time to box up your belongings. Make a list of items packed in each (numbered) box, and keep that in your moving folder.
Review a list of items NOT allowed on the moving truck (such as aerosols, flammable items, bleach, etc.). They should be disposed of or transported separately.
Collect any items you may have loaned to friends or neighbors, and return anything you have borrowed.
Cancel home services such as lawn care, pest control, or paper delivery.
Make a moving plan for large items like trampolines, basketball goals, or swing sets. These can often be taken apart, but don't wait until the last minute!
Make a "Moving Day Bag" for essential items like medications, electronics, snacks, toiletries, clothes, checkbook, etc.
Confirm utility end/start dates at your current and future residences.
Cancel or transfer your gym membership.
Start using up pantry and freezer food.
Arrange for child and pet care during your move.
Clean outdoor furniture and store it indoors, away from the elements.
The Week of Your Move
Use up all of your frozen foods, or gift them to family and friends:
- Clean out your refrigerator
- If moving the fridge, defrost and dry it before moving day
- Donate nonperishable foods that you can't take with you
Finish packing everything but the essentials. Break out the paper plates and plastic utensils for meals at home.
Collect keys and garage door openers to give to your real estate agent for the new owners.
Check the weather for your moving day, and be prepared for rain or snow.
Make sure your credit card company knows you are moving. Purchases in a new location can cause your card to be flagged or declined!
Withdraw cash for tipping your moving crew.
Pack a suitcase to live out of for the last couple days before the move (and until you've unpacked the rest of your clothes in your new home).
Pack outdoor items and tools — be sure to drain gasoline from any outdoor equipment!
Drain your outdoor hose, as well as the hoses for your washing machine and ice maker, if taking appliances with you.
Pack supplies that you'll need immediately in a separate box to be unloaded first at your new home (i.e. toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels).
Moving Day!
Check all your boxes to make sure they are properly sealed and labeled.
Double-check your home to make sure you didn't miss anything!
Protect your floors and carpets.
Plan to be home when your movers arrive, and make sure no vehicles are blocking the driveway.
Greet your movers and complete an initial walkthrough with the team:
- Communicate any immediate concerns with the crew leader
- Review and sign the inventory list and make sure to get a copy
Pick up lunch for the movers (optional, of course, but appreciated!).
Make sure you have your "moving day bag" with enough supplies to hold you over until the unpacking is complete.
Turn off lights, lock all windows and doors as you leave. If you are renting, drop off your keys with the landlord or building manager.
Get to your new home early and check that utilities are connected.
Make a safe path for movers to navigate.
Remember to tip your movers!
Thank your real estate agent.
Enjoy your new home!!
After Your Move
Congratulations on a successful move! Time to unpack.
Set up your home security system and internet/TV services.
Change the locks on your home if possible/necessary.
Make a note of any immediate home repairs that need to be made.
Clean your new home and check the status of your appliances, furnace, pipes, and chimney.
Hang on to receipts from your move and make sure there are no discrepancies in your charges.
If you've moved to a new state or county, update the following:
- License
- Voter registration
- Car insurance and registration
Get new checks with your updated address, and make sure your bank and credit cards have the updated address on file.
Break down and recycle or donate your empty moving boxes.
Explore your new neighborhood and meet members of the community.
Leave feedback for your moving company with a Google review.