The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Your Week-by-Week Guide

Moving can feel like a monumental task, but with a good plan, it's entirely manageable. This week-by-week checklist will help you stay organized, on track, and in control from start to finish.

8 Weeks Before Your Move

Create a Moving Binder: Use a physical binder or a digital folder to keep track of quotes, receipts, and all your moving-related documents.
Research Moving Companies: Start getting quotes from reputable moving companies. Aim for at least three different estimates.
Set a Budget: Determine how much you can spend on your move. Use our moving budget guide to help.
Declutter: Begin sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.

6-7 Weeks Before Your Move

Book Your Movers: Once you've chosen a moving company, book your moving date. Get written confirmation.
Plan Your Packing Strategy: Decide if you'll pack yourself or hire professional packers. If packing yourself, start gathering supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.
Notify Schools: If you have children, notify their current schools of the move and arrange for records to be transferred.

4-5 Weeks Before Your Move

Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you don't use daily, such as out-of-season clothing, books, and decorative items.
Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will be a lifesaver on moving day.
Change of Address: File your official change of address with the post office. Start notifying banks, credit card companies, and subscription services of your new address.
Arrange for Storage: If you need temporary storage, book a unit now.

3 Weeks Before Your Move

Arrange Utility Transfers: Schedule the disconnection of utilities at your old home and the connection at your new one. This includes gas, electric, water, internet, and cable.
Plan for Pets and Plants: Make arrangements for transporting your pets and plants. Some moving companies have restrictions on these.
Confirm Time Off Work: Ensure you have the necessary days off from work for packing and moving.

2 Weeks Before Your Move

Finish Most of Your Packing: By now, you should be focused on packing up the majority of your home.
Service Your Car: If you're driving to your new home, get your car serviced.
Confirm Details with Movers: Reconfirm the moving date, arrival time, and any special instructions with your moving company.

1 Week Before Your Move

Pack an Essentials Box: This box should contain everything you'll need for the first 24 hours in your new home: toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, basic tools, and important documents.
Defrost Your Fridge and Freezer: Plan to use up or discard perishable food. Clean and defrost your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before the move.
Get Cash: Have some cash on hand for tips for the movers and any immediate expenses.
Final Confirmations: Confirm all arrangements with your moving company, real estate agent, and anyone else involved in the move.

Moving Day

Be Present: Be on hand to answer questions and direct the movers.
Protect Your Floors and Carpets: Put down protective coverings to prevent damage.
Do a Final Walk-Through: Before the moving truck leaves, do one last sweep of your old home to make sure nothing is left behind.
Supervise Unloading: At your new home, direct the movers on where to place furniture and boxes.
Check the Inventory: Make sure all your items have arrived by checking them off the inventory list (bill of lading).

After the Move

Unpack Your Essentials Box First: This will help you get through the first night comfortably.
Systematically Unpack: Start with the kitchen and bedrooms to get the most essential areas of your home functional quickly.
Break Down Boxes: As you unpack, break down your moving boxes and set them aside for recycling.
Update Your Driver's License and Vehicle Registration: Do this as soon as possible, as there are often time limits.
Explore Your New Neighborhood: Take a break from unpacking and go for a walk. Get to know your new surroundings.

By following this checklist, you can turn a potentially chaotic process into a well-organized and successful move. Happy relocating!

What's the one moving task you always leave until the last minute? Share your confessions in the comments!