Plan Your Move with Our Checklist

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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.