The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Simply put, moving day success boils down to one word: Organization. Your first step is to create a “moving binder” to house your important documents. This is where you can store your quotes, checklists, contact information, receipts, and notes, for easy reference. 

Are you planning to take on the task of moving by yourself? Are you looking to hire professional moving services? Whatever move you make, understanding your resources will help you create the perfect plan. 

Getting your budget set weeks in advance will avoid stress down the road. Be sure to factor in moving costs, new housing expenses, and potential travel arrangements. 

If you’ve decided to work with a moving company, now is the time to find the right partner. You’ll use the budget you’ve created as a guideline for the types of services you can afford. Most companies will give you a free estimate, which can help you budget. The difference between good movers and bad movers is the difference between a horror story and a love story, so don’t settle for the first quote. 

You want to get estimates from at least three reputable companies and be sure to do your research. This means reading online reviews, asking friends for recommendations, and verifying licensing and insurance. If you’re moving across state lines, see if they are licensed with the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

You’ll want to notify and connect with these entities to prevent any moving day hiccups. 

• Landlords and associations: If you’re a renter, provide official notice to your landlord. Ensure you follow the fine print to avoid fees. This also applies to homeownership associations. Pro tip: Many landlords want your notice in writing! 
• Government and financial: Update addresses with banks, Social Security, and utility companies. Consider double-checking your credit card statements in case any subscriptions need updating. 
• Medical and educational: Inform doctors, dentists, and children’s schools about your move. Request the transfer of your medical records in advance. 
• Mail: Go to your local post office and reroute your mail or fill it out online by going to usps.gov. If you’re close with your neighbors, ask them to check the mail for you (up to a month) after you move for any loose letters. 
• Memberships and subscriptions: Don’t forget about gym memberships, streaming services, and even delivery services. Trust us, you don’t want to order pizza and have it go to the wrong house. 
• Friends and family: Tell your family and friends that you are moving. This may win you a few free helpers too! 
• Work: Make sure you call off work for your move. If you have the PTO, aim for the day after too. This will give you much-needed time to unpack and destress. 

You’ll want to notify and connect with these entities to prevent any moving day hiccups. 

• Landlords and associations: If you’re a renter, provide official notice to your landlord. Ensure you follow the fine print to avoid fees. This also applies to homeownership associations. Pro tip: Many landlords want your notice in writing! 
• Government and financial: Update addresses with banks, Social Security, and utility companies. Consider double-checking your credit card statements in case any subscriptions need updating. 
• Medical and educational: Inform doctors, dentists, and children’s schools about your move. Request the transfer of your medical records in advance. 
• Mail: Go to your local post office and reroute your mail or fill it out online by going to usps.gov. If you’re close with your neighbors, ask them to check the mail for you (up to a month) after you move for any loose letters. 
• Memberships and subscriptions: Don’t forget about gym memberships, streaming services, and even delivery services. Trust us, you don’t want to order pizza and have it go to the wrong house. 
• Friends and family: Tell your family and friends that you are moving. This may win you a few free helpers too! 
• Work: Make sure you call off work for your move. If you have the PTO, aim for the day after too. This will give you much-needed time to unpack and destress. 

You’ll need to disconnect the services from your old home and book what you’ll need for your new home. 

• Schedule utility connections/disconnections for both homes. 
• Arrange internet installation and secure cleaning services if needed. 
• Check parking permits, especially in high-traffic, metropolitan areas. If you’re using movers, this is something they can take care of. 
• If moving school districts this is the time to handle transcript transfers and enrollment in the new school. 

Good preparation sets you up for a great move. Grab your measuring tape and start planning what items will make the move with you. 

• If possible, measure doorways, hallways, and corners in your new home to help avoid furniture mishaps and mad movers. 
• Determine if there is any furniture you might not be able to move to your new space. You may discover the need to purchase new furniture to fill some of the spaces available in your home. 
• Order boxes, packing materials, and labels. Consider specialty boxes for fragile items. 

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and purge the unloved, unused, and unwanted items of your life. Less stuff means less to move and a lighter load. 

A garage sale is a great way to declutter while adding extra cash to your moving budget. It also gives you the chance to share your moving news with neighbors. 

Wait until after your garage sale to make a few trips to your local thrift store. This way you ensure any unsold items make the trip along with those you already marked for the donation bin. 

Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for assistance. They can be an extra set of hands for sorting items, garage sale attendants, or donation trips. Or, they can make great baby or pet sitters while you are hard at work. Remember, the moving etiquette is to supply your helpers with food. 

Embrace online resources like YouTube and TikTok to learn space-saving packing techniques. You’ll be amazed at what you can fit with a little know-how. 

Create a detailed packing list for each box to avoid post-move confusion. This is a great time to double-check that you have enough boxes and supplies for your list 

Create a detailed digital inventory of your belongings. Include where the item lives in your current home and where you plan to put it in your new space. 

By creating this list online you’ll be able to access it from both your computer and your mobile device. It also provides the opportunity to share it with those who may be helping you move. 

Start consuming your freezer and pantry items – it’s less food to move and more money saved. Consider hosting a going away party that serves up the food items you’re hoping to leave behind. This gives you a group to help clean out the pantry while also providing an opportunity for friends to say goodbye to your home. 

Take pictures of complicated electronic setups before dismantling them. Anything that you have to disassemble and re-assemble would benefit from photographic documentation. This can include furniture and gym equipment, too. Future you will thank you. 

Prepare a readily accessible “moving day survival kit” box with toiletries, medications, essential clothes, documents, phone chargers, and snacks. Think of it as everything you would need if you were traveling. 

Consider including a few sets of cutlery and dishes in your survival kit as well. When you have your first takeout order in your new place you won’t want to go hunting for bowls and spoons. 

Having these essential items within arm’s reach makes moving day less of a headache and moving in just as easy. 

Tackle remaining drawers, closets, and cabinets. Remember not to pack those essential cleaning supplies that you’ll need for this process. You may consider hiring a cleaning service if you need extra hands. 

Defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before the move. Especially if you’re a renter. 

Double-check with your movers on dates, times, fees, and services. Finalize arrangements with new service providers as well if you haven’t already. Check in with anyone you have asked to help with your move – from babysitters and pet sitters to extra hands. You should feel confident in the schedule for the day and share timing expectations. 

Wake up early and fuel up with a hearty breakfast. Moving requires energy, and a full stomach keeps you focused and ready to face the day head-on. Keep in mind that you may not eat for a bit after this, which is why you’ll be glad you added snacks to your moving day survival kit. 

Whether you work with professional movers or your friends, you’re the captain of the ship. Ensure that you guide the loading process, taking care to handle fragile items and large furniture. Remember, clear communication is the key to a smooth move. 

Maintain your inventory list, keeping track of packed boxes and valuables. This is your safety net against missing items and a reference point for peace of mind. This becomes even more true if you’re planning a long-distance move. 

Use your digital inventory list to ensure that you leave boxes in the right rooms. This will make the unpacking process a lot smoother.