Preparing for a move can be a daunting task. From finding the right moving company to packing boxes to changing your address, there’s a ton to do and remember. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate moving checklist for you — a checklist for moving your home that includes every detail you need to get you through moving day! Follow the steps below and you are sure to have a seamless moving experience.
(DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS MOVING CHECKLIST!)
8 Weeks Before the Move
- Purge! Getting rid of unused or outdated items will make the moving process go much smoother, and you’ll avoid filling your new home with unnecessary things. If you haven’t used it in 6 months, pitch it!
- Research movers. Most moving companies will give you a free quote in person or over the phone.
- If you are renting a truck, book it as early as possible!
- Gather important records. Put anything that can’t be replaced (think prescriptions, legal documents, etc.) in a file to keep it safe.
- Make travel arrangements. If your move involves air travel, vehicle rentals, or hotel stays, book now!
- Order new appliances. If you need a new dishwasher or fridge in your home, order it now so it has time to be delivered before move-in day.
6 Weeks Before the Move
- Hire specialty movers for fragile, heavy, or expensive items such as art, gun safes, taxidermy, or pianos.
- Plan how best to move personally valuable and sentimental items. Is it best to keep certain items with you versus loaded onto the moving truck?
- Ask about mover’s insurance. Make sure your movers’ liability insurance will cover the replacement value of anything damaged.
- Coordinate with your utility company. Get your utilities turned off in your old home (post-move, of course) and turned on in your new home!
- Call your children’s schools. Alert new schools of the upcoming move, get enrollment information, and gather school records.
- Make pet plans. Do you need a pet sitter? Will your furry friend need to be kenneled for a few days? Book these things now.
- Get prepped for packing. Make sure you have everything you need — boxes, packing tape, colored tape and markers for coding boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and scissors. Check with your mover to find out what they do and don’t provide.
4 Weeks Before the Move
- Start packing seasonal and seldom-used items that you won’t need to have on hand over the next month.
- Keep track of hardware! Items you disassemble can have tons of little pieces — screws, wall mounts, sconces, shelves — that can easily get lost. Put these in sealed plastic bags that you tape to the item themselves. Be careful to only affix bags to surfaces that cannot be damaged by the tape’s adhesive.
- Change your address. Contact USPS to have your mail forwarded, and have your address changed for banks and credit card companies, magazines and newspapers, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and your employer. And don’t forget to notify friends and family!
- Host a moving sale and donate items that aren’t sold.
- Plan meals to use up any perishable food you can’t take with you to your new place!
2 Weeks Before the Move
- Get to packing! Label all of the boxes that you pack, and make note of boxes that contain often-used items like laptops, dishes, etc.
- Confirm all dates — check with your utility companies, moving company, pet sitter, and anyone else that’s part of your moving plan to be sure everything is on track.
- Drain gas-powered equipment like lawn mowers and discard the fluids properly.
- Pack your “First Night Box.” Include a change of clothes, toiletries, and medications for each family member, as well as cleaning supplies, toilet paper, snacks, a first aid kit, and sheets.
- Pack up valuables or properly stow any items you are planning to carry with you.
- Clean out your cupboards and donate or discard items that you are not taking with you. (Learn more about our partnership with Move For Hunger!)
- Pick up the keys to your new home and make copies if necessary.
Moving Day
- Make sure your refrigerator and freezer have defrosted fully. Use coolers to store and transport perishable items.
- Check for stray items in every room, closet, attic, and storage space of your old home to ensure nothing gets left behind.
- Arrive at the new house before the moving truck. This gives you some time to figure out where you want furniture.
- Don’t hesitate to direct the operation! Let your movers know where you want certain items.
- Make the beds! At the end of the day, you’re going to want to fall into bed. Equip the bedrooms so that everyone can pass out when the time comes!
Post-Move
-
- Change all exterior locks and make necessary copies.
- Consider sharing your experience by leaving a review online for your moving company.
- Give yourself a high five! Moving is a big job, so raise a glass to all of your hard work.