Moving checklist
A timeline for the decisions that cause last-minute stress.
A useful checklist is ordered by consequence, not by the number of tasks it can contain. Start with reservations, measurements, records, and essentials.
8–6 weeks before
- Choose a moving method and request comparable written estimates.
- Create a room inventory and identify items that need special handling.
- Measure large furniture, doorways, elevators, and stair turns.
- Start a donate, sell, recycle, and trash area.
5–4 weeks before
- Reserve movers, truck, container, elevators, and parking where required.
- Collect records and confirm school, medical, pet, and travel needs.
- Order the first two-thirds of your expected boxes and supplies.
- Pack low-use storage, decor, books, and seasonal items.
3–2 weeks before
- Submit address changes and update essential accounts.
- Confirm utilities at both homes with overlap where possible.
- Pack by room and label destination, contents, and priority.
- Make a first-night kit that never enters the moving truck.
Moving week
- Confirm arrival windows, contact numbers, payment method, and parking.
- Photograph valuable items and the condition of both homes.
- Defrost and secure appliances according to manufacturer guidance.
- Keep identification, medication, keys, chargers, and documents with you.
After arrival
- Check utilities, locks, smoke alarms, leaks, and obvious damage.
- Unpack beds, bathroom, kitchen basics, and work essentials first.
- Record damage before discarding packing material.
- Break down boxes only after checking them for small hardware and parts.
Keep one “do not load” zone. Put keys, documents, medication, first-night supplies, cleaning items, and the tools needed for furniture there.