Moving gets easy, if you plan early.
If you’re out of state or within state, a checklist and timeline can make moving more manageable.
You should carefully plan out the moving process. Keeping track of your progress using a checklist will help eliminate unnecessary stoppages.
Sticking to a thoughtfully framed moving timeline and checklist lets you handle the moving responsibilities efficiently.
Follow our week-by-week moving checklist that’ll help you smoothly transition from your old home to your new home.
8 Weeks Before Moving
This is your time to research the area you are moving to.
Start laying out your plan and cleaning up your old place.
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Get estimates from at least 3 moving companies, so you can compare rates
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Create a moving budget spreadsheet to make sharing your budget convenient
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Make inventory of everything you own for insurance purposes
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Give away unwanted clothing and items through a garage sale or donations
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Research schools and doctors in your new area
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Collect official records from the doctor and your children’s school, if applicable
TIP: Try contacting your new Chamber of Commerce for a “Welcome to the Community” resident packet which includes maps of the area, brochures for local attractions, directories, branded logo items and local newspapers among other promotional items.
4 Weeks Before Moving
This is the time to notify everyone.
Start by informing companies and government agencies that you are moving.
Open a new bank account if your bank does not have branches in your new neighborhood.
You should also begin to gather the necessary supplies to pack up your belongings.
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Request a change of address from the post office
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Let your insurance company know that you are moving
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Gather referrals for doctors and other healthcare providers
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Notify utility companies that you will need to stop or change service
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Order packing supplies
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If your employer offers to pay for your relocation, figure out which expenses are covered
TIP: Have antiques, artwork, musical instruments and other valuable items appraised and keep this documented appraisal with the inventory.
2 Weeks Before Moving
Tie up odds and ends.
Eat or give away frozen foods.
Use the cleaning supplies that cannot come with you. This includes confirming all services and beginning the process of packing and labeling your belongings.
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Confirm arrangements with moving service or truck rental
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Confirm how belongings are insured during the move
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Start packing boxes, labeling them with their appropriate room
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Request off from work or notify your work that you are moving
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Cancel newspaper or magazines and subscribe to ones in your new neighborhood
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Prepare car for shipment if you are shipping your car (get serviced, fill gas tank, empty trunk)
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Arrange to have new locks installed upon move in
2 Days Before Moving
Have cash and a box of essentials for your move-out day.
When you move everything into your new house, you might need a little time to unwind before you start unpacking.
So, have 24 hours’ worth of essential things for moving.
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Withdraw cash to tip your movers
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Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator
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Pack a bag of essentials, clothes, food, credit cards, cell phone chargers, identification, flashlights, first aid supplies
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Thoroughly clean your old place
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Say goodbye to your neighbors
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Make childcare arrangements, if necessary
On Moving Day
It is finally here!
You're probably overwhelmed of seeing cardboard boxes at this point. But, the big payoff is just around the corner.
Everything should be ready to go.
Don't forget to keep your family members in the loop your moving schedule.
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Make sure that all boxes are labeled with their appropriate destination
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Remember to tip your movers and offer drinks or snacks while they work
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Do a final sweep of your old house, checking that cabinets and closets are empty
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Take a note of utility readings
TIP: Leave a note with your contact information for the new owners in case of items left behind or stray mail.
After Moving
You did it!
You finally moved into your new place.
Now it’s time for fun stuff.
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Unpack and make your new place home
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Throw a housewarming party to show off
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Introduce yourself to the new neighbors
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Order checks with your new address
Takeaway
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Plan early to reduce stress during your move
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Follow a structured checklist to stay organized
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Stick to your timeline for a smoother transition
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Prep essentials ahead so moving day feels manageable
Note
Stay flexible throughout the process. Even with a solid plan, unexpected tasks can come up, so adjust your timeline as needed and keep essentials easily accessible.
Bottomline
Need help moving? Speak to our moving expert available now. If you want to compare moving rates for your day of moving, you can get a free moving quote now.
For more information about moving — check out our detailed moving guides.
