What should I do 8 weeks before moving?

Start researching moving companies, begin collecting boxes, review your lease agreement, take inventory of belongings, and start selling or donating unwanted items.

How can I estimate my moving costs?

Use our moving budget calculator to enter your home size, distance, and service type (full-service or DIY) to get an estimated cost.

What should be in my first night essentials box?

Include phone chargers, toiletries, medications, change of clothes, important documents, pet supplies, bedding, toilet paper, and basic kitchen items.

What utilities do I need to transfer?

You’ll need to transfer or set up electricity, gas, water, internet, trash service, and update insurance policies at your new address.

Your Complete Moving Checklist

Stay organized every step of the way with our comprehensive moving guide

When\u2019s your move?

Moving Timeline Checklist

8 Weeks Before

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Create a moving binder or folder for all paperworkStart researching moving companies and get quotesBegin collecting boxes and packing suppliesReview your lease agreement and move-out requirementsTake inventory of all belongingsStart selling or donating unwanted itemsPlan your moving budget and get organizedNotify your current landlord (if renting)Schedule utility disconnections and transfersUpdate important documents with your address

6 Weeks Before

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Book your moving companyBook mover utilities (water, electricity, gas)Reduce your belongings by 25%Send change of address to postal serviceNotify your employer of new addressUpdate subscriptions and membershipsStart using up pantry and freezer itemsSchedule internet installation at new addressMake a copy of important documentsContact schools if relocating with children

4 Weeks Before

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Label and organize all boxes by roomReduce belongings by another 20%Update address on insurance policiesNotify banks, credit card companies, and investmentsTransfer or close local vendor accountsArrange pet moving and veterinary recordsNotify your doctor and dentistGet new car registration if moving statesContinue packing non-essential itemsPlan your moving day logistics

2 Weeks Before

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Confirm all moving arrangementsMake sure utilities are scheduled for disconnect and reconnectSchedule final utility meter readingsDefrost and clean your freezerUse up frozen foods and perishablesReturn borrowed itemsPack most of your belongingsClean out and organize your garageConfirm time with your moving companyStart packing a "first night" box

1 Week Before

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Pack all remaining items except daily necessitiesConfirm utilities will be connected on moving dayClean behind and under appliancesDispose of hazardous materials properlyReturn library books and rental itemsPrepare children and pets for the movePack an essentials bag for each family memberObtain copies of utility readingsPrepare detailed moving checklist for moving dayConfirm your moving company’s arrival time

Moving Day

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Do a final walkthrough of every roomCheck all closets, drawers, and cabinetsLock all windows and doorsTurn off all lights and appliancesVerify utilities are turned off (except what’s needed temporarily)Take meter readings for final billingTake photos of empty rooms for recordsCheck for forgotten items in the yardSay goodbye to neighborsGive keys to landlord or new owner

After Moving

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Unpack and arrange essentials firstTest all utilities and appliancesLocate circuit breaker, water shut-off, and thermostatUpdate your address with remaining companiesRegister to vote at your new addressUpdate address with your state driver’s licenseExplore your new neighborhoodUnpack gradually and organize by priorityFile all moving and utility paperworkSchedule a housewarming and invite friends

Moving Budget Calculator

Home Size

Distance (miles)

Service Type

Packing Tips by Room

Kitchen

Wrap dishes in paper towels individually
Pack plates vertically like records
Use smaller boxes—they’ll be easier to lift
Pack glasses with crumpled paper, not newspaper
Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator
Use plastic bags for items inside pots and pans
Label boxes with contents and room destination
Pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes

Bedroom

Keep bedding on your bed until moving day
Pack out-of-season clothing in vacuum bags
Leave hangers on clothes and group in plastic bags
Use suitcases for clothing to save box space
Pack one outfit for each family member in a labeled box
Remove drawers from dressers if possible
Wrap mirrors and framed art in blankets
Take photos of furniture assembly for reference

Bathroom

Pack toiletries in plastic bins for easy access
Use a shower caddy for frequently used items
Empty and dry the medicine cabinet completely
Store medications separately with clear labels
Pack toilet paper accessible for the first night
Use ziplock bags for liquids to prevent spills
Label boxes clearly—these items are often needed first
Keep a shower supplies box separate

Living Room

Take a photo of how electronics are connected
Use painter’s tape to label cords and connections
Pack TV in its original box if available
Disassemble furniture in reverse order of assembly
Wrap upholstered furniture in plastic sheeting
Keep all hardware in labeled baggies
Pack books in small boxes—they get heavy quickly
Wrap picture frames individually with blankets

Garage

Dispose of old paint, chemicals, and hazardous materials
Use smaller boxes for tools—they’re heavy
Organize tools in a caddy or toolbox
Keep important tools accessible, not packed
Label boxes by tool type for easy unpacking
Empty and clean the garage completely
Take photos of storage system for reference
Consider selling or donating unused items

Office

Backup all digital data before moving
Take photos of cord and cable connections
Use color-coded labels for different cable types
Pack office supplies in a portable caddy
Keep important documents in a separate box
Organize files before packing them
Take photos of how furniture is arranged
Pack desk accessories in clearly labeled boxes

Utility Transfer Guide

Electricity

Schedule disconnect 2-3 days after move, reconnect 2-3 days before

Natural Gas

Arrange disconnect inspection, ensure safe disconnection

Water & Sewer

Cancel old account, set up new service before moving day

Internet & Cable

Order new service 2-3 weeks in advance, schedule installation

Trash & Recycling

Cancel old service, set up new collection schedules

Renter’s Insurance

Transfer policy to new address or get new quote

Phone Service

Update address with provider, get new local numbers if needed

Lawn & Snow Service

Cancel old service, arrange new service for new property

Change of Address Checklist

Financial

Banks & Credit Unions
Credit Card Companies
Investment Accounts
Insurance Companies
Loan Servicers

Government

USPS (Mail Forwarding)
DMV/Driver License
Voter Registration
Passport Office
Tax Authority

Health

Doctor & Dentist
Pharmacy
Hospital Records
Health Insurance
Veterinarian

Subscriptions

Streaming Services
Magazines & Newspapers
Membership Clubs
Online Shopping
Professional Services

Utilities & Services

Electric Company
Gas Company
Water Company
Internet Provider
Trash Service

Choosing the Right Moving Company

✓ What to Look For

Licensed and insured moving company
Positive reviews and complaints history
Detailed written estimates
Years in business and reputation
Local or interstate moving expertise
Range of services offered
Transparent pricing structure
Professional staff and equipment

? Questions to Ask

How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed and insured?
What does your estimate include?
Do you have references from recent clients?
What is your damage claim process?
Do you handle specialty items?
What is your cancellation policy?
Can you accommodate my moving date?
Do you offer packing and unpacking services?
What payment methods do you accept?

⚠ Red Flags

Unwilling to provide written estimate
Quote significantly lower than competitors
No proper licensing or insurance
Negative online reviews or complaints
Demands large upfront deposit
No physical office or phone number
Pressure to sign contract immediately
Reluctance to discuss experience
No clear breakdown of pricing
Hidden fees not mentioned upfront

Moving with Kids & Pets

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Moving with Children

Involve them in the packing process
Let them decorate their new room
Visit the new school before moving
Plan a neighborhood exploration
Set up their room first for familiarity
Arrange playdates with new neighbors
Keep familiar items and routines
Pack a "comfort box" with favorite toys
Take photos of old home and room
Create a moving day adventure plan

🐾 Moving with Pets

Update microchip registration with new address
Schedule veterinary records transfer
Get pet carriers cleaned and prepared
Arrange for pet boarding during move if needed
Keep pets away from moving commotion
Ensure identification tags are current
Pack pet essentials in an accessible box
Plan pet-safe routes in new home
Keep pets indoors until acclimated
Research new veterinary services
Prepare a pet comfort kit
Allow adjustment time in new home

First Night Essentials Box

Pack these items last and unpack them first. Keep this box with you during the move, not on the truck.

📦Phone chargers and power strips

📦Toiletries and medications

📦Change of clothes for each family member

📦Pajamas and undergarments

📦Important documents and valuables

📦Pet food, water, and litter box

📦Children’s comfort items and toys

📦Basic kitchen items: dishes, cups, utensils

📦Can opener and basic tools

📦Toilet paper and paper towels

📦Hand soap and cleaning supplies

📦Bedding and pillows

📦Coffee maker and favorite beverages

📦Snacks and quick meal items

📦Baby items (if applicable)

📦Pet bed and collar

📦Important pet records

📦Cash and ID

Get Your Printable Moving Checklist

Download a complete, printable version of this checklist to keep with you throughout your move.